“ Massawa is one of the best restaurants in this neighborhood. We got the veg platter for two and we ate until we burst (in a good way). Everything was delicious and plentiful. The lighting is nice, the atmosphere is chill, and it was busy but not packed on a Tuesday evening at 8. This is a dependable standby for the Columbia area, a well-loved and treasured Ethiopian place that I'll return to again and again. We weren't rushed to leave, the food came quickly, our injera was replenished twice, and we were seated as soon as we arrived. Everyone I know loves this restaurant. ”

“ The food, service and ambience were aces. I had the Shiro plate with red lentils and Alitcha. I recommend that as a good vegan option for the first time. The cafe has a hip earthy vibe and is a 4 minute walk from the subway. I would go back. ”

“ I ordered takeout from Massawa and really enjoyed it. We started with the chicken sambusa, which had a flaky crust but flavor was slightly lacking. For the main entree I ordered the vegan sampler, which came with lentils, collard greens, potatoes, carrots, and a good amount of injera. The injera was great, slightly sour but not overwhelming. My friend ordered the Silsi Derho, a chicken dish with a hard boiled egg. The sauce was flavorful and went well with the injera. My friend thought the meat portion was small for the value but enjoyed the flavor ”

“ It's dark in here I'm not good with food places where I can't see my food. I need to be able to see what I'm eating. The service is good. The place is touristy The Decor is light and airy. Open concept. I'd also like to be able to read the menu. ”

“ My friends and I stopped by this sleek restaurant serving Ethiopian cuisine for dinner. The interior was classy and grown up, with a comfortable ambiance. We ended up sharing 3 entrees, which came with our choice of 3 vegetable sides. Our order included Beef Tebsi, Lamb Tsebhi Beghe, and Salmon Tebsi. In terms of veggies, we selected Lentils, Collard Greens, along with a medley of Potatoes, Carrots, and Cabbage. Of course, this all came beautifully plated on top of spongy, yummy injera bread. There were extra rolls of injera as well. The Beef and Lamb were both absolutely mouthwatering, but I think my favorite was the Beef. + Beef Tebsi: This consisted of tender sirloin cubes sauteed in onions, tomatoes, berbere and herbs. There was so much rich, bold flavor throughout the dish. + Lamb Tsebhi Beghe: Spicy chunks of succulent, slow cooked lamb in onions and boldly flavorful berbere. + Salmon Tebsi: Included wine glazed, flaky salmon cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes and herbs, which I wasn't really a fan of. There was a weird aftertaste I didn't enjoy. Out of the vegetable dishes, below was my Favorite to least favorite: + Alitcha: Ensemble of perfectly cooked potatoes, carrots, collard greens, and cabbage baked in turmeric. All the veggies were soft and delightfully flavored. + Timtimo: Savory red lentils stewed with berbere and hints of ginger was quite tasty with a slight kick. + Tsebhi Hamli: Tenderly cooked collard greens stewed in tomatoes and berbere was a nicely seasoned dish. Service was solid. Our waitress was lovely and knowledgeable about the menu. The prices were affordable. We enjoyed our time dining here. Since I tried almost everything I wanted, I won't be back for awhile, but would love to try the Citrus Shrimp. ”

“ 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 be sure to try the Massawa hard lemonade! ”

“ Ordering through QR codes made the process smooth and efficient at Massawa. Upon entering, I was greeted by charming little flower decorations that added a delightful touch to the ambiance. To my surprise, they were all real flowers. I can definitely appreciate the effort put into that. This restaurant came highly recommended by friends, and now I understand why. The dishes were very well seasoned and perfect for sharing. Also, the dishes are perfect for a vegetarian as well! ”

“ It's hard for me to give 5 stars. But I got to give it up to Massawa: their food, service and ambiance has always been consistent over numerous visits! You can come during the day and catch the lunch menu. Or, just do the regular menu! During spring, summer and fall, outdoor seating is available. And at times, they have live music! I found the staff to always be welcoming and friendly! The bathroom is spacious and most importantly super clean! The establishment/interior design is well designed too. The food is delicious: I'm always experimenting going between vegan, vegetarian to meat dishes. The salmon dish and sample veg platter are my favorites. Massawa's ambiance is usually mellow during the afternoons so its a good place to read a book or telework - while indulging in anything on their menu or at their bar area. At later times, it does pick up! Tip: Try the Ethiopian honey wine! Its sweet and will make you feel joyful down the road! Also, don't be afraid to ask for a fork - if you're not comfortable using your hands to eat! No one judges! Everyone is very pleasant. ”

“ Craving some of the best Ethiopian food in NYC? Look no further than Massawa. This restaurant delivers vibrant stews, soul-satisfying sides, and an atmosphere perfect for a casual lunch or an intimate date night. Meat lovers, prepare to rejoice. Every dish I've tried is packed with rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The spicy lamb is a favorite, cooked to juicy perfection and bursting with spices. But don't neglect the sides. The Shiro, Alitcha, and Birsin are flavor bombs in their own right, offering a vibrant counterpoint to the main event. Be realistic about your spicy level tolerance. The cozy space adds to the charm. Dim lighting and warm décor create a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for sharing bites and good conversation. And speaking of sharing... their happy hour is a steal! $7 cocktails?! In this economy? Get into it! I love the Pineapple Margarita. It is a refreshing twist on the classic, showcasing their commitment to delicious and creative libations. My only gripe? The service can be inconsistent. Sometimes, you'll encounter warm hospitality, while other times, it feels a tad aloof. And honestly, I'm not a fan of the forced phone ordering via QR code. It takes away the personal touch. Despite this minor hiccup, Massawa remains a top contender for my Ethiopian food fix. The fantastic food, a relaxed vibe, and killer happy hour deals make it a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic and flavorful adventure. Just skip the QR code and ask for a friendly server - they'll gladly guide you through the spice-infused goodness. Lastly, eating with my hands makes the experience even better. Skip the forks, live a little, and lick your fingers. ”