Asmara Restaurant - (617) 864-7447

My girlfriend and I love coming to this restaurant. We haven't tried the other Ethiopian restaurants in the Boston area, partially because this place is so good and we always have such a good time. Although the service is a bit slow, our waitstaff has always been very friendly and helpful. The traditional seating around woven basket tables is charming and the atmosphere is wonderfully down-to-earth. The food has almost always been exceptional, and I would most highly recommend the Kitfo (spiced-butter marinated raw beef) and the appetizer made with cottage cheese and fermented peppers. They also have real Ethiopian beer and incredibly good spiced coffee, served in a traditional clay pitcher. Another reviewer complained about being charged for extra bread, but that has never happened to us when we went. I can't speak highly enough of this place, and even if Addis Red Sea is more authentic or even slightly better in quality, I would always recommend Asmara as a great place to get delicious Ethiopian food.

This restaurant was a real disappointment, especially since there is good cheap food all over Central and Harvard squares. Our first clue as to the quality of this place was the absence of people in this restaurant during what should have been a busy time. But we thought, Ethiopian food! The meal was expensive ($15 per plate); and the waitress informed us there was no discount for the "special." I got the meat combo and my friend got a yellow split pea curry that was not just mild but bland. The lamb was way overcooked into hard little cubes that you had to chew a long time. Also, she didn't tell us this until we got our bill, but the bread that comes with the meal is extra, as is two people spliting a combination. Also, when I opened up the leftovers at home, a tiny black fly crawled out of the container. Not good! One gets the feeling by the stark atmosphere, the bad food, and the chinsyness that this place won't be around much longer. Probably not a tragedy. I wouldn't go there again.

This place had decent food, and if you live nearby or are in the neighborhood, it's fine. But it isn't worth the trip, especially if you're picky with your Ethiopian. The service is very attentive though, and our waitress was extremely helpful.