Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe: A Cozy Welcoming Gem at 36 E Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore’s Main Line dining scene gained a true standout when Eshkol Ethiopian Cuisine & Cafe opened its doors at 36 East Lancaster Avenue. This intimate, family-run spot—owned by Chef Chaltu Merga and her husband Tesh Gebremedhin—brings authentic Ethiopian flavors, warm hospitality, and a genuine sense of home to the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
Chef Chaltu, who draws on more than 25 years of experience and generations of family recipes, crafts dishes that celebrate traditional Ethiopian cooking techniques. The star of the menu is the classic injera (spongy, slightly tangy flatbread made from teff) served with generous combo platters that invite sharing. Guests can choose meat or vegan combinations that showcase a colorful array of stews and sides, perfect for scooping by hand in the traditional style.
Highlights include the highly regarded doro wot (a rich, berbere-spiced chicken stew with egg that many call among the best in the region), Chaltu’s signature minchet abish (spicy minced beef simmered in spiced butter with onion, garlic, and berbere), tender lamb and beef tibs or alicha preparations, and standout vegetable dishes such as tikil gomen (turmeric-scented cabbage), misir (lentils), ater alicha (yellow split peas), gomen (collard greens), and key sir (beets and potatoes). Appetizers like hummus with injera crisps, ayib and gomen, or misir with Eshkol pita set the tone, while traditional Ethiopian coffee and the house “Eshkol Special” (a refreshing honey-ginger sparkling drink) round out the experience. Note that the restaurant does not serve alcohol.
The space itself is small and cozy—fewer than a dozen tables—with soft lighting and a welcoming, family-dining-room atmosphere that makes every visit feel personal. Service is attentive and gracious, with staff happy to guide first-timers through the menu. Meals are prepared with care (sometimes requiring a bit of patience), and the overall vibe emphasizes authenticity, community, and the joy of sharing food.
Whether you’re new to Ethiopian cuisine or a longtime fan, Eshkol offers a memorable introduction or return to these vibrant flavors right in the heart of Ardmore. Reservations are recommended due to the intimate size.
Address: 36 E. Lancaster Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003
Phone: (484) 412-8044
Hours:Closed Monday & Sunday; Tuesday–Thursday 4–9 p.m.; Friday 4–9:30 p.m.; Saturday 12–9:30 p.m. (confirm current hours)
For the full original review of this cozy welcoming gem, visit the Philly Bite article linked in the title above. Eshkol is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic Ethiopian combo platters and injera on the Main Line.
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