We enjoyed this place immensely. It's not going on my list of "must eat before you die" places, but we will be back regularly. I agree with some of the other posters that I have had bolder Ethiopian food before- but this was very flavorful. My partner's remark was that the balance of the spices was really exceptional. Excellent injera, and they gave us a little extra when it was clear we needed it. Eating without utensil efficiently takes practice! :) We went as a couple, and were served as a couple- one big plate of injera (sour dough flatbread/pancake) with all of the food we ordered. I was into this! We share everything anyways. All of the entrees are of the format that you pick your main dish, you pick one of three vegetarian sides, and rice or injera. Love this, you get to try a lot of things! Food was very tasty, and felt very healthy. We only ate off of the vegetarian menu, but I would like to try a lamb dish next time. We tried the collard greens and kale, red lentil soup, f'oul, and shiro. The only thing I didn't like that much was the collard greens- a little bland. We loved the f'oul and the shiro. A little pricey- $13 for veg dinner, $15-16 for lamb, rest in between. I say this is pricey because the veg ingredients are dirt cheap, and it's not very labor-intensive to make. I think this is partially because they don't do a huge volume, and partially just because it's exotic. One of the things that really stood out to me is that there is absolutely zero waste at this restaurant. Nothing is disposable, no utensils means less to wash, minimal use of dishes, and the hand wipes we were given before we ate were cloth napkins dipped in some kind of sanitizing liquid (btw, I have insanely sensitive skin, and these did not cause a reaction) All around, great experience!
(4)
Karsten M. H.
Excellent! The hot hand towels prior to the food's arrival are a nice touch. We had a beef and a chicken dish, both were of decent size (enough for a 3 person lunch) and nicely presented.
(5)
George B.
Excellent food. Great flavor. Pleasant servers. I've been to several Ethiopian restaurants and this may be the best yet in respect to food quality!
(5)
Jeremy G.
My wife and I love Asmara. The decor is a little spare, but the food is great and the service is excellent. We usually get the vegetarian platter. It is way more food than we need, but it's so good that we can't stop ourselves. Their kid's chicken meal is also excellent. For a fun treat, try the Honey wine.
(5)
Don W.
I was really happy with the food at Asmara and the service is awesome. I'm only giving it 4 stars because I can't give it 4.5. The problems were small: the quantity of the entrees was a bit disappointing, the Injera didn't hold together when it got wet quite as much as it does at other Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants, and I wanted a beer that was a little more unusual than a Heineken. Is it impossible to get Bedele or even Bati in Maine? I would recommend Asmara without hesitation to anyone. If you've never been there, you should go. And if you have already been there, you'll want to go back. It's awesome stuff, but I wish my portion of lamb was a bit bigger. Just so you know, they don't take American Express. That's not unusual and I don't hold it against them, but you'll want to know before you get there. Now get down to Asmara and enjoy yourself!
(4)
Jenna I.
This is the best Ethiopian/Eritrean food I've ever had. EVER. I have never found a better Ethiopian place in the US than Asmara in Portland, Maine (of all places!). I adore this place, it's usually just the owner behind the counter cooking everything to order, so it's a little slow but she's always super nice and accommodating. Everything is great here, from the spice tea to the injera (which has the perfect amount of teff!). The food is authentic, flavorful, and the best part- SPICY. On the menu you have two options: "spicy" or "fiery" (and oh, is it perfectly fiery let me tell you). I once went in with my mother who asked her "can you do possibly do a mild spice?" the owner looked at her confused "...no" A++++ that's how Ethiopian food should be. (Though she did try her best to accommodate my mother which was sweet.) Every single time I'm in Maine, I make a point to come to Portland and eat at Asmara. My only complaint is I wish it was closer!
(5)
Melissa T.
We ordered the veggie sampler for 3 people and it was a huge disappointment. I've had Ethiopian at many places and this was by far the worst experience. The meal was served on a huge communal platter and I asked for mine to be separate because I'm sick and didn't want to contaminate the other people and they said they didn't know how to do that. Um...ok? As far as the food, it wasn't enjoyable because they did not offer fresh injera on the side. Instead the injera that you are supposed to use to eat is the soggy mess that's under the platter. I've been to many Ethiopian restaurants in NYC, DC, etc and it has never been served this way. Service was terrible they never brought us drinks we had to ask numerous times for water. Also we came in with a baby and they never offered us a high chair so I assumed they didn't have one. As I was walking to the bathroom I look over and I see a high chair behind the counter piled with clothes on top. I asked them if we could use the highchair and she took a few minutes to clean all the stuff off and brought it over to our table. I thought it was really weird that we even had to ask. Overall I would say skip this place.
(1)
monica w.
A group of 5 of us went to Asmara a few months ago for dinner and I have been meaning to review it ever since. The restaurant itself it small and quaint, but has a good vibe. You have to go down an awfully steep flight of stairs to get to the restroom, which could be problematic if you are older, somewhat immobile, or tipsy. Now on to the food. Two members of our group had never had Ethiopian or Eritrean food before, so I was very excited for them to try it. For appetizers, we had an order of veggie sambusa and meat sambusa. As an entree, we all split a vegetarian sampler and got a side of alitcha derho (chicken stew) and the beef tibsi. Between all the appetizers and entrees we had quite a bit of food. We actually ran out on ijera, and they brought us more on the house. For dessert we got an order of the ligamat (fried dough balls), which I highly recommend. As we ate there a couple months ago, I cannot comment specifically on how everything tasted, but I can tell you that we were very satisfied. I have had Ethiopian food a few times before, and Eritrean food seems essentially the same, though slightly milder in terms of seasoning. If I did not live over an hour away, I would fast become a regular at this restaurant. My friends and I are already talking about planning another outing.
(5)
Jack M.
The vegetarian platter for three is great! I would highly recommend this place. The owner Asmeret is great to talk to.
(5)
Jennifer C.
Never would have guessed that I'd find a great Ethiopian restaurant in Maine. I was even more shocked to find that the food was just as good, if not better, than any Ethiopian that I've had before, even in D.C. We had the vegetarian sampler and each dish was nothing short of amazing. It just felt like all the food was made with love. However, I was a bit taken aback by the price. It was about $32 for the lunch portion. My local restaurant only charges $14 for the same thing. This wouldn't stop me from eating here again, just something that surprised me a little. Service was good. I've only been a few times because I'm not local to the area. One of the times we went, they had a small group come in and it seemed like they weren't used to serving so many people at once. I'm assuming this is family run, as there seemed to only be one or two people cooking. It took a while to get the food, but once our food got to the table, it was entirely worth it. This is definitely a rare gem in meat and potatoes Maine.
