Asmara Bella Restaurant - Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant 37 Port Street, Manchester M1 2EQ

"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."

"Asmara Belle is a unique introduction into East African food where you get the opportunity of experiencing multiple flavours in a single dish. Most of the meals are based on injera (traditional flat bread), and the eating journey involves eating everything with hands, which - once discomfort is overcome for some people- is a special and rewarding traditional experience. Do remember to wash your hands and eat with your right hand if you can ( i did the research for you). The food involves multiple flavours from spicy lamb style stew to lighter vegetable based dishes. This is something I haven’t tasted before and highly recommend trying it as its different and unique in its own style. The menu is well curated to fit all dietary requirements with full section for vegan options. The gentleman who served us was attentive and didn’t question a mix up in our order, we even had a second person appear to apologise for the additional wait due to the mix up. As for pricing, it is really difficult to compare it to anything else in the northern quarter since it is its own cuisine, but for an average of £20 each (including a 10% tip) and a drink, this fits really well with other places nearby. Finally, the decor upstairs is really well done and adds a touch to the experience. I do recommend trying this place if you are looking to try a unique tasty cuisine, or simply if you already know what to expect and looking for a bite. Asmara belle is rated 4/5 in the UK food hygiene standards and because I already know I will be visiting again, I hope this is 5/5 for my next visit."

"Amazing restaurant! Very friendly staff, delicious food, welcoming atmosphere and decorations. Try the platter with the okra/meat, the honey wine and Eritrean beer! This restaurant made me see Eritrean/Ethiopian food in a completely new light!"

"Lovely independent restaurant run by very friendly and helpful staff. The food was very tasty and portions very generous. The experience was made even more enjoyable by the staff who were happy to provide details on what everything was and lots of cultural background info. We were given small shots of delicious honey wine and we finished the meal with Ethiopian/Erritrean coffee which was truly fantastic. Congratulations to the restaurant for providing such a unique and friendly experience. Highly recommended!"

"Cute little restaurant with a lovely, friendly man serving. I chose the mini mosob for 1 where you get 9 different 'tasters' on this thick pancake type batter, and they were all delicious! So refreshing to have something different and great to support an independent restaurant."