"It is hard to stay away from Genet Agonafer's softly lighted bistro, where the raw-beef kitfo is impossibly fragrant, the vegetarian platters are as huge as they are alluring and the doro wot, a complex braise of chicken with berbere, cloves and goosefoot herb among many other things, which could be an Ethiopian answer to Oaxacan chicken mole, is worth every minute of the three days it reportedly takes to prepare."
— Jonathan Gold “101 Best Restaurants”
Genet Agonafer was born and raised in Kebena, a small neighborhood in the capital of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. After moving to America in the early 80's she supported herself and her son as a waitress for years before getting her first break — as a caterer for a small film shoot. A completely self-trained cook, word quickly spread about her talents in the kitchen and she soon found herself in the catering business full time, working entirely from her tiny apartment kitchen. In 2000, she seized the opportunity to take over a vacant restaurant space and opened Meals by Genet, with the intention of showcasing the vibrant cuisine of her home country in an elevated, yet familial setting. Since then, the restaurant has become a cherished jewel of LA’s 'Little Ethiopia' neighborhood on Fairfax. Her restaurant has been covered extensively in outlets like the LA Times and Food Network and her Doro Wot was long considered a favorite of famed food critic Jonathan Gold. Meals by Genet continues to serve the community, driven by Genet’s soulful cooking and tireless work ethic in the kitchen.
PRESS / ACCOLADES
Food Network — Best Thing I Ever Ate
2020 James Beard Award Semifinalist
2019 James Beard Award Semifinalist
Tasty — Siga Tibs And Ethiopian Salad With Genet