Meskerem, nestled at 124 MacDougal St, New York, is a treasured Ethiopian restaurant that draws food lovers with its vibrant menu and warm ambiance. Renowned for its generous portions, the restaurant excels in offering freshly prepared delights like the spicy Tibs Wat and flavorful Kik Wat. Diners rave about the use of teff injera, the quintessential Ethiopian flatbread that's both a scoop and a side, complemented perfectly by avocado salad or sambosa. Reviewers highlight the vegetarian selections, especially the Buticha and Gommen, as exceptional choices bursting with authentic flavors. With customer experiences ranging from enthusiastic praise for the ambiance to constructive feedback on service, Meskerem creates a loyal following. Nerissa appreciates the delightful heat of chili peppers, while Candice's five-star endorsement emphasizes the rich diversity of the menu and the satisfaction of a well-prepared meal, encouraging others to overlook misleading reviews. Whether it’s the cozy location or the delicious offerings, Meskerem remains a beacon of Ethiopian cuisine in Greenwich Village, where culinary creativity and cultural tradition flourish harmoniously. The restaurant promises an undeniably fulfilling dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
No wheelchair-accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Service options
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Has braille menu
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Photos
Reviews For Meskerem
Nerissa Maria Ward
May 24,2025
Large portions, and freshly made items. If you enjoy spicy, ask for the Chilli pepper, it was a tasty addition.
Candice Le
May 11,2025
I was chasing different Ethiopian restaurants in the city with higher reviews and ultimately needed to come back here and give it a 5 stars bc all the lower ratings are incredibly misleading!!!! This is a true gem in Greenwich village. Complaints I saw came from folks who have never had Ethiopian food, people who wanted luxurious decor, or impatient folks who don’t understand that your restaurant can run out of their 100% teff injera option. I’ve had both dinner and lunch here and they’ve been a home run! Get the pure teff injera if you can, and if you’re lucky to do the lunch special, I am in love with the vegetarian options. Flavorful kik alicha, a buttery garlic yellow lentil, misir wot, buticha, fossolia, and gomen, and the cabbage too!!! I asked for a side of spicy chili salt called mitmita which if you know you know! Happy to visit this establishment weekly!!
Joseph Alminawi
Apr 26,2025
Most of the few Ethiopian spots were lucky to have open in the evenings. You can descend into the delicious underground corridor that is Meskerem at Noon. First time? Ok with just a smidgen of heat? Get the Tibs Wat. It's tender chunks of beef in a berebere sauce that is incredibly delicious. You'll tear off pieces of injera to scoop up and devour. Injera is sort of like a sourdough crepe. It's great (and impossible for me to make at home). I also like the avocado or tomato salads as an appetizer. A bit pricey for what they are - but I am thankful every visit that this restaurant is still here. Staff were polite but seemed disinterested on my last visit. Maybe something else was going on for em. It is admittedly not my number one Ethiopian spot - but it's easy to get to and reliably delicious.
Natalia Mikhailova
Apr 18,2025
Wonderful Ethiopian cuisine experience marked by the warm hospitality. I was dreaming of that sourish taste of injeras for a long time and I got exactly what I wanted at Meskerem. Thank you so much
Ameya Desai
Apr 10,2025
Incredible people, incredible food. Took my parents there today. This is prolly the 10th time over the years, really enjoyed the food again. Location is crazy good perfect dinner with tons of shows close by.
Adam Robinson
Mar 28,2025
I've had Ethiopian at pretty much every spot in NYC. There's so reason this place should be below 4.8, it's clearly one of the best, if not the best on average, in the city. Whether in person (best!) or delivery, the food is always top notch, and handled with care. Portion sizes are more than reasonable, and the vegetables especially stand out. Gored gored is especially recommended. Service in the restaurant is always great. Complaints about it being in a basement are kind of weird given many of the best places in that area are basements. Either way, if you like Ethiopian food, this place deserves a visit.
paola ayala
Mar 4,2025
Look no further for some incredible food. Even as I’m writing this, my mouth is watering from the memories of last night’s meal. Everything is seasoned so well here, perfectly balanced by the injera provided to eat the meal. Meskerem is a vegetarian’s dream for a feast. And for the carnivores, the lamb is cooked to perfection — practically slipping off the bone. I always get the veggie combo and the meat combo with one more meat option if I’m particularly hungry and am with a crowd. And the prices!! An absolute steal of a meal. If you’re looking for great food with no frills, this spot is a must.
Anna Porter
Feb 10,2025
The food was delicious, and the service was amazing. We loved the avocado appetizer and the lamb tips. The combination plate of meat and vegetables is a must-try!
Reviews For Meskerem