Massawa in New York

1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, United States

★★★★★
(640 reviews)
Categories: Ethiopian restaurant African restaurant Eritrean restaurant Vegan restaurant

About

East African eatery serves traditional Ethiopian & Eritrean fare scooped by hand with injera bread.

Website
massawanyc.com
Address
1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, United States
Plus Code
R25R+WG New York, USA
Time Zone
America/New_York

Business Hours

Monday
11:30 AM–10 PM
Tuesday
11:30 AM–10 PM
Wednesday
11:30 AM–10 PM
Thursday
11:30 AM–10 PM
Friday
11:30 AM–10 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM–10 PM
Sunday
11:30 AM–10 PM

Services

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned Identifies as women-owned
Service options
No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great coffee Great tea selection Live music
Popular for
Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Happy-hour drinks Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Spirits Vegan options Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Romantic Trendy
Crowd
Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Tourists Transgender safe space University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
640 reviews

Most Mentioned

honey wine (11) eritrean cuisine (9) sides (8) cocktails (7) phone (7) renovated (6) pay (6) african (6) salmon (5) sampler (5)
5 stars
458
4 stars
108
3 stars
39
2 stars
20
1 stars
15
★★★★★
October 21, 2024

Nice clean place with very convenient ordering and payment through Toast; everything we tried was very good, but a little on a spicy side

★★★★★
September 10, 2024

Wonderful and personal feeling. We got great recommendations from the servers in the 2 times we were there, and they’ve all been great! The split pea really stands out though!

★★★★★
August 10, 2024

Going to an exceptional Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant with good friends is the best! We split several dishes which by the way come with automatic injera refills. Also if you are of age 😉, try the Massawa hard lemonade!

★★★★★
July 16, 2024

I had never tried Ethipoian cuisine b4 and was eegar to try it . I came here for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the calming ambiance of the entire restaurant. Sever did great at explaining everything , and even made a suggestion for the Vegan sample platter...which I had +enjoyed throughly ! I plan on coming back soon for a date ...so I can try EVEN more food ...especially the dessert. I have not ONE complaint about this place ....10/10!

★★★★★
May 12, 2024

My friends and I went there for drinks. They have a decent selections of cocktails. We got the African rose, Bellini, and Mangotini which didn’t disappoint. 🥂great service and atmosphere. Plus, you can order and pay on your phone!

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

I never tried Ethiopian food until my girl put me on a few weeks ago. This food slaps my taste buds around in so many ways lol. It’s a unique cuisine and I would def recommend trying it.

★★★★★
October 27, 2023

Very delicious and affordable Ethiopian cuisine. We went in as a group of 4 for the lunch special and food was delicious. We had the spicy beef and the spicy lamb with collared green, potato stew, cabbage, chickpeas, and red lentils for sharing. You have the option to have individual plate or sharing a plate. The fermented injera is fluffy like steamed rice cake and with a bit sharp sourness to cut through all the spices to balance the taste. I think our favorites are spicy beef and chickpea. I ordered ginger coffee, which was quiet unique. Also an highlight: the rum raisin cake is very very very strong in rum. It is a huge piece soaked in rum and alcohol lingers on the back if the tongue. It is very delicious but I won’t eat it if I needed to work in the afternoon. Service is a bit slow. You scan QR code for ordering and for paying. Price is very affordable for what you get. It is on the side of Columbia campus and it is one of the best Ethiopian places to eat in the city.

★★★★
September 3, 2023

the restaurant is SO CUTE. would be good for dinner dates. each table has each flowers and the dotted floral decorations to well with the woody feel of the atmosphere. so worth coming by if you’re in the neighborhood. the food overall was rlly good. i particularly enjoyed the samosa (2 sauces were very flavorful) and the garden salad (the dressing is light and goes perfectly balanced with the watermelon blocks and arugula). the ginger coffee was interesting and very strong.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2024

High quality and incredibly flavorful food. I was particularly impressed with their vegetarian and vegan meals. The freshness of their food was outstanding. It s always a pleasure coming back to this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 8, 2024

The meal and atmosphere were superb!! I will be back, often!! The smell inside is hypnotic and the food matches it precisely.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

I love Massawa! Such a lovely vibe inside, cozy and upscale. My favorite dish was the Shiro. I will definitely be returning.

