Massawa: Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine in NYC

Massawa Introduce

Massawa: A Culinary Journey to East Africa in the Heart of New York City

For decades, Massawa has been a cornerstone of New York City's culinary landscape, bringing the rich, aromatic flavors of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine to the vibrant streets of Harlem. As a proud Black-owned and women-owned establishment, it holds a special place in the city's diverse dining scene. More than just a restaurant, Massawa offers a cultural experience, inviting guests to explore the unique tradition of communal dining and savor dishes prepared with authentic spices and time-honored techniques. While celebrated for its Ethiopian and Eritrean offerings, Massawa has also become a go-to destination for those seeking delicious, hearty vegan and vegetarian fare, making it a true gem for a wide range of palates.

The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, combined with its reputation for serving some of the most authentic East African food in the city, has made it a beloved spot for both long-time regulars and newcomers alike. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner date, a place to gather with friends, or a quick lunch break, Massawa provides a memorable setting that feels both casual and special.

---

Location and Accessibility

Nestled in the bustling heart of Harlem, Massawa is conveniently located at 1239 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA. Its prime spot makes it easily accessible for anyone exploring the Upper West Side or Columbia University area. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, including several subway lines and bus routes, making your trip a breeze whether you’re coming from downtown or other boroughs.

The restaurant is committed to welcoming all guests. It features a fully wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring a smooth arrival for those with mobility needs. Inside, you'll find wheelchair-accessible seating and a restroom that is also designed for accessibility. For those traveling by car, there is paid street parking available in the vicinity.

---

Services Offered

Massawa goes above and beyond to accommodate its guests with a variety of service options designed for convenience and comfort.

Dine-in: Enjoy the full Massawa experience in their cozy, inviting dining area, complete with table service. The restaurant offers seating for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and is an ideal spot for solo dining, groups, or romantic outings.
Delivery & Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, Massawa provides both delivery and takeout services. They also offer no-contact delivery for added safety and convenience.
Catering: Planning a special event or a gathering? Massawa offers catering services, allowing you to bring the unique flavors of their cuisine to your next party or corporate event.
Reservations: Massawa accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for planning group dinners or ensuring you get a table during peak hours. You can plan ahead to enjoy their fantastic food without the wait.
Payments: The restaurant accepts a variety of payment methods, including all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making transactions quick and easy.
Private events: The restaurant can accommodate private events in the past, and it's best to call and find out if they can still assist you with a private gathering.

---

Features and Highlights

Massawa stands out not just for its food but for a number of features that enhance the dining experience.

Great Vegan and Vegetarian Options: The menu is a paradise for those who follow a plant-based diet. Their extensive vegan section includes flavorful dishes like Shiro, Timtimo, and Alitcha. The Vegan Sampler is a perfect way to try a variety of their best plant-based offerings.
Live Music: On select evenings, Massawa features live music, adding to the cozy and romantic ambiance. This is a perfect setting for a special night out or to simply unwind with a great meal and a soulful soundtrack.
Excellent Drinks: The restaurant boasts a great selection of beverages to complement your meal. They have a full bar offering a variety of beer, wine, and hard liquor. Their great cocktails and curated wine list are particularly noted by customers, with some mentioning special happy hour deals.
Diverse Menu: Beyond their incredible vegan options, Massawa offers a full menu of traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes, including halal chicken and beef, as well as seafood. This ensures there's something for everyone, whether you're craving a rich meat stew or a fresh seafood dish.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant has a laid-back, casual, and cozy vibe, making it a great place for a wide variety of crowds, including college students, groups, tourists, and families. It is also an LGBTQ+ friendly space and a transgender safe space.
Dog-Friendly: For those who enjoy dining with their pets, Massawa allows dogs in its outdoor seating area.

---

Contact Information

For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach Massawa at:

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

---

Why Massawa is Worth Choosing

Massawa is more than just a place to eat—it's an experience. The restaurant’s commitment to providing authentic, flavorful East African cuisine is evident in every dish, from the savory stews to the fresh vegetables served on a bed of traditional injera bread. The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of dietary preferences, with an extensive and delicious selection of vegan, vegetarian, and halal options.

