Massawa
“The injera is so good my brother and I fight over the last piece lol The take out service is very fast and the portions are very generous.”
“I already knew I liked Ethiopian food and Eritrean is very similar and very delicious.”
“Definitely one of my favorite spots near Columbia (that's not saying much, I know).”
Massawa
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Good flavors. Not a very hot and happening place. Must really be in the mood to eat with your hands
I love love looove Ethiopian food, and Massawa is one of the better options you can find in the city.
They have a pretty large selection of dishes, ranging from different protein meals to vegetarian meals.
While their portions don't seem too big at first (partially due to the large injera spread that dwarfs their actual meat and sauce portions), it definitely fills you up fast.
Their Tsebhi Beghe, or spicy lamb, is probably my favorite. It's not too gamey, and offers just enough resistance to be satisfying. The berbere sauce it's simmered in is also extremely delicious and addicting.
I'm also a fan of their injera, which is spongy enough to soak up all that delicious sauce. The sour flavor is also pretty pronounced, and helps balance out all the other flavors. It is, however, a bit too thin, breaking apart multiple times when trying to pick up pieces of meat.
That aside, my only issue with this place, and Ethiopian food in general, is that they tend to be pricier than other types of food.
I'd recommend coming here for their lunch deals, as they're just as good as the dinner options, only much cheaper.
This is a GREAT Ethiopian place, not only in this area but in NYC! Their tasting dish (for two) allow you to pick up to 6 different dishes, and let me tell you, it's more than enough food for two. If you've never had Ethiopian food, their "bread" is called injera, which is a spongy-like texture that's able to soak in all of the flavors from the different dishes. Now you don't have to lick your plate in public anymore!
This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and I found it to be a little too sour. Some of the veggie dishes I had were flavored really well but others were just okay. Some of it just lacked flavor. Overall, not sure how to feel about this place.
This is my go to place for really great Ethiopian/Eritrean dishes in NYC. I prefer their lamb combo (which you can also get vegetarian or other meats such as chicken or beef). I enjoy choices and the more you give me the better, so a combo dish is always a win in my book. Not to mention they include additional sides with your enjera, which can include greens, salad, shiro (pureed chickpeas), cabbage, potatoes w/ carrots. The services is great, and the coffee is a must. Two thinks that I enjoy about eating Habesha dishes, I get to eat with my hands and I get to enjoy a cup of their amazing coffee come meal end.
Shockingly, I lived near this restaurant during college and NEVER went there. 20+ years after graduation, I finally had the chance to go. We joined our German friends and tried a variety of dishes recommended by my brother. Since the food reminded me of my mother's Sri Lankan food, I am biased. If you don't mind eating with your hands, then it is a fun experience.
I feel like I have had Ethiopian food before but I don't recall what exactly I had. I was certainly looking forward to come here because it has been awhile since the last time I have had African cuisine. Also, two of my close friends all told me this is the best Ethiopian restaurants. Obviously, I came here with them.
I was here to try its lunch special under the guidance of my friends. I actually cannot remember what exactly I had but I do remember it was tasty and delicious. I was pretty full and satisfied after my meal. The lunch special runs until 4pm so definitely try it if you get a chance!
The service was not so great. I came a little after 1pm and I think my server must had a long day already. She looked tired and ujn-enthused. I was kind of hoping she would stick around and introduce the menu to me. Instead, she just gave me the menu and left. Luckily my friends have been here before so they were able to give me some instructions to understand the menu but they don't know everything either. That was disappointing but totally understandable since some days just don't go as well as others.
I would give this place 3 stars based on my own experience here. But considering it is a family-run business, I will give it 4 stars.
Nice lunch spot for students. I ordered lamb and my friend had beef massawa. Both were good. Bread is quite sour. It was fun to use hand but I kinda regret now because my hands smell like meat all day later no matter how many times I washed them :/ It was an unique experience but I don't think I'll go again