Asmara Bella Ethiopian Eritrean

After a day shopping in Manchester we decided to stay for dinner. A quick google search found the Asmara Bella close by. Neither of us had ever eaten Eritrean or Ethiopian food so we thought we should give it a try. When you access the Asmara Bella website there is a facility to make a reservation, as we had never been before and it was a Saturday we thought it would be prudent to book a table online for 6.30pm. We received an email confirmation of our booking almost immediately. We arrived at the restaurant at 6pm and were met be friendly staff. I explained that we had a reservation that I had just booked online. It was obvious that although I received a confirmation email of our reservation the restaurant was not aware of it. The staff said it was not a problem and found us a table. My tip would be to phone for a last minute reservation rather than use the online booking. We opted for the ‘Mosob’ which is a 2 person platter of meat dishes and vegan dishes that come with handmade Injera. Injera is described as a thick, chewy bread made from teff or other grains. I would describe it as more like a pancake. It was absolutely delicious. No cutlery comes with the meal as you use the Injera as the utensil. With our meal we ordered two Asmara beers. Neither of us are big beer drinkers, however it is always good to try something different. The beer was Ok, to me is tasted slightly malty. I would not buy it again I would opt for a wine instead. After the meal we tried the traditional Eritrean Ethiopian Coffee for 2 people. It took a while for it to arrive as the Chef actually roasted the beans to order. When it did arrive it came with a popcorn snack and an aromatic frankincense. After a while the frankincense started to smoke the place out so we asked the staff to take it away. It was good to experience traditional coffee once, we would give it a miss when we visit again. The restaurant has good decor and a nice atmosphere. The bathroom is on the first floor and accessed only via some steep stairs. This restaurant does not have a lift. The Asmara Bella is well worth a visit.

Very friendly and helpful restaurant. The food was very delicious and portions very generous. The experience was made even more pleasant by the staff who liked details on what was all and many cultural background information. We received small shots of delicious honey wine and we finished the meal with Ethiopian/Erriteric coffee, which was really fantastic. Congratulations to the restaurant to offer a unique and friendly experience. Very recommended!

Asmara Belle is a unique introduction to East African foods where you can experience several flavors in a single dish. Most meals are based on injera traditional flat bread), and the food trip includes everything with hands to eat, which once overcomes discomfort for some people is a special and rewarding traditional experience. Remember to wash your hands and eat with the right hand when you can do the research for you. The food contains several aromas of spicy lamb style stew to lighter herbal dishes. This is something I have not yet tasted before and highly recommend trying it as its other and unique in its own style. The menu is well curated to all nutritional requirements with full section for vegan options. The gentleman who served us was attentive and did not ask any mix in our order, we even had a second person seem to apologize for the additional waiting for the mix. As far as prices are concerned, it is really difficult to compare it with something else in the northern neighborhood, as it is its own kitchen, but for average £20 each including a 10% tip) and a drink that fits really well with other places nearby. Finally, the decor above is really well made and adds a note to the experience. I recommend trying this place if you are looking for a unique delicious cuisine, or simply if you already know what to expect and look for a bite. Asmara belle is rated 4/5 in British food hygiene standards and because I already know that I will visit again, I hope this is 5/5 for my next visit.

Amazing restaurant! Very friendly staff, delicious food, welcoming atmosphere and decorations. Try the plate with the Okra/meat, the honey wine and Eritrean beer! This restaurant let me see Eritrean/Ethiopic food in a completely new light!

We walked on the streets of the Manchester Northern Quarter and wanted to eat something, but not usually burgers, chips and pizzas, which appear in many bars as a standard Fayre. We stumbled on Asmaras completely randomly, saw through the window, checked the online menu, worried a little that it could be too exotic, and went in. Had no idea what to order and asked for ideas, the Mosob 2 person Plattier was suggested so that we went with it. The presentation was beautiful, a huge dish of sorted vegetables and meat dishes served with and on, a kind of flatbread called Injera. The Flatbread was a cross between crumbs and large Pittabrot. You tear it apart with your fingers and grow in, very dirty, very pleasant. Forks are available on request....Good if you are baked, but cannot resist the treats. The food was super tasty and palatable with a beautiful amount of heat, every taste was different. The next kitchen I like is Indian, but it's definitely not... it's Eritrean/Ethiopian. We have to go back and try more dishes now parking is terrible... normal North Manchester. The restaurant is located on 2 floors and down is only about 14 covers, but if it looks full, go up anyway. Nicely decorated and clean. You can only go for drinks if you wish, there is a bar and a coffee machine. Toilets were clean and functional, but warning, they are up. Service was good. Visit was Saturday in the afternoon and it was quiet. Piped music is ethnic, probably from the region of food. Family friendly.