Asmara in Lambeth

Sadly, this restaurant seems to have closed; it used to be our favourite rendezvous for a meal before a gig at the Academy, but I've now tried visiting twice over the past three months and both times it has been shuttered up with no sign of activity. The phone line also seems to be dead. However, it does still seem to be furnished and have tables laid up, so it is just possible that it is opening intermittently and my visits have been unfortunately timed. If anyone does manage to eat here successfully, please post a review and, if possible, provide an update on its opening policy!

I had the lamb - it was SO tasty. You get so much Injera (naturally gluten-free bread) with it to soak up the sauce and all for a tenner. Vegan options. Lovely Eritrean Art on the wall, homey, original Brixton. Depressingly empty on a Thursday night, meanwhile people pouring out the new, mediocre burger and pizza pseudo-chains next door. Please support this business.

Three of us visited on a Friday evening. The menu looked appealing and we had the traditional messob dinner for three. It was exactly the same food as a table for two nearby had. Although edible it was definitely not value for money. We complained multiple times at the time, to no avail. Subsequently spoke to the owner and explained the situation- he said we should have mentioned; we explained we had done so.

Ordered for delivery and didn’t disappoint; you get a bag of food each if you opt for the selection meal which is a nice touch because it comes with an array of cartons and would be a tad complicated working out which food went with what otherwise. Flavours are beautiful with 6 different dishes (all vegan) including carrot and cabbage, a variety of lentils, salad, and greens. Comes with 2 njera breads each, which was enough actually, although we did order 2 extra portions, it is v.tasty. Have only had Eritrean food 3 times before, and 2 of these was from the same stall in Borough market, so I don’t have much to compare it with, but what I can tell you is that it was flavourful and delicious - very mildly spiced and delicate - perfect for vegans/vegetarians looking for something a bit different, but also equally of interest to carnivores too, I’m sure. Portion sizes just enough, so you feel satisfied but not gut-bustingly so. Cheap too.

Hate gentrification and I remember what Brixton was like 25 years ago when I used to live here. So deliberately wanted something local and old school rather than hipster. And what a great choice we made. Not only is the food delicious; but the staff were utterly charming and genuinely friendly. Really great start to a wonderful evening. Thank you so much. <3

A hidden treasure on Coldharbour Lane. I would recommend it to anybody. Just one thing: They need to clean the windows.

Nel quartiere di Brixton c' è questo ristorante di cucina eritrea che è veramente eccezionale. Il locale è gestito a conduzione famigliare da eritrei e mi è piaciuto subito l' energia e l' atmosfera del posto. Io ho preso con una amica la cena messob (per due persone), che permette, anche a chi non conosce questa cucina, di avere 5/6 diverse mini pietanze da assaggiare. Non ci sono posate in questo ristorante - come dovrebbero essere tutti i ristoranti eritrei - e per prendere il cibo si deve usare il loro pane tipico. Mi è piaciuto molto! Sia il pane che il non usare posate. Il prezzo è veramente buono e il rapporto qualità-prezzo molto onesto. Da ritornarci!

We’ve been coming here occasionally over the last couple of years and always enjoy it. The food is delicious and the atmosphere homely, it feels a bit like you’re eating in someone’s lounge. The waitress is funny and very friendly too, and I always enjoy looking at the beautiful artwork of Eritrea around the room.

We went as four friends who have never tried Eritrean food, and it was absolutely wonderful. From a slightly average exterior we found wonderful service from the lovely Mika, who taught us how to eat our meal as Eritreans would, and taught us a bit about her culture and its traditions - from the food itself to the coffee ceremony. On top of that it was excellent value. Thank you for a delicious evening.

This is the second time I have had the privilege of dining at Asmara. My daughter is vegan and this restaurant caters extremely well for her and her flexitarian friends. We had the sharing vegan platter and a lamb dish. It was excellent!! I can not recommend this restaurant highly enough. Please make sure you have a coffee at the end of the meal! It’ll be unlike any you’ve had before!

Awful, bland, tasteless, although the waitress tried her best. Food was described as spicy but was awful. worst food that I have ever attempted to eat.