★★★★
November 22, 2024

This was a lovely Ethiopian restaurant to go to for a birthday celebration.

★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

The setting and atmosphere of the restaurant is great, the staff are friendly, and its a fun try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Two things really set this place apart. First, the unusual flexibility - I love how I can build my own veg sampler via the menu of side dishes. Second, the incredible flavors, richer and deeper than from nearby peers (Awash and Lalibela are also high quality but Massawa has the most interesting flavors). Friendly staff and strong packaging for takeout. Vegetarian options: The broadest and most flexible vegetarian selection of any Ethiopian place I ve found in NYC (except vegan only places)

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Food was delicious!

★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

The place is nice, but we were quite disappointed with the service. We arrived around 3:00 PM, and there were plenty of tables available. I specifically asked if we could sit inside or outside, and the young lady who received us said we could choose. We decided to sit inside. Since we had just had lunch, we only wanted something to drink. The server didnt seem pleased but brought our drinks. She brought the check also, even before we were ready to leave. I had considered ordering additional items, but not after receiving the check so early. When I was about to pay, I mentioned that I felt like we were being rushed out. She then explained that indoor service is more for dining. It would have been really helpful to know that when we arrived.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Its been almost a year since we went to Massawa but Im still thinking about it. A lovely Ethiopian/Eritrean restaurant in the Upper West Side. Food was hearty and super delicious. However, what I loved the most was the atmosphere and the interior design - modern yet rustic, a bit bare, very cozy with a hint of honey warmth (just like the honey wine we tried there). Id love to return to Massawa one day.

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

Family business. A cozy place with delicious food and calm atmosphere. Sometimes with live music.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

The food is wonderful, as is the service. The employees are from the country and they tell us incredible stories.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Excellent

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Delicious African food.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Delicious! The veg platter is a MUST! Very affordable and filling. Will definitely be coming again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Absolutely fantastic - the food was delicious, the drinks amazing - the ambiance and server was delightful truly 10/10

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

This Eritrean restaurant is named after the Eritrean port city Massawa having played a crucial role to the introduction of the richness of all spices used today in Eritrean cuisine. Without Eritrean port, the spices and cultural elements of today s Eritrea and Ethiopia would ve probably never existed to this extent it s important to let that sink in for a moment if you really care about Africa s history Additionally, another port city called Adulis also served as a gate to the spice and fabric heaven connecting merchants from across several continents due to its precious location. This city has been unfortunately totally wasted (literary term for ruining) by foreign authorities being intimidated by its undeniable power and history of this port city to East Africa and serving as a role model for other African countries as well. ALL the Axumite Kingdom s trades ranging again from spices, to fabrics as well as other crucial and trailblazing cultural exchanges in the continent of Africa that were begotten can all be credited to the Eritrean port cities! It is proven, and thus this information is being suppressed by intimidated foreign sources so it s crucial to pass on this knowledge to the outer world. Eritrea s location was thus a gate to cultural enrichment and stabilising prominence and popularity in a way as well. The language script Ge ez was also first found on Eritrean soil with its first evidence still existing! Eritrea alongside Ethiopia are the only countries in Africa to use their unique writing systems being unique and originating in Eritrea. Other evidences like obelisks or other engravings have been subject to several essays to destroy from foreign authorities but the very first trace of unique and ancient communicative civilisation can NOT be and will never be destroyed. The first mosque in the WHOLE Africa was built in MASSAWA (yes this city with so much history) called the mosque of companions. Eritreans accommodated the Prophet (SAW) during his religious exile, helped and endorsed him building a place of worship and connection for him. It is free to look up the dates so this is not disputable Not only does this clearly demonstrate the warmth and empathy of Eritrean people dating back THOUSANDS of years but it also demonstrates that Eritrea s atmosphere and society was from early on a safe welcoming point and refuge for foreigners. Eritrea founded a stable ground for Eritrean as well as Ethiopian society in terms of culture, FOOD and other religious/cultural influences from outside. Let s honour this undeniable and proven history of this country like this restaurant did! btw my favourite food is zebhi dorho