(4)
Chris M.
Great find! I have been to a few Ethiopian Restaurants in a few States but the food here was Superb, has the Lamb with okra and could not stop eating:))) Great experience!
(5)
Sarah G.
Ethiopian in Portland? Yup, Portland has this too, and it's really good! Don't let the inside fool you into not coming in. It's not hipster, it doesn't have exposed wood or brick walls, and that's okay. The food speaks for itself, and the flavors are intense, the way that good Ethiopian food should be. All highly authentic, and the best part is it doesn't break the bank. I like to come with friends that are more adventurous eaters, because they can appreciate it more. Wouldn't recommend it for people that don't really like spicy food.
(4)
Matt S.
It's like an Ethiopian style cafe/diner. Authentic owners, with an Ethiopian menu. I'm sure the menu is based mostly in family traditions. Asked the waiter (who was possibly the owner or a relative of) what he would recommend, stating I have no preferences over meat type and that I like all kinds of spiciness), I got a humble 'it's all good, do you like chicken, spicy', sure, let's go with that. I know it's probably a cringe worthy question, but secretly I was hoping he'd say 'I love xyz I have something I'm sure you'll like. It's not on the menu but for those that are open to something different, this is what I recommend' :) alas, it wasn't to be, but close enough answer. Asked for Mango juice and got a can of Goya Mango. I get it, but maybe it would have been better poured into a glass behind the counter so as to kinda fake better quality. Asked for the appetizer that ended in Fit Fit. Really zesty, light salad. Good flavor. Then the entree came 3 mins later. Not sure the name, just a huge 12" fluffy pancake with spicy marinated chicken on the bone (I shredded it with a spoon it fell off the bone), spinach and some other stuff. Felt bad I started it all before they bought the towel to wipe my hands first. Oh well. Very polite owners. Chill atmosphere. All in all I paid $26 which was reasonable for Portland. Will come again.
(4)
zin t.
The customer service was not good. They don't provide you with menus when you sit down so you have to wait for awhile to order. Food was OK. It's lacking portion for the price.
(3)
Steven R.
The amount of food was great. I am so full. Getting to eat with my hands was fun. The taste of every part of the meal was the best. First time eating Ethiopian food. Highly recommend you try it. I will definitely be back with friends.
(5)
Mike S.
Ethiopian food is good stuff and this place is good. The injura was tasty as was the lamb, salmon and chicken. Overall, however, it was a bit under whelming compared to other Ethiopian I've had elsewhere. I would recommend the food if you want some. The atmosphere was a bit less than great. There was no music, some regular tables and photos on the walls, unlike all the other places which were much more traditional. The staff was pleasant and attentive.
(3)
Becky M.
Cozy hole-in-the-wall with a family-owned vibe. Came in on a Wednesday night with my lovely accompaniment and we had the place to ourselves. Sat at the window booth and had a nice view of Oak street on a rainy night. Not your normal "Maine" fare, however totally worth making a trip to Portland for. It was more of a dining experience as compared to just ordering and eating. Thought the honey wine would be painfully sweet but was just right. Strong honey flavor. The highlight of the chop-chop salad was the dressing and torn bits of Injera. Chickpeas were flavorful, delicious and creamy. Meal was serve communal, without utensils. My new favorite utensil? Injera! Think of a pancake made with sour dough. Meat served next to vegetarian entree. Strict vegetarians who would be offended by this, be warned! Went back with a friend to try the vegetarian sampler. Menu says serves 3-4 people for about $41 but we were able to finish almost the entire platter. Perfect amount left for lunch the next day. The chickpeas remain my favorite, although everything was delicious. Tried the Tusker Ale this time around, a traditional beer in Africa and although I'm no beer-connoisseur, I really enjoyed it. The very friendly and thoughtful owner served our food and engaged in interesting conversation. He even remembered me the second time I went in. I find myself wanting Asmara over and over and over again....
(5)
Less H.
Eat with my hands? Why not. Not to worry they will give you a spoon or fork if you aren't dexterous enough to shovel the grub into your pie hole with your paws. And shovel it in I did. This place is my favorite sort of place, a small hole in the wall next to a more popular cafe. They won out since my friend and I didn't have cash and Asmara takes plastic. We walked in around 130pm and were suddenly worried, it was empty, just us and the waitress and owner (mother and daughter.) Those worries were calmed by walk in lunch take away. We ordered and the food was to our table quickly. I felt bad that my friend and I had to have separate plates, she's strict vegetarian and I ordered meat. But they accommodated us without issue. The food arrived quickly and man, it was good. There was enough that I couldn't finish my meal (Chicken stew) and my friend left feeling that she'd eaten too much. The food was flavorful and delicious. Prices for lunch are extremely affordable, with dinner prices being a little more expensive. I left here wanting to take all of my friends for lunch, too bad I don't live in Portland. A spot I'll remember for the next time I'm traveling through Portland.
(5)
David D.
Really can't beat this place if you're into Eritrean/Ethiopian food. I don't have too much to add to the glowing reviews, but I'll highlight a few points: 1) Food is extremely tasty and varied -- the veggie sampler has items such as okra and ful which you don't see everywhere 2) Extremely pleasant and thoughtful owner/chef -- she saw that we had kids who were craning their necks to see SpongeBob on her television behind the counter (for her little nephew); she turned the tv so they could watch it too! 3) Great kid's menu - basically, a few items in a tomato sauce w/o the spice, but still served on injera, so I can say my toddlers enjoyed Eritrean cuisine! 4) Best salad dressing -- usually the salad is a thrown on in the sampler, but this was the best salad I've ever had 5) Cool photos on the wall -- waterfalls, picturesque sunsets, runners, you really get the vibe
(5)
Michelle B.
One of the best meals I've ever had. I walked in randomly after searching Portland for somewhere to eat. I was in a new city so I figured I'd try a new type of food. I ordered the Chicken Tibsi with a side of red lentil stew on injera. Amazing. I've never had anything like it. The cook came over and explained to us how to eat the food since it was our first time. I'd make the drive back to Portland just for this restaurant. A little on the expensive side, but worth it.
(5)
Kaizad P.
Delicious Eritrean food. Spinach and potatoes in berbere, red lentil stew and injera. The honey wine was refreshingly different. Great wait staff too.