We dined here when on our own for the evening in Brixton on a two night visit to see family who live locally. We shared a vegetarian mixed platter which was good if a little ‘samey’, but pretty good value at £30. I wonder whether the meat dishes have more taste variety?

We're irregular visitors here because we like to try out similar cuisine around London town. And there's plenty of (as it turned out) better competition. It was a cold evening, the restaurant was warm, smelled deliciously of coffee, but it wasn't ever busy. We shared a mostly large meat and chicken platter and some veg. The injera looked pale and uninteresting and wasn't very tasty. I doubt there was any teff in it. But I've heard that there's a shortage of teff....There wasn't any Eritrean (or Ethiopian) beer available so we chose Italian. But the coffee served afterwards (with a huge bowl of popcorn!) was lovely.

we came on a Wednesday evening for dinner, 1st time visiting, after a recommendation from a friend. The restaurant is a café style and has a laid back vibe. it was busy and a good atmosphere, and we were given a friendly welcome. We ordered the vegetarian plate for 2 people to share, and it was absolutely delicious. Wonderful flatbreads, ll really fresh, and amazing flavours in the various dishes. I cant wait to go back and try this all again. highly recommend.

When you walk through the door it feels a bit like being invited into the owners house. She welcomed us as if we were family even on our first visit. We were eating early, about 6pm, on a Friday so it was just us at the start. She was very attentive and came over with the roasting coffee tin and talked us through the menu. We went for the sharing platter, which is thick pancake like things served with dollops of different stews on top. They were unusual and sometimes messy to eat with your hands but the whole experience was great. She did joke at us when we were unable to clear the massive plate though. You finish with Eritrean coffee which is incredible and served in a traditional pot. And a large bowl of popcorn which you can somehow fit in even though you were stuffed from the pancakes. Ideal location, would highly recommend to people wanting to try something a bit different. Good Veggie options available.

When we arrived there was nobody present to show us to a table so another diner who happened to be eating there sat us down and got us a menu! The waitress was late and very slow to take our order. The food tasted good but for the price we paid (£32 for 2) the portions were too small, we got plenty of Injera but the different curry/spiced dishes were tiny.

It’s a small place and very understated. When you walk in you will not expect much. Once the food arrives and you start eating, you will be transported out of London and feel like you are in taste heaven. The injil is delicious and the stews that get served with it are all wonderful. I love the communal eating aspect of all the food being served in a large platter. I dream of eating there again

Tengo sentimientos encontrados sobre este sitio!

Hemos vivido en Brixton durante unos años y oí acerca de este lugar. Entramos y buscamos en el pasado numerosas veces, pero decidimos no ir. ¡Qué error!

Si el propósito de comer fuera es por la experiencia, este lugar es el pináculo de la impresionante. Auténtico en cada detalle, la comida más sabrosa, me encantó la experiencia aquí. Podría haber quedado toda la noche. El café. . . Todavía estoy soñando.

Este lugar es fantástico, nunca había tenido esta cocina antes y la camarera nos llevó a través de sabores increíbles y lo que pedir. La comida es deliciosa, una gran variedad de especias y carne bien cocinada, también un montón de increíbles opciones para vegetarianos! Todo se sirve en un increíble sabor tortitas que tiene una masa agria. Un delicioso café especiado Eritrain fue el final perfecto para la comida, también la lista de vinos era muy razonable. Bien merece una visita! !

No vas a encontrar una experiencia más auténtica, deliciosa de Eritrea. La comida es deliciosa y buena relación calidad-precio. El servicio de café viene con menú fijo y está fuera de este mundo y la camarera tiene un arrebatador sentido del humor. He estado tres veces y a pesar de que el negocio del restaurante siempre me ha recordado. La Miel es una inusual sabor vino, así que no es para todos, pero es muy barato y merece la pena ir. Por desgracia parece que tuvieran casi cada vez que visite.

La primera vez que un restaurante de Eritrea, que sin duda no será la última. Si soy honesto y no me había leído las críticas de este lugar, me hubiera evitado. Parecía un café sucia desde el exterior. Sólo va a mostrar, nunca juzgar un libro por su portada!

