Friendly place, good vegetarian selection.
Updated from previous review on 2025-12-27
439haveng
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always amazing. I get the vegetarian sampler every time so we can try a little of everything and I have never been disappointed in the two years that I’ve been going to Asmara.
Andrew Ollero
So delicious. What a find in Maine! Great vegetarian options that includes a side dish. I wish you can get the combo veg with just one or two people but only makes sense if 3-4 want it too. Service was slow but it’s so authentic and mom and pop run we were willing to be patient. Worth the wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ryan Lim
I was looking for a quick bite to eat and stumbled across this restaurant. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming the staff was and, having never had Eritrean food, I was blown away by the delicious this cuisine is. I am a big fan and recommend for anyone—ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE NEVER TRIED ERITREAN FOOD—to come here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ameenadin
Tried take out from Asmara this week and it was pretty good. Injera and all vegan dishes were excellent, but the lamb was pretty chewy and tough (according to my husband). Prices are pretty good...we shared 2 entrees among 3 people and it was more than enough. We'd likely return if in the area again!
PSL_Florida
Had the sampler and enjoyed every choice! Service was very friendly and easily accommodated vegan and non vegans in our party.
Katie Alonzo
This place is so good. Very friendly family who owns it. Absolutely worth the trip. Great for vegans and meat eaters alike.
Beth Aronson (Beth)
Best Eritrean/Ethiopian food I have had in decades!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Benjamin Flanagan
Whenever I have friends visit from out of town I try to get them to Asmara - it's just not to be missed. Always dreaming about the lentils, inerja, and stewed okra...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
LaughTillYu Die
A slow paced adventure! Very pricey for amount given etc. Bring a book or don’t expect fast service. A must try because how unique it is. The Injera bread used as utensils was yummy. Not over the top in flavor but filling and healthy feeling after done eating. Xtra loved the lamb in my main dish. A great accent to Portland/good vibes.
This is a treasure in Portland, Maine. We LOVE IT!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
John Dwelly
Always amazing. The stewed greens are one of the best things I've ever eaten
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tori Carr-Jones
I love Asmara, it’s one of the best meals you can have in Portland. I personally love the fiery lamb stew and the beef with potatoes, the sides and injera are also delicious. I’ve only eaten in the restaurant once, we mostly do take out and it’s so hot and good. Reheats well too, portion sizes are big so good for leftovers! I’ve taken friends with gluten restrictions and vegan needs and they’ve also love it!
Dietary restrictions: Friends with vegan diets or gluten restrictions all enjoyed their meals!
Friendly place, good vegetarian selection. Updated from previous review on 2025-12-27
This is one of my favorite restaurants. The food is always amazing. I get the vegetarian sampler every time so we can try a little of everything and I have never been disappointed in the two years that I’ve been going to Asmara.
So delicious. What a find in Maine! Great vegetarian options that includes a side dish. I wish you can get the combo veg with just one or two people but only makes sense if 3-4 want it too. Service was slow but it’s so authentic and mom and pop run we were willing to be patient. Worth the wait.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
I was looking for a quick bite to eat and stumbled across this restaurant. I was amazed at how friendly and welcoming the staff was and, having never had Eritrean food, I was blown away by the delicious this cuisine is. I am a big fan and recommend for anyone—ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE NEVER TRIED ERITREAN FOOD—to come here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tried take out from Asmara this week and it was pretty good. Injera and all vegan dishes were excellent, but the lamb was pretty chewy and tough (according to my husband). Prices are pretty good...we shared 2 entrees among 3 people and it was more than enough. We'd likely return if in the area again!
Had the sampler and enjoyed every choice! Service was very friendly and easily accommodated vegan and non vegans in our party.
This place is so good. Very friendly family who owns it. Absolutely worth the trip. Great for vegans and meat eaters alike.
Best Eritrean/Ethiopian food I have had in decades!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Whenever I have friends visit from out of town I try to get them to Asmara - it's just not to be missed. Always dreaming about the lentils, inerja, and stewed okra...
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A slow paced adventure! Very pricey for amount given etc. Bring a book or don’t expect fast service. A must try because how unique it is. The Injera bread used as utensils was yummy. Not over the top in flavor but filling and healthy feeling after done eating. Xtra loved the lamb in my main dish. A great accent to Portland/good vibes.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
This place rules !!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing food
This is a treasure in Portland, Maine. We LOVE IT!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always amazing. The stewed greens are one of the best things I've ever eaten
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love Asmara, it’s one of the best meals you can have in Portland. I personally love the fiery lamb stew and the beef with potatoes, the sides and injera are also delicious. I’ve only eaten in the restaurant once, we mostly do take out and it’s so hot and good. Reheats well too, portion sizes are big so good for leftovers! I’ve taken friends with gluten restrictions and vegan needs and they’ve also love it!
Dietary restrictions: Friends with vegan diets or gluten restrictions all enjoyed their meals!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Injera, Alitcha Beghie Lamb Stew
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