When you eat with cuttlleries food may taste great. When you eat with your fingers, you may reach mouthgasms in every bite. in this place dig into Ethiopian food with your fingers... Asmara Restaurant is good. The food met my expectations in flavour, quantity and presentation. The atmosphere was good too, and clean. On a cold day, they keep it toasty and the food even warms you up more. You would not want to walk out to the cold. The hostes was super sweet, attentive and proffessional. You would not mind leaving a big tip. The tables might seem small, although in some corners there is plenty of side tables to place your drinks. I find it to be at the upper side pricewise, but not too bad. read more

I've eaten here twice in the past two months, once for dinner and once for lunch. Both times the food was excellent, and the service super friendly. We've tried the vegetable combination - portions of cabbage, yellow peas, spinach, chickpeas, lentils, and tomato salad, the vegetable stew (cauliflower, carrots, eggplant, mushrooms, green peppers, string beans, and potato in a curry sauce), and the house salad. All of the food was mild-medium on the heat scale-- even the salads, which had (small amounts of) chopped fresh jalapenos in them. I like a lot a lot of heat, so you might find the food spicier, or not. Putting this restaurant back into our regular rotation. read more

Very good Ethiopian restaurant. And the lady is very nice and welcoming. It's my point reference for Ethiopian food.

Asmara is a restaurant with nice cozy ambient and a long history (check out their wall!). This is my second time having an Ethiopian food so I know what to expect. We got spicy chicken wings for appetizer which were juicy and flavorful. As for entree, we ordered Jumbo Shrimp Spicy and Boneless Chicken in Yellow Sauce. Both of the entree came on top of a few layers of injera (sourdough-risen flatbread). Both meat toppings were well seasoned with unique spices and perfectly proportional to the bread. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Spicy Chicken Wings - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I have come here many, many times and have never, ever had a bad meal. Excellent honey wine (mes), excellent veg combo platter, and the owner is the SWEETEST woman ever. I crave this place on a regular basis. read more

This place is really good. I'd never eaten Ethiopian food before coming here, and I didn't know what to expect. But the waitress was really kind to us and explained the menu for us. The food itself was amazing. If you've never tried it, you really have to. We ate traditional style, which was pretty cool. Seriously loved it there. read more

My mother was raised in Ethiopia, I have eaten ethiopian food on 4 continents, in every major city in the United States. . .I've had some bad ethiopian and this my friends is the worst. Bland, Bland, Bland--The food had no spice, no flavor. The meat dishes were horrible, the meat was dry the sauce was off. . .everything was all wrong. and they dont take American Express. If you like ethiopian or you're trying it for the first time, DO NOT eat here. If you just want some over-priced calories, try it at your own risk! read more

Their injera is made with teff, enough said! If you go to Addis, you will find white bread disguised as injera. Service was good, and the food was good. I thought the food had so much flavor compared to other Ethiopian/Erritrean in the area--I got the vegetarian combo and was pretty satisfied with everything, especially the chickpeas, the split peas with red pepper sauce, and the tomato salad. My friend loved the tea as well, and I had the kiwi juice, which was so thick and fresh! I will definitely be back! read more

When we got to Asmara there were not many people there and we were seated right away. But after that everything was a long wait. I only saw one person taking orders and seating people and one other woman who came out and collected plates or dropped something off once in a while. So they might just need more help. Because about a half hour after we were seated there was a line waiting at the door. The waitress was friendly and she answered all our questions but you could tell she was always eager to move on. And we sat with our menus for a while, then we sat with our drinks for a while and it was like that all night. You are expected to eat the food without utensils. I knew that going in and didn't have an issue with it but some people might not like that. And since we were using the bread (injera) to pick up the food we had to order more to finish everything. We got the spicy chicken wing appetizer and the sauce on them was great but I would have liked the chicken wings cooked more because the skin was still flabby and very fatty and gave them a bad texture. For my entrée I got the vegetable combo and my friend got the spicy salmon. I think the sauce on his salmon was the same as was on the chicken wings. I liked all of the dishes that came in my combo. It was a nice mix of hot, sour, spicy and not, so everything had its own distinct flavor. For dessert we both got the mixed berry cake. It came out looking rather sad. The cream was running out of the sides and the whole thing looked wilted. My guess is it came out of the microwave because the cream was warm but the berries on top were still frozen in the middle. I liked the flavor of all of the savory dishes and the service is friendly although very slow but I don't really see myself going back. read more