(4)
Matt F.
I ordered some vegetarian food and was highly disappointed. The flavor was ok, but the food was prepared in a microwave. A legitimate chef would not do this, and it really shouldn't be allowed in a restaurant for a number of reasons. Prices were high for radiated food and the meals were also served on tray tables, which felt like a cafeteria. I wouldn't go back here.
(1)
Liz P.
If I could give Asmara 10 stars instead of 5, I would. Since moving from Portland I have tried Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants all down the east coast and have not found anything close to as delicious this place is. I've had nearly everything on the vegetarian menu at this point and they are all delicious. Definitely get the appetizers, sambusa is so good. The service is a little slow, but it's worth it for such a rich food experience. It's small and definitely not the kind of dining that Portland is known for, but I would say it's a MUST for any visit to Portland.
(5)
Jeff P.
I've come here now on several occasions and have always had a delicious and fun meal. While you can go about it the usual way (with a fork and knife), it's much more fun and effective to just dig in with your bare hands. Oh, and the homemade honey wine packs a punch!
(4)
AJ P.
Maybe Ethiopian food just isn't my thing...it's just not the ethnic fair I would choose for a night out. But as far as Ethiopia restaurants go, this place has pretty good food. Different lamb, chicken, beef, and vegetarian dishes. They're all served on the injura (traditional Ethiopian item that serves as a plate and utensil- think of it as a slightly spongy sour pancake/tortilla/naan). I've had a bunch of their different dishes and stews. All of them have been good, but lack the intense flavoring and spices that I would personally want. We tried the salmon dish that they only make on Friday and Saturday nights. It was okay, nothing to write home about. Large chunks of salmon, but stewed to the pint that the freshness of the fish really doesn't matter. The place is adore end with some Ethiopian art pieces. It's a small restaurant closer to the arts district than the old port. Food can take a little while to come out, so don't expect a quick bite to eat. Overall, Asmara is a good restaurant. Not somewhere I would personally choose, but wouldn't be averse to having a group meal there if others had picked it.
(3)
Richard W.
Absolutely delicious. Honey wine was just right - not too sweet. If don't know Eritrean food, don't worry - you will become a fan here! Great service as well! Small, informal, family owned.
(5)
Andrew F.
This was my first time getting Ethiopian food and it was incredible. The sour bread goes so well with the spiced food and it was fun to eat with your hands. Highly recommeneded.
(5)
Anna W.
Dang. What a place. I really enjoyed my dinner at Asmara. Not many people I know in Portland have been here before which is surprising but I often here people saying "I've been meaning to try that place!" Well....just do it! If you have never had Ethiopian before or if it's your favorite, this place is awesome. Super friendly staff. If it's a slow night I recommend ordering one dish at a time and then continuing to order as you decide what you like best and how much more you want to eat. They have Tusker (very common Kenyan beer), which I found extremely exciting. I just highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone as a step away from the 'normal' downtown dinner spots.
(5)
Angela J.
This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and I have to say I enjoyed it. Very social and communal. While the food was tasty, I have to say I felt it was lacking a bit of flavor or punch. We tried several dishes together- spinach, lamb, chicken and salmon. The injera was great, and they were definitely attentive to give you more. The honey wine is made in house- and it was interesting and very sweet (though I think a one time experience for me). Overall, I look forward to trying Ethiopian food again-- but may at a different venue.
(3)
Brita O.
Yum, yum and more yum. Went with my 8-year-old daughter for a fun eating adventure, and we loved the whole experience -- eating with fingers, the spongy injera and the superbly flavorful food. We ordered the mildly spiced chicken for her and the red pepper spicy chicken for me. Both were exceptional, as were the accompanying side dishes. We also ordered lemonade, which was clearly homemade and had great lemon flavor. (We did need to add sugar to our drinks, and ice would have been nice. But the taste was amazing.)
(5)
Sam S.
Great experience. There is something wonderful about walking into a restaurant and feeling like you just walked into a sweet, doting, but overworked motherly-type's dining room. That's what Asmara feels like -- the place is by no means well-decorated in a purist sense -- with the wrinkled and stained tourist posters on the walls, and random wicker trays, pieces of mesob, etc -- but all in all it has an underlying charm and elegance that makes you feel comfortable despite the clutter. No coincidence that it is run by a sweet, doting, motherly-type.
(5)
Brady H.
Amazing traditional Ethiopian food, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for amazing flavors delicious meat and great host.
(5)
Elizabeth V.
I am extremely disappointed with this place. I found it based on the reviews here and it is absolutely way over rated. I love Ethiopian food it is my favorite cuisine and this is the worste ethiopian restaurant I have eaten at. To start the injera is too thick and not sour enough. I got a veggie sampler which promises to have every dish on the veggie menu but instead they brought a total of 7 things including two of the same salad and two of the collard greens. And 3 other dishes from the veggie menu. BEWARE this is a lie it does NOT include all dishes and is $40 for something any ethiopian place would charge $15 for! It is DEFINITELY not enough for 3 to 4 people as they claim. I ate it with one other person and we were still hungry. The collard greens are completely flavorless and the salad has very inauthentic italian dressing on it. The potatoes and cabbage also had no flavor and neither did the lentils. The okra was ok. The only good thing about this place is the honey wine. Beware if you actually like ethiopian food or eating something with flavor do not go here.
(1)
Jax P.
After 9 years of living in Portland, Asmara is STILL my favorite "cheap eats" go to restaurant. The woman who owns the place always remembers me, asks to see pics of my daughter, and totally knows that it's me on the phone when I place my order, so I don't even need to ask for extra injera anymore, it just shows up in the box. As my wife isn't a fan of Ethiopian/Eritrean food, I typically do take out and we have a picnic at home, but I also love lingering here and having their honey wine, or coffee service. I've tried almost everything on the menu, but my two regular go-to dishes are the spicy beef with potatoes, or the chicken tbesi - spicy chicken stew. I typically get the red lentil side, and even though I know it's probably bottled italian dressing on the salad, it works SO well with the injera and the rest of the dish. Cost is about $10-12 per meal, and there is SO much food. I've had Ethiopian/Eritrean food in San Fransicso, NY, and Boston - and this is hands down the best place I've ever had this kind of food.
(5)
Jonique S.
Small on the inside. Hand-only Ethiopian food that is bursting with flavor! The fish-stew dish that I had was absolutely delicious.
(4)
Frankachino T.
