A brief summary of Arada Ethiopian Restaurant, where I stopped into on a whim last Thursday. Last fall I dined at the genericy sounding “Ethiopian Restaurant” in Denver’s Greektown, and while unimpressed with the dingy digs the food was different and quite tasteful. I was told by several people I should try out Arada.

The menu was clean and simple consisting of about four appetizers and 10 entrees.  To start we did the Beef Sambusas, a fried pastry filled with meat resembling a cute little triangular empanada. My friend was convinced we needed some sort of dipping sauce, but the young lady assured him it would be fine without. It was.

My friend and I split the “Siga Wot” for an entree – flavored beef with pepper sauce and some small sides. The entire plate is served atop “Injera” bread, which is used to cup and scoop up the beef and accompaniments. I don’t care for extremely spicy food, preferring experiencing different flavors to searing my taste buds, and this was an excellent blend of unexpected, (and a few unidentifiable,) flavors.

I’m not an African cuisine expert so I can’t single out a huge difference between the plates of Arada versus my other neighborhood Ethiopian joint – however the atmosphere of Arada is above par. Brick walls with modern lighting and a quiet room for easy conversing. We were well tended too – probably because apart from a couple we were the only guests, but I suspect that’s because last week most waited up for Valentine’s Day to go out. It’s a perfect “new place to try” spot if you haven’t already.

750 Santa Fe Drive . aradarestaurant.com

Related: Ethiopian Restaurant Denver