Seemor
MassawaBWorth Trying
1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10027
· Ethiopian restaurant, African restaurant, Caterer
· 4.5/5 Google (721 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Well-loved Ethiopian/Eritrean spot by Columbia with generous vegan options and flavorful stews; expect QR-code ordering, occasional long waits, and pricing that feels high to some.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Massawa delivers solid food quality with flavorful stews and excellent vegan options in a warm, inviting neighborhood setting near campus. However, quality variation between visits and persistent 45–75 minute waits limit its standing—the cooking is reliable but not exceptional, and service pacing prevents the seamless experience needed for a higher grade. Worth visiting for authentic Ethiopian/Eritrean flavors and generous shared platters, especially if you're patient with timing.
Restaurant Summary
Just off campus in Morningside Heights, Massawa feels warm and inviting with a casual-chic room where groups share platters and first-timers discover injera. One diner summed it up: "The stews were vibrant and the injera spot on." Expect a lively neighborhood vibe and a hybrid service flow with QR-code ordering that can slow things down during rushes. The cooking leans classic Ethiopian/Eritrean with comforting, spice-layered stews rather than high-concept twists. Many rave about the vegan sampler, tebsi beef, and sambusas, with cocktails and honey wine rounding out the night. A few guests wished for deeper heat or more detailed dish explanations, but most describe rich flavors and generous platters that shine when shared. Families do well here thanks to familiar, mild options alongside bolder stews. Kids can graze on lentils, potatoes, cabbage, and lightly spiced meats, and there is pure teff injera available by request for gluten-sensitive diners. If your crew prefers ultra-traditional kids fare, plan to share milder stews rather than hunt for a separate kids menu.
At a Glance
- Broad vegan selection and gluten-friendly injera by request
- Flavorful stews and popular samplers for sharing
- Wait times can be 45-75 minutes at peak
- Portions/sides perceived smaller since 2023 menu changes
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- deep_vegan_menu
- pure_teff_injera_on_request
- campus_adjacent_community_spot
- cocktail_happy_hour_before_7pm
What People Love
- Layered spices without overwhelming heat
- Light, tangy injera texture
- Cocktails and honey wine pairings
- Sampler format that lets you try many dishes
Points of Concern
- Service can be slow; several reports of 45-75 minute waits for food or drinks
- Some diners feel spice levels are milder than expected when asking for very spicy
- Perceived value dip after sides/portion adjustments since 2023
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (some polished 5-star tones and templated owner replies) which may not reflect every visit
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost$45-$62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For gluten-free guests: request pure teff injera explicitly
- Value play: vegan sampler ($26) plus Tebsi ($27) feeds two comfortably
- Seafood fans: Salmon Tebsi ($29) is the premium pick
Perfect For
- Sharing a sampler-focused group dinner
- Casual date with cocktails and honey wine
- Introducing friends to Ethiopian food
- Vegan-forward nights with omnivore add-ons
Location Insights
Area: University-centric corridor by Columbia, casual-student energy with date-night spots and bars.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Columbia University, Riverside and Morningside Parks, cafes, pubs, and student housing.
HarlemHarlem offers a dynamic dining scene with a strong emphasis on soul food, Caribbean, and contemporary American cuisine. The neighborhood is known for its lively social atmosphere, cultural heritage, and a growing number of trendy eateries alongside traditional establishments.
Sugar HillSugar Hill is a historic sub-area within Harlem known for its beautiful brownstones and a quieter, more residential feel. Dining here tends to be more intimate with a focus on upscale and innovative culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:30–22:00
Tuesday10:30–22:00
Wednesday10:30–22:00
Thursday10:30–22:00
Friday10:30–23:00
Saturday10:30–23:00
Sunday10:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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