Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant wasn't bad but it didn't particularly stand out to me for Ethiopian restaurants, especially when there are options like the Bunna Cafe in NYC to which Abyssinia pales in comparison. My friends and I ordered both the meat sambusa and vegetable sambusa to start. The former was definitely tastier than the latter which was unfortunately quite dry. As for our mains, we shared the beef (I'm forgetting exactly which one) but it wasn't memorable as easily 70% of it was solely onions. Sure the meat and lentils given to accompany were tasty but I felt ripped off at the end. In addition to this, the injera wasn't great and didn't taste fresh. All in all, I wouldn't go back since there are much better options in NYC. read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Leftovers- nothing stood out - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

First time ordering delivery from this reasonably priced Harlem restaurant. Ordered 2 Abyssinia Veggie Combos + 3 sambusas + extra order of yellow lentils + extra order of stewed cabbage/carrots + 2 orders of injera. They hooked the injera uuuuup. Abyssinia food exceeds my previous favorite Ethiopian restaurant. I usually don't like beets but their soft, sweeter version was killer, as were the stewed vegetables, lentil dishes, sambusas, and tomato/onion salad. Portions were huge, flavors were hearty and satisfying. On the short list of great Ethiopian spots my boyfriend has discovered so far! read more

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Not many people were present when we got there around 6:45 PM on a Friday night, only had three other tables filled during our dining. Ordered vegetable sambusa, lamb lega tibs, meat combo for one, and veggie combo for one. This was more than enough for the 3 of us. Everything was good. Glad we got the lamb legs tibs-the lamb had crispy edges and were flavorful. The meat combo comes with 2 side veggies. My dinner companions enjoyed the honey wine. It was very dim lighting, which I did not like much. That did not make for a romantic atmosphere, it just made it a little harder to see. I liked that there was a bottle of hand sanitizer on each table so you can make sure each person had clean hands before digging in the shared food! High chairs are available, but no changing table in the small hole in the wall bathroom. read more

It is due time that Abyssinia gets its flowers from me. I can't think of a time when I've had anything but amazing food and beverages here. A neighborhood mainstay and a nice place to introduce folks new to Ethiopian cuisine to this culinary delight! I always suggest the honey wine, Ethiopian coffee or spiced tea to start. The beverage you choose can change your palate but I think here the beverages enhance the varied flavors. I've been to eateries where after a glass of wine everything tastes the same--- not at Abyssinia! The flavors will dance on your tongue! I suggest the combo platters to get a nice sampler of different things. If you come on a date or with a group, the outcome shall be the same: you will leave full, your wallet will be happy and you will marvel at how you were fooled by the simplistic and humble decor! The set up is pretty basic, with a few assorted size tables neatly lined up in the small dining room. The floor to ceiling curtained windows draw in a cheery amount of light from this modest block. Perhaps this is what lends to the zen that takes over and creates a welcoming dining experience. The staff is polite, attentive and clearly take pride in their service. However, they also make you feel right at home in a way that makes you want to eat and linger. It's no surprise that Abyssinia can get packed during dinner time and during typical restaurant rush hours. The bathroom is basic although better than I expected and well maintained. Did I mention the food? Oh it goes without saying: bring your tastebuds, leave your inhibitions at the door, wash your hands, try some injera, and lastly thank me later. read more

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The food was delicious! My group and I ordered the vegetarian platter, avocado salad, and beef lega tibs and I loved how flavorful each dish was. The waitress was very friendly and the restaurant was good for both small and big groups. I would love to go back! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

My return is inevitable after experiencing their food quality. This spot earns praise purely for their excellent service approach. The food creates joy that lasts. The servings were large, and each course was better than the last. People ready to discover new flavors will enjoy this spot. read more

Get the kitfo! I enjoy the collard greens and the split peas as well. Wish they gave more of the sides but I'm just greedy. I went after the lunch rush and there was only one other table so the service was fast and helpful. The ambiance is very simple but it doesn't need to be anything crazy. The food is what matters and is tasty. read more

My friend lives right across the street and orders from here all the time. We used to go to a place in West Village, but this seemed more convenient. We did takeout, but even then, they showed up and showed out. The lamb tips were so so good and made the other place seem like a watered down joke. The meat was so incredibly flavourful and tender. I don't know how I could ever go to any other place after trying Abyssinia. read more

