Serving the community over 20 years
OUR STORY
Get to Know Us
Dama is the father of all Damas’ who has been operating the Restaurant or the Pastry and Cafe. He passed away in 1967. He was a known for his hard work, kindness and care for his community.
The first Dama Restaurant was originally opened in 1982 on North Capitol Street in Washington D.C. by the oldest Dama sister – Yeshi Dama and closed its doors for business four years later in 1986.
In 1999, over a decade later, Kelem Dama opened a new Dama Restaurant, this time in Arlington, Virginia to serve the community as a traditional Ethiopian Restaurant and Market. The community’s strong embrace of Dama Restaurant and Market was and still is a key reason for its continued success.
Shortly thereafter in 2000, Almaz Dama, an experienced pastry chef, Hailu Dama, and Amsale Saife-Selassie joined together to open Dama Pastry & Café next door to the Restaurant. Dama Pastry & Café specializes in traditional cakes and vegan cakes as well.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry and our diverse clientele, Dama Restaurant and Dama Pastry & Cafe have been able to cater to the Metropolitan Washington DC Area and we look forward to serving you.
VIDEO
Dama Restaurant
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
Testimonials
Dama is my favorite Ethiopian spot in Arlington. I've never had a bad meal here--in fact, every meal has been great. This is a perfect place for vegans and vegetarians to get a hearty, flavorful meal that isn't just a menu afterthought. You won't miss meat or dairy if you get the vegetable platter. There are also good meat selections if that's what you're looking for. A vegetarian sampler and 1-2 meat dishes will be more than enough for two people. Low contact pickup was very easy. They also have a nice, covered outdoor seating area if that's what you're looking for. The parking lot is small and tight so pickup might be the way to go, though. Tip generously!
Emma Z
This restaurant has been my favorite Ethiopian restaurant for years. After a few years of absence, I returned here for takeout order. Misir Wot is cheaper than other restaurants and always delicious. I wanted some extra injera and they sold me less than their usual package. Trust me - other Ethiopian store has turned me down for buying less than 10. I also got Tiramisu. Misir Wot is big enough to be 2 meals for me. I will become regular here again!
Aya T