I have the good fortune, as someone who loves Ethiopian cuisine, of living within 10 minute biking distance of 3 restaurants that serve Ethiopian cuisine. I like to periodically eat at a different one every month, making sure that I support them all and while getting a chance to experience the slight differences in cuisine.

Abyssinia, located at the beginning of the J.P Hijestraat, is one of the three restaurants that specializes in Eritrean and Ethiopian food. In existence since 1995, for as long as I've been going there it has long seemed cozy and not all that big as far as restaurants go. That is until this year when the restaurant expanded into the space of the former eyeglass store next door. The result is the same welcoming atmosphere with great Ethiopian Jazz and delicious dishes for meat eaters and vegetarians alike- only bigger and with more natural light.

While I have respect for all the Ethiopian restaurants in the Oud West of Amsterdam, with its new found space and palette pleasing menu, Abyssinia is one you should definitely try.