Food & service are top-notch! They invite you in like you're family & don't rush you out...and of course the food is amaze-balls! From the sambusa apps to doro wat, tibs wat, misir wat & collards in the meat platter...YUM! read more

The food isn't the absolute best Ethiopian- dc beats the pants off nyc - but it was good, the portions were right & the service was friendly. read more

This is always a great choice! I've been here over a dozen times over the last 5 years, not including Covid It never misses and the service is always top tier! Feels like family when I'm here. I mostly get the veggie combo but lately I've added lamb to the plate! It just made the meal that much more satisfying! Especially if you enjoy meat. read more

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My first time ordering from here. The aroma drew me in.... I ordered the beef stew but instead of getting the traditional bread, I asked for rice. Check your orders before you leave. I did not get the rice and I live too far to return. I will try to enjoy the beef stew- it is tasty. read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - The heavily scented aroma drew me in. I've always wanted to try this place. I ordered Tibs Wat ( which is beef stew spicy ). I'm excited - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

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This was my second time trying Ethiopian cuisine and it was a solid experience. I came with a small group of friends after church on a lazy rainy afternoon. The place was quiet and fairly empty. The interior lovely with white table cloths and there were pretty translucent white curtains hanging from the large window overlooking the street. There was a countertop with red and roses, along with pale pink and purple blossoms, as well as orange and yellow lights hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant boasted a subtly elegant and comfortable atmosphere. My friend ordered the vegetable sambusa, which are pastry shells filled with lentils, onion, and potato. Even though I would have preferred the beef sambusa, this was still really tasty. The outer shell was extremely crispy and light, while the filling was packed with flavor. I shared the Abyssinia Meat Combo, which consists of 2 types of beef stew, chicken leg, lamb, egg and 2 vegetable sides. For our vegetable, we settled on chickpeas and lentils, however, we were actually also given cabbage, which was great because I wanted to try that as well. My favorite meat was the lamb stew, cooked with onion and turmeric. The lamb was so very tender and each bite was full of wonderful seasoning. The beef was also pretty good and I didn't find the "spicy" one to be spicy at all. The beef stews were simmered with onions, pepper, turmeric, as well as special types of spices. Finally, the chicken and hard-boiled egg were in the center in a thick brown sauce. The chicken was juicy and came off the bone easily. The meat and egg were both quite yummy smothered in the mystery sauce which was full of hearty savory flavor. As for the vegetables, I enjoyed the cabbage the most. The cabbage was made with potato, carrot, onion, olive oil, and fresh garlic. I just wasn't a fan of the carrots because it tasted too citrusy and tough. The rest of the veggies were fresh and cooked to perfection. Chickpeas and lentils were pretty good. The seasoning stood out in both. All of the food was neatly placed on a thin layer of inerja bread, and we were given several pieces of inerja to dip everything in. If you wanted extra inerja, there was a slight charge. The inerja was just okay - Kind of bland but had a nice spongy consistency. Service was decent and our waitress was pleasant. The food was a bit pricy but definitely fills you up and the portions are generous. I wouldn't go out of my way to return because I feel like I tried everything I wanted already. read more

The best Ethiopian food in Harlem! Hands down. I've been coming and ordering food here for years, and it's always better than the last time. So thankful for places like this one, so happy they are still offering delicious food to the neighborhood. Thank you Abyssinia!! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Mix platter - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

We were in search of incredible Ethiopian cuisine in Harlem, Manhattan, NY. Unfortunately our favorite restaurant was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Ate at Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant. Seated right away and the waitress took our order quickly. We ordered the Abyssinia veggie combo for one and the meat combo for one. We really enjoyed it, and we were stuffed afterward. My favorites were the red lentils and the chicken on the bone. The injera was almost sweet. It was so much fun to eat with your hands. If there's any criticism, the atkilt wot was too crunchy, and most of the dishes could have been spiced up a few notches. In terms of the location, it's quite quiet and not a large location. Only two other tables seated for lunch. No music. Indoor dining only. Can't wait to come back for more Ethiopian! read more

It was our first time trying Ethiopian food, and as expected it is one that's packed with flavors! The combo felt like a tasting plate -- there is so much variety -- with big portions. We were both very full by the end of it. All of it is very tasty, and I thought the dal and lentils were flavorful, as were the lamb and chicken. The beef tasted a little odd, with a smoky-ish taste. Rozena liked the lamb awaze tibs, in particular. I feel I've had Injera before but I can't quite place it. I like Injera but I felt like I couldn't have any more of it beyond a certain point. For a first time, Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant is a very solid choice. read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Abyssinia meat combo - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

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This spot is a GEM! Their prices and food are WORTH IT! Whenever im in the mood for some amazing Ethiopian food, this is my #1 spot!