En varias ocasiones he ido a este restaurante, es un lugar estupendo, pero evita el fin ya que hay mucho más "cazadores de cultura" buscando una experiencia exótica, ya que no hay nada peor que estar rodeado de 'quiero ser antropólogos urbanas exoticising. Mientras los ruidos cuando saben la comida que carece de modales de mesa básico.

Molto buono e con molta scelta e porzioni grandi! Delizioso! Staff gentilissimo e anche opzioni vegetariane.

First visit to an Eritrean restaurant. It was fantastic, great value and the service was second to none. Really good service!

We visited on a Wednesday and it was so lovely and relaxed. We sat in the arm chairs. It was just the right amount of busy with about three quarters of the tables full. The lady Janet was soooo lovely and filled us in on all the good we had and the spices of the coffee and how Eritreans eat as a big family at home which is how the big sharing dish came about which was delicious!!! There's so many places in Brixton but this is definitely a hidden gem. Will be bringing friends back to try this!

One of my favourite restaurants in London. Absolutely delicious Eritrean food, really friendly service. No pretension, just a great place and highly recommended.

I have been going to this restaurant for 18 years and it never fails to be one of the best eating experiences in London. Despite all the change happening around it, in this fast moving city, it remains true to the traditions of west Africa and the food, warmth, hospitality, good humour and service are really very hard to beat. I cannot recommend it too highly.

It opens till quite late everyday and I was really happy to find this restaurant at 11pm on a Sunday night. I was fortunate enough to have the last order there and I ordered a chicken dish. It was yummy and I had rice with it. The portion size is average, probably enough for a normal eater but it is a little small for me (big eater). Then again, the price is reasonable and the food tasted good. The waitress insisted on pouring my water for me, dishing my rice AND chicken on my place for me, which was a first kind of customer service I have ever experienced for a small eatery - I was very impressed. I would gladly come back again.

i wouldn't go there again the man who serve us had no manners and the food was horriblei actually left most of my food on the plate as i did not enjoy it

The little wait that you may endure on a busy evening is worth it. The staff is very friendly, the atmosphere is cozy and the food is a perfect balance of generosity and deliciousness. We've been there 3 times and we've always enjoyed it. The menus are very good value and are a perfect introduction to Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine. The pop corn with the coffee at the end of the meal is really not necessary but happily eaten!

Liked the idea of Eritrean food, so went here with a friend. Very pleasant service, though could be slow at times. Food was very different and the style of eating with your hands was new to me. Will return if in the area. Reasonably priced

Good food, friendly service and not expensive.We had to wait a little longer than we may have liked for the bill to arrive but the fragrant coffee sweetened the wait.

We went with friends who are regulars and who have taken us here before. The food was once again very good and the service from Ganet excellent. We will return when in London again

I love this place - the vegetarian set meal that is served on injera is great every time. It includes a traditional coffee ceremony that is a nice touch as well. I would definitely recommend.

I've tried different ethiopian restaurants in Europe, and this is definitely alright in terms of quality. All the different dishes are well cooked. I'd recommend the mix of vegetables and some of the chicken with sauce. A negative is probably the quantity. If you order a dish of chicken u get a very limited amount of meat, which is not enough to fill you up. But I cannot complain about the quality though.

Good food and service. Don't be in a hurry though. It takes some time to get the food. Be prepared to eat with hands!

This place was just amazing! You get the typical Ethiopian dish with a wide variety of sides. The service was very good and the price reasonable. Warmly recommended!

We've been to Asmara in Brixton a couple of times and the food is consistently excellent.We always take the vegetarian set for two (or more, when we come with other guests), which consists of few dishes of lentil, chickpea, spinach and vegetables served on injera, which is a sort of traditional Eritrean flatbread with a funny spongy texture. There are also non-vegetarian options.Don't expect cutlery, use your hands and the flatbreat to get the food into your mouth, so wash hands before the food is served :)At the end of the meal one gets a traditional coffee (or tea) and a bowl of popcorn. A bit odd for dessert, but somehow it works.The service is always kind and the price is affordable (it costs £30 for two people, and every additional person is extra £8 or so). A great way to experience East African food.

