Massawa: Authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian Cuisine in New York

Massawa Introduce

Introduction / Overview

New York City's culinary landscape is a melting pot of global flavors, and few places capture the essence of a rich, vibrant culture quite like Massawa. As one of the city's pioneering African restaurants, Massawa has been a staple in the Harlem community for decades, offering an authentic taste of Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. This celebrated establishment isn't just a place to eat; it's an experience that transports you to the Horn of Africa through its aromatic dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and rich history. Massawa stands out not only for its delicious food but also for its commitment to providing a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of dietary needs, including extensive vegan, vegetarian, and Halal options. The restaurant proudly identifies as both a Black-owned and women-owned business, adding to its significance within the local community. Whether you're a seasoned fan of East African cuisine or a curious newcomer, Massawa promises a dining journey that is both flavorful and memorable. Its reputation as a go-to spot for both locals and tourists is well-earned, reflecting its dedication to quality and service. From a quick, satisfying lunch to a leisurely, intimate dinner, Massawa provides a perfect setting for any occasion.

Location and Accessibility

Massawa is conveniently located at 1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA. Situated in the heart of Harlem, this location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the New York metropolitan area. The restaurant’s position on Amsterdam Avenue provides a central point for both residents and visitors exploring the upper Manhattan neighborhood. For those traveling by public transportation, the restaurant is a short walk from several subway and bus stops, making it a hassle-free destination. Additionally, paid street parking is available for guests who choose to drive. One of Massawa's key features is its commitment to accessibility. The establishment is designed to be welcoming to all patrons, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can enjoy a meal at Massawa comfortably. The vibrant, historic neighborhood of Harlem adds to the restaurant's charm, making a visit to Massawa a great opportunity to explore the local culture and community. The location is particularly popular with college students, given its proximity to several universities, and also attracts a diverse crowd of groups, tourists, and locals. The ease of access, combined with its prime location, makes Massawa a convenient and attractive dining choice.

Services Offered

At Massawa, the dining experience is tailored to meet modern needs and preferences.

No-contact delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Massawa offers a convenient and safe no-contact delivery service.
Delivery: Standard delivery service is also available, ensuring your favorite Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes can be brought right to your door.
Takeout: If you're on the go, you can place a takeout order and pick up your meal at your convenience.
Dine-in: The restaurant provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests who wish to dine in, offering both table service and a bar onsite.
Catering: Massawa’s catering services allow you to bring the unique flavors of their cuisine to your next event, whether it's a small gathering or a large celebration.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly useful for planning ahead, especially during peak dining hours.
High chairs: For families with young children, high chairs are available, making it a good choice for a family-friendly outing.
Table service: Guests can enjoy a relaxed dining experience with attentive table service.

Features / Highlights

Massawa is celebrated for many unique aspects that enhance the dining experience.

Authentic Cuisine: The menu features traditional Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes, prepared with authentic ingredients and techniques.
Dietary Inclusivity: The restaurant is a haven for those with specific dietary needs, offering a vast selection of vegan and vegetarian options. It is also an Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant, but is often identified as a vegan restaurant due to its wide range of plant-based offerings.
Great Beverages: The bar onsite offers a great selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, and wine. The "Great cocktails" highlight is particularly noteworthy, with happy hour specials available for patrons.
Coffee and Tea: Massawa is known for its "Great coffee" and "Great tea selection," perfect for rounding out your meal.
Live Music: On certain nights, guests can enjoy live music, adding to the cozy and romantic atmosphere.
Fast Service: Patrons often praise the restaurant for its "Fast service," ensuring a pleasant and efficient dining experience.
Popularity: The restaurant is a popular choice for "Lunch," "Dinner," and "Solo dining," indicating its versatility for different occasions.
Amenities: Free Wi-Fi is available for guests, and dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.
Vibrant Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as "Casual," "Cozy," "Romantic," and "Trendy," appealing to a diverse crowd including college students, groups, and tourists. It's also recognized as "LGBTQ+ friendly" and a "Transgender safespace."