Ethiopian food is one of my favorite cuisines! Neither my best friend nor her husband had ever tried it, so we decided to eat at Abyssinia when her husband got off of work. This is a very popular restaurant in Harlem, and it took forever to be seated and served. My best friend's husband has one of the best senses of humor, and after an HOUR of waiting, he said, "You come to this restaurant hungry and you leave starving!" After we were seated and given menus, we waited another 20 minutes to have our drinks order taken. My BFF's husband also made a play on the restaurant's name, Abyssinia, as though the servers were like, "Here's your menu, I be seein' ya!" Sadly, they were so busy and disorganized that they only had one cold beer. The rest were lukewarm! We ordered them anyway because we needed something to sustain us while we waited for our food to arrive. The food is served family style, where everyone's order is atop a large piece of injera bread on a platter. Everyone can dig in and try all the food, or just stick with their own choices. I gobbled up the injera bread. For those who don't know, injera is an unleavened flat bread made from teff flour. You use injera to grab the foods with your fingers. It has a spongy texture and tastes a bit like sourdough. My BFF's husband, ever civilized, used a fork to eat, instead of his hands. Overall, I give this place 2 stars because the food is delicious and the restaurant and bathrooms were clean. However, the long wait, disorganization, and wait staff ignoring us, as well as warm beer (stick it in the fridge!) leaves much to be desired! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - My BFF and I drinking lukewarm beer - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

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Although we've had better Ethiopian food and this place can be a little inconsistent, it's absolutely the best place of its kind this far uptown. The service is excellent, the tea is delicious, and I've never seen Abyssinia too crowded to get a table immediately. The whole place exudes warmth, comfort and a touch of class. read more

Great food, great service, good prices. Everything that we had was fantastic. As always, get the samplers and enjoy all of it!

I do not really have any complaints. We came here to try and expand our culinary horizons in Harlem. The food was pretty decent and sufficient for two folks. My previous adventures at other Ethiopian restaurants led me to get a slice of pizza after dinner. The restaurant has a very limited wine list, but there are a few Ethiopian wines on the menu. The service was pretty prompt and sufficient. Our server was very nice and patient with our many questions about the menu. I'm not very well-versed in Ethiopian food so I wanted to break out of my general Ethiopian palette and learn as much as possible. The price range is pretty reasonable. Although I did not have any issues with the food, I do not think that the food was that great to venture too far out of your way. However, this is a perfect place to have Ethiopian if you are in Harlem. read more

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Tasty tasty food and the fastest service I've seen at an Ethiopian restaurant! We had the veggie platter for two and a lamb alicha, which was enough for 3 people! Nothing on the veggie platter was extremely spicy, just nice and flavorful. Somewhere between "mild" and "medium" if compared to salsa. I regret not getting the kitfo because I'm craving something really spicy! Will be back! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo for 2 and lamb alicha - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

We stopped in for dinner after a show and they had plenty of seating available. We ordered a veggie and meat platter along with Ethiopian coffee and tea. We got the baklava as a pre dinner treat and ate it with the tea and coffee. The platter arrived shortly after and was sooooooo good. We had zigne and lamb tibs and lentils and greens. Everything was delicious and full of flavor. Ethiopian food will always be one of my favorites and Abyssinia didn't disappoint. They also get extra points for making the tea after 8pm which they normally don't do. If you're in Harlem, stop in for a bite to eat. read more

My whole family has loved this place since we found it by accident a few years ago. The food is consistently excellent. We typically order the Yetamin Fitfit (spicy! and good!) and a Meat Combo for 1 & Vegetable Combo for 1, along with an extra order of injera. That feeds our family of four nicely. We love coming here and plan to many times in the future! read more

The moment I walked into this restaurant I could tell it was full of love the beautiful young ladies Hermela and Bisrat sat me at the bar and I ordered an Ethiopian tea Which was served in a pretty glass cup Bisrat was so kind and helped me pick a vegetarian option which I took home It was magnificent ! The food is so tasty and I just know it was cooked with love Hermela and I chatted and had the most amazing conversation and I left here feeling truly amazing The bread and entrée were prepared so well and tasted just perfect This restaurant is a gem , I will be telling everyone I know to check it out ! I have had one of the most amazing experiences at a restaurant I could have ever imagined and I am Truly grateful Love and light to all these wonderful souls read more