Customers consistently praise the quality of the food and the restaurant's warm, welcoming service. Reviews often highlight the fantastic flavors and the generous portions. A unique feature of the dining experience at Massawa is the communal aspect, where guests share a large platter of food and eat with their hands using injera. This traditional style of dining fosters connection and makes every meal feel like a celebration.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Ethiopian cuisine or a curious first-timer, Massawa offers a chance to explore a different kind of dining experience. Its great location, diverse menu, and dedication to providing a welcoming atmosphere make it a standout choice in New York City. The restaurant’s role as a Black-owned and women-owned business also adds to its significance as a valued part of the local community. So, whether you're grabbing a quick lunch special or settling in for a leisurely dinner with live music, Massawa promises a meal that is both delicious and culturally rich.

Some of the most popular items on the menu include the various vegan and vegetarian combinations, which allow you to sample a bit of everything, from the fiery Timtimo (lentils) to the mild Alitcha (potato and carrot stew). The Shiro, a chickpea flour stew, is also a fan favorite. For meat-eaters, the Tebsi Derho (chicken) and Fitfit Tebsi (beef) are highly recommended. And don't forget to try their great cocktails, which are a perfect way to start or end your meal. The Fava bean dip is another popular appetizer.

In conclusion, Massawa is a must-visit for anyone in New York looking for a unique, flavorful, and welcoming dining experience. Its blend of authentic food, great atmosphere, and community-minded spirit truly sets it apart.

Massawa Menu

LUNCH SPECIALS - Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Asa Sambusa $10.00
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 Trio $15.00
A delightful mix of beef, vegetable, and fish sambusas, served together for a taste of every flavor.
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
Lentil Soup $10.00
Lentils cooked with carrots, celery and herbs

LUNCH SPECIALS - Vegan
Shiro (L) $19.10
Split Peas Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo (L) $18.50
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 - Vegetarian Specials
Fresh mushrooms sautéed with herbs, rosemary and traditional seasoning.
Special Shiro $19.70
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter).

LUNCH SPECIALS - Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho (L) $17.10
Chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, berbere
Derho Hiwas (L) $17.50
Boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens

LUNCH SPECIALS - Beef Halal
Fitfit Tebsi $18.00
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.

LUNCH SPECIALS - Homestyle Stews Halal
Tel Wot $22.00
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) $20.90
Wine glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi (L) $20.50
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

Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Asa Sambusa $10.00
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 Trio $15.00
A delightful mix of beef, vegetable, and fish sambusas, served together for a taste of every flavor.
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
Lentil Soup $10.00
Lentils cooked with carrots, celery and herbs

Vegan
Shiro (L) $19.10
Split Peas Puréed To Perfection. Slow Cooked In Ginger, Herbs, And Spices
Timtimo (L) $18.50
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)

Vegetarian Specials
Fresh mushrooms sautéed with herbs, rosemary and traditional seasoning.
Special Shiro $19.70
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter).

Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho (L) $17.10
Chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, berbere
Derho Hiwas (L) $17.50
Boneless chicken thighs sautéed and finished with collard greens

Beef Halal
Fitfit Tebsi $18.00
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.

Homestyle Stews Halal
Tel Wot $22.00
Goat on the bone, slow-braised in a rich berbere sauce with onions, garlic, and warm spices, served with injera.

Seafood
Salmon Tebsi (L) $20.90
Wine glazed cubes sautéed in onions, tomatoes and herbs
Shrimp Tebsi (L) $20.50
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

MENU - Appetizers
Beef Sambusa $10.00
Seasoned ground beef cooked with onions, alapenos and herbs
Asa Sambusa $10.00
Golden, crisp pastry shells filled with seasoned tuna, onions, and fresh herbs.
Sambusa Trio $15.00
A delightful mix of beef, vegetable, and fish sambusas, served together for a taste of every flavor.
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions.
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 simmered in caramelized onions and berbere, creating a rich, spice-infused sauce.