Contact Information

For reservations, inquiries, or to place an order, you can contact Massawa using the details below:

Address: 1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA
Phone: (212) 663-0505 or +1 212-663-0505

What Is Worth Choosing

Choosing Massawa means embracing a rich culinary tradition and a dining experience that goes beyond just the food. The restaurant’s longevity and reputation are a testament to its quality. The focus on authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine sets it apart, offering dishes that are both nourishing and intensely flavorful. The menu is a journey in itself, with standout options like the flavorful Kitfo, the comforting Tel Wot, and the various tebsi dishes featuring beef, chicken, or seafood. One of the most compelling reasons to choose Massawa is its incredible range of options for vegans and vegetarians. The Vegan Combo and the Special Shiro are excellent examples of their dedication to plant-based dining. Moreover, the availability of both standard injera and gluten-free injera is a significant highlight, catering to patrons with gluten sensitivities. Beyond the food, Massawa provides an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. The fast service and attentive staff ensure a smooth dining experience, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a long, relaxed dinner. The live music adds a unique cultural element, making it a perfect spot for a romantic date or a celebratory meal. The restaurant's dedication to being a safe and friendly space for all crowds, including college students, groups, tourists, and the LGBTQ+ community, reflects its positive impact on the neighborhood. Supporting a Black-owned and women-owned business is another great reason to choose Massawa, as it contributes to the vibrancy and diversity of the local economy. In short, Massawa is worth choosing for its authentic food, inclusive menu, welcoming atmosphere, and its role as a key part of New York City's diverse and dynamic culinary scene.

Massawa Menu

LUNCH SPECIALS - Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions
Sambusa Duo $10.00
A pairing of crisp pastries: one filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions, the other with seasoned beef, onions, and herbs.
Ful (L) $12.10
Fava Bean Dip Served With Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers And Yogurt. Spiced With Berbere And Tesmi Butter. Served With Toasted Pita
FitFit $10.00
Chopped injera tossed with ripe tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño in a zesty lemon and berbere olive oil dressing

LUNCH SPECIALS - Vegan
Shiro (L) $19.10
Split Peas Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo (L) $18.00
Savory Red Lentils Stewed In Berbere And Hints Of Ginger
Alitcha (L) $18.30
Ensemble Of Potatoes, Carrots, Collards, Cabbage Baked In Turmeric
Kik Alitcha $18.30
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.
Tsebhi Hamli (L) $17.80
Tenderly cooked collard greens stewed in tomatoes and berbere
Veg Combo (L) $20.00
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

LUNCH SPECIALS - Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho (L) $16.00
Chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, berbere
Derho Hiwas (L) $16.30
Boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens

LUNCH SPECIALS - Beef Halal
Fitfit Tebsi $17.50
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.
Zegeni $17.50
Beef cubes gently simmered in a rich, aromatic reduction of caramelized onions and berbere, yielding a velvety, spice-infused sauce with deep, layered flavors
Kitfo $24.00

LUNCH SPECIALS - Homestyle Stews Halal
Tel Wot $23.00
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.

LUNCH SPECIALS - Seafood
Salmon Tebsi (L) $17.00
Wine glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi (L) $16.00
Citrus marinated, sautéed in onions and tomatoes

LUNCH SPECIALS - Dessert
Carrot Cake $8.00
Rum Raisin Cake $8.30

LUNCH SPECIALS - Extra Injera (Per Piece)
INJERA $1.50
Standard Injera (Contains Gluten)
GLUTEN FREE INJERA $4.00
100% Gluten Free Baked Upon Order

LUNCH SPECIALS - Extra Vegan Sides
Shiro $6.00
Guest Favorite Pureed split peas, slow cooked with ginger, herbs, and spices
Timtimo $6.00
Savory red lentils stewed with berbere and hints of ginger
Alitcha $6.00
Ensemble of potatoes, carrots, collard greens, and cabbage baked in turmeric
Birsin $6.00
Spicy brown lentils stewed in berbere
Cablo $6.00
Cabbage and carrots sauteed in garlic and turmeric
Tsebhi Hamli $6.00
Tenderly cooked collard greens stewed in tomatoes and berbere
Garden Salad $6.00