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Excellent take on the Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine Great for a special occasion Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Great ambiance

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

very friendly service, amazingly delicious vegan food, authentic and affordable in a clean restaurant close to the Columbia Uni. thank you for your hospitality and carefully made delish food, Massawa. Dietary restrictions: vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

longtime fan, excellent food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

What a magnificent restaurant! I love Ethiopian food. I tried once before and loved it, and I always wanted to try again. This place has wonderful Ethiopian food, smells great, and tastes yummy!Also, the survices should largely be highlighted. The staff there was so kind , courtesy, and professional! The food is one of the best I ve ever has for a while.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

Food very good, we will be back, worth the wait.

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

Went for lunch during the week and this place was PACKED, which is a testament to how delicious the food is and how nice the staff is. We got two chicken sambusas, a vegan platter for 2, and the spicy lamb for 3 adults and it was perfect. Mango margarita was also delicious.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Excellent restaurant, great food, very historic and friendly owner. Went back after 20 years and glad to see theyre still around. Highly recommend this place, certified halal btw

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Take out was great, fast delivery and not expensive, the 3 dish sampler is filling

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 22, 2024

Everything Is always on point

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Top Ethiopian, Eritrean spot hands down (this is from a picky eater). Quality, spice, flavor, ambience.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

We love Ethiopian cuisine and know the best in NYC is in Harlem. We brought our skeptical friend here to try this cuisine for the first time, and he loved it and enjoyed every dish. We ordered a vegan and meat combo for two off menu, extra injera, and two beers for 3 adults. At first, we thought the portions were too small, but by the time we finished and the injera expanded in our stomachs, we realized it was the perfect amount of food. You can dine indoors or outdoors. As it was a gorgeous day, I wish we dined outdoors. The interior is nice with a large bar. Typical design for most of these nyc Ethiopian restaurants. Our friend commented it was more spacious than Manhattan restaurants hes been to, but we find this typical of Harlem ones. It was his first time in this neighborhood. The food was quite good, but not the best weve had in Harlem. Priced a bit higher than expected. Great drink menu, but $48 for a bottle of honey wine seemed excessive. Staff was very friendly and pleasant, but as with most Ethiopian restaurants, it was a bit slow to respond to requests like for a menu or napkins despite few customers for late lunch around 3ish. Dietary restrictions: Many dishes are vegan

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

This is our go to spot after a long day out. Food is super flavorful, variety of options from meats to veg and always consistent.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

I really love their coffee and Lentil Soup!

★★★★★
March 22, 2024

Weve been going to this restaurant for over 20 years and it keeps getting better, if thats even a possibility! The food is delicious, portions are perfect for sharing and the environment is perfect for couples and families. My husband and I started going there when we were dating and we now go with our two kids. We all love it! We done in and take out too! Highly recommend it!

★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Ambient environment with decent plates for sharing. Automated payment with limited human service

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Every time I eat here the food is so, so good! Unbelievable.

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Its a neighborhood restaurant I can walk to. The food is scrumptious. The portions are small but its a nice treat.

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

One of the best Ethiopian food I have had in the city!

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

My daughter is a student nearby and this place quickly became our go-to spot when I come in for a visit. The food is so good! We love to get the vegan sampler for two. Its huge and we love every bite. The staff is warm and friendly and even when its busy the food comes in a timely fashion. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

One of the best and most authentic East African/Ethiopian restaurants on Manhattan Island. Kind, welcoming, and attentive wait staff. A recent expansion has enabled installation of a small bar purveying imaginative, killer cocktails. For any occasion, order up a bottle of the great, imported Ethiopian honey wine. Way more subtle and flowered than meade and the perfect foil for all well-spiced dinner entrees. Great supplies of the soft, spongy bread (injera) typical of Ethiopian cuisine accompany all entrees. Superb and highly varied vegetarian and vegan options at all meal times. Great vegetable sampler platters perfect for sharing! Make this place one of your go-to destination feeds. (Can get super-busy and crowded evenings--always make a dinner reservation. Many walk-ins got turned away on our last Thursday and Saturday night visits.) Reserve and Go Already!

