The call
Start with kitfo or injera, and check the restaurant’s current menu before you go.
What to order
- Kitfo
- Injera
Best for
- The best East African food Roger has had in San Diego
Ethiopian
Asmara
A City Heights Ethiopian restaurant Roger calls the best of the East African spots he's tried in San Diego, praising consistently outstanding, friendly service, a detailed menu, and fresh, generous portions of injera.
From Roger’s camera roll
More photos from Asmara
Posted 2008-06-07 
Posted 2008-06-07
Source-backed notes
Visit history
2008-08-13day precision · source explicit
“I've eaten at a few East African spots around SD and I have to say that Asmara kills all of them in all aspects.”
Eaten here numerous times, usually in the evening, always finding it busy and the service consistently outstanding. Recommends the kitfo for those who like rare meat, noting it has good spice. The injera is fresh and comes in generous portions, well presented.
Stay in the neighborhood
More in City Heights.
Roger’s pickPrice varies
City Heights
YOHED Coffee
Coffee
A small-batch roaster where, in Roger’s words, Ethiopian coffees are imported straight in and roasted in-house — and should be drunk black.
- From the order notes
- Black coffee, no sugar or milk
- Go for
- Coffee people · A good conversation at the counter
Latest recorded visit2025-02-18
RecommendedPrice varies
City Heights
Tom's Chinese BBQ
CantoneseChinese BBQ
Roger’s pick for Cantonese roast meats in town: roast duck and char siu, bought early and paid for in cash.
- From the order notes
- Roast duck · Char siu (BBQ pork)
- Go for
- Siu mei to take home
Latest recorded visit2020 · approx.
RecommendedPrice varies
City Heights
Trieu Chau Restaurant
Chinese
Roger rated this 5 stars, saying that if you're looking for something different from the standard Asian restaurant fare in town, this place is a good change of pace.
- From the order notes
- Go for
- A change of pace from standard Asian restaurant fare
Latest recorded visit2019-12-06
Keep exploring
More like this.
Browse the Ethiopian page, or continue to another place with a matching cuisine.
RecommendedPrice varies
University Heights
Awash Market
EthiopianEritrean
A market on El Cajon Blvd that doubles as a restaurant in the back, serving Ethiopian and Eritrean food (the same injera supplied to many local restaurants) in portions generous enough for two to share.
- From the order notes
- Meat combo · Veggie combo · Injera
- Go for
- Sharing with a friend · Best bang for your buck on El Cajon Blvd
Latest recorded visit2014-05-06
RecommendedPrice varies
City Heights
Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant
Ethiopian
Roger rated this City Heights Ethiopian restaurant a full 5 stars, loving the injera piled with meat and veggies on a generously portioned plate, plus friendly service that included a complimentary tea before they left.
- From the order notes
- Injera platter with meat and veggies
- Go for
- A generous, good-value Ethiopian platter
Latest recorded visit2007-09-27