Dama Restaurant and Pastry

I have to admit, my experience here started with a bit of confusion, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding dining experiences I've had in a long time. If you decide to come here—and you absolutely should—do not let the entrance fool you. It is genuinely difficult to find if you don't know the "secret" beforehand. I spent a good five minutes walking around the building, pulling on handles that were locked tight, and genuinely wondering if the place was even open or if I was at the wrong address. ​Here is the trick: you actually have to enter through the bakery. It feels a bit like a speakeasy or a secret club, which honestly adds to the charm once you figure it out. Because once you step through into the actual restaurant, the transition is instant. The space is absolutely beautif

Amazing experience. The food was clean, warm, incredibly delicious, and perfectly seasoned—everything was cooked just right. Hands down the best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had. The service was outstanding: professional, kind, generous, and extremely attentive. I didn’t have to ask for anything—they anticipated every need. They truly went above and beyond and even gave me more food than I ordered. Highly recommend!

What a spectacular restaurant set in the Arlington-Fort Myer, and Pentagon footprint! I was incredibly fortunate to have stumbled upon Dama Pastry and Restaurant while I was in town for work and want to share my experience here with other inquisitive diners wishing to experience something novel. From the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel, Dama Pastry and Restaurant was no more than a stone-throw a way which made it an ideal dining choice for me. After arriving to town that day and settling in at the lodging accommodation, I soon found myself rather famished. Not the one to simply settle for the dining options and venues at the hotel, I wanted to explore the local cuisine. Almost immediately, Dama grabbed my attention when I did a quick search using Google maps. The restaurant sits off of Colu

We had the meat combo with lentils, yellow peas, and cabbage as our veggie options, and it was perfect for sharing between two people. The food is delicious and authentically Ethiopian, and the service was great! Our waitress was attentive and happy to help, especially if you're new to Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant has a casual vibe, making it a great spot to enjoy a relaxed meal. We were missing Ethiopian food, and Dama definitely hit the spot. After our meal, we stopped by the bakery for a slice of double chocolate cake, but I would pass on it next time. The cake was a bit dry, and the chocolate flavor didn’t quite hit the mark for me. Overall, I highly recommend Dama Restaurant for anyone craving authentic Ethiopian food!

I've been to Dama a few times and honestly it's the best Ethiopian food in the DMV. The service is always quick and the food is so delicious. Pro tip since you won't have room for dessert: make sure to visit the bakery side before dinner to grab some pastries to take home. You'll thank yourself later.