Local Guide
January 22, 2024

We have decided to quit going here because they stupidly change the amount of food you used to get. Just a joke portion of lentils and a small portion of meat is 28$ dollars. I mean are you serious? They also charge you for an extra side at 7$ Dinning here became extremely overpriced. Sorry but not coming here never again!

January 22, 2024

We used to come here at least once a month, loving the food and atmosphere. But this year they changed the menu to much smaller portions and they now only include 1 instead of 2 sides. Unfortunately, this changed it from an already expensive experience to a vastly overpriced one. The staff is friendly, but there is not really a service. You have to order yourself online, which has often lead to issues with the order due to an incomplete menu, and if you need the staffs assistance you wait forever. We dont really want to come back here anymore and are very sad about it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

Incredible Ethiopian food in a beautiful restaurant. If gluten free make sure to ask for the pure teff injera - soooo good. We had the vegan sampler, ful (fava beans) and spicy lentils, as well as spicy tea, coffee and rum cake. Everything was delicious and enough for 3 people. So many vegan options! Vegetarian options: Lots of vegan options Dietary restrictions: Gluten free options

★★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

I enjoyed the food - lots of taste and felt authentic. Service could be faster but not a big deal.

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The waiting time is too long

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent food. Service very good, if slow sometimes.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Very good and they have vegan options

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The food was excellent and the staff was very friendly. Wheelchair accessibility: There are no stairs ,there is plenty of room for dining. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious vegetarian combo and the 100% teff injera bread was excellent, the best Ive ever had!

★★★
December 22, 2023

Ate there in October, overall was okay. Cake was good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious vegan sampler place, a bit over priced though.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent Ethiopian halal. Beautiful venue, courteous staff. Everything was quality and delicious. My son s first time having Ethiopian and loves it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Absolutely excellent food and impeccable service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Overall its an excellent food experience. Great ambience, food and wine selection. Subtle flavors, with unique/distinct combinations.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Was difficult as an Indian to taste but it was too subjective. It tasted exactly like an Indian food in a different look. Good service and reasonable price

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent Ethiopian restaurant with great food and staff. Vegetarian and meat options depending on your preference, and all well seasoned. If you go for the combos, there are lots of options for different dishes to try. Injera was light, fluffy, and warm. Each of the entrees are well portioned and fresh. Service is quick and the staff are very kind. They have an outdoor patio/porch seating for when the weather is nice. Nice selection of Ethiopian beers. Overall, this place is delightful!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great atmosphere, friendly service, and incredible food. We had the shrimp tebsi and vegan sampler and were very pleased. The shiro, timtimo, and shrimp in particular were excellent, but everything else was great as well. Prices are a little steep but as expected for New York.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Food 5/5. Everything was flavorful and big portions. The space is nice and good for a date night or a bigger group. -1 star as some of the items on the paper menu were not on the digital ordering menu but our waitress was great and helped remedy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Wonderful experience with Ethiopian food and coffee.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I can t wait to eat here. The sidewalk looks GREAT and the smell is so luring I will update my post with pictures when I get to eat there!!!! Stay tuned!!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The lunch special is so so tasty and a steal for the price. Massawa is my #1 takeout spot in Morningside Heights!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very pleasant restaurant between Columbia and Harlem and warm welcome. We were served dishes full of flavors that reminded us of our stay in East Africa! I highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Fantastic food. This is my first time enjoying ethiopian food and I have to say, it was worth the wait. I really enjoyed eating with my hands! The protein plate to share was amazing. Definitely coming back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

BEST ETHIOPIAN FOOD IN NYC!!! I have tried to find a better place in the city and this one is still my favorite. The food quality is beyond exceptional and the injera has an amazing flavor. Service is incredible as well! Highly recommend!! Recommended dishes

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Tasty food, lovely spot, good vibe. Delicious ful and samosas that were really crisp and light with great sauces. My critique would be that it s a little oricey and service was very friendly but not sharp.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great experience. The staff was lovely and the place was clean. My only issue was spacing but everything else was great.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Wonderful experience in every way! Food was fantastic, service was just as good. We told our server that we were new to Ethiopian cuisine, and she could not have been kinder or more helpful in helping us navigate a cuisine new to us. We had beef, lamb, and chicken with various vegetables. It was all so good, its hard to single out anything. It was all incredible. Great experience!

