Tana in East Liberty offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine

I went to Tana last week the food is so perfect I have never seen that kind of resturant in all my life they really docorated inside in different ethiopian and african pictures. we were really enjoy it. I would say go and enjoy it too....

Actually, I went today and it was awful. I couldn't even finish my meal. If anyone wants to try REAL Ethiopian flavor that will rock your soul, go to the place around the corner on S Highland called Abay. It's been here longer, the staff is friendlier and more knowledgeable, the ambience is better, the selection is wider, you get more for your money and the food is incredible. I tried Tana just because it was new and I will never return for the cold flavorless food. Tana does not "bring Ethiopian food to East Liberty"--it merely adds to it and in a horribly disappointing fashion at that. Seriously, go to Abay.

Todd wrote:

I went to Tana last week the food is so perfect I have never seen that kind of resturant in all my life they really docorated inside in different ethiopian and african pictures. we were really enjoy it. I would say go and enjoy it too....

I went both resturant Abay and Tana that They have incredible food. Abay has Americanized flavor, Tana has authentic ethiopian flavor. That all I see them. I went to DC a lot of times, Ehtipian food really is so good for me.

Abay has flavor. period. Tana does not. period.
I seriously was gagging...is "authentic" Ethiopian food supposed to be served cold?

For Sam or whoever name is... Are u one of a customer or a helping and relative to Abay. Because logicaly You are not giving a coment... You went to Tana and you dont like it that means everybody should not be like it. You are who you are, you can not be someone. Ok? just be ethics I have never been both resturant but I would like to try both of them anyway, but give your own idea You can not push someone......

I went to Tana yesturday, They have really good food. I really like it.

I've eaten at both and I thought the quality of food was pretty similar. Tana was slightly more expensive and their menu is smaller. But frankly, I think most Ethiopian dishes taste the same anyways so having lots to choose from isn't that big of a deal! I was surprised that the food wasn't hot -- I also found it to be lukewarm. Tana makes their own ingeira (sp?); Abay does not. So I'd say try them both and then decide for yourself. If it matters, the guy who owns Tana is really sweet -- he came out while we were eating and talked to us for about 20 minutes, and brought out other dishes to sample (no extra charge) and told us all about how they make it and stuff. It was really cool.

I'm not related to Abay--I just love their food--and I love food that gas flavor. I'm not being unethical expressing my opinion and I'm not pushing anyone to do anything against their will--I'm just typing what I think.
All Ethiopian dishes don't taste the same and I'm shocked to hear anyone assert that. Go wherever you want and think whatever you want--all I'm saying is that I couldn't finish my meal because it was so bad at Tana, and I sat at a table with two other people who couldn't finish their meals either.
The owner of Tana is really sweet, he came out and chatted with us as well--I honestly feel mildly bad that I am so disappointed with his restaurant, but I paid some decent money to leave still feeling hungry and with a nasty taste in my mouth.

correction: food that "has" flavor...

Not only does Tana have great food but also a warm environment and very friendly staff. The portions are of a good size and very flavorful. I especially enjoyed the veggie combo which included collard greens (Ye Abesha Gomen) prepared in the most delicious way. Tana is a great place to go on a date or an even better place to take children - they'll love the traditional settings with the little chairs that decorate the front windows.

I'm a native of New York City. I love living in Pittsburgh (8 years) but I miss the wide variety of dining choices available in NYC. There are plenty of Italian and Asian restaurants to choose from in 'Da Burgh', but nothing truly different. Until now. I've eaten in several Ethiopian restaurants in New York, and Tana is as good or better than any of them. The food is prepared very well (dishes range from mild to nice and spicey) and the ambience transports you from East Liberty to some far away place. The staff is very helpful, ready to explain the dishes to diners unfamiliar with Ethiopian cuisine. If you're looking for something new to tickle your tastebuds, Tana is worth the trip.

Tana’s offers not only a very inviting atmosphere, but some of the best Ethiopian cuisine located on the East side of Pittsburgh. The layout and design of the restaurant is quite authentic, from the moment you enter the restaurant warm earth tone colors, cover the walls. The hardwood floors have been restored and exquisitely finished to add to the overall décor. In addition, there are beautifully crafted tablecloths and artifacts from Ethopia to create an ambiance worth experiencing. Near the front window of the restaurant, there are small wicker basket tables with matching stools, otherwise known as Mesob. My first visit to Tana was quite memorable, the design and layout of the restaurant are absolutely phenomenal. I was personally greeted by the owner Haileyesus, who graciously let me select my own table. The wait staff is very attentive to their customers. Immediately, I was welcomed, given a menu and was offered a beverage. The menu offers many wonderful selections. For example, the Sambusa appetizer was three pastry shells filled with minced beef, onions, green peppers and herbs. This appetizer was so delicious, the combination of flavors were complimented by each other. For dinner, I choose Doro Wot a poultry dish with chicken legs so tender, and hot hard boiled eggs, combined with a flavorful spicy red hot sauce, while beautiful in presentation, the flavors were quite delectable. Not to mention how flavorful the Injera bread was. The portions are quite generous, and the prices are extremely modest. If you enjoy Ethopian cuisine, I highly recommend a visit to Tana.

As an Ethiopian I think Tana has the best ethiopian food. I tried Abay so many times and was very disappointed. For Sam... If you are not ethiopian you wouldn't know any better.

I agree with Race... Tana Rocks... finally an Ethiopian Restaurant we can be proud of.

I am not Ethiopian but I don't think that has anything to do with it. I mean, sure I don't know what it authentic and what isn't (and I never claimed I did), but I know good food with flavor. Are all of you that say Tana is more authentic telling me that "authentic" Ethiopian food is served cold and isn't spicy? Because that was my experience.
I think I may have mislead you all to believe that I was just touting Abay with my distaste for Tana, but that comparison aside, Tana compared to ANY other restaurant of any kind that I have been to in my life (in many places beyond Pittsburgh) comes up short. Dishes that were supposed to be spicy were barely mild.
Perhaps I just had a lousy experience and it was an isolated incident, but it was SO bad (for me and my guests) that I am very reluctant to go back and try it again. I'm glad you all enjoyed your meals even though I couldn't even finish mine...

Sam wrote:

Abay has flavor. period. Tana does not. period.
I seriously was gagging...is "authentic" Ethiopian food supposed to be served cold?

some dishes is served cold like fasolia and gomen but it is preference.

I know some dishes are served cold...I have eaten Ethiopian food many times before. I am asking if they are ALL supposed to cold to be considered "authentic"?--becaus e they were at Tana.

Of course not, some are actually served really hot.

That's what I'm saying!
:)

TANA Ethiopian Cuisine provides a welcoming environment with great food and great service. Not only is the food authentic and tasty, but also offers a new kick that wants you to come back for more. Unlike many other Ethiopian Restaurants, TANA makes its own Injera, a small pancake-like flatbread used to eat the traditional "wot" or "alicha" with. Overall, TANA is a great place to dine for all and it makes its home country of Ethiopia proud.