I've been here three times and each were different. First, grabbing a veggie combo to go and sipping a St. George's while I waited. Nice hostess and St. George's was great as always. Second, with my bf on a busy Friday night and we shared sambusas and the veggie combo for two. The sambusas were crispy and savoury and delicious. It was quite a dance trying to get the waitress's attention and we almost cancelled our second order of drinks after waiting for so long. But the combo was great and jazzed up a notch further with the house red and St. George's lager. My last and most recent visit wasn't nearly as memorable. Seems like they skimped on the dishes for the combo this time around on a very slow Saturday afternoon, leaving me hungry after an $18 spend. I won't be in a rush to return. read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

My Ethiopian experience is limited to the fantastic restaurants around the DC area. Every time I'm down in the distirct, I excitedly prance into the closest restaurant. Abyssinia recently popped up on my radar and I HAD to make a special trip to harlem to try it. I've been wanting to try a spot that's more local than a 5 HOUR car ride to satisfy the cravings! I order a vegetarian combo at every Ethiopian restaurant largely to get the lay of the land and see what concentration of spices they use and partially because some won't offer chicken on the menu. Their doro wat, or ginger spiced chicken and peppers was savory and would be appeasing to the most timid of eaters. As for the veggis: the chickpeas, firey berbere lentils and collard greens stood out as the most flavorful of the bunch while the beets and the green beans sat in the shadows of the more prominent vegetables plopped atop the spongey injera. Their injera was very soft and plyable, however it did have a slightly more sour taste than I was used to. Maybe it's their individual style of preparation or perhaps because it's been about a year since I've had to pleasure of eating it? Unknown. The women running the show were exceedingly polite and soft spoken, however service was slower and more bumpy than the grand central parkway after an icy NY winter. They didn't bring out my tea with my dining companions' drinks and I had to ask three times for it thereafter, being told different things by different waitresses. Bit confusing. When it did finally grace our table, it was pipping hot and heavy on the cinnamon. Mmm, Christmas in July. Based on the other reviews, I expected a shoebox sized, hole in the wall joint and was pleasantly suprised with the classy and comfortable dining room. The bathrooms, however could use an upgrade (and a good scrub, puulease). Although it probably took almost two hours door-to-door, with the awesome MTA delays, it beats the 5-Hour Drive! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Little bit of everything. My veggie platter was spread around. - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

So I visited this restaurant last week and I have to say it was disappointing. Although this was my first time trying Ethiopian food I come from African background and we love some sort of spice which I was expecting. All the meat was BLAND ... instead of saying "mild" they shouldn't even bother to say that because I tasted absolutely no spice. The veggies were literally just boiled in water not even salt was added. The only plus from this visit was the honey wine (I forgot the name of it). Lastly the waitress didn't even check in on us she tended to every table around us but we had to catch her attention to flag her over. I definitely would like to try Ethiopian food again at a different location because this just wasn't it! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat combo for 1 - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

The chicken doro wat was super tasty, the vegetables were good but I felt the gomey(collared greens/spinach) which is my fav was bland. the meats were ok but nothing special. the service was slow, we had to ask for water refills every time, they forgot the drinks as well. with better options around id go elsewhere. read more

Ethiopian food is not really up my alley, but the veggies in the veggie platter for two were fresh and flavourful, the portion sizes were generous, and the waitress was very attentive. read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggies for two - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this was my first introduction to Ethiopian cuisines and Lordt, this didn't disappoint. Please, to be all the way honest...disregard the low reviews OK, they're probably from one of these gluten free, organically sourced, "culturally sensitive" types who get mad when the lighting of a restaurant isnt to their liking smh...but back to the food..oh man...it's so Damm good...I shared a meat combo/veggie combo plate, and let me tell you...THIS FOOD FILLS YOU UP. I thought, upon viewing pictures of it on Google that it wouldn't but boyyyy was I proven wrong!..the meat and veggies are impeccably seasoned(ESP THE CHICKEN AND BEEF OMG), and the Injera...oh I'd accidentally smack someone's mom for that bread to be delivered to me daily...overall amazing place with remarkable and friendly service(rare for a African place, TRUST I KNOW). Will be back again definitely!!!!! read more

