Time Out rating:
<strong>Rating: </strong>3/5
User ratings:
<strong>Rating: </strong>4/5
Rate this
Time Out says
Tue Oct 16 2012
This low-key Brixton café – named after the capital of Eritrea – is bedecked in Eritrean artwork and table mats, and has a central bar. There’s a second storey to accommodate big parties, but it’s fair to point out we were the only diners in the restaurant for most of the meal, although friends and relatives of the staff did drop in. Service was smiling and attentive; the food satisfying rather than spectacular. Highlights included a beautifully spiced spinach and cottage cheese starter, smooth lentil mash, and chicken with red onions in spiced ghee – a succulent departure from the spicy stews that make up the bulk of the menu. Portions are generous, and everything is served on sour injera pancake – although there’s a good range of rice and couscous dishes as sides too. Ice-cold Castel beer was a good foil for the food, and while desserts are absent from the menu, there are fragrant teas and coffee to round off the evening. If you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to Eritrean dining then Asmara might not be the answer, but as a tasty neighbourhood local, it does the job nicely.
Comments & ratings