The express elevator ride to Marcus Addis Restaurant & Sky Bar feels like the opening scene of an experience rather than merely the trip to dinner.
The restaurant sits on the 47th floor of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s Head Office Tower, offering sweeping views of Addis Ababa from one of the most dramatic dining rooms in the city. It is the first African restaurant from Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson, whose menu blends Ethiopian ingredients and traditions with influences from Sweden, Harlem and the broader international culinary world.
The food lived up to the setting.
I began with hummus accompanied by crisp injera and bread, a satisfying introduction that combined familiar comfort with distinctly Ethiopian flavors and textures. The injera chips provided a light crunch, while the hummus and accompanying spreads made it an appetizer worth lingering over.
For the main course, I ordered the glazed Nile perch. The fish was tender and flavorful, served with fried jollof rice, egg, tomato broth, greens, lemon and mango salsa. It was a colorful, thoughtfully composed plate in which the bright citrus and fruit balanced the richness of the fish and rice. The dish demonstrated what Marcus Addis does particularly well: bringing several culinary traditions together without allowing the individual ingredients to lose their identity.
My cocktail, From Gojo With Love, was another highlight. The restaurant’s Ethiopian-inspired twist on a margarita combines tequila, triple sec, watermelon, lime and berbere. The watermelon made it refreshing, while the berbere added warmth and aromatic spice rather than overwhelming heat. It was creative, balanced and perfectly suited to the restaurant’s sense of place.
The hospitality was just as memorable as the meal. Service throughout the evening was attentive, polished and genuinely warm. Rahel, the hostess, was wonderful and helped make the entire visit feel welcoming from the beginning. When I needed transportation back to my hotel, the staff kindly helped arrange it — a thoughtful gesture that meant a great deal to a visitor navigating an unfamiliar city.
Marcus Addis succeeds as more than a restaurant with an extraordinary view. The impressive surroundings may bring people through the door, but the flavorful food and gracious Ethiopian hospitality make the experience memorable. It is an excellent choice for visitors seeking a special evening in Addis Ababa and a modern expression of Ethiopia’s evolving culinary identity.
Marcus Addis Restaurant & Sky Bar
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Head Office Tower, 47th floor
Ras Desta Damtew Street, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Phone: +251 945 11 11 11
Website: marcusaddis.com
Instagram: @marcusaddisababa
Officially listed hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunday dinner is listed from 7 to 11 p.m., with a separate Sunday brunch service. Reservations are recommended, particularly for evening dining and weekend visits.
Texas Reporter 