A great majority of eating places are functioning in Addis Ababa underrndifferent denominations. The sanitary standards of these establ ishments was notrnclearly known since no systematic study had been conducted so far in the city.rnA cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the sanitary condition ofrncatering establishments in fifty randomly selected from 284 Kebeles in AddisrnAbaba proper from October to December 1994. Census identified 1485 cateringrnestablishments in these kebeles. Twelve randomly selected establishments werernincluded into the study from each Kebele for the study.rnThe response rate was 98.7%. Findings showed that 559(95.2 %) werernprivately owned. One hundred and seventy one (29.1 %) had no license. Onernhundred and fifty eight (26.9%) of the managers were not literate and only 7.2%rnhad education above grade twelve. Poor repair condition of premises, inadequaternsanitary facilities , unsanitary utensils cleaning and handling , improper wasternstorage and disposal, poor personal hygiene of food handlers were the majorrnfindings. Seventy five (12.8%) of the studied establishments were found in goodrnsanitary condition.rnMulti-sectoral approach of official control servIces by divulging thernlegislation to owners , managers , operators through regular supervIsIon and.rnincreasing awareness of foodhandlers and the public in general. through trainingrnand health education are required to improve the current sanitary condition ofrncatering establ ishments.