Welcome to Asmara Restaurant
Asmara Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Portland, ME, offers a delightful journey into Eritrean cuisine. With a menu brimming with vibrant flavors, the restaurant is renowned for its fiery lamb stew, hearty beef with potatoes, and aromatic lentils, all served with traditional injera. The welcoming atmosphere complements the generous portion sizes, making it an ideal spot for takeout or dining with friends, regardless of dietary preferences. From exceptional honey wine to comforting dishes like shiro, Asmara is not just a meal—it’s an experience that fosters connection over food, all delivered with the warm hospitality of its attentive staff.
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51 Oak St, Portland, ME 04101, United States Hotline: +1 207-253-5122
If you find yourself wandering the vibrant streets of Portland, Maine, make sure to stop by Asmara Restaurant, a gem that brings the rich culinary traditions of Eritrea right to 51 Oak St. This bustling eatery is celebrated not only for its unique flavors but also for its welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors alike.
When you step through the door, you are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors and a warm, inviting ambiance. The decor reflects the cultural heart of East Africa, and the friendly staff makes sure every guest feels at home. Asmara is revered for its authentic dishes that showcase the true essence of Eritrean cuisine.
- Signature Dishes: Food reviews rave about the fiery lamb stew and the savory beef with potatoes, both of which are sure to tantalize your taste buds. For those venturing into this culinary journey, you must not overlook the injera, a sourdough flatbread that doubles as a utensil, enhancing the experience.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: With a varied menu that caters to all dietary preferences, Asmara offers delightful vegan-friendly dishes like shiro—a chickpea stew that has garnered rave reviews for its incredible flavor.
- Comfort Food: Many patrons describe the food here as comforting, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The generous portion sizes ensure there are always leftovers for a hearty meal the next day.
- Exceptional Service: The attentive and friendly staff at Asmara make the dining experience all the more special. From their knowledgeable recommendations to their readiness to accommodate specific dietary needs, they truly enhance your visit.
Those who have dined here articulate a heartfelt passion for the dishes, often mentioning the aromatic spices that linger on the palate. The honey wine has also captured the hearts of many, pairing beautifully with a well-spiced meal. Customers frequently return, eager to share this little culinary treasure with friends and family, reinforcing the sentiment that no visit to Portland is complete without a meal at Asmara Restaurant.
In summary, if you’re looking for a unique dining experience that offers both flavor and a slice of East African culture, Asmara Restaurant is the place to be. With its diverse menu, friendly atmosphere, and a strong emphasis on flavor, it's more than just a meal—it's a delightful adventure for the senses.
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!
This is one of our favorite places to go out to eat. I don't know of any other Eritrean restaurant in the area, but that's okay because they never disappoint us. It is not fancy, but the food is absolutely delicious, with a varied menu (including vegan options) and a warm and friendly staff. Highly recommend!
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.
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...
Nice little place. Delicious food. Great service. If you want aromatic/well spiced food, try Asmara Restaurant.
If you've never had Eastern African food, you need to try Asmara. Very friendly service, fantastic food. I highly recommend the Honey wine.
Very flavorful, simply delicious and incredibly friendly and attentive staff. My first time here with my friends…and we already planned the next time when finishing up the meal. Also a colorful and interesting decoration.
Incredible comfort food. I ordered the shiro and my partner got a lamb dish, for takeout - both were astounding, but I have to say the shiro was a big winner. The cinnamon sweet tea was lovely too. Just the right amount of warmth.