Finding a place that feels like a home kitchen while sitting right in the middle of a bustling college neighborhood isn't easy. Most spots are too flashy. Some are too "fast-casual." But then there is Elephant Walk Restaurant Cincinnati. Located right on West McMillan Street, it’s basically an institution for anyone who craves real, soul-warming Ethiopian and Indian food without the pretense. Honestly, it’s one of those rare spots where the smell of sautéed onions and berbere spices hits you the second you open the door, and you just know you’re in for something good.
It’s a vibe.
You’ve probably walked past it if you’ve spent any time near the University of Cincinnati. It doesn't look like a five-star bistro from the outside, but that’s the point. It’s tucked away, almost humble. If you’re looking for a place to sit for two hours, tear apart some spongy injera with your hands, and actually talk to your friends without shouting over a DJ, this is it.
What Makes the Menu at Elephant Walk Restaurant Cincinnati So Different?
Most people get confused when they see a menu that does both Ethiopian and Indian food. Usually, that’s a red flag. You think, "Okay, are they actually good at both, or are they just trying to do too much?" With Elephant Walk, it’s surprisingly cohesive. The owner, Habtu, has been a fixture in the local food scene for years, and he’s managed to bridge these two ancient culinary traditions in a way that feels natural.
Think about it. Both cultures love lentils. Both cultures value slow-cooked meats and complex spice blends.
If you’re going for the Ethiopian side—which you absolutely should—the Doro Wat is the gold standard. It’s a spicy chicken stew, but "stew" feels like an understatement. It’s a labor of love involving hours of simmering chicken drumsticks and hard-boiled eggs in a rich, dark sauce heavy on the berbere. If you’ve never had berbere, it’s a spice mix that includes chili peppers, garlic, ginger, basil, and korarima. It’s earthy. It’s hot. It’s addictive.
The Injera Factor
You can’t talk about Elephant Walk Restaurant Cincinnati without talking about the injera. For the uninitiated, injera is a sour, fermented flatbread with a texture like a thick crepe or a sponge. It’s made from teff flour. It’s also your utensil. You don’t use forks here—or at least, you shouldn't if you want the full experience. You rip off a piece of the bread, pinch a bit of meat or veggies, and pop it in your mouth.
The injera at Elephant Walk has that perfect tangy zip. It cuts through the richness of the Kifto (minced raw beef marinated in clarified butter and spices) or the Lega Tibs. It’s messy. Your fingers will get stained yellow from the turmeric in the Alicha stews. That’s just part of the charm.
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The Lunch Buffet Is a Local Legend
Let’s be real for a second: dining out is getting expensive.
Most people in Clifton know Elephant Walk because of the lunch buffet. It is, quite possibly, one of the best values in the entire city. They lay out a spread that covers all the bases. You’ve got your Tikil Gomen (cabbage and carrots), your Misir Wot (red lentils), and usually a few Indian staples like Chicken Tikka Masala or Saag Paneer.
It’s a lifesaver for students.
But it’s also a great way to "test drive" Ethiopian food if you’re a newbie. Instead of committing to one big platter, you can take a little bit of everything. You’ll find that the Gomen (collard greens) is surprisingly smoky and savory, nothing like the watery greens you might find elsewhere.
- The Spice Levels: They don't hold back. If the menu says it's spicy, believe them.
- The Vegetarian Options: This might be the best place in Cincinnati for vegans. The "Veggie Sampler" is a rainbow of protein-packed lentils, chickpeas, and veggies that actually tastes like it was cooked with intention, not as an afterthought.
- The Coffee: Ethiopian coffee ceremonies are a real thing, and the coffee here is strong enough to power a small village. It’s dark, fruity, and served in a way that makes you want to linger.
Why the Location Matters (and the Parking Situation)
Elephant Walk Restaurant Cincinnati is located at 170 West McMillan Street. Being in Clifton Heights means it’s always got a mix of people. You’ll see professors arguing over papers, students on awkward first dates, and families who have been coming here since the place opened.
