DAS: The Michelin-Rated Ethiopian Restaurant in Georgetown
By Faisale Shefawe
Published on 04/06/25
If you’re not paying close attention in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., you might miss DAS Ethiopian Cuisine in the blink of an eye. The restaurant’s small and simple exterior is very different from most Ethiopian restaurants, which often have large signs to attract customers. DAS’s small sign is mounted quietly on the front of the building—easy to miss unless you’re looking for it.
Surprisingly, many Ethiopians living in the D.C. area don’t know about this well-reviewed restaurant, even though it has been in the same spot for years. Before becoming DAS, it was called Zed’s Ethiopian Restaurant.
Despite its quiet appearance, DAS is almost always full of both locals and tourists. Eating in this historic and wealthy neighborhood of Georgetown adds to the charm, making it a special stop for many visitors. The small restaurant is usually packed, especially on weekends.
One familiar face among the happy customers is the friendly and welcoming owner, Sileshi Alifom. He often checks on guests to see if they’re enjoying their meal or need anything. Hospitality is something Sileshi has been doing his whole life.
Before buying DAS (then Zed’s) in 2011, Sileshi had a long and successful career with Marriott Hotels, where he worked for over ten years. His different roles allowed him to travel around the world and learn more about the hotel and restaurant industry.
Sileshi was born in Addis Ababa and moved to the United States in the 1970s to finish high school and attend college. He originally planned to return to Ethiopia to serve his country. But when the political situation in Ethiopia became dangerous in 1974, he decided to stay in the U.S.
After retiring from Marriott, he worked briefly as a consultant in the hospitality industry before trying something new—starting a mortgage company. But the timing wasn’t right. The real estate crash in 2007 brought that business to a quick end.
While thinking about his next move, Sileshi never imagined he would own a restaurant. But after eating at Zed’s, he saw potential to turn it into something better. In 2011, when the owner called to ask if he wanted to buy it, Sileshi didn’t hesitate—he said yes.
Then in 2017, DAS received a big honor. The Michelin Guide, known for rating top restaurants around the world, gave DAS “Two Forks and Spoons,” a sign that the restaurant is comfortable and well-designed. The certificate hanging by the entrance reads:
“DAS is a haven of soothing colors and lush fabrics. Great care has gone into the styling, and the warm, generous spirit of the staff ensures that the entire experience is every bit as pleasant and refined.”
The guide also praised the food: “The impressive menu runs the gamut from traditional Ethiopian cuisine to dishes that have the potential to take the most seasoned and ambitious palate by surprise.”
Even with this praise, DAS keeps its prices affordable. Its menu costs are similar to other Ethiopian restaurants in the area. “I don’t think I should overcharge or make my prices too expensive if my costs aren’t that high,” Sileshi said. “I also don’t think this is the right time to raise prices.” This down-to-earth way of doing business may be one reason DAS is becoming more and more popular.
