Restaurant Review: Gihon

Priscilla Akin, Staff Writer • May 7, 2026

Complex spices meet locally sourced ingredients at Gihon. The restaurant’s interior was adorned with cultural paintings and decorations.

In a quiet mall in Mira Mesa, restaurant Gihon introduces San Diego to bold Ethiopian flavors. Their mission statement is to provide “organic and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible,” and that focus shines through their cooking, plating and service. With plenty of vegan and meat options, the cuisine is open to anyone willing to dive into a multi-layered dining experience.

The Sambusa appetizer is chicken or lentil filling wrapped in a layer of philo dough. They were accompanied by a spicy red curry dipping sauce. (Priscilla Akin)

Sambusa – $9

The Sambusa appetizer has two available options: chicken and lentil. There is no wrong choice, but ordering both is the best way to experience the dish. The chicken sambusa incorporates small pieces of shredded chicken seasoned with rich herbs, while the lentil sambusa is hearty and savory. Both are wrapped in a layer of philo dough that is unbelievably golden and flaky, allowing the strong fillings to stand out. They taste best when dipped in the spicy red curry sauce.

Rating: 5/5

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The Meat Sampler contains the chicken, lamb and filet mignon. It came with injera, a fermented flat bread. (Priscilla Akin)

Meat Sampler – $59

The meat sampler comes with the chicken, lamb and filet mignon, which are cooked with vegetables, including red onions, tomatoes, bell peppers and jalapenos. Mixed with traditional African spices such as berbere and mitmita, the flavors of the meat are a bit too powerful. The meat is also served with your choice of two vegan side dishes, salad and injera, a fermented flat bread.Overall, the dish is notable and reasonably priced for the amount of food.

Rating: 4/5

The Vegan Platter includes eggplant, red lentils and whipped tofu. This platter also came with injera. (Priscilla Akin)

Vegan Platter – $39

The Vegan Platter is the best way to sample all of the wonderful vegan dishes Gihon offers. The eggplant and red lentils are warm and earthy, while the vibrant split pea stew and collard greens are comforting and flavorful. Alongside the warm dishes, there is an assortment of assorted salad, beet salad and whipped tofu.

Rating: 4/5

Gihon is where complex spices meet locally sourced ingredients, creating a memorable culinary experience. Its interior is beautifully adorned with cultural paintings and decorations, creating a welcoming dining environment to all. Being one of the few Ethiopian restaurants in the area, Gihon is prepared to serve the earthy, aromatic and soulful dishes.

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

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About the Contributor

Priscilla Akin, Staff Writer

This is Priscilla Akin’s first year on staff and she is so excited to be a Staff Writer. Her favorite pieces to write are personal pieces, but she is always up for a challenge. Outside of room 311, she heads straight to the beach volleyball courts. In her free time she can be spotted at her best friends house, looking for concert tickets, watching endless rom-coms and volunteering in her favorite kindergarten classroom. She is looking forward to continuing journalism throughout her high school career and improving her writing skills.