This place is sooooo good! I went with my son for his birthday and we couldn't get enough. The meat combo with lentils was delicious and the server was very friendly. We couldn't have enjoyed it more. read more

Great food. Great service. Above average atmosphere. We ordered both combos, which I recommend. read more

My first time I was at this restaurant, and it was fabulous! This was only the third time I had Ethiopian food, but it was delicious and very filling. The honey wine was a good amount of sweet and went perfectly with our meal. We ordered the beef fitfit spicy. I could eat just that and be a happy camper. We also ordered the vegetarian and meat combos. The beef in the meat combo was a bit tough, but it was tasty nonetheless. The lamb was cooked perfectly. Everything was seasoned just right. The only thing we didn't care for much was the boiled veggies in the veggie combo, it just tasted ... boiled, but everything else was perfect! The location was in a perfect location and the restaurant was a nice small place to catch up with friends. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Terrific restaurant! Delicious cuisine - the injera is especially good. The various wats are spicy but not too much. And our server was outstanding: she was knowledgeable and patient with our many questions. We'll definitely return next time we're in Boston! read more

Prices definitely higher than what I'd expect - $17 for a standard plate of injera, chicken, etc. whereas i'm used to $13. Go for the mixed platters to get to try diff. things. Maitre d' was charmingly strict. When we asked for a fork, she said, like a mother to child, "No, no, no ... you do not eat with a fork." Awesome. read more

Combination platter is really quite tasty, some of the best Ethiopian food I've had. Nice staff. Tasty food. Reasonable prices. Why not? read more

I've been trying to go to this restaurant for months but they always seem to be closed. Most recently, I was particularly disappointed to find the "open" sign brightly shining, only to enter and after a few minutes later be told they were closed. "But you do know your open sign is on?" I asked. "Yes but we're closed." Okay, I officially give up. I will try a different Ethiopian restaurant and will call before I arrive. read more

Absolutely one of the most delicious and unique restaurant/food experiences in Boston! The owner -staff are gracious and kind! Eat traditional style and have Honey Wine! GO!!! read more

Came here on a Thursday night, party of 2. No wait and we could seat ourselves. Got the 2 combos so we could try everything and it was all amazing! Generous portion and we ended up bagging the rest for home. Highly highly recommend. Waitress was more than friendly and offered an explanation of the decor, food, and correct way of eating. Coming again! read more

Asmara Restaurant - a plate of pita bread and a glass of wine - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

The food here is delicious and satisfying. i know it under-spiced to fit the American taste, but it's still spicy enough for a good East African taste. ordered rice-stuffed tomato, and spicy ground-meat with Bell peppers; both appetizers were spicy, they also were not greassy, which is important to me. I had derhu (chicken) fitfit for entree, it's good, but make sure you ask to make it "extra spicy"! The meat is tender and well-cooked, and the sauce has good texture. All dishes are serves with Injera bread. The service is very slow because there are only to waiters. I suggest you come for lunch before three when it's less crowded. I would also say it's somewhat overpriced, in comparison to the portion you get, but the thing is it's hard to find dishes like this around Boston. read more

See all

While walking by in Central Square, we stumbled upon Asmara were able to look in through the windows to see what it was like. We were intrigued and decided to come back for lunch one day. During this lunch time, the place wasn't very packed, maybe two or three other parties seated total. We were seated immediately and the place seemed to be run by one lady (probably the owner). We were new to Ethiopian food and asked for suggestions. She stated that a combination of some sort was the way to go, so we opted for the meat combination called the Sega Bebaynetu - $17.95 (per person). The meat combination came with boneless chicken, spicy lamb, sautéed beef, and mild vegetable stew, mild lentils and a house special salad. Everything is served is served on a platter and placed in the center of the basket in front of you. Traditionally, Ethiopians eat with their hands. Injera, or their form of bread, serves as a helper to eat the piles of food with. I found the injera itself crepe like in texture, and very different - slightly sour almost. By itself it was a little off putting, but with the meat choices it was easily overlooked. The flavors of all the meats in the combination were similar. I found the "spicy" options not very spicy and better tasting than the non spicy options. There was more than enough of the meat combination for two of us and we opted to take the rest of it to go. I can't say I'm an Ethiopian food connoisseur, nor do I have anything else to really compare it to, but the food was just Ok in my opinion. I wasn't wowed, but more so impressed by the overall cultural experience. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Meat combination with injera - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Really good Ethiopian restaurant near central square. Very accommodating of our group of 7, with a very eclectic wine list (we found a pinotage!!). Loved their beef - really tender and delicious. Would love to go back again. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Pinotage by the bottle - each drop is golden! - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Good experience overall. Food was tasty. Injera was freshly made. However, it is very expensive for their portions. Tiny entree portions for at least $15 each. The "combination" items are appealing, don't get me wrong, they all tasted great, but we had 2 Meat Combinations and 1 Vegetable combination and there were only 3 of us but we had to get an additional entree. Floor not too clean. It's not really the best ambiance but the service is great. I'll still go somewhere else though. read more

