Massawa
Description
Family-owned since 1988, Massawa is one of New York's oldest African restaurants, serving Eritrean and Ethiopian food in Morningside Heights from Amsterdam Avenue at 121st Street, a short walk from Columbia University, Grant's Tomb and Riverside Church. The kitchen cooks heritage family recipes, served on injera, the spongy teff flatbread meant for eating by hand. Signatures include Dahab's Beghe, the family great-grandmother's slow-cooked lamb in mild turmeric sauce; sizzling beef and chicken tebsi; and a deep vegan menu of lentil, split pea and vegetable stews, best ordered as a sampler. Gluten-free teff injera is available. The bar pours Ethiopian honey wine alongside house cocktails, and there is seasonal patio seating. Walk-ins are welcome, groups can reserve, and Massawa also caters events across the neighborhood.