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Embark on a unique culinary journey at Lion of Judah Ethiopian American Cuisine, Valdosta’s premier destination for authentic Ethiopian flavors and fusion. As the region’s sole Ethiopian restaurant, this veteran and family-owned establishment offers a vibrant cultural experience. Indulge in traditional, deliciously seasoned dishes, with a wide array of vegan and gluten-free options available. More than just a meal, guests can enjoy a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony and live music, making every visit a memorable occasion. It’s a place where exceptional food and a welcoming atmosphere combine to create a true local gem.
Hours
| Sunday | 5–10 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2525 N Ashley St w, Valdosta, GA 31602
Phone: (816) 799-7345
Website: http://www.myloj.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
David Del Sacramento
We had been planning a visit to this place for months, so perhaps our expectations were higher than they should have been. Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing.
There were seven of us, and we made a reservation in advance. When we arrived, the restaurant was nearly empty, with only a couple of other tables occupied. We were seated promptly, and at first, everything seemed fine.
Two of us ordered honey wine, while the others ordered water and soda, along with a few appetizers. The drinks arrived about 30 minutes later, and the appetizers took roughly 70 minutes to come out—and they were served one at a time. At first, we assumed the delay was because the food was prepared fresh, but when the appetizers arrived, they were not hot as expected.
Our main courses were served almost two hours after we arrived. In terms of flavor, we only truly enjoyed about 20% of the dishes. Several items were bland or cold. For example, the coconut rice had no flavor at all, and the tortillas were cold, as if they had just been taken out of the refrigerator. The sampler platter was especially disappointing and not worth ordering. Additionally, we ordered beef samosas but were served chicken instead.
The overall cleanliness was also an issue. The tables around us were messy and dirty, and the bathrooms were extremely unclean. After discussing the experience among our group, it seemed clear that the restaurant lacks proper management and attention to detail.
We left feeling truly disappointed after hoping to find a place in Valdosta that offered quality food and good service. Given how empty the restaurant was, the excessively long wait times were especially confusing. We ultimately had to stop at a fast-food restaurant afterward to satisfy our hunger. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.
… moreThere were seven of us, and we made a reservation in advance. When we arrived, the restaurant was nearly empty, with only a couple of other tables occupied. We were seated promptly, and at first, everything seemed fine.
Two of us ordered honey wine, while the others ordered water and soda, along with a few appetizers. The drinks arrived about 30 minutes later, and the appetizers took roughly 70 minutes to come out—and they were served one at a time. At first, we assumed the delay was because the food was prepared fresh, but when the appetizers arrived, they were not hot as expected.
Our main courses were served almost two hours after we arrived. In terms of flavor, we only truly enjoyed about 20% of the dishes. Several items were bland or cold. For example, the coconut rice had no flavor at all, and the tortillas were cold, as if they had just been taken out of the refrigerator. The sampler platter was especially disappointing and not worth ordering. Additionally, we ordered beef samosas but were served chicken instead.
The overall cleanliness was also an issue. The tables around us were messy and dirty, and the bathrooms were extremely unclean. After discussing the experience among our group, it seemed clear that the restaurant lacks proper management and attention to detail.
We left feeling truly disappointed after hoping to find a place in Valdosta that offered quality food and good service. Given how empty the restaurant was, the excessively long wait times were especially confusing. We ultimately had to stop at a fast-food restaurant afterward to satisfy our hunger. Unfortunately, we will not be returning.
SHAWN
I am so impressed with this restaurant. My family doesn’t like to try new foods because they are picky but my son has celiac disease and a severe gluten allergy so finding places that can accommodate him are few and far between and the majority of Ethiopian food is naturally gluten free so we gave it a try. The food was amazing, the service was great, and they went above and beyond to make sure my son didn’t get sick. The wait was kind of long but honestly it was worth it and a lot of the wait was because they were being extra careful about keeping our food gluten free and safe from cross contact. We will definitely be going back.
… moreDa Nia
I usually try to find spots suited for my vegetarian husband. I look for spots with a wide selection of vegetarian options that are made to order with fresh non frozen ingredients. This spot was definitely it! Sambusas made of lentil and one of tofu. Yum!!!! Husband had the yellow lentil Wot and truly enjoyed it. I had the beef tibs. Both meals include Injera which is a fermented teft pancake like bread used to scoop your meal up with. We had utensils but did try to eat it the traditional way. Hibiscus and Lemonade were the drinks kf the evening. Husband loved the hibiscus also known as Sorrel in Jamaica.
The ambience was very traditional. They had a video with music and videos of scene of Ethiopian.
Please check this out!
… moreThe ambience was very traditional. They had a video with music and videos of scene of Ethiopian.
Please check this out!
Lisa Sanchez
The food at Lions of Judah is genuinely amazing — flavorful, fresh, and absolutely worth trying. Unfortunately, the service and overall operation were extremely disappointing.