LUNCH SPECIALS - Vegetarian Specials
Fresh mushrooms sautéed with herbs, rosemary and traditional seasoning.
Special Shiro $18.30
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)
Mushroom Tebsi $15.00

Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions
Sambusa Duo $10.00
A pairing of crisp pastries: one filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions, the other with seasoned beef, onions, and herbs.
Ful (L) $12.10
Fava Bean Dip Served With Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers And Yogurt. Spiced With Berbere And Tesmi Butter. Served With Toasted Pita
FitFit $10.00
Chopped injera tossed with ripe tomatoes, onion, and jalapeño in a zesty lemon and berbere olive oil dressing

Vegan
Shiro (L) $19.10
Split Peas Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo (L) $18.00
Savory Red Lentils Stewed In Berbere And Hints Of Ginger
Alitcha (L) $18.30
Ensemble Of Potatoes, Carrots, Collards, Cabbage Baked In Turmeric
Kik Alitcha $18.30
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.
Tsebhi Hamli (L) $17.80
Tenderly cooked collard greens stewed in tomatoes and berbere
Veg Combo (L) $20.00
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho (L) $16.00
Chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, berbere
Derho Hiwas (L) $16.30
Boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens

Beef Halal
Fitfit Tebsi $17.50
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.
Zegeni $17.50
Beef cubes gently simmered in a rich, aromatic reduction of caramelized onions and berbere, yielding a velvety, spice-infused sauce with deep, layered flavors
Kitfo $24.00

Homestyle Stews Halal
Tel Wot $23.00
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.

Seafood
Salmon Tebsi (L) $17.00
Wine glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi (L) $16.00
Citrus marinated, sautéed in onions and tomatoes

Dessert
Carrot Cake $8.00
Rum Raisin Cake $8.30

Extra Injera (Per Piece)
INJERA $1.50
Standard Injera (Contains Gluten)
GLUTEN FREE INJERA $4.00
100% Gluten Free Baked Upon Order

Extra Vegan Sides
Shiro $6.00
Guest Favorite Pureed split peas, slow cooked with ginger, herbs, and spices
Timtimo $6.00
Savory red lentils stewed with berbere and hints of ginger
Alitcha $6.00
Ensemble of potatoes, carrots, collard greens, and cabbage baked in turmeric
Birsin $6.00
Spicy brown lentils stewed in berbere
Cablo $6.00
Cabbage and carrots sauteed in garlic and turmeric
Tsebhi Hamli $6.00
Tenderly cooked collard greens stewed in tomatoes and berbere
Garden Salad $6.00

Vegetarian Specials
Fresh mushrooms sautéed with herbs, rosemary and traditional seasoning.
Special Shiro $18.30
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)
Mushroom Tebsi $15.00

MENU - Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Asa Sambusa $10.50
Golden, crisp pastry shells filled with seasoned tuna, onions, and fresh herbs.
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Sambusa Duo $10.00
A pairing of crisp pastries: one filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions, the other with seasoned beef, onions, and herbs.
Ful $14.10
Fava Bean Dip Served With Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers, And Yogurt. Spiced With Berbere And Tesmi Butter. Served W/ Toasted Pita

MENU - Beef Halal
Beef Cubes Simmered In A Thick Stew Of Onions And Berbere
Fitfit Tebsi $26.00
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.
Zegeni $26.50
Beef cubes gently simmered in a rich, aromatic reduction of caramelized onions and berbere, yielding a velvety, spice-infused sauce with deep, layered flavors
Kitfo $24.00

MENU - Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Seasoned Chicken Sautéed In Onions, Tomatoes and Berbere
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow braised in a spiced onion puree stew.

MENU - Homestyle Stews Halal
Mild lamb stew cooked with herbs and onions
Tel Wot $29.50
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.
Dahab's Beghe $27.50
Great-Grandma Dahab's slow-cooked lamb in a mild turmeric sauce, served with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic.

