Kebena Ethiopian Restaurant brings the flavors of East Africa to Seattle’s Rainier Valley. Founded by husband-and-wife team Belete Gulelat and Muna Tadese, the restaurant reflects their deep ties to culture, family, and community. Since opening in 2023, Kebena has welcomed guests with warm hospitality and dishes rooted in family recipes.
Chef Muna Tadese leads the kitchen with a focus on traditional techniques and ingredients. Many of her recipes were passed down from her mother, and her cooking highlights the distinctive spices, textures, and preparations found in Ethiopian cuisine. One standout is Kebena’s injera, a sourdough flatbread made fresh every day using gluten-free teff. Guests can also experience the aroma and ritual of a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, with beans roasted and ground on-site.
The restaurant’s connection to RVCDF began in 2020, when Belete and Muna secured a commercial property through their company Belmuna Real Estate Holdings. Since then, they have worked with RVCDF on several projects that support their business growth and investment in South Seattle. Their current location at 7636 Rainier Avenue South serves as both a restaurant and a symbol of their long-term commitment to building something lasting in the community.
Opening a restaurant always comes with challenges, and Kebena has faced its share in the early stages. Despite setbacks like rising operating costs and vandalism, Belete and Muna remain committed to strengthening their business. Recent investments in kitchen equipment and safety improvements are already helping stabilize operations and serve customers more efficiently.
Kebena continues to build a loyal customer base by offering a warm, welcoming environment and food prepared with intention. Whether you are familiar with Ethiopian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Kebena offers a place to enjoy fresh, flavorful meals that carry a deep sense of place and purpose.
📍 Visit: 7636 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA
🌐 Learn more: https://www.kebenarestaurant.com/
📦 Dine-in, takeout, and catering available