★★
December 22, 2023

Completely over-priced and small portions. If you re from a city with abundant Ethiopian restaurants like I am (Seattle), you may be disappointed with the food. The cocktails were nice, though.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

This place is fantastic, if you ve never had Ethiopian food, make this your first time. Every time someone visits me I take them here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very tasty food! Nice atmosphere!! Great lunch special prices !!! As across the board ! I was sitting outside eating, drinking my honey wine when a tiny fly went into my drink. The waitress quickly exchanged my drink with no questions asked. Superb customer service !! Will be back again and again

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

My favorite restaurant in New York. Get the lamb and the honey wine and sit outside. Bliss.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

One of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the city, with live music playing every other Sunday.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We ordered the spicy lamb and the non-spicy chicken to share. The sides and the Injera bread tasted great, and the place had a happy hour. The lady who served us said that the restaurant had been around for 35 years, and I can see why. The place is popular for good reason, and an excellent place to visit and enjoy a good meal.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The food was tasty but there was an issue with our order and we wound up waiting over an hour for our food to come out. I ll come back because the food was good and hopefully the kitchen issue was just a fluke. I loved the chicken tebsi and wasn t a huge fan of the salmon.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent vegan fare and very friendly staff, and the interior had a very open air feel to it I enjoyed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

very unique experience

★★★
December 22, 2023

little meat in the main course

★★
December 22, 2023

Service was beyond slow. the servers also do not speak (eg - no thank you hello goodbye) just takes over a hour to get the food which is mediocre at best

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent and authentic Ethiopian food! Served on a large flat bread with small Flatbread to eat the food with. You may request a fork if the traditional way doesnt work for you. Vegetarian options: Plenty of vegan choices!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Lunch plate was a great price for a healthy portion of rice (or traditional bread), meat and two sides. The lamb was just right with a bit of spice that added a depth of flavor but was t overwhelming. I would definitely come back to try some of the other items, I was interested in the beef stew as well! Very cute decor and ambience, good for dates as well

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Nice clean space, great staff, delicious food. Destination restaurant. Appreciate the text option. Recommended!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

1st time having Ethiopian food and loved it!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent food, great experience Wheelchair accessibility: Right from the street Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great food..spices were just right and as Indians loved to finally get our spice senses tingling again eat with our fingers and share the great food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We ve been here a few times and the food has been consistently good. For lunch we had the chicken in berbere sauce which was our favorite and the lamb alicha, which is a bit milder. The lunch menu prices are reasonable for the quantity and conveniently located right across the Columbia campus. For dinner this past weekend we had the lamb tsebhi which was a thick stew cooked in berbere sauce and had a nice spicy zing to it. The honey wine works well if you find it too spicy.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I was amazed by the service and hospitality of the staff

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Great service. Great food. Great experience!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

QR menu, which I personally struggle with. We ordered as a group on my friends phone, although the hostess was willing to take our order personally as they were not busy yet. The order got slightly confused and we got an appetizer (and charged for it). Food, drinks, and deserts were amazing. We feel amazing after. The rum cake is to die for. Vegetarian options: Theres a section on the menu for vegetarian foods. Dietary restrictions: I am sensitive to pepper/ pepper oil based spicy food and the server could tell me that the spiciness level was in fact made with a spice.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The servers are amazing, the host was Amazing, the food was Amazing, the dessert was amazing! Shout out to Abe and His family for running a business that serves Delicious food with great vibes!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We ordered all three entrees chicken, lamb, and beef: Tsebhi Beghe, Derho Hiwas, and Zegeni. Among all, beef is my favorite entree, because it is well-cooked and very flavourful. The lamb was a bit undercooked. Great ambiance, perfect for a dinner date.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great Ethiopian food but I prefer the vegan options