MENU - Seafood
Salmon Tebsi $28.00
Wine-glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi $26.00
Citrus Marinated, Sautéed In Onions And Tomatoes

MENU - Vegan
Shiro $23.80
Split Peas, Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo $23.30
Savory Red Lentils Stewed With Berbere And Hints Of Ginger
Alitcha $23.80
Ensemble Of Potatoes, Carrots, Collards, And Cabbage Baked In Garlic and Turmeric
Tsebhi Hamli $23.30
Tenderly Cooked Collard Greens Stewed In Tomatoes And Berbere
Kik Alitcha $23.30
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.

MENU - Vegan Samplers
Vegan Sampler For 1 $26.00
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew), Timtimo (Red Lentils) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

MENU - Vegetarian Specials
Special Shiro $24.30
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)

MENU - Dessert
Rum Cake $9.90

MENU - Extra Vegan Side
Shiro $6.00
Timtimo $6.00
Alitcha $6.00
Birsin $6.00
Cablo $6.00
Tsebhi Hamli $6.00
Rice $4.00

MENU - Extra Injera (Per Piece)
INJERA $1.50
Standard Injera (Contains Gluten)
GLUTEN FREE INJERA $4.00
100% Gluten Free Baked Upon Order

Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Asa Sambusa $10.50
Golden, crisp pastry shells filled with seasoned tuna, onions, and fresh herbs.
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Sambusa Duo $10.00
A pairing of crisp pastries: one filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions, the other with seasoned beef, onions, and herbs.
Ful $14.10
Fava Bean Dip Served With Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers, And Yogurt. Spiced With Berbere And Tesmi Butter. Served W/ Toasted Pita

Beef Halal
Beef Cubes Simmered In A Thick Stew Of Onions And Berbere
Fitfit Tebsi $26.00
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.
Zegeni $26.50
Beef cubes gently simmered in a rich, aromatic reduction of caramelized onions and berbere, yielding a velvety, spice-infused sauce with deep, layered flavors
Kitfo $24.00

Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Seasoned Chicken Sautéed In Onions, Tomatoes and Berbere
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow braised in a spiced onion puree stew.

Homestyle Stews Halal
Mild lamb stew cooked with herbs and onions
Tel Wot $29.50
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.
Dahab's Beghe $27.50
Great-Grandma Dahab's slow-cooked lamb in a mild turmeric sauce, served with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic.

Seafood
Salmon Tebsi $28.00
Wine-glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi $26.00
Citrus Marinated, Sautéed In Onions And Tomatoes

Vegan
Shiro $23.80
Split Peas, Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo $23.30
Savory Red Lentils Stewed With Berbere And Hints Of Ginger
Alitcha $23.80
Ensemble Of Potatoes, Carrots, Collards, And Cabbage Baked In Garlic and Turmeric
Tsebhi Hamli $23.30
Tenderly Cooked Collard Greens Stewed In Tomatoes And Berbere
Kik Alitcha $23.30
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.

Vegan Samplers
Vegan Sampler For 1 $26.00
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew), Timtimo (Red Lentils) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

Vegetarian Specials
Special Shiro $24.30
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)

Dessert
Rum Cake $9.90

Extra Vegan Side
Shiro $6.00
Timtimo $6.00
Alitcha $6.00
Birsin $6.00
Cablo $6.00
Tsebhi Hamli $6.00
Rice $4.00

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Sambusa Duo $10.00
A pairing of crisp pastries: one filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions, the other with seasoned beef, onions, and herbs.
Ful $14.10
Fava Bean Dip Served With Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers, And Yogurt. Spiced With Berbere And Tesmi Butter. Served W/ Toasted Pita

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Beef Halal
Beef Cubes Simmered In A Thick Stew Of Onions And Berbere
Zegeni $26.50
Beef cubes gently simmered in a rich, aromatic reduction of caramelized onions and berbere, yielding a velvety, spice-infused sauce with deep, layered flavors
Kitfo $24.00

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Seasoned Chicken Sautéed In Onions, Tomatoes and Berbere
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow braised in a spiced onion puree stew.

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Homestyle Stews Halal
Mild lamb stew cooked with herbs and onions
Alitcha Beghe $27.50
Turmeric Flavored Mild Stew In An Onion Puree
Tel Wot $29.50
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.
Dahab's Beghe $27.50
Great-Grandma Dahab's slow-cooked lamb in a mild turmeric sauce, served with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic.

