Demera Restaurant

4801 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640, United States
+1 773-334-8787
$$$ Ethiopian restaurant
(2152 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Welcome to Demera Restaurant, a warm and inviting Ethiopian gem nestled in the heart of Uptown, Chicago. This vibrant eatery, located at 4801 N Broadway, specializes in the rich and flavorful cuisine of Ethiopia, creating a dining experience that is both memorable and unique.

The atmosphere at Demera is a delightful blend of contemporary charm and traditional Ethiopian hospitality. As you step inside, you’re greeted by a bright and modern space that exudes a friendly vibe. The enthusiastic staff goes above and beyond to ensure a genuine and attentive dining experience, making you feel right at home.

When it comes to the menu, prepare your taste buds for an exhilarating journey. Start your meal with the Sambussa Sampler, an enticing appetizer featuring a medley of five different fried dumplings, each accompanied by a sweet and spicy honey awaze sauce that will leave you craving more. At $15.50, it’s the perfect sharing option that embodies the essence of Ethiopian flavors.

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, don’t miss out on the delectable YeAsa Leb Leb, crafted from tender tilapia filets cooked to perfection with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, all for just $19. For those seeking a meatier dish, the Shrimp Tibs, sautéed with jalapeños and fresh rosemary, is a crowd favorite at $24.

As you dive into your meal, you might be surprised by the hands-on dining experience, as Ethiopian culture encourages enjoying food without utensils. Instead, you'll be tearing off pieces of injera, the spongy Ethiopian flatbread that serves as both a plate and a vehicle for your flavorful stews and dishes.

Each bite captures the essence of rich spices and vibrant ingredients, much to the delight of patrons like Mr3dPHD who remarked on their first experience, noting that “everything was excellent” and praising the warmth of the staff. Others, like Luv Sharma, found an unexpected array of vegetarian options reminiscent of beloved Indian cuisine, showcasing the restaurant's versatility.

Customer reviews echo the sentiment that Demera is not just about the food. As Bill Wang beautifully puts it, you’ll find "a fantastic Ethiopian feast" with generous portions and a set menu that's perfect for sharing, making it ideal for gatherings with friends or family.

Whether you’re a long-time aficionado of Ethiopian food or a curious newbie, Demera offers a taste adventure that’s both accessible and authentic. So, gather your loved ones, embrace the communal spirit of sharing, and let the flavors of Ethiopia transport you to another world.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Demera Restaurant—where every meal is a celebration of flavor, warmth, and joyful connection.

For reservations, call them at +1 773-334-8787 and prepare for an unforgettable evening!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves halal food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday

4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Wednesday

4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Thursday

4:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 9:00 PM

2152 Reviews
Mr3dPHD

23 Sep 2025

This was my very first time having Ethiopian food and it was such a great experience! We had to rush through dinner to catch a show at the Green Mill across the street, but we got to try such a huge variety of food and everything was excellent. I have to leave a special note about the staff. Everyone was incredibly nice and they seemed so genuine. It really elevates the experience being served by people who truly love what they do. If you've ever considered trying Ethiopian food, I highly recommend trying Demera out. Pro Tip: They have Ethiopian and Nigerian beer! Not something you see pretty much ever!

Luv Sharma

18 Sep 2025

It was a surprise.. As a vegetarian Indian, i went there expecting no options. It's an Ethopian food restaurant. I was surprised that most options were just like Indian food. Breads, veggies, cooked lentils.. most importantly, the fermented rice wheat bread!! U have to eat with hands as spoons are not provided by default. The dishes are served on a bread crust as a plate.. awesome.

dhsusv ssiwgw

02 Sep 2025

The food is delightful and the atmosphere is nice! I went with 2 other people and we were seated immediately. We got a shared plate of fish, salad, lentil, chicken, beef, and other foods. It was so great and we also got some tea as well as cake.

Ryan E

28 Aug 2025

The food was delightfully flavored and the experience is fun and engaging. We ordered a Demera Messob (combo plate for two) and a dessert. The dessert was steeply priced for the size, but after a full meal, we did not need much to fill us up more. After tax and tip: $83.60 Overall, a great experience.

Samantha Vaughey

11 Aug 2025

Restaurant Review: A Redemption Story Worth Repeating If you’re looking for food that punches you in the taste buds and hugs you afterward, this spot is the real deal. After a rough first visit that left more to be desired in the service department, I returned—and I’m so glad I did. Because wow. What a glow-up. Let’s Talk Food: Somsa: • Chicken: Hands down my favorite. Flaky, buttery, and bursting with flavor. It’s like someone gave a croissant and a spice rack a baby. • Cheese: Mild, in the best way possible—gentle, creamy, and a perfect palate cleanser. • Lentil: Okay, confession—I’m not a lentil fan. But this one? This one might convert me. It’s mild but layered with a surprising depth, and the veggie combo inside actually works. Respect. • Sauce Game: That sauce that came with the somsa? Whew. Full-bodied, rich, and the kind of spicy that dances all the way from first bite to aftertaste. It doesn’t just complement the somsa—it elevates the whole thing. A true MVP. Platter (3 meat, 3 veggie): A tour-de-flavor, this platter is where the kitchen shows off. Every element stands tall, but a few deserve a spotlight. • Collard Greens: Sorry, “down South,” but these greens just won. Milder spice, but still singing. Especially good with the bread. • Lentils (again): Yup, they’ve done it twice. This version is bold, perfectly spiced, and absolutely one of my favorites. • Cabbage and Carrots: Meh. Not bad, just… kind of the water break in the middle of a sprint. • Lamb: Lightly spiced, juicy, and made to be eaten with that heavenly bread. • Chicken: Subtle but rich, the sauce wraps around every bite. Easily a favorite. • Beef: Bones are not my vibe, but the sauce makes it worth the excavation. The cheese (yes, there’s cheese!) is mild, but it works brilliantly with the heat. Service: The Comeback Kid Previously… let’s just say service was not the star of the show. But this time? A complete 180. • Drinks refilled without asking. • Greeted and acknowledged throughout. • Observed consistent attention to surrounding tables… with one exception: the wall table. They had to flag someone down, which was eerily similar to my last experience. Maybe the wall seating on the corner of the wall is the Bermuda Triangle of service? Might be worth a management glance. Overall: A beautiful dining experience. A thousand times better than my first round. The food? Always recommendable. But now the service is (nearly) flawless too. Come for the flavors, stay for the redemption arc. This place has earned a permanent spot on my go-to list.

Korra Hazel

19 Jul 2025

Decent Ethiopian food, but I still prefer Tesfa as my go to spot. The flavors felt a bit muted here, though the vibes and atmosphere were great. Drinks were also good.

Rudy Medrano

12 Jun 2025

Probably the best lamb I've had so far. Great place with good vibes. Sambussa Sampler is a must, all 5 types are amazing and the sauce gives it a great kick. 10/10 spot

Bill Wang

30 May 2025

Demera serves up a fantastic Ethiopian feast in a bright and modern space. The messob set menu is perfect for sharing, with soft, tangy injera pairing beautifully with rich stews and spiced veggies - of the spread we sampled, the standouts were the lamb, lentils, and chicken. The portions were generous, and the service was warm throughout. A must for Ethiopian flavors in Uptown!

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