Eritrean food at its very finest! I felt right at home dining here, as the host went out of his way to make us feel welcomed and appreciated. It's apparent, from the moment I walked in, that this particular establishment is family owned and operated, which to me, is great thing indeed! As for the food, it was absolutely fantastic. I went with the curried chicken, with a side of collard greens, along with a carrot and cabbage concoction, which was out of this world. If you're a fan of spicy ethnic foods, and aren't afraid to eat with your hands (c'mon, who doesn't like eating with their hands?!), you can really do no better than Asmara. The place just screams authenticity!
(4)
Alec B.
I work across the street from Asmara, and I frequently go there to pick up one of their $8.95 lunch specials, a steal for the quality of cuisine. I love this place. Love it. I've tried several things on the menu, and they've all been spectacular. The foul is spot on, on par with the stuff I've sampled in Egypt and the Middle East. The chicken dishes always consist of juicy, tender portions, and the lamb is always a highlight. The side dishes are also great: I always get the red pepper stew with my lunch special. The highlight of this place, however, is the owner. Warm, friendly, and hard-working, she is always a pleasure to see when I stop by for lunch.
(5)
Tan N.
we dropped into this restaurant because I have never seen such strong recommendations on yelp. And this time, yelp did not lead me astray. This place is so authentic, so delicious that the family that owns this place just had to be from eritrea. I'm not sure, I didn't ask. what I am absolutely sure is that the the family was so warm and welcoming that they make southern hospitality seem like the culture of cannibals. No fewer than three different people came out to apologise for their perceived sense of slow service (it was not slow). When the food 'finally' came out, I told the owner that it was really good. He asked if I ever had eritrean food before. I said I had ethiopean food once. He laughed and said it was all the same thing. With service like that, it's definitely not all the same.
(5)
T N.
What Rox F. said below.... We have been fans of this place since they opened and adore the family who runs it. Very good, very tasty food and one of the best in Portland for flavor and value!
(4)
Rox F.
So I am the jerk who just gives them four stars. I know I know. Let me explain...I love Ethiopian food (yes I know this place is Eritrean) and i have had it in many places (Toronto, LA, Detroit, Denver, Portland) but this is not my favourite place nor is it my second favourite BUT it is very very good and the prices are good. The thing that really makes it is the ambiance, not because it is fancy and well appointed, but because it is a small, family run business with all the warmth and care that comes with that. What I assume are the owners' kids were there doing their homework and the older daughter took our order. Some people who were sitting across from us got fed up with waiting and left before they got their food. Come on, if you go for Ethiopian you know you have a bit of a wait ahead of you, this happens everywhere and it is just part of the experience...relax and have a beer and chill out mannnn. Anyhow the portions were large and filling and the Injera was supplied on demand when we ran out. Really a Gem in Portland and worth a try (and a return trip!)
(4)
Christina F.
EXCELLENT Eritrean food. My spicy beef and okra over the injera was absolutely delicious. And at under $9, an absolute steal. Comfortable, casual atmosphere. Service is a bit slow, but totally worth it. Highly recommended!
(5)
Miss M.
I love this place for lunch! I've not tried it for dinner but the lunch specials and the fact that it is not crowded gets my thumbs up. The lady that runs/cooks is super sweet and very accommodating. I've not had Ethiopean food this good since I left Los Angeles. The injera is wonderful as are the vegetarian dishes. Awesome place!
(5)
sonia t.
Some of the best Eritrean food I've had with such charming owners. Walked in for the first time and was greeted like we were family! Homemade honey wine, delicious lamb dish, and a quick lesson on the history of Ethiopia; I loved it and will definitely be back!
(5)
Katie I.
This is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant ever. I have yet to find a better one in NYC and whenever I'm in Portland I always have to come here. Technically its Eritrean food, but the menu is the same as any Ethiopian place ( I can't tell the difference). What makes this place so good is they don't dumb down their food for Americans. They make it spicy and authentic and its awesome. I'm sick of how bland and mild the other ethiopian restaurants I've been to are, just 'cause the rest of my country is a wuss doesn't mean I am! The fiery lamb/beef/chicken stew is my personal fav. GO HERE.
(5)
Lisa V.
My favorite restaurant in Portland. If you haven't tried Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine, make this your next stop. Habesha food is spicy, aromatic, and WAY fun to eat. It will tantalize your taste buds! The family that owns the place will treat you right. They are lovely people.
(5)
Bushra S.
I've heard Ethiopian and Eritrean food is supposed to be similar, but I hate that statement. I mean even if one has been ruled but the other for a long time, there has to be differences! That was just a theory until I visited Asmara for dinner. Yes the ingredients are fairly similar and yes so are the dishes (even if the names may be different). But that is where the similarities stop. Just as two curries from different region of India are being different so it makes sense that two countries that have been in conflict for so long have different taste preferences. Not that I can comment after one meal! Food at Asmara was delicious, but lacked that oomph that is usually found in Ethiopian places. Additionally they didn't have a few of the items on the menu that we wanted to order. sort of a bad sign for a lunch on the weekend. I will try other Eritrean restaurants and keep testing my theory, but my preference so far would be to drive to Habeesha in Malden than to Asmara in Portland for the real deal.
(3)
Sarah B.
Came here late in the evening. When we got to the door, the sign said they were closed but they waived us inside and quickly sat us, providing warm towels to wash our hands. It was such a relief to find authentic Eritrean cuisine in Portland, ME. I ordered some traditional Fou'l dish served on Injan, which was all fantastic. The family atmosphere was wonderful. I never felt rushed and the staff was kind and attentive. I will definitely go back again.
(5)
Maile Y.
We were visiting for the holidays and our parents babysat so we could have a wonderful, rare date night. I'm so glad that we chose Asmara! The food was delicious (we got the beef with spicy potatoes and shiro with the red lentils and cabbage/carrots/potatoes as sides). Yes as others had commented the injera does fall apart a bit when wet, and it is a small restaurant with no atmosphere. But does that really matter when the food is so good! We literally cleaned the plate, which is why we have no photos to show (we forgot about taking photos until after we had devoured the food).. We would have loved to have tried the veggie sampler but it would have been too much food for just us 2. Next time we'll come with friends!
(4)
comic c.
When I arrived I was so pre-occupied with telling the story of what happened in my day that I barely looked at the menu. When the meal arrived with injera bread and our order, I stumbled as I found no silverware. We laughed, gobbling up the food and the experience. Definitely recommended!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Asya P.
