Our Story: The Heart of Jebena Cafe – Rooted in Family & Community
Welcome to Jebena Cafe, a cherished cornerstone of authentic Ethiopian culture & cuisine nestled in the heart of North Seattle.
For over a decade we’ve been more than just a restaurant. We are a gathering place where Ethiopia’s rich traditions are shared with warmth, joy, and truly exceptional food & coffee.
Our journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and a deep-seated desire to bring the true essence of Ethiopian hospitality to our beloved Seattle community.
The Vision of Our Founder, Martha Seyoum
Jebena Cafe was born from the heart and vision of our founder, Martha Seyoum.
Martha’s love for her Ethiopian heritage and her profound understanding of its culinary arts have always been the driving force behind our kitchen. Her commitment to quality, authenticity, and welcoming guests as family has shaped Jebena Cafe into the welcoming home it is today.
More Than Just a Meal: Our Passion
At Jebena Cafe, we believe that food is a celebration – of culture, of community, of connection. Our philosophy is simple:
- Authenticity: We stay true to the time-honored recipes and traditional cooking methods that define Ethiopian cuisine. Every dish, from our savory Tibs to our rich Wots and our meticulously prepared vegetarian platters, is a taste of genuine Ethiopian heritage.
- Quality Ingredients: We are committed to using the freshest ingredients, sourcing with care to ensure every bite is flavorful and wholesome. This dedication extends to our coffee, with beans chosen for their exceptional quality.
- Warm Hospitality: Inspired by the Ethiopian tradition of welcoming guests, we strive to make everyone who walks through our doors feel like part of our Jebena Cafe family. This is at the core of everything we do.
The Significance of “Jebena” & Our Coffee Heritage
The name “Jebena” itself is deeply symbolic, referring to the traditional Ethiopian clay pot used to brew coffee in a time-honored ceremony.
This ceremony is a cornerstone of our culture, a time for social connection and shared community. These are values we infuse into our cafe and every bag of coffee we produce.
Our connection to coffee led us to create The Jebena Coffee Co. This journey begins with ethically sourced, high-quality Ethiopian beans from celebrated regions like Sidamo, Yirgacheffe, and Limu. These beans are then roasted with meticulous care right here in Seattle by our skilled Ethiopian roasters, ensuring that every cup reflects the rich heritage and vibrant, complex flavors of their origin.
We invite you to “Treasure the true taste of Ethiopia” with our artisan coffee, available at the cafe and in our Jebena Market.
Growing With Our Community: The Jebena Market
As our restaurant community grew, so did our desire to offer more!
Located next door, The Jebena Market is your Seattle destination for authentic Habesha needs. Explore Ethiopian groceries & spices, traditional clothing, housewares, gifts, artwork, and unique ornaments—alongside our premium unroasted coffee beans and The Jebena Coffee Co.’s craft coffee.
Join Our Family
Jebena Cafe is a testament to the joy of shared meals, rich traditions, and a vibrant community. We are immensely grateful to our loyal customers who have become like family, bringing life and joy to our space.
Whether you are a longtime friend or a new guest curious about Ethiopian culture—we warmly invite you to visit us. Come share a meal, explore our market, and feel the heart of Ethiopia right here in Seattle. We especially hope you’ll experience our traditional coffee ceremony, made even more memorable with The Jebena Coffee Co. craft coffee!
We look forward to welcoming you!