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Nestled in the heart of Covina, GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine offers a vibrant and authentic taste of Ethiopia that captivates both newcomers and seasoned aficionados alike. This inviting restaurant specializes in traditional Ethiopian fare, delivering an explosion of rich, bold flavors paired with the warmth of genuine hospitality.
For those seeking to immerse themselves fully in Ethiopian culinary culture, the GS Special Combo Plate is an unmissable experience. This generous platter marries the comforting depths of Doro Wot (a rich chicken stew), the hearty intensity of Key Wot (beef stew), and eight diverse vegetarian side dishes, creating a harmony of tastes and textures on a communal platter. Alternatively, vegetarians will delight in the Vegetarian Platter that features eight well-seasoned vegetarian sides like Shiro (chickpea powder stew) and Misir Wot (spiced red lentils), each bursting with traditional Ethiopian spices that dance on the palate.
Meat lovers have enticing options such as the Awaze Tibs, succulent grilled beef marinated in a vibrant Ethiopian chili sauce, and Kitfo, a delicate minced beef tartare seasoned with herb-infused Ethiopian butter. Paired with the signature Injera, the spongy, slightly tangy flatbread that acts as both plate and utensil, every bite transports you to the bustling streets of Addis Ababa.
GS Cafe doesn’t just focus on main dishes. Complement your meal with refreshing beverages like their unique GS Smoothie, aromatic Turkish Coffee, or soothing Ethiopian tea. For those looking to try something traditionally celebratory, the Tej Ethiopian Honey Wine offers a subtly sweet, floral finish that perfectly showcases Ethiopia’s rich beverage heritage.
What truly elevates the dining experience here is the atmosphere—warm, welcoming, and infused with genuine kindness. Regular guests rave about the personal touch from the staff, like Nate, who patiently guides first-timers through the menu, making everyone feel like part of the family. The space feels cozy and unpretentious, yet it hums with an energy that hints at its popularity among locals craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine.
Customers repeatedly highlight the freshness and generous portions that turn one visit into at least two more meals at home, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to both quality and value. Whether you’re passionate about clean eating, eager to explore exotic flavors, or longing for the comforting taste of home-cooked Ethiopian dishes, GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine promises a dining experience that resonates deeply with the soul and the senses.
In short, GS Cafe beckons you to savor bold spices, tender meats, and vibrant vegetables all embraced by the warm embrace of Ethiopian culture. This is not just a meal—it’s a heartfelt journey to the heart of Ethiopia without leaving Covina.
We ordered the platter with all 8 vegetarian options. Authentically exquisite Ethiopian food, absolutely delicious, every single item. Warm and authentic people, which is what makes the atmosphere so warm and welcoming. We really can’t wait to come back here.
As someone who’s passionate about clean eating and mindful of digestive health, I’m always looking for restaurants that balance authenticity with freshness and care. My visit to GS Cafe was a wonderful experience that checked many of those boxes. I ordered the veggie platter, which came with great portion sizes and fresh ingredients enough for a 2 or 3 more meals! The injera appeared to have some barley mixed with teff, so while it wasn’t entirely gluten-free (as other reviewers mentioned), it was still light, fluffy, and beautifully made. I did miss a bit of that traditional sour tang, but it was clear that real attention went into its preparation. The Key Sir (beets) were the star of the show — tender, perfectly cooked, and incredibly flavorful. Honestly, it was the best beet dish I’ve ever had. The Misir Wot (red lentils) was surprisingly mild — a thoughtful touch for those sensitive to spice like me. The entire platter leaned toward a gentler spice profile than most of the 50+ platters I’ve tried over the years, but the staff provided traditional spice mix on the side, which was a lovely option for those wanting an extra kick. The Gomen (greens) had more of a creamed-collard texture than the al dente style I prefer, but it was still well-seasoned. The Fasolia (string beans) and Atkilt (cabbage and carrots) were cooked nicely, though a touch on the oily side — not enough to upset my stomach, but it could be lighter. And wow! the Ethiopian smoothie was a beautiful surprise! A refreshing blend of avocado, mango, and strawberry, it struck the perfect balance of sweet, fresh, and hearty. The staff were outstanding; kind, welcoming, and clearly proud of their food. The young man who served me had such a positive attitude that it genuinely added to the warmth of the meal. Overall, GS Cafe is an excellent choice for those trying Ethiopian food for the first time or for anyone seeking authentic flavors served in a gentle, stomach-friendly way.
As someone who grew up in Ethiopia, I know what authentic Ethiopian food should taste like — and let me tell you, GS Café and Ethiopian Cuisine absolutely nails it. From the very first bite, my taste buds started doing the boogie-woogie and flip-flops right in the middle of my mouth. That’s how you know it’s the real deal! Every dish bursts with rich, traditional flavor that instantly takes me back home. The injera is perfectly soft and tangy, the wot is seasoned to perfection, and the aroma alone could make you hungry all over again. Honestly, I don’t even bother going to Little Ethiopia anymore — Covina has officially taken over. The food is incredible, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the people behind this place are just as awesome as the food they serve. If you’re looking for authentic Ethiopian cuisine made with love, GS Café is the spot. Absolute perfection — a true five-star-plus experience!
This was a great find for lunch and I'm definitely going to be coming back! We had the GS special and everything was delicious. I couldn't pick a favorite but the beef (Kay wot) and the yellow split peas (kik wot) were stand outs. Also the injeera!! And the tea!! We were helped by Nate, who explained the menu to my party of 2 rookies and treated us like family. This place is a gem, don't wait to go!
Absolutely fantastic food! I’ve been here countless times over the past couple of years and am constantly recommending it to friends. All of their meats and veggie dishes are great, and their tea is fantastic! Lots of people come for the honey wine, but I think the tea is even better! This place is unassuming from the outside but is POPULAR (rightly so). I recommend getting here right when they open for their lunch or dinner hours to guarantee a taste. They sell out sometimes, so no guarantees if you get there at the end of the day. It’s also a smaller team, typically just the chef and the server (who is super sweet), so bring your patience with your appetite, I promise it will be worth it!
I seriously loved this meal! It was super filling. I also really appreciate the tiny details like the eating instructions. I have had some eating restrictions and the staff were kind and understanding of that, did not question my reasons. Would definitely come back! Meal was a little pricier cause I got a drink but the Beef and Veggie combo platter is so filling it makes for a great dish to split. The flavor is very home-y.
I had a wonderful experience at GS Cafe and Ethiopian Cuisine! The food was rich with flavor and beautifully spiced, especially the injera and the veggie combo — so satisfying and authentic. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff made us feel right at home. It’s a hidden gem for anyone craving delicious Ethiopian food in a relaxed setting. Highly recommend!
I am away from home and haven’t had injera for a couple weeks so I decided to give this place a try. Upon walking in, I was greeted by the server and seated promptly. The restaurant was clean and had a nice ambiance with traditional Ethiopian items displayed and Ethiopian music videos playing on a tv. The restaurant was easy to find and located right off a Main Street with plenty of parking. I ordered the awaze tibse with a side salad. Craving satisfied! The food was delicious and fresh. The portions were perfect. I’ll be back when I’m in the area to try out a few more of their options.