OMG this place! I had it bookmarked for coffee but was so glad I could sit down for a proper Eritrean breakfast. The food tasted homemade and delicious and after getting to know the owner I know that she spends a lot of effort and time preparing these dishes. I got the kicha fit-fit and the ga'at, both of which I recommend. The ga'at tastes so unique from anything I've ever had; it's got the look of a bundt cake but it's a savory dish with barley flour, yogurt, and spiced oil. This is best eaten while it's piping hot. The fit-fit was also great but there was so much food that I had to take this one home with me. The owner was kind enough to let me try some lentil sambusas and even though my pants were bursting at the seams I ate it all. Highly recommend trying this place especially if you've never had this kind of food before. AND THE COFFEE! It has a no frills selection but that coffee is out of this world good. The owner roasts the coffee beans herself. She brought the raw ones out and they're light green in color but hand roasts them in small batches- by small I mean she carried the roasted ones in a straw trivet the size of a dinner plate. By looking at this establishment you wouldn't know how gourmet her coffee is but I'm telling you you have to get some when you're there it's some of the best coffee I've had I absolutely love these kind of restaurants and am posting here to give this owner the recognition she deserves for such an awesome place. The restaurant is small and street parking only but if you want a foodie culinary experience this is the place to be. read more

See all

I didn't like the coffee I ordered a caramel coffee and it tasted ugly acid and I really don't recommend this place I will never go back

Very good food and very friendly owner , I highly recommend this restaurant, will definitely go back !

Very sweet people! Amazing coffee and very good prices! Super cute place to sit and good street parking! Would def recommend to friends and will be coming backk! read more

Asmara Cafe - A chai latte and sambusa!! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This little gem offers Eritrean and Ethiopian food. I had the four sambusas, two with lentils and two with ground beef. They also make coffee and espresso, so I had the lady make me a coffee and hot milk. The sambusas were fantastic. The pastry had a very good texture and was tasty. The lentils were delicious and well seasoned. The ground beef, too, was very good and aggressively seasoned in a good way. The red dry sambusa sauce that came with the dish was fantastic. The lady who was running the place was very nice and attentive. She definitely liked to put smiles in people's faces. The place is small but does offer several tables. Only street parking is available. read more

See all

Beautiful restaurant and probably my favorite recent dining experience. Feels like you're eating at a family member's house. The person cooking and serving is so kind and caring. And the food is incredible. Make sure to try the red sauce served with the sambusas. I got a plate that was half veggie half beef. It's not on the menu but they were willing to accommodate. Also the iced tea is awesome. It's unsweetened and spiced. Can't wait to return. read more

Made fresh to order with love. Super sweet lady working the register and the restaurant cooking your food from scratch. She even makes the injera herself, and it's gluten free. No wonder my stomach is so happy after i leave. Excellent coffee and tea too. Such a hidden gem. Not expensive either. Love this place!! read more

Asmara Cafe - Veggie Combo - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Delicious, comforting and reasonably priced food. Tried the beef sambusa and it was soooo delicious! Loved the chili sauce that came with it. Owner was so sweet and responsive to my questions. I have a lot of food allergies so this was very helpful :) will definitely want to come back. read more

I've only been here for breakfast but the Foul (breakfast dish) is so amazing, it's something I think about during the week. So, so good. The owner is so sweet and the service is top notch. We're going to come back for dinner soon. read more

This place is amazing! I was looking for a coffee shop to work a few times per week and happened across this delightful cafe. The food is amazing, the owner and chef is a delight and she serves up some delicious coffee too. The place is small and casual but you can't get better food. It is really a local gem. Highly recommend you try Asmara Cafe! I asked the chef to surprise me and this is what I got! read more

Asmara Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This place is so cute and good. It's operated by a sweet lady and she was so caring and kind. It's definitely a hole in the wall the coffee was delightful and the food was amazing. Must Try read more

Asmara Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

We got a steak salad and a latte - everything was really well seasoned, well cooked, and warmly presented

Great authentic Eritrean food (spoken from a real East African). The fuul has great flavor and the veggies were fresh. Paired with the tea was a great a breakfast and reminded me of home. read more

See all

Asmara cafe is the best african Restaurants food is get most of my breakfast. From here I love it read more

Found this little gem which is a great spot for lunch. Fresh salads with fish or steak, frittatas, and other authentic cuisine. I got the fish salad and an iced tea. The tea was fresh brewed with hint of mint. The fish salad includes potatoes, tomatoes, and avocado. Very fresh and the fish is nicely grilled with flavorful inclusion of herbs. Overall a great spot I would visit again. read more

Asmara Cafe - Inside seating with variety of tables. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

I love Asmara Cafe. Very tasty food, generous portions & very clean establishment! You feel very welcomed when you come to Asmara and the owner is amazing! One of the best breakfast places in town! A must try.. read more

See all

Wow! The flavors are amazing! We had the beef Kilwa, veggie platter, and sambusa (2 beef and 2 lentil). The meal left us full and beyond satisfied. Absolutely worth the trip! read more

Asmara Cafe - Beef kilwa and vegetable platter - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Delicious homemade food in a cozy cafe atmosphere. Amazing flavors. Very kind service.