This restaurant exceeded our expectations. We had the shared meat Injera between 4 people and it was absolutely tasty and full of spice. We ate with our hands and enjoyed the sharing experience. As the waitress said "Sharing is Caring". She made our experience extra special with her big smile and top notch service. She even went around each table and allowed all the customers to smell a pot of roasting coffee beans. We were made to feel at home there. I highly recommend this place for groups wanting to try a different dining experience.

We wanted to find an African meal , So in Brixton we had a try, . The welcome was warm and as we didn't have a clue what to order ,we were helped well . We enjoyed sharing platter , and not too expensive .All tables full on a Monday night , so locals must be happy.

Excellent and innovative cuisine, interesting decor (in good way), friendly service, reasonably priced and in a convenient location. Nothing not to like!

We have eaten here a couple of times. Very friendly staff, cheap food but very tasty and very filling. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Brixton!

Service was nice, ambiance was okay, didn't have Ethiopian beers - unless I wasn't offered as many of the the other Eritrean places do. Portions were small. No salad's available with dish so it all looked very brown - tasted okay, some of it was nice and some was just meh. If your local and fancy some Eritrean than yea its all okay, although I am yet to try the one by the Recreation centre but if your going out of your postcode, I wouldn't bother making a trip just here.

I used to come here many years ago but on returning last month I was very disappointed. The was Service OK but the food was very disappointing, the vegetarian feast included 3 lentil dishes and one mixed salad on quite small enjera. Drinks are cheap though!

Eight of us had dinner at Asmara. None of us had had Eritrean food before, but some of us, including me, had had Ethiopian food, which we like.This is similar, if perhaps less interesting and varied ( at least in terms of the 8 or ten dishes we shared).The style of eating is fun - using the hands with the pancake-like bread, but the 'bread' was not has good as the similar Ethiopian version we had had before ( it has quite a sour, lemony taste).But overall the meat and vegetarian dishes we had were good in the main.Coffee was good and very strong in the Eritrean/Ethiopian style and nicely presented with two massive dishes of popcorn. The place is pretty basic, as you might expect, but the service was excellent - both speedy and charming.Eating here certainly won't break the bank - our meal was less than £20 a head, with quite a lot of beer.Overall, we enjoyed the experience, although I would probably say 'good', rather than 'very good'.

I went to this restaurant to enjoy some eritrean food. When we first arrived we were greeted by a very welcoming and lovely woman and she remained very lovely until we left. So the service was really good! However the problem was the food. Not only were we all shocked by the size of the portion but also witinh the taste of it! As being habesha myself I know exactly what our food is supposed to taste like but this was far from it... The injera was so white and the texture of it tasted like bread (kicha). I was so disappointed and felt so ripped off afterwards, and it is safe to say that I will not be going back for a second time despite the fact that the lady was super nice and the service was good!

The customer service was good but the food was absolutely terrible the injera was so white and didn't taste nice at all, the zegni fitfit/firfir didn't not taste nice at all, the kitfo was terrible it tasted like tesmi/kebe and berbere mixed together.

Been here about 5 times and the food has been consistently good. The dishes are served on Ethiopean flat bread which everyone can tear into and eat with which makes for a fun, chilled dining experience. Staff are friendly, price is reasonable and there's nowhere quite like it. Asmara has been in Brixton for a long time and in my opinion is a typically Brixon place as apose to a lot of the mainstream places that are popping up everywhere. Would recommend this place to anyone!

When some awful (and some very nice) places in the two arcades are packed Asmara often stands fairly empty. This was the case last Friday night when we went. New visitors to Brixton are missing out, Asmara was doing the quirky Brixton eating experience thing long before it was coolYes, the service can be slow - just as it is in East Africa - but the food is really good, and the family running it are friendly. And, it's different. Really different. It's an experience. You eat off a bread plate, with your hands and then watch a weird coffee ceremony.The banquet thing is about £30 for 2 people and it's a lot of food. We struggled to finish it, and I'm a very greedy man. Worth a look

We visited Asmara as a group of 4 and having never been before, ordered the meat platter as was recommended. This came out served on lemony pancakes which we ate with our hands. Most of the food was delicious however the amount they gave us for 4 people was a total joke and not cheap at all as we'd all paid over £10 per head. I also ordered a glass of wine which was very expensive and tasted like a cheap 2 for a fiver job - really not good at all. I had wanted the mead but was told they didn't have any. To top it all off we were over-charged - we had meant to leave a tip from our change but when our change came back they had clearly overcharged us and so had taken a large tip of their own accord! Not impressed!