We arrived shortly after opening (5:09 PM for a 5:00 PM open) and found the restaurant dirty, with an entire section full of dirty dishes that appeared to be left from the previous night. We were not greeted upon entering, and the front of the restaurant appeared to be run by children (approximately ages 8, 10, and a teenager).
After being seated, we received only water for a full hour before our first appetizer arrived. The remaining appetizers came about 20 minutes later. My husband received his entrée (steak tib) at about 1 hour 40 minutes after arrival, and my tofu tib followed roughly 10 minutes later.
During this time, a party of four arrived about 35 minutes after us, followed by a party of two about 10 minutes after them. Neither group was greeted or given drinks for around 30 minutes, and both parties ultimately left. We also observed multiple pickup orders — including one customer who stormed out after waiting 30 minutes for an order that had already been marked as ready for pickup.
The owner (mom) and the young waitress were kind and polite, and the food quality truly is excellent. However, the lack of organization, cleanliness, and basic service standards makes for a frustrating dining experience. With better management and staffing, this place could be fantastic.
Right now, great food alone may not be enough to keep it going long-term.
… moreWe arrived shortly after opening (5:09 PM for a 5:00 PM open) and found the restaurant dirty, with an entire section full of dirty dishes that appeared to be left from the previous night. We were not greeted upon entering, and the front of the restaurant appeared to be run by children (approximately ages 8, 10, and a teenager).
After being seated, we received only water for a full hour before our first appetizer arrived. The remaining appetizers came about 20 minutes later. My husband received his entrée (steak tib) at about 1 hour 40 minutes after arrival, and my tofu tib followed roughly 10 minutes later.
During this time, a party of four arrived about 35 minutes after us, followed by a party of two about 10 minutes after them. Neither group was greeted or given drinks for around 30 minutes, and both parties ultimately left. We also observed multiple pickup orders — including one customer who stormed out after waiting 30 minutes for an order that had already been marked as ready for pickup.
The owner (mom) and the young waitress were kind and polite, and the food quality truly is excellent. However, the lack of organization, cleanliness, and basic service standards makes for a frustrating dining experience. With better management and staffing, this place could be fantastic.
Right now, great food alone may not be enough to keep it going long-term.
Steve
To be perfectly honest we had no idea what to expect out of Ethiopian food. We were actually somewhat scared of what it could be. We were very very pleasantly surprised at how delicious everything was. Nothing that was a fear for us to begin with came to pass. There was nothing out of the ordinary or weird to eat. But I will say that everything we did have to eat was quite delicious. My son likened it to being very similar but not the same as Indian food without all of the curry. There wasn’t one thing that we got that was not just absolutely delicious. We will 10 out of 10 go back.
… moreAndrea Johnson
My family had a great experience at Lion of Judah I especially loved the doro wat and the tibs were so flavorful. I even took a platter home for friends and family.
… moreSasha Watson
The food was absolutely authentic and full of flavor. The hibiscus tea was to die for — so refreshing and delicious! The entire meal was a wonderful experience, and I will definitely be going back. Highly recommend!
… moreElara Whitmore
Must try again! I came here for a good night out with my husband Larry, and let me just say it was very good. They had music, which was very nice and the food was hot and fresh. For appetizers we had corn ribs and beef sambusas and it was amazing! We will be back with our family and friends.
… moreJerome Woods
I took my wife there last night and I must say that I’m not impressed. The floors were dirty and I had to wipe our table because it had hair on it. It took 40 minutes to bring our drinks. Meanwhile customers coming in after us were able to get their meals. Our waitress if that’s what you call that. Never seemed to care if we needed anything. It took a solid hour before we got our first appetizer. We arrived at 625 and didn’t leave until 845. Mind you they were not busy at all. After waiting forever for our food it wasn’t even hot. You think it would be after the wait. They bring you 4 napkins at a time,even though you’re eating everything with your hands. Make it make sense. 4 napkins with all of that greasy and saucy food. Terrible experience and we won’t be back. The staff there is absolutely trash,and I don’t feel like they’ll be there too much longer . In response to your response. If management wears all black, then who do I report the problem to. Dirty floors and dirty tables,and dirty walls and windows still don’t excuse your lack of incompetence for food service. Chef Gordon Ramsey can’t help ya’ll. Please shut down before you you make someone ill. Sincerely someone who cooks for a living. Your staff may be nice, but they have NO idea how to be proper servers!!
… moreOCTAVIA WALKER
OYSTER MUSHROOM WINGS with Awaze sauce!
CHICKEN WINGS with Hot Honey sauce for co-worker (she enjoyed them )!
Ordered every Sambusas on the menu!!!!!
Everything was delicious. I am so in love with the flavors and seasonings. I am trying something different on the menu anytime I go. I love the truth that the food is made fresh. You can tell time was taken to prepare the food. See you next time
… moreCHICKEN WINGS with Hot Honey sauce for co-worker (she enjoyed them )!
Ordered every Sambusas on the menu!!!!!
Everything was delicious. I am so in love with the flavors and seasonings. I am trying something different on the menu anytime I go. I love the truth that the food is made fresh. You can tell time was taken to prepare the food. See you next time