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Wonderful, well-spaced ambience with beautiful Ethiopian food. I was ambitious and had the Ethiopian iced coffee for dinner & did not regret it at all. We chose all of their sides, and had both the chicken and veggie sambusas as a starter. Heavily recommend either or a combination of the two. Wonderfully lit at night and excellent service near closing time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Service and food were great. Very accommodating, especially to my 3 year old.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Love everything about this place. It is clean, organized, and the waitstaff are lovely. The food is definitely the best Ethiopian food in NYC. We got the lamb and beef meals and it was so delicious. Large portions too! Overall worth the price!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Craving Ethiopian cuisine or just curious what it looks like? Your spot: Massawa. I especially loved the Vegan sampler which has Injira (bread) along with 4 side dishes: potatoes, lentils, collard greens, and chickpea paste. Delicious! Go for the non-veg sampler if you are craving meat. You will like Ethiopian cuisine so much once you ve had food at Massawa, you are bound to come again.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

The food was great, I had to taste Euthopian food in New Work and this was good!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

I was blown away by the food at Massawa - I never knew lentils could have so much flavor and taste so good! I will definitely return next time Im in town.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The food is good. Update the app menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Lovely atmosphere and great food! The service was excellent as well. Both the hostess and my waitress were helpful and sweet. I highly recommend the African Rose (light on the ginger) as an alcoholic beverage. It was delicious!

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Massawa used to be one of my favorite restaurants to go to with friends near campus; however, they recently reduced the amount of sides that come with an entree from 2 to 1. While this sounds like a minor inconvenience, it messes up the ratios of their meals and reduced the value of their lunches/dinners as you are now receiving smaller meal servings for the same price. When asked how much it would be to purchase the (once included) second side, I was told this would cost $7. With this change in effect, purchasing Ethiopian food at the food truck parked outside of the Columbia gates (which has similar quality food and 2 sides) is far more practical than going to Massawa, as one could get two meals at the food truck for the same price as 1 smaller meal of similar quality at Massawa. My friends and I have decided to quit going to Massawa since this change, and we sadly don t plant on going back anytime soon.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I love Ethiopian food and this spot does it great. It can be kind of a trek to get to this Morningside Heights spot if you dont live in the neighborhood, but this place is worth it. The best way to enjoy your meal here is with shared plates on top of injera bread, which is how Ethiopian food is best eaten. If youre a party of two, I would recommend getting the vegan sampler and pairing it with a meat dish. The tebsi beef is my favorite, but the other options are good too. Pair it with a Habesha Ethiopian beer and you wont be disappointed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The injera bread is very unique, the shared plate means you can get combination & the meat is halal which makes it even better. The meat was tender, the vege options were creative and it is a wholesome meal & a great coffee spot, too. I can see how its a dynamic space; get coffee here, or get dinner here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Absolutely amazing experience and vibe.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Best Ethiopian food we have had hands down. Wonderful family owns and runs this warm, neighborhood anchor restaurant. Very consistent and enjoyable.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Genuine Ethiopian food you will enjoy.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Perfect End To A Glorious Holiday Evening: Had dinner here for first time,last night(12-17-23) Had just attended the Candlelight Carol Festival at The Riverside Church along with a friend from Mumbai.He was thrilled when I told him I had made a dinner reservation at an Ethiopian restaurant.We are both vegetarian From the moment we entered we were treated so well.The hostess was most friendly and accommodating and took the time to explain the menu and make suggestions.Our waiter as well was equally gracious.The menu has plenty of vegetarian/vegan options The food was over the top and we are certain to return.I highly recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent service and good experience. I am pleased with new remodeling.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Doro wat was tender and spicy enough, made with the ferenji palate in mind. Perfect injera but dont be shy to ask for more on the side. Great service even on a busy night. This is the one.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Wodase was absolutely incredible (she made us the most delicious ginger lemonade) and it is such a pleasant atmosphere. I m excited to try the shrimp which I ordered not too long ago but I have never had a bad experience here. Come check it out!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Tasty Ethiopian food with contactless dining experience. Better make sure your phone is charged so you can order and pay.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great service. Great meal. I love the beef Injera and I really recommend it.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