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Seafood
Salmon Tebsi $28.00
Wine-glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi $26.00
Citrus Marinated, Sautéed In Onions And Tomatoes

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Vegan
Shiro $23.80
Split Peas, Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo $23.30
Savory Red Lentils Stewed With Berbere And Hints Of Ginger
Alitcha $23.80
Ensemble Of Potatoes, Carrots, Collards, And Cabbage Baked In Garlic and Turmeric
Kik Alitcha $23.30
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.
Tsebhi Hamli $23.30
Tenderly Cooked Collard Greens Stewed In Tomatoes And Berbere

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Vegan Samplers
Vegan Sampler For 1 $26.00
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew), Timtimo (Red Lentils) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Vegetarian Specials
Special Shiro $24.30
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Taste of NY
Spaghetti

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Dessert
Rum Cake $9.90

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Vegan Side
Shiro $6.00
Timtimo $6.00
Alitcha $6.00
Cablo $6.00
Tsebhi Hamli $6.00
Rice $4.00
Kik Alitcha $0.00
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Extra Injera (Per Piece)
INJERA $1.50
Standard Injera (Contains Gluten)
GLUTEN FREE INJERA $4.00
100% Gluten Free Baked Upon Order

Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Sambusa Duo $10.00
A pairing of crisp pastries: one filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions, the other with seasoned beef, onions, and herbs.
Ful $14.10
Fava Bean Dip Served With Chopped Onions, Tomatoes, Jalapeno Peppers, And Yogurt. Spiced With Berbere And Tesmi Butter. Served W/ Toasted Pita

Beef Halal
Beef Cubes Simmered In A Thick Stew Of Onions And Berbere
Zegeni $26.50
Beef cubes gently simmered in a rich, aromatic reduction of caramelized onions and berbere, yielding a velvety, spice-infused sauce with deep, layered flavors
Kitfo $24.00

Homestyle Stews Halal
Mild lamb stew cooked with herbs and onions
Alitcha Beghe $27.50
Turmeric Flavored Mild Stew In An Onion Puree
Tel Wot $29.50
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.
Dahab's Beghe $27.50
Great-Grandma Dahab's slow-cooked lamb in a mild turmeric sauce, served with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic.

Taste of NY
Spaghetti

Vegan Side
Shiro $6.00
Timtimo $6.00
Alitcha $6.00
Cablo $6.00
Tsebhi Hamli $6.00
Rice $4.00
Kik Alitcha $0.00
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.

DRINKS - COFFEE
Ethiopian Blended Coffee $5.50
Ginger Coffee $5.00
Bulletproof $5.50
Hot Chocolate $5.30
Hot Cocoa Organic $5.30
Pumpkin Spice Latte $5.40
Cappuccino $5.00
Cafe Latte $5.00
Machiatto $4.30
Espresso $4.00
Iced Ethiopian Coffee
Spiced Coffee $5.50

DRINKS - TEA Loose Leaf & Brewed
Loose Leaf Tea $5.40
Spiced Tea Latte $5.50
Spiced Tea $5.50
Ginger Tea $5.40
Spiced Iced Tea $5.50
Iced Tea $5.50
Iced Hibiscus Tea $5.50

DRINKS - BOBA
Berry Iced Tea $6.00
Peach Lemonade $6.00
Guava Lemonade $6.00

DRINKS - MOCKTAIL
Agave Ginger Lemonade $6.00

DRINKS - JUICES
Mango $4.50
Cranberry $4.00
Orange $4.00
Peach $4.50

DRINKS - SODA
Coke $2.00
Diet Coke $2.00
Ginger Ale $2.00

DRINKS - $3 TAKEOUT COFFEE & TEA
Iced Ethiopian Coffee $3.00
Iced Cinnamon Spiced Coffee $3.00
Iced Tea $3.00
Iced Cinnamon Spiced Tea $3.00

COFFEE
Ethiopian Blended Coffee $5.50
Ginger Coffee $5.00
Bulletproof $5.50
Hot Chocolate $5.30
Hot Cocoa Organic $5.30
Pumpkin Spice Latte $5.40
Cappuccino $5.00
Cafe Latte $5.00
Machiatto $4.30
Espresso $4.00
Iced Ethiopian Coffee
Spiced Coffee $5.50