Ordered the foule, one of my favorites growing up, and then came back two days later and got it again to have breakfast with husband and sister. It's the best I've had. Yordanos is an amazing host and cook. She really makes you feel at home. She offers dishes that are not generally served at other Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurants but traditionally eaten everyday for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Makes great lattes as well. I plan to try everything on the menu. There is plenty of street parking. It's a small place but plenty of tables and chairs. High recommend! read more

I got the veggie combo and lentil sambusa, which were both delicious! The vegetables and lentils in the veggie combo were very flavorful, and the injera had an amazing texture. I also loved the lentil sambusas, definitely excited to try more here. read more

Asmara Cafe - veggie combo and lentil sambusa - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Been a few times now. Lovely little cafe, kind owner, delicious drinks, highly recommend!

Arriving at the stylish restaurant, we were greeted by one of the kindest and most talented chefs in the city. We asked her to create something that was truly her own, and she did a plate filled with the most delicious food we have ever had, and actually her smile is worth the price of admission you can't miss this folks! read more

Asmara Cafe - A plate filled with the most extraordinary Ethiopian food you will ever find - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

When my Eritrean mother told me, she wanted to have her birthday lunch here, I was shocked. My mom is very picky and has high standards if we go out to eat especially, at an Eritrean restaurant. So I knew that this food was going to be amazing and it did not disappoint. We ordered the samboosa's both veggie and meat shiro, and beef kilwa/tibs (spicy and regular). The food was so full of flavor. I was extremely impressed. I was super excited to see that they had breakfast food as well. I definitely wanna go back and explore more of the menu. Although this is a Cafe, it is a full functioning restaurant, it's super cute inside and it's a very fun environment to be in. The great thing about it is they have parking behind the building if you can't find any on the street. HIGHLY recommend this place. The service was amazing, the owner was working alone that day but man does she work fast. We ordered the same things multiple time, not because the portion were but because it was so damn good. Also ask for the chili on the side to add more spice to your dish, it will amp up the spicy level at the same time add flavor. I will definitely be a regular customer!!!! Support local black owned, woman owned business. read more

See all

Very beautiful and cute place. Has great food and you can get tea and coffee. But I would suggest getting a meat plate. read more

Asmara Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Literally the best Eritrean food in San Diego. The flavors are so euphoric that you'll think you're eating in Africa. Yordano is the sweetest woman and deserves recognition. read more

Really really really good place for food. Soft meat , service, and very clean . And super polite people work here read more

Asmara Cafe - Nice place , good service and food - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

This restaurant is absolutely wonderful. The chef greeted us so kindly and then made us the most amazing dishes. Everything was perfection. We ordered the veggie combo and beef tibs. The injera is made in house and is incredible. Don't miss out on the beautiful coffees too! We will be back! read more

Asmara Cafe - Veggie combo and beef tibs. Very generous portions . All of it was perfection - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Awesome service, and delicious food! Both lentil and beef sambusas were warm and crispy; served with a side of spice they were a delight. I will definitely return with enough time to sample more of their food offerings. read more

Service phenomenal, the food is even better. Highly recommended and would definitely come back again

New hidden gem. The food is so fresh and good! I went for breakfast and order my three favorite and was not disappointed. read more

See all

Stopped by on a whim. Very friendly customer service, excellent coffee and great food! The Kicha Fitfit was incredible - will be back soon to try out the rest of the menu. read more

Very friendly and professional customer service. Try KICHA FITFIT it's authentic and delicious. The area is peaceful and there's a parking in rear. read more

We had a meal with my coworkers (9 people). We had lamb tibs, lentils, samosa, salad, and Doro (chicken stew). The injera was teff flour, which is gluten free & has less carb. It is indicative that the owner uses fresh ingredients. Good service, and delicious food! read more

The best Eritrean Food in San Diego very beautiful inside amazing coffee amazing costumer service 10/10 highly highly recommended. read more

Asmara Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

This place just opened up but it's literally some of the best Eritrean food I've had.The interior design of the cafe is so cute and homey. Not to mention the customer service (10/10). If you're in the San Diego area I highly recommend you try it out. read more

Asmara Cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Diego, California

Fantastic cafe! Incredible service! Tried the sambusas and the beef ones are absolutely delicious, fresh, crispy, and flavorful. Great coffee too, I will return for a full lunch very soon. read more

I Haven't tried much Eritrean food but on the handful of places I've tried, this is by far the best. I had the vegetarian platter and an iced tea and the portion was gigantic, samplings delicious, produce organic, dishes well balanced and visually stunning. The owners are wonderful and the woman who cooked the food a true magician. If you want a good thoughtful meal, this is the place. read more

Great food, amazing service and quality ingredients!!! Traditional Eritrean cuisine at its finest.