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Phenomenal Ethiopian food. Highly recommend the Ajibo Berebere! We had vegetarian dishes, everything we ordered was outsmarting. Service was great. Do try the spicy option...it's very flavorful read more

Delicious!!!! Small, unassuming, and unpretentious, this place definitely punches well above its weight class. Super friendly, and helpful to anyone new to eating this style of hands only (silverware use is to be avoided), and above all, DELICIOUS. Great menu prices, affordable and delicious wines as well. read more

This place is awesome. I love the person who works there, she always has a smile on her face & is very warm & friendly. I love the food, as a vegetarian I have to be able to have options which they have plenty of here. It's really kickass food that fills up up rather quickly due to the injera's absorbing qualities. I would definitely get their juices since they are freshly made but pass on desserts which are not authentic & just frozen. read more

Great food and great ambiance. We had the veg platter and Asmara yea. Absolutely loved them both. Also enjoyed dining in the traditional Ethiopian way! read more

I have had dinner here a few times, the food is outstanding, served in a traditional manner, I have eaten at a few other Ethiopian restaurants, and this is by far the best. Fast, very friendly service, it fills up fast, some night, but, there is rarely a long wait. I have to however, have to tell you that you are to avoid the honey wine, (Which is not mead), it is not very good. (This is my only gripe about this restaurant, which tells you something about Asmara) I am a very big fan of Ethiopian, the heat of the food, (Spicy, not temp.), is outstanding! Great for those hot summer days. read more

I love this place! It's my go-to place for good home-like food. Lots of flavor, casual ambiance and right on the buck. Always recommended!

Tasty Ethiopian! I agree with fellow yelpers. I have to say the injera is really good here versus my last visit to Addis Red Sea which hasnt kept up with quality. I do like this better. Zilzi tibs are my favorite. AND its actually spicy vs my last visit to Addis. I know its Eritrean, but its damn good. The portions are small but very tasty. YUMM!! read more

Delicious is an understatement. Had the Vegetarian Combo, the Stuffed tomato app & the salmon as well as a glass of FRESH pressed Mango & Papaya juices. Superb!!! Will be back soon! read more

Absolutely, without a doubt the BEST Ethiopian food that you can find in New England (I would venture to add that I've not found better in the US). Owner and staff never cease to smile and accommodate. Stories of homeland abound and the food and homemade honey wine cannot be compared! Fabulous! Do not miss this place! read more

The Boston area isn't exactly a mecca for Ethiopian food but Asmara saves those of us who love injera, kitfo and other Ethiopian cuisine. Prices were on the high side compared to what I was used to in some other cities but quality was high and the food was fresh. read more

Fans of Ethiopian food won't be disappointed! I always have the meat and vegetarian combo platters, and love each dish consistently. The variety of spices, textures, and ingredients makes for a delicious and fun dish. The meats are tender and their sauces are delicious, and all the vegetable dishes read very fresh. The injera isn't the best I've had, but it's plentiful and nicely soured. They also have some import and homemade booze options that certainly add to the experience. I usually have the Ethiopian lager, but I hear the honey wine is fabulous. The service, while admittedly slow, is very charming. The place is full of families and local college students, but feels intimate and friendly; don't go in a rush and you'll feel comfortable, and leave happy. Not a great place for an upscale dining experience, but perfect for some laughs with a friend or a date. read more

A former devotee of Fasika, I had not tried any other East African cuisine in Boston. While I'd like to hold out for some West African food, I know its a pipe dream. So I ventured forth to Asmara on the recommendations of Yelpers and the only person I know personally who has eaten here- an Eritrean. The food is really good. Not too spicy, not too bland. Lots of different kinds of tastily spiced meats and lentils. And sometimes, just for kicks, a totally out of place salad. And news flash, injera is supposed to have a slightly sour flavor, that's what makes it so good. The service was fast and friendly, despite the restaurant being rather crowded. Also- ask for the Eritrean beer, which for some reason, is not on the menu. read more

I just... can't. We ordered the combination platter- boneless chicken, spicy lamb, sautéed beef, and mild vegetable stew, mild lentils and a house special salad. Nothing we had was good nor flavorful, including the vegetables which are usually pretty safe. Everything was so dry and tasteless. read more

This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of the Boston area. I tend to be a bit picky when it comes to the quality of Eritrean/Ethiopian food (I'm always looking for the yummiest--i was spoiled by authentic Ethiopian food in both Africa and DC) and this is as good as it gets in the Boston area. Would definitely recommend. read more