I've been to Asmara a few times and it really is excellent. It's an Eritrean restaurant that serves Injera pancakes with a range of curries placed over it - both spicy and non-spicy - and finishes with popcorn and excellent coffee.Service can sometimes be a bit slow, but the last couple of times has been good (£40 for a meal for two, including a couple of drinks). Definitely worth a shout if you're in Brixton.

we ordered the meat platter between 4 of us. some of the meat dishes were really flavoursome, others completely lacked flavour. the lamb stew was good, the chicken and egg concoction didn't work and the egg yolk was grey, not yellow. service was fine. fairly good value for money.

We went to Asmara on a Saturday night. The service was appalling, we waited over an hour and a half for our meal to be served. The food was good, but it seemed like the portion we were served for three people was no larger than the portion that the neighbouring table had for two.In addition to that, the staff had to be reminded about our drinks orders.I would not go back to this restaurant even though the food was good. It just isn't worth the trouble.

this delicious eritrean is well worth a visit. Just what london eating is about, cosmopolitan, unusual and a visit to another world.

We went to this restaurant with friends who live around the area and have been there a couple of times, so we let them order. So, we ordered the Messob for 4 people. It is loads of diffrent types of food served on a gigantic tray with layers of some sort of a tangy pancake that you use to "pick up" your food off the tray. It was more than enough food. We devoured it, it was so delicious. We were brought more of that tangy pancake and, since there was some left, we were offered some extra tomatoey sauce to finish it off... which we did!Before you get the coffee, the waitress comes around with a little pot of coffee beans roasting. The smell is wonderful. The final touch is a cinnamon infused coffee served in the cutest tableware I have ever seen. You are also served a bowl of freshly made, crunchy popcorn to go with it.Difficult to explain; you have to go and experience it yourself!

It's a fun night. The food is really good and all served on this brilliant bread like stuff. The waiter is lovely too. He'll off to ceremonially chop your egg.Unless you're a bit of an expert on Eritrean food just go for the fixed Messob for 2 people. It's loads of food, a great variety and you get the coffee ceremony

We ordered a chicken dish was suppose to be like meat balls. We were served one chicken leg. The portions were fit for sparrows. Meanwhile we heard them laughing in the kitchen . Feeling vulnerable as we were the only ones in we didn't complain . Horrible experience . Be warned.

One of those great places you come across around Brixton market: doesn't look like much, but offers delicious food and nice service.We had the meat platter for 2, which isn't cheap, but very good. Will definitely go there again.

Nel quartiere di Brixton un ristorante di cucina eritrea da consigliare.Il locale è gestito da una simpaticissima signora eritrea, che parla molto bene l'italiano, che prepara tutte le pietanze nella migliore tradizione.Da consigliare la cena messob (per due persone), che permette, anche a chi non conosce questa cucina, di averne una carrellata illustrativa.Il caffè finale è eccezionale: verrebbe voglia di sorseggiarne anche una quarta tazzino, dopo le tradizionali tre.Prezzo onestissimo!

Delicious enjera with lovely toppings in a really nice little restaurant. Try the coffee after dinner too, it's a real experience.

Per caso abbiamo scoperto questo ristorante e questa cucina. Servono i piatti della tradizione eritrea. Abbiamo assaggiato il Zigni servito sull'injera, buonissimo! Ovviamente si mangia con le mani senza posate. Buonissimo anche il caffè servito in un contenitore particolare. Mi piacerebbe conoscere meglio la loro cucina per poter esplorare anche il resto del menù.

I discovered Erythrean food there, and I really enjoyed it, from starters to the genuine spiced coffee. Fresh enjera bread.