A little salty, and pricey, good atmosphere

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

After eating one of the best meals in recent memory, (delicious, authentic food, friendly and helpful service, pleasant renovated interior) and certainly the best Ethiopian of all time, I realized much later, and after the restaurant closed) that I had left my phone on our table. The staff at Massawa couldn t have been more helpful in safeguarding my phone and assuring me it would be able to be picked up the next day. I am writing this review from said phone. Thank you Massawa!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent food training waiter did not know what to do but tried interesting menu something for everyone

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food was delicious! we had Silsi Derho, it was really good and Ethiopian coffee was on point. Sambousa was good as well. I would definitely return and recommend a visit to Massawa.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delightful.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This place is a unique experience. I have a friend that recommended this place because they have been coming here for years pre-pandemic. Sadly, they felt the customer interaction was leaking post-pandemic. We think the food is great because they have vegan and non-vegan options. It was really tasty. However the customer interaction was missing from my experience. This place is all cashless and there is no receptionist to seat you. You just grab an empty table and start ordering using the QVC codes on the table. This is an Ethiopian restaurant where it is customary to use your hand to eat. This was my first time experiencing Ethiopian dining. It would have been nice for someone to explain the system and the dishes before we ordered. I like that customers have to use their own phones to pay. Overall this place is cool it is just leaking some customer interaction for a first time customer.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Amazing food!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Was raised eating this since I was a baby! I enjoy there zigany, bread and vegetables every chance we get to go there. We know the people who run it too and are like family as well, they are kind and funny people who do great service. Would recommend eating here when you get the chance and hope they never go out of business

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent! The mango sorbet added to the wonderful lunch.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Such a lovely place with tasty food! Has an outdoor protected from the wind area and quite large indoor space. We ordered a vegetarian sampler with lamb and salmon and it was way enough for two people. We could not finish the food but it was so good, especially spicy lamb! We also tried a rum cake which was just ok but then i do not have a sweet tooth so perhaps sweet lovers would appreciate it more. I have to say that the menu has many drinks options ranging from mimosas (for those who like festive brunches) to different teas and coffees. I highly recommend this great food stop and will be back myself for sure!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Delicious food, awesome service

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Nice people and location - but this is food is made for the western palette. No flavor at all but oh well i suppose they cater to the students. Tibsi is the easiest thing to make but yikes taste like nothing same with Shiro - needs garlic and tomato think they must just mix it with water and call it a day. Its not spiced enough. Food was better last time i went in 2009.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Excellent discovery

★★★
December 22, 2022

The atmosphere is beautiful and the wait staff are very nice. The 3 stars are only for atmosphere and wait staff. I have never had Ethiopian food before and I went here because of the reviews, but the food had no flavor at all. I was prepared to have an explosion of delicious flavors and was extremely disappointed and actually very shocked. It was honestly the most bland food I ve eaten. The person that came with me had Ethiopian food before and told me she ll take me some place else for the real experience. I ordered the chicken and she had the lamb.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This place has good/standar Ethiopian food but the service takes away the thought of coming back . I ve been to this place 3-4 times making this my last one. If you have time maybe take your time to look for another place. Service is first in any place.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Food was great, Service was bad. One drink of two ordered came out right away, took 20 minutes or so for the second even after I went to the bar to inquire. We waited so long for a second round of drinks we cancelled them. I ordered meat platter for myself and a salmon dish for my boyfriend who doesnt eat red meat. 25 plus minutes after the meat platter arrived I asked about the salmon and was told it was on the meat platter which I did not appreciate.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

WOW. The food here was INCREDIBLE. Next level. A little on the pricey side but worth it. Their ordering system seems chaotic, with online and in person ordering happening during dine in, but the food was worth it. A little wait because it was so busy and because of the aforementioned chaos, but still worth it. A totally unique dining experience, with food so good Im glad my apartment is only half a block away, Im going to fall into a happiness coma. The honey wine is also not to be missed. Leah the bartender apologized for the wait and was so kind she comped my 2nd glass of wine for the wait. Absolutely incredible service and the only competition was the food.

