Addis Nola

The story

Addis Nola New Orleans | Modern Ethiopian Cuisine & Michelin Recognition

A Modern Ethiopian Kitchen on Bayou Road

Addis Nola sits on New Orleans' oldest road, Bayou Road, a historic corridor and cultural hub of Black-owned businesses. The restaurant describes itself as "a welcome back home" – a space that transports guests to Ethiopia through food, design, and hospitality. The interior, designed by OI Studio and Nomita Joshi, is filled with unique African art, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and contemporary.

The Team Behind the Flavors

The restaurant is the vision of founder Dr. Biruk Alemayehu, a PhD who shares his journey from Ethiopia across cultures in his memoir I See the World. In the kitchen, Chef and General Manager Jaime Lobo brings his own background from Angola, blending his culinary expertise with Ethiopian traditions. Alongside him, General Manager and Chef Prince Lobo focuses on curating Ethiopian wines, the honey wine Tej, and the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Together, they lead a family-owned, Black and female-led team that prioritizes hospitality and attention to detail.

A Menu of Tradition and Innovation

The menu at Addis Nola is divided into brunch, dinner, and dessert, with a bar program that highlights Ethiopian-inspired cocktails. Dinner offerings include Shrimp Kitfo with herbal butter and beets, Sweet Awaze Chicken, Whole Fried Red Snapper with jasmine rice and shiro, and Godin Tibs – beef short ribs sautéed with onions and tomatoes. The Veggie Combo showcases red lentils, yellow split peas, collard greens, and cabbage, while the various "Bayenetu" combos offer a "Taste of Everything." The brunch menu, served Saturdays and Sundays, features dishes like Fir Fir (traditional Ethiopian with chicken, lamb, or shrimp), Sweet Awaze Chicken & Waffles, and Shrimp Tibs & Grits, alongside bottomless mimosas and Ethiopian honey wine.

Ethiopian Coffee and Dessert

The restaurant honors the Ethiopian coffee ceremony, hand-roasting beans from the Yirgachefe region. Desserts include the Addis Affogato – homemade vanilla ice cream with Oreo crumble and Ethiopian coffee – and The King's Bread Pudding with rum butter sauce.

Michelin-Recognized Excellence

Addis Nola has earned a Michelin recommendation in 2026, a testament to its thoughtful approach to Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant's website simply states: "Crafted with culture and care." That sums up the experience – a place where modern techniques elevate traditional Ethiopian flavors, and where every meal connects diners to a deeper cultural story.