Monona Cafe and Restaurant

Finally got a spot at this super chill restaurant in Othello. Took a couple times to get in because the other times the chef said she was cooking for a wedding. Not a bad idea to call ahead of time, but no reservations needed or possible. We went on a Saturday night and my boyfriend spontaneously ordered some meat and veggie with injera...it was absolutely delicious! We weren't really sure what to expect, however, because they didn't have any menus. They did have a sick Eritrean music video lineup though. The lighting was reddish and the place had a nice ambiance with local Eritreans drinking beer in the back outside the restaurant. If you like a little adventure, you will not be disappointed by Momona (misspelled on Yelp). It's also the only Eritrean restaurant in Seattle, according to its staff.

My second visit was a COLOSSAL disappointment. I discovered Momona Cafe & Restaraunt last year at the Plate of Nations and was HUGELY impressed by the service, the amazing Ethiopian food, and the amount of food being served at a remarkably inexpensive price. The owner was quite happy to explain the dishes and was just a delight to chat with. She made the visit to Momona my favorite stop on the Plate of Nations list.My second visit was anything but impressive. Flies buzzing in numbers, they had to be fended off while dining, service had to be prompted numerous times to action to perform basic common tasks, couldn't answer any questions, serving dishes were dirty, the restaurant appeared to be very poorly kept both inside and out. The server didnt know how to ring me up: i was charged 2 additional times on my credit card & ultimately had to pay cash (now I have to come back to the restaurant to resolve their billing mistake). TRULY disappointed! I was hoping to make visits to Momona a regular periodic occurrence. Overall score: 2.5 / 5.0

Don't blink or you might miss it so keep your eyes wide open! Momona was delicious tonight. We had a vegetarian platter and pasta with sauce for the kiddo. We enjoyed both. The veggie platter included the standard potato/cabbage/carrot stew (I'm sorry I don't know it's real name), fresh green salad and gomen (stewed greens) which is my usual favorite but tonight I found a new favorite: a super creamy lentil dish that had a nice spicy kick to it - jalapeño like. It was served piping hot in a stone bowl (like the kind that Korean soondooboo is usually served) and wow, it was good. It had the consistency of refried beans. The owner told us later that it had onions, garlic, oil and tomato and got its creaminess from being cooked for so long under a really low heat. We couldn't stop commenting on it. The evening was made even more enjoyable by watching Ethiopian and Eritrean hip hop videos with some regulars. They translated for us and even introduced to the Ethiopian Beyoncé (so they said) and some old school 80's Ethiopian funk. A really fun night all for about $25 for the 3 of us. We will definitely be going back!

First time here with coworker to tryout this new #plateofnations community program to bring awareness to ethnic cuisines in the south Seattle neighbor. Food was amazing, but be ready to share and eat with your fingers. It's a small dive but full of flavors, service and smiles.

This restaurant was a great place for my friend and I come have some good food and have some good time. However, beware about owner attitude and action when you are not their customer. My friend went there and have some hair done and park in the parking lot and the owner Letitia or co-owner wasn't very professional. My friend was nicely greeting her and she was very upset and claimed "Why are you parked my my spot!" She was pissed however, there was parking around and some. But she decided to block 3 cars and just parked on the side walk and kept argument about is her own private parking. And if you are not her customer she will not respect you or treat you nicely. However, couple of my friend been there and tried the food was awesome, but with lack in customer service, I may make me think why? Therefore, rating for this restaurant 1* because horrible customer service and the the look of the kitchen area was so grossed! My friend and I have a look inside it stuffs everywhere and grossed! Think twice when you want to visit. You can stop by and look at this restaurant, why would the kitchen area block off and paper cover all lever the glasses.

Small little resteraunt and very easy to find. The service was fantastic. The food was amazing. Meat dishes were repaired excellent. We had kitfo and kort and it was simply yummy. We also tried a few veggi dishes and the greens were perfect. BIG THANK YOU.

Wonderful food and the owner was so pleasant! The injera was fresh and so light, the greens were delicious. The only thing I would have liked better was if the fish were not quite as well done, but that would by no means stop me from going back!!

It is amazing food and best service I have to say we are lucky ,she's mother of food everything make from scratch and organic

We shared a vegetarian combo and a meat combo and they were both really delicious! The lentils were particularly great. The place is charming and cool and is a real hidden gem. It's also easy to get to since it's near the Othello light rail stop. If you're looking for some great Ethiopian or Eritrean food, you should try it.

Really good vegetarian options! If you have time to wait a bit everything is really delicious!