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The service dragged this review down to a two. Waited 1 hr 15 mins for a drink. Finished meal and tried to cancel drink order. No one came. Food good.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This is my second time at the restaurant. They were a little understaffed this time but they did a phenomenal job. The food is flavorful but spicy so be ready. Great atmosphere, food, and workers. Will continue to come here

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

That lemon ice cream is incredible.

★★★★
December 22, 2022

I ordered an appetizer, Salad with Salmon for $15. Personally, it was big enough to be my entire meal. The Salmon was cooked well, seasoned nicely. Vegetables were fresh. You order and pay for everything through your phone, even for dining in.

★★★★
December 22, 2022

The food was tasty. Tye atmosphere is nice. The wine goes well with the food.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Ordered delivery! I thought the side dish portions left a bit to be desired, BUT the food was great! I don t think I know enough about Ethiopian to comment on the details, but I was a fan and definitely will order or visit again!

★★★★
December 22, 2022

Yummy!

December 22, 2022

Took around 20min for our sodas to come Not the waitress fault, there needed to be more than one:):)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

So good

★★
December 22, 2022

Wanted to love this place after hearing good things. However we had a very disappointing experience. It took an hour for our appetizer to arrive. When I asked about this the server said there is normally at least a 45 min wait for food. That is not ok, especially since they don t even bring any kind of snack or bread for the table. Appetizer was delicious but not worth getting hangry for an hour. The entree came an hour and 15 min after ordering the people next to us who arrived after we did were already completely done with their meal. This is baffling since everything on the menu seems to be stews that just need serving. Such a shame.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

You order on a phone app thing but there is still table service. Sometimes the food takes a while to come out and sometimes the sides aren t what you asked for. It s still a great place though and the food is great and the people working there are great. You don t always get what you ask for or on time, but just relax ok. Why are you in a rush. Just chill and it will come. Try it.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

This place was nice inside but the food, which only started to arrive after an hour and 15 minutes, was not great. It was good, but for the price, youd hope it was great. Nice cocktails. The ordering system was obnoxious, there are no waitstaff, not really, just servers. The system worked well but I want a grub hub app experience at a sit down meal; give me a human. Also a homeless guy came in and begged at every single table, there is is almost no staff there no one saw him. Wed have shared our food with him, ideally getting staff to bag something up, but we were in the middle of the hour wait for it. Anyway, overall its fine. Dont need to go back. The places that are less fancy tend to be better food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Delicious food! A bit pricey, though.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Mmm. Mmm. Homemade good!!! Seasoned with love, peace, and tasty soul... Vegetarian options: Even better. Vegan options on the menu. Further clarifying these are the vegetarian options. Something good for everyone! Food : 4/5 |

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Really good Ethiopian food! The menu is a bit confusing, but one dish per person was plenty for dinner time. I don t think we actually finished all of our food. Each dish comes with sides, so it becomes loaded quickly. They also have an awesome happy hour with $6 cocktails. That alone makes me want to eat more Ethiopian

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Brilliant authentic food with even better service. Would recommend every time

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

First time having Ethiopian food, and it was a great experience here. The staff was very knowledgeable to let a newbie like me what to try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food, cocktails and atmosphere

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Visited after Pari singing competition

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent service, the place is very nice, warm and pleasant. The food is delicious and quite affordable for New York prices. I love !

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I have never been to any restaurant that is consistently so good every single time. It is a great restaurant with many options for vegetarian diet. The staff is very warm and welcoming (except the bartender in evenings).

December 22, 2022

I took family to a local Ethiopian restaurant Masawa on W. 121st St. for the first time in years. The owner was rude - speaking to every table but my table, the server was over whelmed. The owner helped other tables, mine was forgotten. Hostess tried but the service was poor, and food was bland. The music was a poor selection of top 40 hits; the bartender Mo was great. Moving forward, I will only go to the real Ethiopian restaurants whose culture and people are warm. To pay over $100, then treated less than deserving of a waitress check in; was poor customer service. I will not be going back - ever. Vegetarian options: Very few Vegetarian options or drinks. Dietary restrictions: Very few Vegetarian options or drinks.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

So delicious.