Fresh off a successful first year in D.C., a family-operated Ethiopian restaurant lauded as one of the best in the region is planning a potential new Arlington location.
Eatopia Eatery, which The Washington Post recently named one of the region’s best Ethiopian restaurants, has been searching for an Arlington space since October, owner Surafel Gizachew told ARLnow. It would be the restaurant’s second outpost, joining the U Street location that debuted last April.
Gizachew is currently considering a spot in either Crystal City or the Ballston area, he told ARLnow.
With an emphasis on ambience, Gizachew said his D.C. spot aims to be not just a restaurant, but also a “cultural hub” where he can share Ethiopian art, live jazz music, books and pop-up markets.
“Most of our clients are non-Ethiopians, which is like, because they love Ethiopian food and they want to try it,” he said. “With the Eatopia concept, I’m trying to tell the whole story.”
Under the management of Gizachew and his wife, Eden Yimer, the restaurant offers recipes straight from Gizachew’s mother, who he enlisted for help so the food could taste “as good as at home.” She traveled from Ethiopia to D.C. to personally train the staff.
“I was like, ‘Oh man, I have to bring my mom so that she can at least teach them what to do,'” Gizachew said. “It’s the little things that make a difference, right?”
Recipes include several shareable entrees with beef, chicken and seafood; vegetarian chickpea stews and lentil bowls; and doro wat, the national food of Ethiopia. Other options include “Share With Love” platters for two or three people, loaded with protein, vegetables and spice — all of which, Gizachew said, should be enjoyed “with your five senses.”
These accompany a wide selection of libations, featuring six signature cocktails and Ethiopian honey wines.
Eatopia also hosts pop-up markets about every three months, selling goods from Ethiopian and D.C.-area vendors. Products range from artwork and clothes to handwoven baskets and herbal skin care products.
At the moment, Gizachew said his greatest challenge is finding a space that already has kitchen equipment installed — an element that could expedite Eatopia’s Arlington debut.
“I want, also, help from any of the business development areas or the people that work around Arlington, that can help us with processing,” Gizachew said. “I just want to give the heads up.”