Parking? Yeah, it’s Clifton. It’s a nightmare.
There’s some street parking if you’re lucky, or you might have to park in one of the nearby garages and walk a block or two. Honestly, the walk helps you build up an appetite, and you’re going to need it because the portions are massive. Most people end up taking a box of leftovers home, and let me tell you, cold Tibs the next morning is a top-tier breakfast.
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The Atmosphere Inside
It’s colorful. There’s African art on the walls and a sense of warmth that you don't get in the sterilized, modern restaurants popping up in Over-the-Rhine. It feels lived-in. The service is usually "island time" speed—relaxed and unhurried. If you’re in a rush to get to a 1:00 PM meeting, maybe don't sit down for a full Ethiopian platter. But if you want to actually enjoy your food, it’s perfect.
Addressing the "Indian-Ethiopian" Hybrid
Some critics argue that a restaurant should pick a lane. They say you can't be a master of two cuisines. But Elephant Walk Restaurant Cincinnati proves them wrong by focusing on the commonalities. The Indian side of the menu is solid. The Naan is usually fresh, and the Lamb Vindaloo has that sharp, vinegar-based heat that hits the back of your throat just right.
It’s great for groups where one person wants curry and the other wants to explore East African flavors. It’s a compromise that doesn't feel like a sacrifice.
Common Misconceptions About Elephant Walk
A lot of people think Ethiopian food is just "mushy beans." That is a huge mistake. While many dishes are legume-based, the textures vary wildly. The Lamb Tibs are seared and chewy (in a good way), while the Ayib (homemade cottage cheese) is cooling and crumbly.
Another misconception is that it’s all too spicy to handle. While there is plenty of heat to be found, dishes like the Alicha stews are mild and turmeric-forward, focusing on aromatics rather than chili burn. You can absolutely bring your friend who thinks black pepper is "too much" and they’ll still find plenty to eat.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you want the true Elephant Walk experience, stop ordering the individual plates. Order the Chef’s Special Platter for the table. They’ll bring out a massive round of injera covered in little mounds of different stews and meats. It looks like a painter’s palette.
You share it. You eat from the same "plate." It’s communal, and it changes the way you think about a meal. It’s not just about fuel; it’s about the experience of breaking bread—literally—with the people you’re with.
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Specific Recommendations:
- For the Meat Lover: The Special Tibs. It’s sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and rosemary. The rosemary gives it this unexpected floral note that balances the heavy meat.
- For the Vegan: The Misir Wot. These red lentils are slow-cooked in berbere sauce until they basically melt.
- To Drink: Try the honey wine (Tej). It’s sweet, potent, and traditionally paired with spicy Ethiopian food to cut the heat.
Actionable Steps for Your First (or Next) Visit
If you're planning to head down to Elephant Walk Restaurant Cincinnati, keep these tips in mind to make it a smooth experience:
Check the Hours: They sometimes have a mid-afternoon break between lunch and dinner service, so always double-check their current Google listing or give them a call if you’re heading there around 3:00 PM.
Go for Lunch for Value: If you’re on a budget, the lunch buffet is the move. It’s fast, filling, and lets you try about 10 different things for one flat price.
Ask for the Homemade Hot Sauce: If you’re a heat-seeker, ask for their extra hot sauce on the side. It’s not the vinegary stuff from a bottle; it’s a thick, pepper-heavy paste that will wake you right up.
Don't Be Afraid to Use Your Hands: Seriously, leave the fork on the table. The food actually tastes better when eaten with injera. It’s how it was designed to be consumed.
Support Local: In a world of chain restaurants, spots like Elephant Walk are what give Cincinnati its character. Whether you’re a UC student or someone living out in the suburbs, making the trip to Clifton for a meal here is a vote for small, family-run businesses that bring real culture to the city.
The next time you’re bored of pizza or tacos, head over to McMillan. Grab a seat, order some Doro Wat, and get ready to get your hands a little messy. It’s worth every bite.