Savor: A Decade of Culinary Excellence, Resilience, and Innovation in Addis Ababa











From a Childhood Memory to a Culinary Institution

Savor, one of Addis Ababa’s most respected restaurants, is more than just a place to eat—it is a story of resilience, nostalgia, and unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. Co-Founded a decade ago by Misgana Kebede and Bilen Aynu, who also serves as the General Manager, Savor was born out of a deep personal realization.

After spending years in the United States, Misgana returned to Ethiopia, eager to rediscover the vibrant café and restaurant culture he had cherished in his youth. However, he found that many of his favorite eateries had either disappeared or declined in quality. Instead of lamenting the loss, he decided to create a restaurant that honored Addis Ababa’s culinary past while setting a new standard for quality dining.

Thus, Savor was born—not just as a business but as a mission to restore and elevate the city’s gastronomic experience.

A Decade Without a Single Day Closed

One of Savor’s most remarkable achievements is its uninterrupted operation for ten years—a rare feat in the restaurant industry, where businesses frequently shut down due to economic hardships, political unrest, or operational challenges.

This milestone reflects Misgana’s strong leadership, meticulous planning, and the loyalty of both customers and staff. Despite challenges such as inflation, supply shortages, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, Savor has continued to serve its guests every single day since its opening.

Creating Employment for Nearly 100 People

Beyond its culinary achievements, Savor has had a significant economic impact, creating job opportunities for nearly 125 people.

From chefs and kitchen staff to servers, cleaners, and managerial personnel, the restaurant provides stable employment and continuous training opportunities. Misgana has prioritized staff development, ensuring that team members receive the skills and knowledge needed to uphold Savor’s high standards.

This investment in human capital has resulted in a highly professional and motivated workforce, making Savor one of the most respected restaurants in Addis Ababa.

Uncompromising Quality Despite Economic Challenges

Savor has always placed quality at the heart of its operations. The restaurant sources its ingredients exclusively from export-standard vendors, ensuring that every dish maintains the highest level of excellence.

However, as Ethiopia continues to experience inflation and fluctuating food prices, many restaurants have had to cut corners by using lower-quality ingredients or reducing portion sizes. Savor, however, remains steadfast in its commitment to premium quality.

Through strategic sourcing and operational efficiency, Misgana and his team have overcome economic obstacles without compromising on the restaurant’s core values.

Eviction and the Loss of a Landmark Location

A few months ago, Savor faced one of its biggest challenges yet—a sudden eviction from its original Bole Atlas location. The restaurant, which had built a strong reputation in the area, received a one-day eviction notice, forcing them to vacate immediately before the space was demolished for a new development project.

While this could have been a devastating blow, the timing worked in Savor’s favor. The restaurant was just two months away from opening its new, upgraded location in Flamingo.

Though the sudden departure was painful, it ultimately became an opportunity for growth rather than an ending.

The New Flamingo Location: A Bigger, Better Experience

Savor’s new location in Flamingo offers a refreshed, modern dining experience. With an upgraded kitchen, an enhanced dining space, and a refined ambiance, the restaurant has successfully elevated its brand while maintaining the warmth and quality that long-time customers love.

One of the biggest additions to the new location is the introduction of a cocktail menu, catering to Addis Ababa’s growing demand for expertly crafted beverages. The menu features classic favorites like mojitos, providing a sophisticated new experience for customers.

The Best of Italian & American Cuisine in Addis

The Best of Italian & American Cuisine in AddisSavor is widely recognized as one of the top destinations in Addis Ababa for Italian and American dishes. Some of its most famous offerings include:✅ Ravioli – A classic Italian dish made with fresh pasta and a rich, flavorful filling, served with a house-made sauce.✅ Steak Sandwich – A customer favorite, featuring perfectly cooked steak served on artisanal bread with gourmet toppings.✅ Chicken Curry – A rich and aromatic dish, blending Ethiopian spices with international flavors for a comforting and flavorful meal.These dishes, along with a variety of expertly crafted Italian and American menu items, have earned Savor a loyal customer base that includes both locals and expatriates.

A Revolutionary Fasting Buffet: Breaking the Mold

Savor is not only known for maintaining tradition but also for introducing innovative dining experiences. One of its most exciting new offerings is its modernized Fasting Buffet, which breaks away from traditional Ethiopian fasting dishes and instead provides a more international selection of plant-based meals.

Ethiopian Orthodox fasting seasons—during which large portions of the population avoid animal products—have traditionally been associated with a limited selection of local fasting dishes such as shiro, lentils, and vegetable stews. While these are beloved, Savor recognized that many customers were looking for more variety and international flavors during fasting periods.

In response, the restaurant introduced a Fasting Buffet that features a diverse range of international vegan and vegetarian dishes, including

This bold new approach to fasting meals has made Savor a popular alternative for those looking for a different yet high-quality dining experience during the Ethiopian Orthodox fasting season.

The Pastry Phenomenon: A Holiday Tradition

One of Savor’s most famous offerings is its legendary pastry selection.

During holiday seasons, the demand for Savor’s baked goods is so high that customers queue for hours just to get their orders. The restaurant’s bakery section has become an essential part of many Addis Ababa families’ holiday traditions.

The demand is so high that many customers place their orders weeks in advance, ensuring they don’t miss out on the city’s most sought-after pastries.

The Future of Savor: Looking Ahead to the Next Decade

Now firmly established in its new Flamingo location, Savor is looking toward an even brighter future.

Misgana Kebede and his team plan to:

✔️ Continue setting the standard for quality dining in Addis Ababa.✔️ Expand their innovative Fasting Buffet concept to reach more customers.✔️ Introduce new Italian and American-inspired dishes.✔️ Explore potential new locations to further Savor’s reach.

Despite challenges—from economic shifts to sudden eviction—Savor remains a symbol of resilience, quality, and innovation.

For over ten years, it has served as a gathering place for families, friends, and food lovers across Addis Ababa. With a fresh new location, an expanded menu, and a commitment to both tradition and modernity, Savor is poised to shape the city’s dining scene for the next decade and beyond.

For the people of Addis Ababa, Savor is more than just a restaurant—it is a story of persistence, a taste of nostalgia, and a leader in culinary innovation.