Have never come across staff this rude... Just because we took 10 min to figure out the menu and place the order, an elderly waitress (who claimed to be the owner) shouted at us and asked us to get out of the restaurant.... We were looking forward to a peaceful dinner with family but the waitress spoilt everyone's mood for the evening.. Highly recommend not going to this place ever..the elderly woman, if indeed the owner is doing a great job of shooing away customers and ensuring people keep away from this place. read more

I really wish people who quit saying this is an Ethiopian restaurant. It's Eritrean people. Similar food, different country. Asmara is actually the capitol of Eritrea. The owner even has a sign he put up stating that it's an "Eritrean Restaurant." As an Eritrean, it always annoyed me when I'd hear or see people calling Asmara Ethiopian smh #my2cents FYI- the food is bomb. read more

I started going to Asmara the first week it opened. I love the place, but as a vegetarian, the only dishes I've eaten are vegetarian. I don't like the prices, but having been to perhaps 30 Ethiopian restaurants in the major US and European cities, they're generally in line. From going to Asmara I've learned to cook everything they make including tef injera. (I carry three bebere recipes in my wallet.) But there's is always better. Several reviews say the best Ethiopian food is in DC. I think I've eaten in all those restaurants, several times when I lived there--even the Blue Nile when it was on 16th St and a lot better, and the Red Sea in Adams Morgan, which closed. Most of these are not up to Asmara, and I know of none better. Of course, is diners think Ethiopian food resembles Indian food, their tastes might not agree with mine. Same goes with thinking sour injera is off. The several Ethiopian places in NYC are great, but not better--I especially like the one in the Village. The food at Fasika in Somerville is terrific, but not better. Addas Red Sea at both Boston area locations--are you kidding? Even my wife who doesn;t like Ethiopian food asked if the peas and carrots taste of our meal there was supposed to be Nebraskan-Ethiopian. I've eaten at Fasika perhaps 10 times because I'd heard that most Ethiopians in the area eat there. I was even given their bebere spices to take home and cook with. (My obvious appreciation of the food carries perqs.) It's a great place to frequent. Even so, the overall Asmara experience, for example,eating in an actual restaurant, versus supply closet off bar, is so much nicer. read more

I haven't had Ethiopian in a while, so I'm not sure how this compares to other places of similar cuisine. I love the injera bread and had the meat combo which had lentils and a vegetable curry so it wasn't JUST meat. The service was slow but I learned that they were short-staffed. The line was almost out the door when we left, so other people must like this place too. Overall, a solid 4 stars! read more

Good food & friendly service. They (usually) bring you a warm towel to wash your hands before the meal.

Unlike many of the reviews, I would not say this is the best Ethiopian place I've tried, especially within the Boston/Cambridge area. Lucy's cafe, near the Symphony T is a much better place, with a much spongier, firmer injera. The injera at Asmara broke very easily. Came in at 7 on a Saturday so I cannot complain about having to wait to get a table but there was a wait to even get water at my table and a long time for it to be cleared. The waitress tried to upsale to a degree I have not experienced for a while through the ordering process. I ordered one of the lamb dishes that was very yummy and tender but not sure if it is worth coming back here for it. I had the mango juice to drink which was very refreshing and was great. The Asmara tea was also very flavorful. I would recommend going to Lucy's cafe in order to attain some good Ethiopian food at a better price, bigger portions and much better service. read more

I love Ethiopian food, and I enjoy Asmara. The service has been kind and friendly during my visits, and the food is good. You can find better atmosphere at Addis Red Sea in the South End, but food is similar. Ah, yes, the atmosphere...there really isn't any at Asmara - a white room with grid ceiling and a few trinkets on the walls. A good spot for something unique in Central Square though, and less crowded that other more well-known spots nearby. read more

A really cozy restaurant, and really different dining experience. We choose to sit at the tradition table, very interesting! Curry is nice, and I really love the honey wine. The only thing I don't like much is the bread is a little bit too sour. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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The food here is quite good. We ordered a vegetarian platter. However, it took our order an hour and twenty minutes to arrive. I will probably go here again, but will have to expect inconsistent service and a long wait. read more

