Massawa - New York City

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Given it was such a beautiful day, I do wish we had opted for outdoor dining. The interior is nice, featuring a spacious bar and a design typical of many Ethiopian restaurants in NYC. Our friend noted that it felt more spacious than the Manhattan restaurants he has visited, which we find is common in Harlem. The food itself was quite good, although not the best we’ve experienced in Harlem. We also found the prices a bit higher than we expected. The drink menu is great, but paying $48 for a bottle of honey wine felt excessive. The staff was friendly and pleasant, but similar to many Ethiopian restaurants, the service was a bit slow—especially when we needed things like a menu or napkins, despite the fact that it wasn’t overly busy during our late lunch around 3 PM.

This is a delightful Ethiopian restaurant with several vegan options. We decided to try the vegan sampler, which was both tasty and satisfying. As is customary in Ethiopian dining, the bread acts as both the plate and the utensil, but don’t hesitate to ask for a fork and spoon if you need them!

There are множество options available, and everything is priced under $19.

I just discovered Massawa last night, although they've been around for decades. The food was really good, the atmosphere was pleasant, and there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. Highly recommended!

The food is fantastic, catering to vegan, vegetarian, and meat lovers alike. My personal favorites are the salmon dish and the vegetable platter. Massawa has a relaxed ambiance in the afternoons, making it a perfect place to read or work while savoring their food or enjoying drinks at the bar. The atmosphere becomes livelier as the evening approaches! I highly recommend trying the Ethiopian honey wine for a delightful and sweet experience. And don't hesitate to ask for a fork if you prefer not to eat with your hands – everyone here is friendly and welcoming.