Malkaa Ethiopian Restaurant: Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine & Warm Hospitality in St Cloud

Authentic Ethiopian food. Shakla tibs is delicious! Very welcoming and friendly people! Highly recommend their food, also their coffee is Must try. Thank you Malkaa Restaurant

My family had never tried Ethiopian food before, but were excited to try Malkaa after they read the reviews. This place absolutely lives up to the glowing reviews. As soon as you walk in to the restaurant you are greeted by the most amazing aroma. I could hardly sit still I was so excited to try the food because it smelled so so good! When we shared that we had never eaten at this restaurant before, the people working gave us their recommendations on what things to try and how much food to get. We ordered the large Melka special and one other dish to feed our party of 5. The food was presented beautifully and was absolutely delicious! All of the people working here are incredibly kind and helpful. It was such a lovely experience that my family and I will be regulars here. Everyone is so kind and the food is so good!

A True Hidden Gem in Saint Cloud! I recently visited Malkaa Ethiopian Restaurant, and I’m so glad I did. The food was absolutely delicious — full of authentic flavor and cooked to perfection. The injera was fresh and soft, and the dishes like doro wat and tibs were packed with spices that tasted just like home. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the service made me feel like family. It’s rare to find a place that delivers both great food and a great experience — but Malkaa does both. If you're in Saint Cloud and want to try something flavorful, unique, and made with heart, I highly recommend Malkaa. I’ll definitely be coming back!

The friendliest, most kind people I've met on my travels work and operate this restaurant. As a white guy from Ohio who hasn't had Ethiopian food, they were helpful on recommendations and didn't judge, and the food was phenomenal and plentiful. I had so much I had to take a box with me despite being stuffed full. I was very glad to have been welcomed here to try out the culture's cuisine and would definitely recommend this place to anyone nearby.

Great food at an excellent price, very authentic. Make sure to finish your meal with a cup of Ethiopian coffee. So good!

Malkaa Ethiopian Restaurant on West Division Street in St. Cloud delivers an experience that is both authentic and memorable. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with the aromas from the kitchen setting the stage for what’s to come. The injera is fresh, soft, and perfectly tangy, serving as the ideal foundation for the richly spiced dishes. The beef was tender and deeply flavorful, while the lentils were beautifully seasoned and comforting. Every bite reflected care, tradition, and balance. Beyond the food, the hospitality stood out just as much, creating a dining experience that feels personal rather than transactional. Malkaa is more than a meal. It is a celebration of culture, flavor, and community.

It's been a while since I've had authentic Ethiopian food, and this place does NOT disappoint! The flavors, the portion sizes, the hospitality of the cook are very impressive! My husband and I had the Malekka family platter, plus two beverages (freshly made pure mango shake--nothing added and I had a canned passion fruit). Wow!! It's a small restaurant, with limited atmosphere. However, I don't dine to look at fancy window and table dressings--I go for the food. Even if you know little about Ethiopian food, the cook will walk you all you need to know. What a gem!! Go. You will learn a little and eat a LOT.

Went here for the first time with friends - it was amazing! We shared the Melkka special (pictured), beef shawarma, and chicken shawarma. Everything was freshly made, and the owners were so friendly explaining the different items on the menu. The food was strongly seasoned and delicious, but not long lasting spicy for those who can’t handle too much black pepper. Definitely worth getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new.