Why Locals Love Elilly Restaurant And Coffee House Ethiopian Food
Elilly Restaurant And Coffee House Ethiopian Food, located at 1529 Pierce St in Sioux City, IA, offers an authentic and vibrant taste of Ethiopia that warmly welcomes both newcomers and longtime lovers of this rich cuisine. Specializing in traditional Ethiopian dishes, Elilly’s menu is a treasure trove of flavors that truly transports you to the heart of East Africa.
The culinary journey begins with their carefully crafted appetizers such as Timatim Fitfit — a refreshing tomato salad with a spicy twist, and their delicate Sambosa filled with savory beef or lentils. The iconic Injera, a soft, spongy flatbread, arrives as the perfect base to scoop up the vibrant sauces and tender meats. The restaurant also offers pungent condiments like Mitmita, Berbere, and Awaze, which elevate every bite with authentic Ethiopian spice blends.
For entrees, Elilly shines with dishes like Doro Wat — a hearty chicken stew simmered in a rich, spiced red sauce — and Ye Beg Tibs, featuring succulent cubes of lamb expertly sautéed with fragrant herbs and spices. Their Siga Firfir, shredded meat tossed with injera and flavorful spices, is another standout, alongside milder options like Alecha Wot, which caters beautifully to those who prefer subtler warmth. Vegetarian and vegan diners will delight in options like Shiro Wot, a creamy chickpea stew, and Tikil Gomen Be Dinich, a delightful cabbage and carrot medley.
The dining atmosphere at Elilly Restaurant And Coffee House is intimate and inviting, filled with the soothing sounds of jazz music that complement the rich, complex flavors on your plate. This ambiance, combined with the genuine warmth of the owner and his wife, creates an experience that feels both comforting and special. Several patrons, like Elizabeth Wantland, rave about the “best lamb” they've ever tasted and the “true espresso” coffee brewed fresh on site, which elevates the meal to an unforgettable level.
Guests have repeatedly praised the kind and attentive service that makes dining here feel personal and relaxed. Whether you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, Elilly provides helpful guidance through the menu and accommodates spice preferences with care. As Adam Wheelock highlights, “Spicy means spicy here, but they are happy to make anything mild if you ask.”
If you’re searching for an authentic, cozy spot in Sioux City where every meal is a celebration of Ethiopian tradition and hospitality, Elilly Restaurant And Coffee House Ethiopian Food is a must-visit destination. The genuine passion poured into every dish and the welcoming atmosphere truly set this restaurant apart, making it a cherished local gem for Ethiopian cuisine.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Great coffee
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Table service
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Good for kids
- Free of charge street parking
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 16, 2026
Ate in this wonderful Ethiopian restaurant last night with my husband. Best lamb that I have ever eaten. You can not get a better cup of freshly roasted and ground coffee any place else in town. True espresso! The owner and his wife are very sweet and wonderful people serving food that they learned to make back home in Ethiopia. The ambience is very relaxed and the jazz music was exceptional. The food ranges from mild to super spicy and served up on a delightfully light sourdough plate, which you will eventually use to wrap and eat your food their traditional way. I plan to stop back over there tomorrow for more coffee. Best prices hands down for really large portions. Teddy and Rohoa thank you for your hospitality and kindness. May your restaurant "Beautiful Flower" overflow with business and flourish.
- Feb 25, 2026
Ate there today (04-22-18) for the first time and the food is absolutely amazing. We just moved out here from Colorado and was excited to see there was a Ethiopian restaurant in Sioux City. The gentleman that waited on us was extremely polite and helpful and the food was excellent. Definitely my favorite place to eat now!! Great job Elilly!!
- Feb 21, 2026
We visited on this restaurant's opening day. They had many different items out to try. All of them were very tasty. The lamb was especially good. Spicy means spicy at this restaurant but they are happy to make anything mild if you ask. Forks and spoons are available if you ask, as the tradition is to eat with one's hands. We will be back!
- Jan 11, 2026
Interesting food served by a kind woman. I may have been difficult for her to understand. But I ordered something I'd heard of and had before so I wasn't surprised. I'm glad the new owner is serving food again. I never got any from the previous owner. The bread I used to pick up my beef cubes was good, and so were the beef cubes. They've changed owners and the name is different. NyaaTaa! Phone number is the same.
- Jan 3, 2026
We went here because we wanted to try something new and different. The place was awesome!!!! Beautiful set up and wonderful people they were very helpful with the menu and I cant wait to come back here again!!!!!
- Jan 3, 2026
Very friendly people. Willing to answer questions and make suggestions. Only Ethiopian restaurant in Sioux City. Glad to see some progress in diversity here. Great food. Run don't walk here. Vegetarian food choices. Spicy or not, you tell them.
- Dec 25, 2025
This place might be my favorite restaurant in town. Delicious food, full of flavor. Cozy atmosphere that seems like a great place for friends to gather. Excellent prices for the portion sizes--my husband and I shared two entrees, and we didn't even come close to finishing them in one meal. We ordered the firfir (left) and the tibs (right), and both were excellent. They can adjust the spice level as you desire, so don't worry about it being too spicy. We also had some delicious coffee while we waited for our food. It's hard to find Ethiopian food in many smaller places, so it's a privilege to have Elilly here in town. Thank you for a great meal! We'll be back.
- Nov 28, 2025
So glad an Ethiopian restaurant has opened here in Sioux City. If you have never had Ethiopian food take you taste buds on a culinary adventure and sample the many delicious options this restaurant has to offer. I suggest getting a few sample platters so that you can experience all that there is to try.