We chose Eritrean because it's impossible to get in Vermont, where we're from. It was amazing. We had a combination plate so we could try as many things as possible. So good! And the service was also excellent. Very charming and pleasant. The food came quickly. We chose a traditional "table", but they have regular tables too. Definitely will be back the next time we're in Cambridge. read more

one of my favorite restaurants of all time. i've been here several times and it's always so amazing- can't wait to come again read more

Asmara Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

The best way to go here is to get the combinations for ~$16.95. You get a lot of food to try with many different flavors. This is a great option if you don't know much about Ethiopian food. Our waitress was really kind and helpful - down to earth. The vibe is a little sterile, especially if you're not sitting at the more authentic table, but the crowds move quickly, and the food is high quality. This is definitely a good place for a group, even large groups. Most people would call this the best Ethiopian in the area. read more

Went here last night with some friends looking to try something new for once (and for something vegetarian friendly for one of these friends). I had my doubts when I got there at 5:30 and with nobody in the restaurant but stuck with my decision. As you might guess we had zero trouble getting a table. More people came after we arrived so it was somewhat lively after a bit. They had some unusual wicker tables for about a third of all the seating, which was quite a nice touch. Service was a tad slow but forgivable since there seemed to be just one waitress. We got the veggie and meat combo thing, which is a huuuge amount of food. Flavoring was quite nice but the injera was really sour (in an almost vingary/citric fashion). Took a bit getting used to but it wasn't bad in any way. I'm told prices here are typical of Ethiopian/Eritrean food so even if it's pricier than other food options it's a pretty reasonable value for the cuisine. Would certainly be willing to come back again. read more

This restaurant is delicious! I've had Ethiopian in DC (which is the best I've tried) but this place is a close runner up. The boyfriend and I came in on a Wednesday night and were seated immediately. We first got the honey wine which was really sweet and syrupy. It reminded me of mead. Then we got the meat combo and everything was tender, delicious and flavorful. They certainly don't skip on the injera here. My favorite part about this place specifically is that they serve the food traditional style in colorful baskets! I've never seen that before and it made the experience that much better :) read more

Are you up for a culinary adventure? This was my first experience with Eritrean/Ethiopian food and it was one I'll not soon forget. I recommend eating at one of the traditional tables - you all eat family-style out of a giant basket and you use your fingers instead of forks or spoons. I was delighted to find they had a vegetarian platter, which was yummy except for one super spicy dish. We also ordered some unorthodox drinks; two of us had honey-infused mead and one of us had beer. My friend had the Ethiopian light lager and I hate beer but I stole a few sips because this was a delicious exception. Service was good but the bill was pretty steep (over $100 for 3 of us) but the exotic eats were worth a little splurge. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Family style noms - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I've tried 3 places in the Boston area for Ethiopian - Lucy's, Addis Red Sea, and Asmara. Asmara wins on flavor, portion, menu variety. Their combos are delicious. If you can, get the meat combo and the veggie combo to share between people. Also try the kitfo. Sometimes I've left here feeling like I've had too much salt but that's really the only thing I can fault Asmara on. Excellent service! They also take reservations. I have eaten here with a party of 2 and a party of 12 and everything inbetween - great every time :) I tried the honey wine once and didn't like it that much though. Asmara is one of my favorite restaurants in town. read more

I love Ethiopian food. I think I like Addis Red Sea better than Asmara. The food is still delicious, but not QUITE as flavorful as Addis. I always get the meat combo platter (whatever it's called where you get a variety) and it's tasty. I think the meat is a little better than if you get just the veggies. The bread is spongy and delicious and you dip it into the different sauces. Yum! Price wise, it's about $15-$17 per person, and then plus tax and tip! However, Addis Red Sea has always RIDICULOUS lines and make me wait forever; at Asmara, you get seated right away and food comes out within 10 minutes. It's defintely a good place to go if you want something different. read more

