I stopped here on a whim after spotting several signs for Ethiopian food, promptly walking to grab a plate of chicken tibs and a St. George Beer at the restaurant Lalibela based on the smell of stewed chicken emanating from the open front door. The meal was so good – I ate nearly an entire basket of injera – that I scarcely remember a single other thing I ate on that trip, and that says a lot in a city like LA. Food is a big draw in Little Ethiopia — particularly market-restaurant stops like Merkato.
What makes Little Ethiopia especially compelling in 2026 is how neatly it aligns with things today’s travelers are looking for. Los Angeles will host FIFA World Cup matches from the group stage to the quarter finals in 2026, and visitors looking for experiences that feel local, meaningful, and manageable between larger events should look to Little Ethiopia. In the space of an hour or two, you can eat deeply, shop intentionally, and get a real sense of the community’s history without the sprawl or spectacle that often defines LA tourism.
I chatted with the staff a bit during my meal and learned that many of the neighborhood’s families immigrated to the area during Ethiopia’s political turmoil in the 1970s and ‘80s. Walking Fairax, it’s easy to pop into spice shops, art galleries and antique stores, and Ethiopian coffeehouses.
I’ve spent time in Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and other LA enclaves, all of them rewarding in different ways. What sets Little Ethiopia apart is its intimacy, making it an ideal micro-destination in a sprawling city that can easily feel overwhelming. 