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Asmara

386 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LF Full details & map

Restaurant: Eritrean

Time Out says 2 Users say 4/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 28 2011

Asmara, named after Eritrea's capital, makes its inspiration clear to customers with a gold-plated map of the homeland above a central bar. The ground floor was half full on our visit, but tables were served by just one waiter (with another staff member working behind the bar). In spite of this, service was speedy and very welcoming.

We ordered the silver pollack kilwa (an Eritrean word meaning 'frying', in this case with green chillies and spices) and alicha (a stew of potatoes, cabbage and carrots), which was a little overcooked. Dishes are served on injera and portions are large. To finish, spiced tea with cinnamon and cloves was soothing to our full stomachs.

Asmara has an intimate atmosphere, with low ceilings, a small interior and amiable staff who are happy to describe the dishes in detail. Windows are draped with pieces of netzela (a cotton cloth often used by Eritrean women as a shawl). Paintings of Eritrean landscapes and simple country life provide an absorbing backdrop to the palatable food.

Tags: African, Eritrean, Something different, South, Brixton, Budget, Restaurant

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Asmara details

Address

Asmara

386 Coldharbour Lane SW9 8LF

Transport Brixton tube/rail

Telephone

020 7737 4144

Dinner served 5.30pm-midnight daily

Main courses £7.20-£10. Set meal £30 (2 people) vegetarian, £32 (2 people) meat

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable, Separate room for parties ( seats 35 ), Takeaway service, Vegan dishes, Vegetarian menu

Asmara map

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Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 2 ratings)

By BON - Feb 4 2012

4/5

The food was really tasty and not like anything I had ever tried before. I would go back and spend another evening there. It was open late, so we did not leave until after 11pm when we had to rush off to the Ritzy cinema. The staff were polite and the atmosphere was relaxed.

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By abc@abc.com - Oct 31 2011

Unfriendly and dishonest service (was given a meal portion for two people while we requested a meal for three people...and we have been charged for three people...) .. highly poor client service ... not recommended at all.