TEA Loose Leaf & Brewed
Loose Leaf Tea $5.40
Spiced Tea Latte $5.50
Spiced Tea $5.50
Ginger Tea $5.40
Spiced Iced Tea $5.50
Iced Tea $5.50
Iced Hibiscus Tea $5.50

BOBA
Berry Iced Tea $6.00
Peach Lemonade $6.00
Guava Lemonade $6.00

MOCKTAIL
Agave Ginger Lemonade $6.00

JUICES
Mango $4.50
Cranberry $4.00
Orange $4.00
Peach $4.50

SODA
Coke $2.00
Diet Coke $2.00
Ginger Ale $2.00

$3 TAKEOUT COFFEE & TEA
Iced Ethiopian Coffee $3.00
Iced Cinnamon Spiced Coffee $3.00
Iced Tea $3.00
Iced Cinnamon Spiced Tea $3.00

PETITE TO-GO - VEGAN
Shiro - Pureed Chick Peas $11.00
Timtimo - Red Lentil Stew $11.00
Alitcha - Potato Stew $11.00
Birsin - Spiced Lentils $11.00
Cablo - Cabbage Cooked With Carrots $11.00
Tsebhi Hamli $11.00

PETITE TO-GO - PROTEINS
Beef Zegeni - Spicy Beef Stew $13.00
Lamb Tsebhi - Spicy Stew $13.00
Lamb Alitcha $13.00

PETITE TO-GO - SOUPS
Fava Bean Soup $6.00
Savory fava beans cooked with spinach and herbs
Chicken Soup $6.00
Slow-simmered broth brimming with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and farm-fresh vegetables.

VEGAN
Shiro - Pureed Chick Peas $11.00
Timtimo - Red Lentil Stew $11.00
Alitcha - Potato Stew $11.00
Birsin - Spiced Lentils $11.00
Cablo - Cabbage Cooked With Carrots $11.00
Tsebhi Hamli $11.00

PROTEINS
Beef Zegeni - Spicy Beef Stew $13.00
Lamb Tsebhi - Spicy Stew $13.00
Lamb Alitcha $13.00

SOUPS
Fava Bean Soup $6.00
Savory fava beans cooked with spinach and herbs
Chicken Soup $6.00
Slow-simmered broth brimming with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and farm-fresh vegetables.

Massawa Details

From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Live music
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour drinks
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Late-night food
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
College students
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Massawa Photos

Massawa Location

Massawa

New York New York County New York Amsterdam Avenue

1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027, USA

Massawa Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 694 user reviews.

lunchhoney winecocktailseritrean cuisinephoneappetizersidesrenovatedsalmonindian

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

If you like Ethiopian food this is the place to go. Food is divine. Good cocktails too. Go before 7 for $9 specialty cocktails. The meat and vegetarian combos were both excellent. The Fava bean dip is divine.
March 31 · Michael Lehrman
The food is bland and very expensive - especially compared to the fantastic alternatives nearby (Awaze and Abyssinia). It tastes like bland gentrified indian food - none of the intense flavourful spices you get elsewhere. Feels inauthentic. I guess it caters to gentrified tastebuds, but is definitely not my thing.
March 28 · Antonio Ng
First, do you think this is worth $26 (without tax and tips)? Plus tax is $28.31, and this still doesn’t include tips yet…Second, maybe they just like to take things slow or they don’t have enough waiters/waitresses, because the wait time is very long. It took me about 20 minutes to order my food and another 20 minutes to see my dishes (totaling around 40 minutes before I can actually eat)!Third, maybe it’s just me, but that “bread like”thing is really sour.Fourth, this restaurant is said to be a halal restaurant. However, they do sell alcoholic drinks. So, I don’t think this restaurant can be considered as halal.
June 08 · Jasnina Zeng
First time trying Ethiopian food and it was delicious. Only downside is that the wait time to receive the food and coffee we ordered was long.
August 09 · Rebecca Medina
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.
September 03 · Miranda