Literally so delicious. The people are nice, the food is perfectly spiced and the bread is wonderful. This is a fantastic highlight of Cambridge's food scene. I recommend the Vegetarian Combo and the tomato salad/appetizer! (Very vegetarian friendly!) read more

Excellent experience. I am in Cambridge for 2 weeks for work and this is the first place i visited. i may only be here for 2 weeks but i will come back here before i leave!!! Excellent service, food, location and atmosphere. I have never had Ethiopian cuisine before and the waitress asked if i had any questions about the cuisine...i didn't, until my food got served with no silverware! At which point she calmly and non-judgmental explained to me how to eat traditionally with fingers. I did as she instructed. It was so flavorful. So good. Cool experience. Ambience was what I wanted, too. Quiet but audible traditional music playing, traditional tables, good artwork, nice tables, history in menus, etc. As good an experience as it gets. Highly recommend!!! read more

Great option for Ethiopian food in Cambridge. Liked this place better than Lucy's Ethiopian Cafe near Symphony in Boston. ~$20-30/person read more

My wife and I are pretty big fans of Ethiopian/Eritrean food, and have tried it all over Boston: JP, Malden, East Somerville, Cambridge, South End, and more. After several years, Asmara is still our favorite, hands down! Most importantly, the food quality and flavors are the best we've found. We honestly just go, order the meat and veggie combo plates, and revel in enjoying 10-12 distinct dishes at once! Asmara showed me I could enjoy eating vegetables and legumes that I previously wasn't willing to touch. Not only is the food delicious, but compared to average restaurant foods this stuff is downright healthy! Always leave feeling satisfied and refueled, never sluggish or gross. In addition to the food, the family owners are just charming wonderfully nice people -- always gracious and kind, no matter how crazy the restaurant may be. Asmara's overall ambiance of is just very conducive for a slow, relaxed, delicious experience of global cuisine. Give them a try!! I highly doubt you'll regret it. read more

Food: We had the meat and veggie combo for 4..... lamb Fitfit was my favorite! their coffee and tea are also reasons for me to go there! Service: was great and fast Environment: authentic and very entertaining TV!!!! read more

Asmara Restaurant - The salad at the center was really great! don't miss it! - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Got takeout since eat-in not available. Was ready when ordered. Smelled great all the drive to a friend's house in Cambridge. Shared the veggie combo, salads fitfit, lamb in yellow curry, and lots of injera. Way more than two of us could eat. All of it was Scrumptious. Will go back. read more

Love this place! Food is great, atmosphere is pleasant, and Sara is possibly the best waitress in Cambridge. She remembers return customers, takes care of people's dietary needs, and is hilarious as an added bonus. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Vegetarian combo - one regular one gluten free injera. - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I went to Asmara for the first time, yesterday. I'd heard a few bad things about Ethiopian food in the past, but they obviously weren't about Asmara. I enjoyed the experience. The service was pleasant and relaxed. Relaxed, not quick. This isn't Uno's, and it shouldn't be. It was a gross rainy day, and a long leisurely meal was just what I wanted. Also, I don't want to imply that our waitress was inattentive. She just didn't rush us with the check and left the pitcher of water for our convenience. It was a refreshing change from being constantly interrupted. We started with the ginger coffee which was STRONG but good. We were served on a large dish with large pieces of bread that were almost like giant crepes. Eat with your hands using the bread. I spent a month in India, and this was no problem. My spicy beef dish was good as well as my my date's chicken. The small goat cheese salad was a nice surprise. The seasoning was definitely unique. I bet this would be fun with 3 or more people sharing their entrees. I'll definitely be back! read more

Asmara Restaurant - Ginger Coffee. Delicious. - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

It's Ethiopian. It's Eritrean. It's piles of spiced meat and veggies served atop wide foamy bread called injera. There aren't any forks (unless you get dessert ) (which we did). We chose to eat at a "traditional" Ethiopian table with a concave 3' bowl-table called a Gebeta between us. Ambiance was calm - dimly lit on a Friday night with some West African music playing a cadence in the background. Servers were friendly, explaining the menu and offering suggestions. We split the Sega Bebaynetu - Meat Combination for two. It was servings of chicken, lamb, beef, lentils, and veggies surrounding a small salad atop a pile of injera - that Ethiopian bread which doubles as your utensils. The food was spicy and flavorful and meaty and awesome. The injera soaked up some of that flavor and we ate most of it (they give you 3 on the side and serve the food atop 3 more). We got chocolate mousse cake and berry cake for dessert - some sweet to complement the savory. In terms of price it was a bit on the expensive side. I might opt for a cheaper Indian dish for that style of super spiced/marinated meat and veggies rather than the $20/pp we spent on the above. Nonetheless Ethiopian is an experience and Asmara does a great job at it. read more

