our story,
your table

Welcome to Teff, Fairfield County’s first Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant. At our core, we believe dining is more than a meal—it’s an experience of connection, tradition, and care. Every guest who walks through our doors is welcomed as if they are entering our home, where warmth, hospitality, and intention guide everything we do.

We take pride in sourcing our ingredients with purpose. Each component is thoughtfully selected by our team to ensure freshness, quality, and authenticity in every dish we serve. Our food is prepared slowly and deliberately, allowing flavors to develop fully and honoring the culinary traditions passed down through generations.

Teff’s story began in 2015 on the West Side of Stamford, in the very space where the Mekonen-Mengesha family operated a deli since 1999. That year, the family’s youngest daughter, Elsa, returned home from California to help her mother, Chef Hadas Mengesha, bring their vision to life. After eight years of building a beloved community staple on West Main Street, Chef Hadas passed the torch to Elsa. As the new owner, Elsa relocated Teff to downtown Stamford, where it reopened in May 2024—continuing its legacy while embracing a new chapter.

At Teff, inclusivity is at the heart of our table. Our kitchen is entirely gluten-free, as well as nut- and seed-free, allowing guests with dietary restrictions to dine with ease and confidence. Whether you are a meat eater, vegan, vegetarian, or navigating food allergies, our menu is designed so everyone can share in the same communal experience—just as it is meant to be.

The Mekonen and Mengesha family invites you to slow down, gather, and enjoy a meal that nourishes both body and connection. Bring the people you love, and let us welcome you into our home away from home.