We enjoyed this place immensely. It's not going on my list of "must eat before you die" places, but we will be back regularly. I agree with some of the other posters that I have had bolder Ethiopian food before- but this was very flavorful. My partner's remark was that the balance of the spices was really exceptional. Excellent injera, and they gave us a little extra when it was clear we needed it. Eating without utensil efficiently takes practice! :) We went as a couple, and were served as a couple- one big plate of injera (sour dough flatbread/pancake) with all of the food we ordered. I was into this! We share everything anyways. All of the entrees are of the format that you pick your main dish, you pick one of three vegetarian sides, and rice or injera. Love this, you get to try a lot of things! Food was very tasty, and felt very healthy. We only ate off of the vegetarian menu, but I would like to try a lamb dish next time. We tried the collard greens and kale, red lentil soup, f'oul, and shiro. The only thing I didn't like that much was the collard greens- a little bland. We loved the f'oul and the shiro. A little pricey- $13 for veg dinner, $15-16 for lamb, rest in between. I say this is pricey because the veg ingredients are dirt cheap, and it's not very labor-intensive to make. I think this is partially because they don't do a huge volume, and partially just because it's exotic. One of the things that really stood out to me is that there is absolutely zero waste at this restaurant. Nothing is disposable, no utensils means less to wash, minimal use of dishes, and the hand wipes we were given before we ate were cloth napkins dipped in some kind of sanitizing liquid (btw, I have insanely sensitive skin, and these did not cause a reaction) All around, great experience!
(4)Karsten M. H.
Excellent! The hot hand towels prior to the food's arrival are a nice touch. We had a beef and a chicken dish, both were of decent size (enough for a 3 person lunch) and nicely presented.
(5)George B.
Excellent food. Great flavor. Pleasant servers. I've been to several Ethiopian restaurants and this may be the best yet in respect to food quality!
(5)Jeremy G.
My wife and I love Asmara. The decor is a little spare, but the food is great and the service is excellent. We usually get the vegetarian platter. It is way more food than we need, but it's so good that we can't stop ourselves. Their kid's chicken meal is also excellent. For a fun treat, try the Honey wine.
(5)Don W.
I was really happy with the food at Asmara and the service is awesome. I'm only giving it 4 stars because I can't give it 4.5. The problems were small: the quantity of the entrees was a bit disappointing, the Injera didn't hold together when it got wet quite as much as it does at other Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants, and I wanted a beer that was a little more unusual than a Heineken. Is it impossible to get Bedele or even Bati in Maine? I would recommend Asmara without hesitation to anyone. If you've never been there, you should go. And if you have already been there, you'll want to go back. It's awesome stuff, but I wish my portion of lamb was a bit bigger. Just so you know, they don't take American Express. That's not unusual and I don't hold it against them, but you'll want to know before you get there. Now get down to Asmara and enjoy yourself!
(4)Jenna I.
This is the best Ethiopian/Eritrean food I've ever had. EVER. I have never found a better Ethiopian place in the US than Asmara in Portland, Maine (of all places!). I adore this place, it's usually just the owner behind the counter cooking everything to order, so it's a little slow but she's always super nice and accommodating. Everything is great here, from the spice tea to the injera (which has the perfect amount of teff!). The food is authentic, flavorful, and the best part- SPICY. On the menu you have two options: "spicy" or "fiery" (and oh, is it perfectly fiery let me tell you). I once went in with my mother who asked her "can you do possibly do a mild spice?" the owner looked at her confused "...no" A++++ that's how Ethiopian food should be. (Though she did try her best to accommodate my mother which was sweet.) Every single time I'm in Maine, I make a point to come to Portland and eat at Asmara. My only complaint is I wish it was closer!
(5)Melissa T.
We ordered the veggie sampler for 3 people and it was a huge disappointment. I've had Ethiopian at many places and this was by far the worst experience. The meal was served on a huge communal platter and I asked for mine to be separate because I'm sick and didn't want to contaminate the other people and they said they didn't know how to do that. Um...ok? As far as the food, it wasn't enjoyable because they did not offer fresh injera on the side. Instead the injera that you are supposed to use to eat is the soggy mess that's under the platter. I've been to many Ethiopian restaurants in NYC, DC, etc and it has never been served this way. Service was terrible they never brought us drinks we had to ask numerous times for water. Also we came in with a baby and they never offered us a high chair so I assumed they didn't have one. As I was walking to the bathroom I look over and I see a high chair behind the counter piled with clothes on top. I asked them if we could use the highchair and she took a few minutes to clean all the stuff off and brought it over to our table. I thought it was really weird that we even had to ask. Overall I would say skip this place.
(1)monica w.
A group of 5 of us went to Asmara a few months ago for dinner and I have been meaning to review it ever since. The restaurant itself it small and quaint, but has a good vibe. You have to go down an awfully steep flight of stairs to get to the restroom, which could be problematic if you are older, somewhat immobile, or tipsy. Now on to the food. Two members of our group had never had Ethiopian or Eritrean food before, so I was very excited for them to try it. For appetizers, we had an order of veggie sambusa and meat sambusa. As an entree, we all split a vegetarian sampler and got a side of alitcha derho (chicken stew) and the beef tibsi. Between all the appetizers and entrees we had quite a bit of food. We actually ran out on ijera, and they brought us more on the house. For dessert we got an order of the ligamat (fried dough balls), which I highly recommend. As we ate there a couple months ago, I cannot comment specifically on how everything tasted, but I can tell you that we were very satisfied. I have had Ethiopian food a few times before, and Eritrean food seems essentially the same, though slightly milder in terms of seasoning. If I did not live over an hour away, I would fast become a regular at this restaurant. My friends and I are already talking about planning another outing.
(5)Jack M.
The vegetarian platter for three is great! I would highly recommend this place. The owner Asmeret is great to talk to.
(5)Jennifer C.
Never would have guessed that I'd find a great Ethiopian restaurant in Maine. I was even more shocked to find that the food was just as good, if not better, than any Ethiopian that I've had before, even in D.C. We had the vegetarian sampler and each dish was nothing short of amazing. It just felt like all the food was made with love. However, I was a bit taken aback by the price. It was about $32 for the lunch portion. My local restaurant only charges $14 for the same thing. This wouldn't stop me from eating here again, just something that surprised me a little. Service was good. I've only been a few times because I'm not local to the area. One of the times we went, they had a small group come in and it seemed like they weren't used to serving so many people at once. I'm assuming this is family run, as there seemed to only be one or two people cooking. It took a while to get the food, but once our food got to the table, it was entirely worth it. This is definitely a rare gem in meat and potatoes Maine.
