Awash Ethiopian Restaurant

Since opening its first spot in 1994, Awash Ethiopian Restaurant has made it its mission to bring the real taste of Ethiopia to New York City. Founded with a focus on traditional cooking techniques—and filling a gap in the city's dining scene at the time—the restaurant has grown over three decades, expanding to Brooklyn while staying true to its roots. The menu features rich stews, injera, and plenty of vegan-friendly options, all served in a warm, inviting space. The gluten-free injera here gets special praise for being both authentic and consistently excellent. Reviewers often note the quick, friendly service and the calm, clean atmosphere that works well for smaller groups. Dishes like chicken drumsticks, lentils, collard greens, and sambusa with veggies tend to stand out, while the honey wine is a nice way to round out the meal. Though some find the grilled chicken dishes a bit one-note, the vegetarian plates are consistently a hit. It's a welcoming spot for both newcomers curious about Ethiopian food and veterans on the hunt for a top-tier version.