Came in on a saturday afternoon, not busy. Service was adequate. We ordered tea, and typical of the Ethiopian restaurants in his city, it was weak and complemented with lipton. Ordered a spread of assorted veggie dishes; no qualms about the cabbage or greens. The lentils and beans on the other hand have a strange fermented taste, unlike any oher etheopian fare (the bread comes from partially fermented dough, but that's not what factored into the rest of the dishes). All I could realy taste was sour, it was quite off-putting. There may be some fans of this, but not I. Ah, and to top it all of, this place was about 20$ more expensive than many of the other etheopian restaurants in the city. Try Addis red sea for better food or blue nile for better ambiance. read more

Good Ethiopian and Eritrean food. I like their Doro Wot and Lega Tibs. The warm injera bread is great (when isnt it?). It's a fun date place, so hunch over the mesob (table/plate) and shovel it in read more

Vegans can GET vegan food there, but it's not their specialty. If one wants 'ethnic dining' as a tire-kicking 'tourist'. this 'could work' - but as a vegan, I need to specifiy exactly what I want here. And they have it, and they are very gracious, and I've brought several dining groups there, but ... read more

YUMMY. Good service (it was our first time eating Ethiopian, and our server took the time to explain the different dishes and portion sizes to us). LOTS of food. Definitely a different experience, worth trying. read more

Let's just get this out of the way--yes, the injera is sour. However, that didn't even stand out to me as that big of a deal the first time I went to Asmara. It just struck me as flavorful. Having read all the yelp reviews by the time I went again, I paid specific attention to sourness, and I can see where people are coming from, I guess, but I'm surprised some people found it unbearably so. Different tastes I guess, but if like me, you like tangy foods, don't write it off until you try it. That said, I've yet to be wowed here. I like the food generally, but none of the dishes have tempted me to order them again instead of trying something new. And it's expensive enough ($50 including tip for an app, two entrees and one kiwi juice) that it needs to be better than just fairly good for me to go much when there are so many delicious options in Central. Occasionally though, for something different, and because it's right in my neighborhood, I'm down. Some things to keep in mind when ordering: 1. The options listed on the menu aren't necessarily available. A vegetable dish listed as either collard greens or chard ended up being (which at least we were warned about). Last time we ordered Zihla Gored Gored, a beef dish listed as available either raw or very rare. My friend wanted it very rare, so it would be slightly warm. The waitress first tried to steer us to another dish if we didn't want it raw. When my friend said no, she wanted that one, but rare, the waitress said ok. We got a cold, raw dish, which we ate and was alright (I didn't mind the raw, but found the flavors meh), but if raw is the only acceptable choice, please print it that way. 2. When there is a real choice, speak up or it may be decided for you. It's printed in the menu that most of the vegetables can either come with a spicy red pepper or mild sauce. Our waitress wasn't going to bother asking for our preference until I said something as she was walking away, and only then she asked which we wanted. The spicy is delicious by the way, and I'd say on the hot side of medium on your typical east coast spice-meter. 3. If your injera is getting too soggy, ask for more. They will happily provide it. 4. Skip the desserts. They are just pre-made, frozen pastries/ice cream creations bought from some vendor that you will have to hack at with your spoon in order to eat. The bites I laboriously stole from my friend's were not worth the effort. Go with the fruit juices instead if you want sweet. Also, maybe the outdoor seating is new, but unless I was hallucinating it, we were offered the choice to sit outside last time I went, so the yelp survey majority is incorrect. read more

not to be condescending, but people who write poor reviews based on mediocre service for an obviously foreign family owned restaurant obviously doesn't eat much authentic ethnic cuisine. Indian restaurants have terrible service generally. When it comes to these type of restaurants, you simply judge by the food and take a hit everywhere else. Asmara is obviously a small family run joint. However, I've been going to this restaurant for about 20 years, and have always been happy. Yes, the service is slow sometimes, but its an old married couple and usually there are only 2 people there who aren't in the kitchen. Sad, but the food makes up for it all. Eritrean cuisine is very interesting, and very yummy. Fascinating spicy dishes, wonderful spices and sauces. Fantastic breads that you rip off and use as your utensil. Sorry folks, but this food is fantastic. I'll have to go again soon, its been a while, and then I'll get more specific read more

I don't have too much to compare this too, but I think the food is pretty decent and definitely worth a try. The injera bread, though a bit sour was tasty!! The prices are very very reasonable, so it makes for an interesting change in pace. read more

Hate Utensils?!?! Go here to eat with your hands! Yay for upscale, gluten-friendly finger-food!