MENU - Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Tender chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and berbere, finished with warm spices.
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken breast, sautéed and cooked with collard greens.
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow-braised in a Berbere-spiced onion 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 $28.50
Great-Grandma Dahab's slow-cooked lamb in a mild turmeric sauce, served with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic.

MENU - Seafood
Shrimp Tebsi $27.00
Spiced shrimp sautéed with caramelized 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 $23.40
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.

MENU - Vegan Samplers
Vegan Sampler For 1 $26.50
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew), Timtimo (Red Lentils) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

MENU - Vegetarian Specials
Special Shiro $24.80
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)

MENU - Dessert
Carrot Cake $10.00
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 $10.00
Golden, crisp pastry shells filled with seasoned tuna, onions, and fresh herbs.
Sambusa Trio $15.00
A delightful mix of beef, vegetable, and fish sambusas, served together for a taste of every flavor.
Harvest Sambusa $10.00
Two golden pastry shells filled with savory potatoes, carrots, and onions.
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 simmered in caramelized onions and berbere, creating a rich, spice-infused sauce.

Chicken Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Tender chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and berbere, finished with warm spices.
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken breast, sautéed and cooked with collard greens.
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow-braised in a Berbere-spiced onion 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 $28.50
Great-Grandma Dahab's slow-cooked lamb in a mild turmeric sauce, served with tender potatoes, onions, and garlic.

Seafood
Shrimp Tebsi $27.00
Spiced shrimp sautéed with caramelized 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 $23.40
Golden split peas simmered with turmeric, onions, and garlic for a mild, savory flavor.

Vegan Samplers
Vegan Sampler For 1 $26.50
A sampler of Shiro (pureed chickpeas), Alitcha (potato stew), Timtimo (Red Lentils) and Tsebhi Hamli (collard greens)

Vegetarian Specials
Special Shiro $24.80
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)

Dessert
Carrot Cake $10.00
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
Asa Sambusa $11.00
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 Trio $15.50
A delightful mix of beef, vegetable, and fish sambusas, served together for a taste of every flavor.
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
Fitfit Tebsi $26.00
Pan-seared injera pieces tossed with beef, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños for a savory flavor.
Zegeni $26.50
Beef cubes simmered in caramelized onions and berbere, creating a rich, spice-infused sauce.

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Poultry Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Tender chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and berbere, finished with warm spices.
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken breast, sautéed and cooked with collard greens.
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow-braised in a Berbere-spiced onion stew.

IT'S THE WEEKEND 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.

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Seafood
Shrimp Tebsi $27.00
Spiced shrimp sautéed with caramelized 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 $26.50
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 $24.80
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)
Duba (Copy) $25.50
Chunks of spiced pumpkin cooked with Berbere and tomatoes

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Taste of NY
Spaghetti

IT'S THE WEEKEND MENU - Dessert
Carrot Cake $10.00
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
Asa Sambusa $11.00
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 Trio $15.50
A delightful mix of beef, vegetable, and fish sambusas, served together for a taste of every flavor.
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

Poultry Halal
Tebsi Derho $26.00
Tender chicken sautéed in onions, tomatoes, and berbere, finished with warm spices.
Derho Hiwas $26.50
Spiced boneless chicken breast, sautéed and cooked with collard greens.
Silsi Derho $26.50
Drumsticks and a boiled egg, slow-braised in a Berbere-spiced onion 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.

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

Vegetarian Specials
Special Shiro $24.80
Rich and spicy shiro, cooked w/ garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and tesmi (fresh herbed butter)
Duba (Copy) $25.50
Chunks of spiced pumpkin cooked with Berbere and tomatoes

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
Tel Woti - Spicy Goat Stew (On The Bone) $14.00

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
Tel Woti - Spicy Goat Stew (On The Bone) $14.00

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 696 user reviews.

lunchhoney winecocktailsphoneappetizersidesrenovatedsalmonsamplerindian

★ 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
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 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
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
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