(4)Chris M.
Great find! I have been to a few Ethiopian Restaurants in a few States but the food here was Superb, has the Lamb with okra and could not stop eating:))) Great experience!
(5)Sarah G.
Ethiopian in Portland? Yup, Portland has this too, and it's really good! Don't let the inside fool you into not coming in. It's not hipster, it doesn't have exposed wood or brick walls, and that's okay. The food speaks for itself, and the flavors are intense, the way that good Ethiopian food should be. All highly authentic, and the best part is it doesn't break the bank. I like to come with friends that are more adventurous eaters, because they can appreciate it more. Wouldn't recommend it for people that don't really like spicy food.
(4)Matt S.
It's like an Ethiopian style cafe/diner. Authentic owners, with an Ethiopian menu. I'm sure the menu is based mostly in family traditions. Asked the waiter (who was possibly the owner or a relative of) what he would recommend, stating I have no preferences over meat type and that I like all kinds of spiciness), I got a humble 'it's all good, do you like chicken, spicy', sure, let's go with that. I know it's probably a cringe worthy question, but secretly I was hoping he'd say 'I love xyz I have something I'm sure you'll like. It's not on the menu but for those that are open to something different, this is what I recommend' :) alas, it wasn't to be, but close enough answer. Asked for Mango juice and got a can of Goya Mango. I get it, but maybe it would have been better poured into a glass behind the counter so as to kinda fake better quality. Asked for the appetizer that ended in Fit Fit. Really zesty, light salad. Good flavor. Then the entree came 3 mins later. Not sure the name, just a huge 12" fluffy pancake with spicy marinated chicken on the bone (I shredded it with a spoon it fell off the bone), spinach and some other stuff. Felt bad I started it all before they bought the towel to wipe my hands first. Oh well. Very polite owners. Chill atmosphere. All in all I paid $26 which was reasonable for Portland. Will come again.
(4)zin t.
The customer service was not good. They don't provide you with menus when you sit down so you have to wait for awhile to order. Food was OK. It's lacking portion for the price.
(3)Steven R.
The amount of food was great. I am so full. Getting to eat with my hands was fun. The taste of every part of the meal was the best. First time eating Ethiopian food. Highly recommend you try it. I will definitely be back with friends.
(5)Mike S.
Ethiopian food is good stuff and this place is good. The injura was tasty as was the lamb, salmon and chicken. Overall, however, it was a bit under whelming compared to other Ethiopian I've had elsewhere. I would recommend the food if you want some. The atmosphere was a bit less than great. There was no music, some regular tables and photos on the walls, unlike all the other places which were much more traditional. The staff was pleasant and attentive.
(3)Becky M.
Cozy hole-in-the-wall with a family-owned vibe. Came in on a Wednesday night with my lovely accompaniment and we had the place to ourselves. Sat at the window booth and had a nice view of Oak street on a rainy night. Not your normal "Maine" fare, however totally worth making a trip to Portland for. It was more of a dining experience as compared to just ordering and eating. Thought the honey wine would be painfully sweet but was just right. Strong honey flavor. The highlight of the chop-chop salad was the dressing and torn bits of Injera. Chickpeas were flavorful, delicious and creamy. Meal was serve communal, without utensils. My new favorite utensil? Injera! Think of a pancake made with sour dough. Meat served next to vegetarian entree. Strict vegetarians who would be offended by this, be warned! Went back with a friend to try the vegetarian sampler. Menu says serves 3-4 people for about $41 but we were able to finish almost the entire platter. Perfect amount left for lunch the next day. The chickpeas remain my favorite, although everything was delicious. Tried the Tusker Ale this time around, a traditional beer in Africa and although I'm no beer-connoisseur, I really enjoyed it. The very friendly and thoughtful owner served our food and engaged in interesting conversation. He even remembered me the second time I went in. I find myself wanting Asmara over and over and over again....
(5)Less H.
Eat with my hands? Why not. Not to worry they will give you a spoon or fork if you aren't dexterous enough to shovel the grub into your pie hole with your paws. And shovel it in I did. This place is my favorite sort of place, a small hole in the wall next to a more popular cafe. They won out since my friend and I didn't have cash and Asmara takes plastic. We walked in around 130pm and were suddenly worried, it was empty, just us and the waitress and owner (mother and daughter.) Those worries were calmed by walk in lunch take away. We ordered and the food was to our table quickly. I felt bad that my friend and I had to have separate plates, she's strict vegetarian and I ordered meat. But they accommodated us without issue. The food arrived quickly and man, it was good. There was enough that I couldn't finish my meal (Chicken stew) and my friend left feeling that she'd eaten too much. The food was flavorful and delicious. Prices for lunch are extremely affordable, with dinner prices being a little more expensive. I left here wanting to take all of my friends for lunch, too bad I don't live in Portland. A spot I'll remember for the next time I'm traveling through Portland.
(5)David D.
Really can't beat this place if you're into Eritrean/Ethiopian food. I don't have too much to add to the glowing reviews, but I'll highlight a few points: 1) Food is extremely tasty and varied -- the veggie sampler has items such as okra and ful which you don't see everywhere 2) Extremely pleasant and thoughtful owner/chef -- she saw that we had kids who were craning their necks to see SpongeBob on her television behind the counter (for her little nephew); she turned the tv so they could watch it too! 3) Great kid's menu - basically, a few items in a tomato sauce w/o the spice, but still served on injera, so I can say my toddlers enjoyed Eritrean cuisine! 4) Best salad dressing -- usually the salad is a thrown on in the sampler, but this was the best salad I've ever had 5) Cool photos on the wall -- waterfalls, picturesque sunsets, runners, you really get the vibe
(5)Michelle B.
One of the best meals I've ever had. I walked in randomly after searching Portland for somewhere to eat. I was in a new city so I figured I'd try a new type of food. I ordered the Chicken Tibsi with a side of red lentil stew on injera. Amazing. I've never had anything like it. The cook came over and explained to us how to eat the food since it was our first time. I'd make the drive back to Portland just for this restaurant. A little on the expensive side, but worth it.
(5)Kaizad P.
Delicious Eritrean food. Spinach and potatoes in berbere, red lentil stew and injera. The honey wine was refreshingly different. Great wait staff too.
