Welcome to Merkato Restaurant — Winnipeg's home of authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine at 352 Cumberland Ave. Since October 2002, Merkato has been sharing the rich culinary traditions of East Africa with Winnipeg, earning a devoted following of locals, the Ethiopian diaspora, and adventurous food lovers seeking a genuine cultural dining experience in the heart of the city.
Our menu showcases the finest Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes: slow-cooked Doro Wat (chicken stew with berbere and boiled egg), spiced Kitfo, Special Derek Tibs, and our beloved Vegetarian Combo — a generous platter of lentil, split pea, collard greens, and potato stews. Every dish is served on traditional injera flatbread, with imported gluten-free Ye'Teff Injera also available.
At Merkato, dining is a cultural experience — a communal, hands-on style where guests tear injera and share dishes together around the table. Family-owned and operated, Merkato is known for its warm hospitality, colorful atmosphere, and generous portions at reasonable prices, making it the perfect destination for family dinners, date nights, group outings, and anyone curious about East African cuisine in Winnipeg.
From our slow-cooked Doro Wat and spiced Kitfo to our celebrated Vegetarian Combo and fresh injera flatbread, every dish at Merkato is prepared with traditional recipes and the finest ingredients for a genuine East African dining experience in Winnipeg.
Merkato's casual, colorful dining room reflects the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality. Bright décor, friendly staff, and a relaxed setting make every visit feel like a gathering with family — whether you're a first-time visitor or a longtime Winnipeg regular.
Owner Sam is known for going above and beyond to customize dishes and make every guest feel at home. At Merkato, every visitor is treated like family — with attentive service that makes your Ethiopian dining experience in Winnipeg truly memorable.
TripAdvisor — August 2024
"Sam, the owner, treats us like we are family. He wants to make sure we enjoy the food. And we ALWAYS do! He will customize food to make sure we enjoy it! The portions are great! I always order 2 portions to bring home because I love it so much! Prices are reasonable. We travel 1 hour one way to get to this place. And it's worth every bit! You can taste the richness! It's a delight."
TripAdvisor — October 2012
"Merkato is my favourite restaurant in Winnipeg. Everything, from the decor and music, to the food, to the proprietress, perfectly emulates the style of a typical Ethiopian cafe. Never crowded, you won't be rushed as you select from an incredible variety of dishes. Serving sizes are large despite the inexpensive prices."
TripAdvisor — September 2023
"We were served by the friendly owner and he suggested the mixed platter, which had seven different dishes — three meat and four vegetable based. Eating Ethiopian style — no utensils, just hands aided by the spongy flatbread — was a fun and unique experience. The total bill was only $50 Cdn all in, so it certainly was good value."
TripAdvisor — October 2015
"I've been going to Merkato for 12 years and they've never wavered in quality and service. There was a time I was going so often one of the fellow's working knew my order when I walked in. I usually get the vegetarian combo and my partner gets the meat combo and both are delicious, with plenty of injera. I'll always keep coming back to Merkato for quality, price, and speed of service."
TripAdvisor — March 2014
"We were first introduced to this restaurant by our Ethiopian son-in-law, who advised it is the best Ethiopian restaurant in the city. We keep going back. The setting is humble but the food is great. And the service is friendly. Family owned and operated. If you want vegan you never have to worry about going hungry."
