Harman's Cafe - Winnipeg

Back when I wrote up Akin’s restaurant, I mentioned that it was one of three restaurants that we part of the same building that houses both Mercadito Latino, an... read more Back when I wrote up Akin’s restaurant, I mentioned that it was one of three restaurants that we part of the same building that houses both Mercadito Latino, and Harman’s. Harman’s is an Ethiopian restaurant with an interesting history. Harman’s was originally a drug store that stood on the corner of Sherbrook Street and Portage Avenue. and among other things, was famous for its lunch counter. I have to admit, that for all the many times I had heard about the lunch counter I never visited.

An outstanding restaurant with delicious food and a compassionate owner who goes above and beyond for her community. The majority of the profits are dedicated t... read more An outstanding restaurant with delicious food and a compassionate owner who goes above and beyond for her community. The majority of the profits are dedicated to supporting an orphanage in Ethiopia, which is highlighted each year at her fundraising event. This is a popular spot for Canadian-Ethiopian patrons. For coffee lovers, make sure to order it at the start of your meal to enjoy freshly roasted and prepared Ethiopian coffee. If you're craving a taste of heaven, this is the place to be. -Dan Maxson

I was at first hesitant to go to this restaurant as Ethiopian food is something that's still novel to me. However, I am glad that I'm adventurous enough to expa... read more I was at first hesitant to go to this restaurant as Ethiopian food is something that's still novel to me. However, I am glad that I'm adventurous enough to expand my horizons. After being dragged to Harman's cafe by friends, I could proudly say I may become a regular. <br/ <br/ I would suggest to try the combination platters as those seem to come out quicker than the other dishes. For the best of both worlds, and if you are an omnivore, the meat and vegetables combination will definitely satisfy ones hunger. Also, get the coffee. You won't regret how fun this restaurant makes getting a simple cup of coffee.<br/ <br/

After reading the great reviews, my friend and I decided to try this place.  When we got there, we were greeted by a clean, nicely decorated dining room with lo... read more After reading the great reviews, my friend and I decided to try this place.  When we got there, we were greeted by a clean, nicely decorated dining room with loads of ambience.  Unfortunately, my nose was stopped short by the heavy smell of incense that pervaded the place.  I have no scent allergies that I'm aware of but as the meal progressed, I developed a headache and the only relief came when I hopped outside to move my car from one 1-hour street parking zone to another.My friend and I ordered the meat and vegetable combination platters and the food was served fresh and delicious!!  No cutlery so you get to muck around like a kid by tearing off pieces of the injera (large spongy flat bread) and soaking up every delicious morsel of food.  Such fun and soooo yummy!  Then I ordered the coffee which took 25 minutes for them to make but it was well worth the wait.  They roast the beans right there and prepare this exquisite coffee served in a lovely pottery jebena...heavenly stuff I would go back for again and again.  My friend had the tea which had the lovely aroma of cloves and other exotic spices.  Just a couple of extra tips on this...the owner advised we should call ahead for any gluten-free requests and also if we are planning to order the coffee.  Good idea but how would we know this if they don't have a website or other form of social media where they advertise and advise of such?!I really wanted to give this place a 5.0 but could not due to the smell factor in the place, something I feel I need to warn others about.  Even the owner's attitude, although a bit indifferent at first, warmed up to us and we to her as our visit progressed.  She even gifted my friend with a handful of exotic spices to take home and brew her own tea.  Turns out the incense smell somehow lodged itself in my nose so that was all I smelled for the next few weeks.  I have never had a reaction like that so I visited my doctor and discovered it was an allergic reaction.  I guess in this day and age, scent-free is the only way to go in any establishment...well other than the smell of good food which this place definitely has.  Hopefully they will get rid of the incense and I can go back for another visit.

I indulged a bit too much at this restaurant and I have no regrets! The platter we ordered was truly impressive, with 2 vegetable dishes and a variety of delici... read more I indulged a bit too much at this restaurant and I have no regrets! The platter we ordered was truly impressive, with 2 vegetable dishes and a variety of delicious meat dishes to choose from. Perfect for a group of 3. I give it a 5.0 for the outstanding food, and I will definitely be returning in the future.