(4)Matt F.
I ordered some vegetarian food and was highly disappointed. The flavor was ok, but the food was prepared in a microwave. A legitimate chef would not do this, and it really shouldn't be allowed in a restaurant for a number of reasons. Prices were high for radiated food and the meals were also served on tray tables, which felt like a cafeteria. I wouldn't go back here.
(1)Liz P.
If I could give Asmara 10 stars instead of 5, I would. Since moving from Portland I have tried Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurants all down the east coast and have not found anything close to as delicious this place is. I've had nearly everything on the vegetarian menu at this point and they are all delicious. Definitely get the appetizers, sambusa is so good. The service is a little slow, but it's worth it for such a rich food experience. It's small and definitely not the kind of dining that Portland is known for, but I would say it's a MUST for any visit to Portland.
(5)Jeff P.
I've come here now on several occasions and have always had a delicious and fun meal. While you can go about it the usual way (with a fork and knife), it's much more fun and effective to just dig in with your bare hands. Oh, and the homemade honey wine packs a punch!
(4)AJ P.
Maybe Ethiopian food just isn't my thing...it's just not the ethnic fair I would choose for a night out. But as far as Ethiopia restaurants go, this place has pretty good food. Different lamb, chicken, beef, and vegetarian dishes. They're all served on the injura (traditional Ethiopian item that serves as a plate and utensil- think of it as a slightly spongy sour pancake/tortilla/naan). I've had a bunch of their different dishes and stews. All of them have been good, but lack the intense flavoring and spices that I would personally want. We tried the salmon dish that they only make on Friday and Saturday nights. It was okay, nothing to write home about. Large chunks of salmon, but stewed to the pint that the freshness of the fish really doesn't matter. The place is adore end with some Ethiopian art pieces. It's a small restaurant closer to the arts district than the old port. Food can take a little while to come out, so don't expect a quick bite to eat. Overall, Asmara is a good restaurant. Not somewhere I would personally choose, but wouldn't be averse to having a group meal there if others had picked it.
(3)Richard W.
Absolutely delicious. Honey wine was just right - not too sweet. If don't know Eritrean food, don't worry - you will become a fan here! Great service as well! Small, informal, family owned.
(5)Andrew F.
This was my first time getting Ethiopian food and it was incredible. The sour bread goes so well with the spiced food and it was fun to eat with your hands. Highly recommeneded.
(5)Anna W.
Dang. What a place. I really enjoyed my dinner at Asmara. Not many people I know in Portland have been here before which is surprising but I often here people saying "I've been meaning to try that place!" Well....just do it! If you have never had Ethiopian before or if it's your favorite, this place is awesome. Super friendly staff. If it's a slow night I recommend ordering one dish at a time and then continuing to order as you decide what you like best and how much more you want to eat. They have Tusker (very common Kenyan beer), which I found extremely exciting. I just highly recommend this place to anyone and everyone as a step away from the 'normal' downtown dinner spots.
(5)Angela J.
This was my first experience with Ethiopian food, and I have to say I enjoyed it. Very social and communal. While the food was tasty, I have to say I felt it was lacking a bit of flavor or punch. We tried several dishes together- spinach, lamb, chicken and salmon. The injera was great, and they were definitely attentive to give you more. The honey wine is made in house- and it was interesting and very sweet (though I think a one time experience for me). Overall, I look forward to trying Ethiopian food again-- but may at a different venue.
(3)Brita O.
Yum, yum and more yum. Went with my 8-year-old daughter for a fun eating adventure, and we loved the whole experience -- eating with fingers, the spongy injera and the superbly flavorful food. We ordered the mildly spiced chicken for her and the red pepper spicy chicken for me. Both were exceptional, as were the accompanying side dishes. We also ordered lemonade, which was clearly homemade and had great lemon flavor. (We did need to add sugar to our drinks, and ice would have been nice. But the taste was amazing.)
(5)Sam S.
Great experience. There is something wonderful about walking into a restaurant and feeling like you just walked into a sweet, doting, but overworked motherly-type's dining room. That's what Asmara feels like -- the place is by no means well-decorated in a purist sense -- with the wrinkled and stained tourist posters on the walls, and random wicker trays, pieces of mesob, etc -- but all in all it has an underlying charm and elegance that makes you feel comfortable despite the clutter. No coincidence that it is run by a sweet, doting, motherly-type.
(5)Brady H.
Amazing traditional Ethiopian food, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for amazing flavors delicious meat and great host.
(5)Elizabeth V.
I am extremely disappointed with this place. I found it based on the reviews here and it is absolutely way over rated. I love Ethiopian food it is my favorite cuisine and this is the worste ethiopian restaurant I have eaten at. To start the injera is too thick and not sour enough. I got a veggie sampler which promises to have every dish on the veggie menu but instead they brought a total of 7 things including two of the same salad and two of the collard greens. And 3 other dishes from the veggie menu. BEWARE this is a lie it does NOT include all dishes and is $40 for something any ethiopian place would charge $15 for! It is DEFINITELY not enough for 3 to 4 people as they claim. I ate it with one other person and we were still hungry. The collard greens are completely flavorless and the salad has very inauthentic italian dressing on it. The potatoes and cabbage also had no flavor and neither did the lentils. The okra was ok. The only good thing about this place is the honey wine. Beware if you actually like ethiopian food or eating something with flavor do not go here.
(1)Jax P.
After 9 years of living in Portland, Asmara is STILL my favorite "cheap eats" go to restaurant. The woman who owns the place always remembers me, asks to see pics of my daughter, and totally knows that it's me on the phone when I place my order, so I don't even need to ask for extra injera anymore, it just shows up in the box. As my wife isn't a fan of Ethiopian/Eritrean food, I typically do take out and we have a picnic at home, but I also love lingering here and having their honey wine, or coffee service. I've tried almost everything on the menu, but my two regular go-to dishes are the spicy beef with potatoes, or the chicken tbesi - spicy chicken stew. I typically get the red lentil side, and even though I know it's probably bottled italian dressing on the salad, it works SO well with the injera and the rest of the dish. Cost is about $10-12 per meal, and there is SO much food. I've had Ethiopian/Eritrean food in San Fransicso, NY, and Boston - and this is hands down the best place I've ever had this kind of food.
(5)Jonique S.
Small on the inside. Hand-only Ethiopian food that is bursting with flavor! The fish-stew dish that I had was absolutely delicious.
(4)Frankachino T.
