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Best Gluten-Free Restaurants in Upper West Side
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Awash Ethiopian Restaurant
8.2
A steady Ethiopian table where the ordering is designed for sharing and the best plates hit that ideal mix of heat, tang, and slow-cooked depth. Go combo-style so you get both the richness (stews) and the brightness (greens and veg) in one meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Doro wat, Special tibs, Veggie combo
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Combo-driven Ethiopian cooking with real stew depth and balance.
Who should go: Groups who like to share
When to visit: Dinner for the fullest menu rhythm
What to order: Doro wat, special tibs, veggie combo
Insider tip: Get one meat combo and one veggie combo for range.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 6pm. No valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and sweaters are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough for groups but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian combo options with multiple vegetable stews.
Vegan options: Yes—many vegetable dishes are naturally vegan; confirm butter use if strict.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—injera is traditionally made from teff (gluten-free), but cross-contamination is possible; ask the staff if needed.
Best For
Better for: Group meals, combo-style ordering, and deeply flavored stews that reward sharing.
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet, romantic date spot or prefer strictly individual plated meals.