Asmara Restaurant - #22 combo for two - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

2.7/5 - First time trying Ethiopian cuisine. I normally like the sour taste. However, the food here was too sour that I could hardly sense the other flavors. Anyway, they seemed to be doing okay on the spices. The rating is purely based on the food. However, I personally feel that the food is overpriced and does not worth the cost. I came here alone and it costed me ~$20 (a dish and water). I definitely won't recommend coming here alone. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

Asmara is a unique spot in Central Sqaure serving Ethiopian (Eritrean?) food. It isn't fancy, but it is occasionally delicious depending on what you order. \ For those who haven't had the pleasure, cuisine from this region of east Africa is similar to Indian food. Lotd of legumes, lentils, and curry type sauces with various stewed and sauteed meats. The bread (injira) is spongy and delightfully sour, instead of naan, and serves as a perfect compliment to entrees. You'll want to order several items and share. We tried the Alitcha Begeeh, curried lamb, and found it delicious. Now the downside. The service was a bit grim, and the restaurant itself seemed a bit worn down and worse for wear. Part of the table was actually sticky when we sat down. And whatever you do, avoid the honey wine. Maybe we should have assumed this going in, but the waiter told us that it was a traditional beverage. That may be true, but it tastes like someone poured honey into perfume. Badisimo. read more

Asmara Restaurant - The menu. - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Old school Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant with melt in your mouth food. We got both the spicy spinach dish and the lamb stew with injera. The restaurant offers seating both at a table and traditional style - meaning at a lower bowl-like table (unsure what it is called). I'd recommend dining traditional style as I think the lower table is better suited for the serving dishes (naturally). The portions are sizable so you'll likely have leftovers. read more

Wonderful way to experience Ethiopia's great food culture! Our waitress was very pleasant and accommodating to the variety of dietary restrictions in my party, but it wasn't the quickest and service I've received. The food, however, was fantastic! I highly recommend the sharing platters because it's a great way to try as many dishes as possible. For groups of 4 people, I suggest getting two of the Sega Bebaynetu (platter with meat) and two of the Ahimilti Bebaynetu (platter with vegetables)! read more

Asmara Restaurant - Sega Bebaynetu & Ahimilti Bebaynetu - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This place is THE BEST. The food is consistently amazing and the staff is so friendly and interactive.

6/5. I have been coming here for 7-8 years and it never fails to amaze. My partner (or whoever I insist come along on a given evening) and I almost always get one veggie combo and one meat combo so we can enjoy a wide variety of flavors, but I've never had anything here that I didn't like. Pricing is very reasonable given the unique atmosphere, great service, generous portions, and excellent flavors. I always have a very small lunch before going to Asmara for dinner because the food is just too good to not finish. I just moved back to Cambridge and once again this will be THE spot I take people to when they are visiting. If you enjoy well-spiced food, definitely check this out. read more

First time trying Ethiopian/Eritrean food, and was very pleased! I ordered the Vegetarian combination platter, which had a nice variety of dishes. Loved the vintage-like tables, and cozy/"homey" decor. read more

Asmara Restaurant - Vegetarian combination platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Our first time trying out Ethiopian food and Asmara didn't disappoint at all. Loved everything I had on my plate, which by the way, since we ordered for 6 people, was HUGE. The crepe was so soft and yum! All the different curries with chickpeas and lentils were delicious! Simple comfort food at its best. My most favorite curry was the hottest and spiciest of all them all ( can't recollect its name), I just used that as a chutney and with the rest of the items. Craving for Ethiopian food as I'm writing this review, definitely going back soon before the end of this year ;) read more

Great restaurant with pleasant ambience and amazing comfort food. Got the meat combo platter and the spiced tea. It's difficult to ask for a spoon to scoop up all the yummy deliciousness without being made to order another plate of the flatbread! read more

I am a huge foodie and I had never tried Eritrean cuisine. I wasn't disappointed at all! We started with spinach and ricotta and it was mouthwatering! We had the meat combination plate with lamb, beef, chicken, lentils and a veg potato-carrot-beans mix. (Personally I loved the meats more than the veggies.) If you are a coffee lover, give their filter coffee a try. They serve it in a tiny clay pot and that certainly adds an amazing unique flavor to the coffee! read more

See all