Cafe Massawa

Eritrean restaurant · Morningside Heights

Cafe Massawa

Eritrean restaurant · Morningside Heights

4

3153 Broadway, New York, NY 10027

Photos

Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by Sonal Shah
Cafe Massawa by Sonal Shah
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null
Cafe Massawa by null

Highlights

Eritrean/Ethiopian eatery with tibs quesadilla & patio  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater
Featured in Grub Street

3153 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Get directions

cafemassawa.com
@cafemassawa

$20–30 · Menu

Information

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3153 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Get directions

+1 212 663 1800
cafemassawa.com
@cafemassawa

$20–30 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best Restaurants Near Columbia University

"This family-owned cafe near the 125th Street subway stop is an offshoot of a Ethiopian/Eritrean neighborhood staple Massawa, and it’s a pleasant place, with a front patio where you can hang out with coffee and some work before moving on to a glass of affordable South African wine and a cheesy tibs quesadilla. The snacky portion of the menu also has things like berbere wings and fries, and for a more substantial meal you can get a plate of soft injera covered with a steaming assortment of meat and lentil dishes. During weekday lunch, platters are available for under $20." - willa moore, sonal shah, neha talreja, will hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/restaurants-near-columbia-university
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@infatuation

Café Massawa Review - Morningside Heights - New York - The Infatuation

"This Ethiopian cafe on the stretch of restaurants under the 125th Street 1 train stop is a good place to get a coffee and work, then get a glass of affordable South African wine and pretend to work, and then share a tibs quesadilla with a friend and give up on work altogether. It's a pleasant indoor-outdoor spot with big front windows and a patio, plus a bar where the TV might be playing a food show. At this offshoot of neighborhood Ethiopian/Eritrean institution Massawa, you can still get a plate of very soft injera covered with a solid, steaming assortment of meat and lentil dishes—but dipping into the snacky portion of the menu for things like berbere wings or that hot gooey quesadilla is a good idea too. Though they're not open for breakfast, it's a good meal option at any other time, with lunch specials for under $20 on weekdays. photo credit: Sonal Shah photo credit: Sonal Shah photo credit: Sonal Shah photo credit: Sonal Shah" - Sonal Shah

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/reviews/cafe-massawa
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@infatuation

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

"From the people behind Massawa, an Ethiopian staple since 1988, Cafe Massawa is an Eritrean and Ethiopian restaurant in Morningside Heights. You’ll find lunch specials with injera or rice as the base, and vegan and meat options to add in. At dinner you’ll also find some fusion plates, like tibs quesadilla, berbere wings, and berberatta: burrata with spiced evoo." - will hartman

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/new-nyc-restaurants-openings
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@eater

Where To Eat on a Budget Around NYC - Eater NY

"One of the few Eritrean restaurants in town, known for its tibs quesadilla and outdoor seating with a view of Broadway." - Robert Sietsema

https://ny.eater.com/2024/7/8/24191462/cheap-eats-24-hours-nyc
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Pastel Rain

Google
Polite service, delicious food this was my first time having this dish and it was amazing! I would definitely come again. Just a bit pricey but worth it for a fresh meal that has flavor. Also the honey wine is the best wine I have had!!

J T

Google
The owner is a very welcoming, polite, and hard working guy. He made sure our experience there was nothing short of exceptional. The injera was amazing! They have vegan options, as well. In photo: Beef Tibs, Shiro, and Alitcha

Molly Darragh

Google
Came for lunch and got the zigni with timtimo and green salad. Outstanding. Service was faster than I am accustomed to in an Eritrean restaurant and I really appreciated that! Reasonably priced for how much food you get. I will definitely come back when in NYC. My only complaint is that they had a vegan sampler, but not an omnivore sampler. I like to get one for myself and eat on it for days 🙂 No liquor license yet.

Anwen Paul

Google
Got the quesadilla and a meat + 2 vegan entree combination. You can’t go wrong with any of the dishes, honestly. Hearty, savory stews served with light, tangy injera!! And we got a rum raisin cake with coconut ice cream for dessert, naturally.

Jessica Sadler

Google
The food was delicious, the service was great, and the atmosphere is so welcoming and cool. We ordered the vegan sampler, sambusas (the chicken was great, the lentil one was ok), and the star of the show the Doro Wat (which was called by the Eritrean name on their menu but it's the chicken drumsticks with the tomato onion sauce and it's insane). To top it off, for dessert they have carrot cake from Lloyds which was a treat! Everything was delicious and I can't wait to come back.

Cain

Google
Great service and food, an exceptionally filling meal that’s perfect for sharing. As far as Ethiopian goes, you don’t get a ton of toppings, but you certainly won’t leave hungry. The guys that work here are great, and the neighborhood is lucky to have this spot.

Amplitude XeNonE

Google
First experience of Eritrean/Ethiopian dishes. Visited at Sunday lunch, and was not crowded. I was able to see fresh baked injera being carried by the owners, and their injera is savory and very tasteful. Ordered tsebhi beghe, timtimo, and alitcha with qemem tea.

Sagar Kane

Google
Great service. Cute small place. The food is really good. The run soaked cake is strong! Beware about ordering it for a work lunch.
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Sabrina H.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite places to go to for lunch. I got the zigni, which is small beef cubes, and shiro and alitcha as my sides. The waiter is really friendly and the restaurant has really nice decor. There is always a flower on the table. I was also given my own water pitcher which was great since I was able to refill my water cup myself. Sometimes, I also order the carrot cake (not pictured), which is delicious. I would highly recommend this place if you're looking to eat Eritrean and Ethiopian food!
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Natalie S.

Yelp
A lovely and warm vibe and soon as you walk in. The patio is a nice touch as well, especially on the beautiful summer days that are upon us. The food is fantastic and full of flavor. The sambusas are a must as well as the Dereq Tibs!! Feels like you're part of the family when you're there, service is always done with a smile. Will definitely be back and snap some pictures next time...