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Be prepared to eat with your hands! The food was flavorful and yummy. We ordered the meat combo for two. The chicken was very soft and tender, seasoned wonderfully. The portions are quite large and the price for two was approximately $36, very filling for a date. My hand is in the photo for scale! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

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Oh man! After spending mucho time at various other Ethiopian eateries, the sweetie and I finally decided to check out Abyssinia. And if its not obvious, I'm sure glad we did! After an afternoon in Harlem (Maysles, Studio Museum) a brother was hungry. As a long night lay ahead, something filling was in the calling, and Abyssinia did not disappoint. I had the veggie combo, while the wife had the 2nd lamb option. Now as a veggie, one of the only things I miss is lamb, so when her order arrived I admit I was jealous, the spices wafting my way (damn fans! - LOL) and the gravy just glistening in my face. Thankfully, my veggie combo was SO GOOD that the lamb became a distant memory. The gomen was solid and not too cooked down, exactly how I like my greens, and the tikil gomen (cabbage, potatoes, carrots) was the best I've ever had. The sauce for the string beans was also winning! Everything was so good! I have to say that the honey wine was a bit too sweet though. But that's my only real complaint, and minor at that. I dig the other Ethiopian spots, but this may be my new go to. If it becomes so, expect to see another star. read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie Combo - sooo gooood! - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

I teetered on a 5-star review but couldn't overlook the few inconsistencies in service. In regards to the food, Abyssinia is one of the most authentic and tastiest Ethiopian restaurants in NYC. Their veggie platter looked delish and and tasted as such (per hubby) but sadly I couldn't co-sign b/c someone was being stingy. I ordered the meat combo for one and while cooked to absolute perfection, no egg accompanied the doro wat. Say wat?? Yes, I had to pay extra for an egg! Gripe number two is the meat combo needed an add'l vegetable (only included two). It seems common sense to provide three veggies if serving three meats, so once again, here's an example of them skimping. Final note is they charge for extra injera? This has never happened at any Ethiopian establishment I've patronized in the past 18 years since being introduced to Habesha cuisine. Nevertheless I'm sure I'll return b/c the food is really that good. Here's to hoping that once Abyssinia's secret is out and the tables are full, they will be more generous with their "extras". read more

This is simply the best Ethiopian restaurant in NYC, perhaps even on the east coast. The food is flavorful. As a vegetarian, the vegetarian platter is fantastic, but my favorite dish is messir wat--nicely spiced. Don't miss their vegetarian sambusas. They are simply divine. Great family run restaurant with wonderful food and their own home made injeera. read more

I really like Ethiopian food but rarely get a chance to have it because my family has not realized yet how much they should appreciate it :-) Had Abyssinia on my list for a few months and finally got a chance to stop in when a friend was visiting from Chicago. We caught up over the Abyssinia meat combination platter for two and a couple of glasses of honey wine. Serving sizes were ample, the injera was perfect in texture and flavor. Everything was delicious. And the staff continued to welcome us with smiles when we lingered on for another hour after having finished our meal. I look forward to going back. read more

The food and service here were perfect. We got a veggie combo with two types of Tibet (lamb and beef). Everything was super flavorful, and our food came out very promptly. I can't wait to try this out again! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Abyssinia Veggie Combo, Lamb Awaze Tibs, Beef Awaze Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York

This place was super yummy! I have never had Ethiopian food before, so I didn't know what to expect. The server was very kind and patient and was perfectly happy to walk us through the menu. The platter she brought us was amazing and the food was so good! I was stuffed, but my friends insisted on ordering more food, so I kept eating... couldn't resist! read more

We moved back to NYC recently and, of course, I had to return to Abyssinia. STILL delicious, actually stunning kitfo (we get it raw) and lamb. The best sides have to be the cabbage and string beans. Once the oils from the meats soak through the injera, it's very much like crack. I can only sing the praises of this place; the wait for the food does tend to be on the longer side, but the wait is very well worth it. read more

Beautiful service and wonderful food! We chose the meat combo and one of the lamb options. $42 all together but we tipped well so it came out to around $50 all together. Nice clean atmosphere! Lighting and mood was just so nice. Will come again! read more

Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat combo and lamb entree - Ethiopian Near Me - New York, New York