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Highland Spice Café: Authentic Ethiopian & Eritrean Flavors in Portland

Highland Spice Café in Portland offers an authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean dining experience that delights with fresh, perfectly seasoned dishes. Known for its fluffy, gluten-free teff injera and flavorful options like Awaze tibs and Fata, this café balances rich tradition with modern dietary needs. The owners’ warm hospitality creates a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. Whether enjoying a family lunch or craving a comforting breakfast, Highland Spice delivers generous portions and robust flavors that satisfy deeply. This spot stands out for its genuine cultural embrace and attentive service—truly a must-visit for anyone eager to explore vibrant Habesha cuisine.

Highland Spice Café at a glance

  • Address 5416 N Vancouver Ave, Portland, OR 97217
  • Phone (971) 420-8899
  • Restaurant type Ethiopian restaurant .

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Highland Spice Café: Reviews & Ratings

Selene Contreras
5

As a pregnant woman, this hit the spot! It was absolutely delicious, seasoned perfectly. Craving satisfied! The owners were so nice and attentive. Would genuinely recommend, 10 out of 10! Mexican approved

Dylan Alford
5

My wife and I had dinner at Highland Spice recently, and it was excellent. We had never tried Ethiopian food before. The owners are friendly and welcoming, and excited to share Ethiopian cuisine with new people. Everything was perfectly seasoned, flavorful and fresh. I can't recommend this place enough!

tekeste kahsay
5

We had a great time stopping by at Highland Spice Café! The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was super welcoming. I definitely recommend trying everything — especially the Fata, it was so good! Highly recommend this spot!

Sara Calvert-Kubrom
5

We had a fabulous family celebration lunch here today and it was such a delight! My mother-in-law from Eritrea loved the authenticity of the food and we were all impressed by how fresh and fluffy the injera was. Every bit was full of flavor and everything was very fresh. The injera is made of teff with no wheat flour which is a huge win for our family that is mostly gluten intolerant. The owner was also wonderful about answering questions about many allergies and made everyone in our group with various dietary restrictions feel safe. The couple who own the restaurant have such a warm and welcoming vibe and we look forward to making this restaurant a frequent outing for our bi-cultural Habesha family! Also: portions are generous and leftovers were great to take home! The coffee was fantastic!

Muse A.
5

Highland Spice Cafe has outstanding service, food, and atmosphere! The owners are very welcoming and very friendly. Highly recommended if you enjoy injera(vegan and meat options) and also breakfast options. We had the awaze(spicy) tibs and Ful/fata(breakfast) at Highland Spice. It was great, full of flavor and taste!! If you are in the Portland area, I highly suggest checking out Highland Spice Cafe! 10/10 recommended!

Liwam A
5

Highland Spice really impressed me. The Tibs Firfir was bold and flavorful, and the veggie platter was fresh, colorful, and perfectly spiced. The injera was soft and just right. Friendly service and a warm, welcoming atmosphere made the whole experience even better. I’ll definitely be back!

Elliott Prehn
5

Outstanding service followed by even more impressive food defines this place, the staff are extremely friendly and the food has me craving more. Excited to see the business focus more on coffee and breakfast food in a spin that Portland is currently lacking. For my first time ever having Ethiopian food this is a 10/10 would recommend

Haben Weldemariam
5

We had an amazing dining experience at Highland Spice Cafe during our stay in Portland. I highly recommend the Awaze (spicy) tibs and firfir. They also have Ful and Fata which is a great vegan option. If you’re looking to experience great East African food, Highland Spice is the right place for you that delivers both flavor and atmosphere. From the moment we walked in, the owners greet us with big smile and warm welcome. Prices are very reasonable for the quality you get, and portion sizes are generous. I’ll definitely be coming back here for next visit in Portland.

Location

  • Highland Spice Café
    Highland Spice Café
    5416 N Vancouver Ave, Portland, OR 97217 Hotline: (971) 420-8899

Nestled in the heart of Portland, Highland Spice Café offers a warm invitation to explore the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine. This vibrant eatery at 5416 N Vancouver Ave combines authentic spices, fresh ingredients, and genuine hospitality to create an unforgettable dining experience. The owners’ passion for sharing Ethiopian food shines through every dish, making newcomers and regulars alike feel welcomed and valued.

One cannot discuss Highland Spice Café without mentioning their exceptional injera, crafted from pure teff flour. Its fluffy texture and natural tang perfectly complement the variety of stews and tibs served atop it. Many guests, including those with gluten sensitivities, appreciate this thoughtful touch. The awaze tibs deliver a delightful kick of spice balanced by nuanced seasonings, showcasing the depth of Ethiopian culinary tradition. Breakfast options such as Ful and Fata also stand out, each bite bursting with flavor and authenticity.

The atmosphere here is as inviting as the menu. Guests often highlight the warm, attentive service and the owners’ eagerness to explain dishes and accommodate dietary needs. This thoughtful approach elevates Highland Spice Café from a simple restaurant to a cultural experience. It’s no wonder customers like Selene and Sara return time and again, raving about the friendly vibe and generous portions that make every visit a memorable occasion.

Highland Spice Café is more than a meal—it’s a doorway to Ethiopia’s vibrant culinary heritage, brought to life in Portland’s diverse food scene. Whether you are seeking a comforting lunch, a celebratory family meal, or an introduction to Ethiopian cuisine, this café delivers with authenticity, flavor, and heart. For anyone intrigued by bold spices, fresh ingredients, and a genuine dining environment, Highland Spice Café is a must-visit destination.

Business Information

  • Service options
    • Outdoor seating
    • Takeout
    • Dine-in