Eritrean food at its very finest! I felt right at home dining here, as the host went out of his way to make us feel welcomed and appreciated. It's apparent, from the moment I walked in, that this particular establishment is family owned and operated, which to me, is great thing indeed! As for the food, it was absolutely fantastic. I went with the curried chicken, with a side of collard greens, along with a carrot and cabbage concoction, which was out of this world. If you're a fan of spicy ethnic foods, and aren't afraid to eat with your hands (c'mon, who doesn't like eating with their hands?!), you can really do no better than Asmara. The place just screams authenticity!
(4)Alec B.
I work across the street from Asmara, and I frequently go there to pick up one of their $8.95 lunch specials, a steal for the quality of cuisine. I love this place. Love it. I've tried several things on the menu, and they've all been spectacular. The foul is spot on, on par with the stuff I've sampled in Egypt and the Middle East. The chicken dishes always consist of juicy, tender portions, and the lamb is always a highlight. The side dishes are also great: I always get the red pepper stew with my lunch special. The highlight of this place, however, is the owner. Warm, friendly, and hard-working, she is always a pleasure to see when I stop by for lunch.
(5)Tan N.
we dropped into this restaurant because I have never seen such strong recommendations on yelp. And this time, yelp did not lead me astray. This place is so authentic, so delicious that the family that owns this place just had to be from eritrea. I'm not sure, I didn't ask. what I am absolutely sure is that the the family was so warm and welcoming that they make southern hospitality seem like the culture of cannibals. No fewer than three different people came out to apologise for their perceived sense of slow service (it was not slow). When the food 'finally' came out, I told the owner that it was really good. He asked if I ever had eritrean food before. I said I had ethiopean food once. He laughed and said it was all the same thing. With service like that, it's definitely not all the same.
(5)T N.
What Rox F. said below.... We have been fans of this place since they opened and adore the family who runs it. Very good, very tasty food and one of the best in Portland for flavor and value!
(4)Rox F.
So I am the jerk who just gives them four stars. I know I know. Let me explain...I love Ethiopian food (yes I know this place is Eritrean) and i have had it in many places (Toronto, LA, Detroit, Denver, Portland) but this is not my favourite place nor is it my second favourite BUT it is very very good and the prices are good. The thing that really makes it is the ambiance, not because it is fancy and well appointed, but because it is a small, family run business with all the warmth and care that comes with that. What I assume are the owners' kids were there doing their homework and the older daughter took our order. Some people who were sitting across from us got fed up with waiting and left before they got their food. Come on, if you go for Ethiopian you know you have a bit of a wait ahead of you, this happens everywhere and it is just part of the experience...relax and have a beer and chill out mannnn. Anyhow the portions were large and filling and the Injera was supplied on demand when we ran out. Really a Gem in Portland and worth a try (and a return trip!)
(4)Christina F.
EXCELLENT Eritrean food. My spicy beef and okra over the injera was absolutely delicious. And at under $9, an absolute steal. Comfortable, casual atmosphere. Service is a bit slow, but totally worth it. Highly recommended!
(5)Miss M.
I love this place for lunch! I've not tried it for dinner but the lunch specials and the fact that it is not crowded gets my thumbs up. The lady that runs/cooks is super sweet and very accommodating. I've not had Ethiopean food this good since I left Los Angeles. The injera is wonderful as are the vegetarian dishes. Awesome place!
(5)sonia t.
Some of the best Eritrean food I've had with such charming owners. Walked in for the first time and was greeted like we were family! Homemade honey wine, delicious lamb dish, and a quick lesson on the history of Ethiopia; I loved it and will definitely be back!
(5)Katie I.
This is my favorite Ethiopian restaurant ever. I have yet to find a better one in NYC and whenever I'm in Portland I always have to come here. Technically its Eritrean food, but the menu is the same as any Ethiopian place ( I can't tell the difference). What makes this place so good is they don't dumb down their food for Americans. They make it spicy and authentic and its awesome. I'm sick of how bland and mild the other ethiopian restaurants I've been to are, just 'cause the rest of my country is a wuss doesn't mean I am! The fiery lamb/beef/chicken stew is my personal fav. GO HERE.
(5)Lisa V.
My favorite restaurant in Portland. If you haven't tried Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine, make this your next stop. Habesha food is spicy, aromatic, and WAY fun to eat. It will tantalize your taste buds! The family that owns the place will treat you right. They are lovely people.
(5)Bushra S.
I've heard Ethiopian and Eritrean food is supposed to be similar, but I hate that statement. I mean even if one has been ruled but the other for a long time, there has to be differences! That was just a theory until I visited Asmara for dinner. Yes the ingredients are fairly similar and yes so are the dishes (even if the names may be different). But that is where the similarities stop. Just as two curries from different region of India are being different so it makes sense that two countries that have been in conflict for so long have different taste preferences. Not that I can comment after one meal! Food at Asmara was delicious, but lacked that oomph that is usually found in Ethiopian places. Additionally they didn't have a few of the items on the menu that we wanted to order. sort of a bad sign for a lunch on the weekend. I will try other Eritrean restaurants and keep testing my theory, but my preference so far would be to drive to Habeesha in Malden than to Asmara in Portland for the real deal.
(3)Sarah B.
Came here late in the evening. When we got to the door, the sign said they were closed but they waived us inside and quickly sat us, providing warm towels to wash our hands. It was such a relief to find authentic Eritrean cuisine in Portland, ME. I ordered some traditional Fou'l dish served on Injan, which was all fantastic. The family atmosphere was wonderful. I never felt rushed and the staff was kind and attentive. I will definitely go back again.
(5)Maile Y.
We were visiting for the holidays and our parents babysat so we could have a wonderful, rare date night. I'm so glad that we chose Asmara! The food was delicious (we got the beef with spicy potatoes and shiro with the red lentils and cabbage/carrots/potatoes as sides). Yes as others had commented the injera does fall apart a bit when wet, and it is a small restaurant with no atmosphere. But does that really matter when the food is so good! We literally cleaned the plate, which is why we have no photos to show (we forgot about taking photos until after we had devoured the food).. We would have loved to have tried the veggie sampler but it would have been too much food for just us 2. Next time we'll come with friends!
(4)comic c.
When I arrived I was so pre-occupied with telling the story of what happened in my day that I barely looked at the menu. When the meal arrived with injera bread and our order, I stumbled as I found no silverware. We laughed, gobbling up the food and the experience. Definitely recommended!
(5)