Ghenet Restaurant
New York, NY 10012-3328
Phone: (212) 343-1888
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Between Houston Street and Prince Street
- Directions:
- B, D; F, V at Broadway-Lafayette St; 6 at Bleecker St
- Hours:
- Tue-Thu, Sun 12pm-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Ghenet Restaurant – by Justin Hartung
The Scene
Despite its location in the scene-y heart of Nolita, this Ethiopian restaurant has a decidedly unpretentious vibe. The large, open room is overstuffed with tables to accommodate the crowds of families and group parties that fill the place. Bright red walls and modern paintings provide a dash of elan, which doesn't quite compensate for the inattentive service.
The Food
There are too few Ethiopian restaurants in the city, which might explain why Ghenet's respectable, if Westernized, take on the cuisine draws sizable crowds. A complex, smoky sauce smothers doro wett, chicken legs served accompanied by a hard-boiled egg. Collard greens come tender and slightly sweet, and shiro aletcha has a soothing bean flavor that would make a nice complement to red-hot dishes--if there were any. Chunks of lamb tibs are tough and too mild, and injera, the bread used as a utensil, has a nice spongy texture but lacks the traditional sour edge.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkEach bottle of Addis, an Ethiopian beer, seems to range in taste, from mild and fizzy to slightly sweet.
Family StyleA variety of combination plates are available: The Ghenet Beger lets you choose three meat dishes and sample all vegetarian ones for $25.95 a person.
Carry-OutThe restaurant will prepare aghelghel, a traditional woven basket full of food, for meals at home.
User Reviews for Ghenet Restaurant
09/14/2008 Posted by Red96
I went to Ghenet a couple of weeks ago with some friends. One of my friends suggested it and I remember going a couple of years ago and really enjoying it, so it seemed like a good idea. Not so... There were 4 of us and we were seated right away in the half full restaurant. However, almost 30 mins later we had not even received a glass of water, never mind given our order - despite having stopped a server to ask if they would take it after about 15 mins of waiting. The staff were terrible - more focused on refilling half empty water glasses at tables with food than looking after people who were waiting to order (including at least 3 other tables which came in soon after us). It is a pity as I do remember enjoying the food the last time, and the restaurant itself it nicer than most other Ethiopians I have been to in the city. In the end, though, we left after our 30 minute wait and walked over to Meskerem in the village, where we were seated and served very promptly, as usual, despite the place being busy. I don't think I will ever go back to Ghenet again, when I know I can get equally tasty food and reliable service only 10 mins away.
Pros: Ambience better than average Ethiopian
Cons: Service was awful!
07/26/2008 Posted by Waterfall1234
It was my first time in this restaurant and it will be the last time as well. I had never had Ethiopian food before and a group of three of us chose this restaurant to try something new. It was end of July warm humid weather and the restaurant had no AC, except a couple of ceiling fans and floor fans that constantly blowing our hairs all over our faces during the meal. As we were seated, the waiter just left as soon as he gave us the menu. No water was served. As we we made of our choices for the dinner, our waiter was no where to to be seen. We kept waving and calling out to the waiters/waitresses to take the order, some just ignored us and some made a gesture which we assumed as "hold on for second" while quickly passing by. Finally, our waiter came over to take the order and we also asked for water. After several minutes, he came with three glasses and placed in front of us and mine, came with a dead mosquito/bug sticking to the inside of the glass!!! I quickly asked the waiter to give me another glass. He took the glass with the dead mosquito/bug, with no apology, no emotion. After the drama, we were put into an endless waiting. We watched the time closely and it took them literally thirty minutes to serve us the appetizer and it was not until after we finally caught the attention of a waitress and asked her when we should expect our dinner to be served as the other staff were chit-chatting at the bar area. The food was okay to good, but definitely not worth the drama we had to put up to. There are plenty of restaurants in NYC with unique food, distinguished environment, friendly staff for the same amount of money. This is it for me. Never going back.
Pros: None
Cons: Lousy service, nasty staff
