Zoma - (212) 662-0620

I ate at Zoma last weekend. It was my first time eating Ethiopian and all I wondered is what took me so long!! The food was absolutely amazing. Started off with the stuffed fillo pastry with the ground sirloin, which I recommend. Then since I never had the cuisine before we decided to share one of the platters, which consisted of 3 meats and lentils prepatred in different sauces, served w/ Injera ( a spongy bread that is use to scoop up the food, no utensils!!) Everything was amazing. The lentils were definitely my faves though. We also tried the Tej Ethiopian honey wine and it was good also. I can't wait to go back!

As this is my first restaurant review please excuse me if I wander all over the place. First, the restaurant is absolutely clean, spotless. It is brand new and has that feel which is a huge selling point. Second the atmosphere, low lit, candles, quiet music in the background, is very romantic. We went on a Saturday evening and it was not crowded since most people in the neighborhood haven't yet clued in to this fine Harlem establishment. We had the vegetarian combination which came with four different entrees. We selected Atakilt Wett (fresh carrots, potatoes, cabbage and onions, sauteed with garlic, ginger and tomatoes in a mild sauce), Kik Aletcha (split peas cooked and flavored with green peppers, onions and mild spices), Shiro Wett (chickpeas, lentils and peas roasted, powdered and cooked in a berbere sauce with a multitude of spices), and Buticha (pureed chickpeas seasoned with red onions, garlic, jalapeno pepper, olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs). The food was delicious. It looked simple as it sat there on the platter but love and care went into the preparation. The result was flavorful without being overpowering, with the right degree of spice that even the pale American tastebud wouldn't be too taxed.

Kind of disappointing. Food was bland and not so fresh. Decor is nice but that's about it. Service was also not so good. A good spot for drinks if you live in the area, but not the place if you are looking for good Ethiopian food.