Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Momona – Seattle
Momona - Seattle
Photo from Momona
Momona at a glance
Seattle Brighton
- 🥘 Eritrean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 8 of the guests
#657 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Eritrean Restaurant out of 1 in Seattle
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
93
Reviews
62.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Personal service
- Flavorful food
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Poor ambiance
- Tricky parking
The restaurant, Momona, is an inviting Eritrean restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Brighton neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll immediately notice the cozy and casual atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed meal.
Momona Cafe & Restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey, providing healthy options alongside a selection of wine, coffee, and beer. Whether you’re planning for lunch or dinner, you can enjoy convenient dine-in, takeout, or delivery services.
Overview: Introducting Momona
Momona offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its flavorful Ethiopian cuisine and the genuinely caring nature of its staff. Many appreciate the generous portions, finding them to be good value.
However, some visitors have noted challenges with the overall ambiance, citing issues like tricky parking and occasional cleanliness concerns. Service, while often lauded, can sometimes be inconsistent, leading to varied experiences.
Good
6.7
out of 10
93
Reviews
62.4%
Satisfaction
29
negative
6
neutral
58
positive
Momona holds an overall score of 6.7 out of 10, indicating a generally positive, though not outstanding, experience. Customer satisfaction sits at 62.4%, suggesting a mixed bag where many are pleased, but a notable portion has reservations.
This feedback comes from 93 customer remarks, with 58 positive and 29 negative observations. Delving deeper, the Value (8.6) stands out as a strong point, with customers feeling they get their money’s worth.
Food (7.4) also scores well, reflecting appreciation for the cuisine. However, Service (6.4) is more average, and Ambience (5.3) lags behind, indicating areas that could benefit from attention.
What people like
- Caring, personal service
- Flavorful Ethiopian food
- Good value portions
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Unpleasant ambiance
- Difficult parking
Momona presents a compelling case for those seeking authentic Ethiopian flavors and a personal touch in service. If you prioritize delicious, well-portioned food and appreciate a warm welcome, it’s certainly worth considering.
With a recommendation score of 7.1, Momona is a place to try, especially if you’re willing to overlook some inconsistencies in the physical setting and occasional service hiccups. It offers a unique cultural experience that many find rewarding.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Momona
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.4 score indicating a good culinary experience and customer satisfaction sitting at a solid 71.8%. Many of the 28 positive remarks out of 39 total rave about the great food and its authentic flavors. Guests frequently highlight the generosity of servings and some even declare it some of the best Ethiopian food they've had.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 8 negative comments surfacing. Some diners found issues with the chicken, specifically mentioning hairs on the flesh. Others noted that the injira was thin and not as fluffy as preferred, and a few felt the meat quantity was less generous compared to other places.
Food
39
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
28
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic flavors
- Generous portions
- Best Ethiopian food
What people don't like
- Hairs on chicken
- Thin injira
- Less meat quantity
Often praised
- foodThe food was fantastic, super flavorful
- pastamy favorite is the pasta
- salmonI got the salmon and it was seriously amazing
- adventure eatinga great spot for adventure eating
- alichamy favorite is the alicha
- best Ethiopian foodsome of the best Ethiopian food I've had
- big plate of foodThe restaurant itself is not particularly lovely to be in, but the woman cooking definitely knows what she's doing! There's no menu; she just figures out how many people are in your party and brings out a big plate of food, whatever she's cooking that day. It was really delicious — some of the best Ethiopian food I've had, for sure!
- breadbut I loved the bread
- bread tortilla thingieI really enjoyed the bread tortilla thingie
- cold beerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved the great food and the cold beer. The fun East African music created a great atmosphere, and the customer service was one-of-a-kind.
Frequently criticized
- fooddon't like there food
- African restaurantsa lot better African restaurants and cafes all over Seattle
- chickenthe chicken that I gotten from this restaurant aka doro wat wasn't good at all
- food preparationthey didn't have any food prepared and couldn't make any.
- hairs on the fleshthe chicken still had hairs on the flesh!
- injiraThe injira is thin and not as fluffy
- meat quantityMeat quantity less than others
If youre looking for authentic Ethiopian flavors and generous portions, this spot is definitely worth a try, especially for its highly praised dishes. Just be aware that some specific items, like the chicken, have received mixed feedback, and the injira might not be to everyones taste.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot offers a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 indicating an average experience and customer satisfaction at a 55.2% mixed level. Many guests, accounting for 16 positive remarks out of 29 total, frequently praise the friendly staff and team, highlighting their exceptional customer service. The owner and servers are often described as sweet, caring, and very understanding, making many feel right at home.
However, there are definitely areas that need attention, with 10 negative comments pointing to some frustrations. Issues include confusing parking dispute situations and incorrect operating hours, which can be a real headache. Some customers also reported long waiting times, slow service, and even instances of staff being overly aggressive or receiving the wrong order, suggesting that consistency can be a challenge.
Service
29
Reviews
55%
Satisfaction
10
negative
3
neutral
16
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, helpful staff
- Caring customer service
- Sweet, kind owner
What people don't like
- Incorrect operating hours
- Long waiting times
- Aggressive staff behavior
Often praised
- staffMy experience at Letina on South Market Street was fantastic! It's a really cool spot, and even though it was busy, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They even went the extra mile to give my granddaughter a little cup for water.
- customer servicehave us the best customer service
- ownerVery sweet owner own this restaurant
- servicethey have great service
- ServiceLetina is so sweet and so carrying women
- customerstreats customers as her kids
- proprietorthe proprietor is an absolute delight
- servershe is the sweetest sever
- teamThe team really takes care of you
- understandingwas super understanding
Frequently criticized
- check on usno one ever came to check on us
- operating hoursHowever, I found that they were closed. This indicates that the operating hours listed are incorrect.
- ordergave me different order than one
- ownerThe owner seemed quite intense
- parking disputecrazy disrespect, got parking, owner kicks us out
- public parkingkicked us off of PUBLIC PARKING, saying they'll call the cops
- serviceExtremely slow and tired service
- serving foodasked if she was serving food. She said they didn't have any food prepared
- staff being overly aggressivecomplaints about the staff being overly aggressive
- waitingWe were hungry so we waited. And waited.
Overall, service here can be a bit unpredictable. While you might be charmed by incredibly sweet and helpful staff, be prepared for potential hiccups like long waits or operational inconsistencies. Its worth a visit if youre flexible, but managing your expectations is key.
Ambience (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
The ambience here scores an average 5.3, with customer satisfaction sitting at a mixed 45%. However, out of 20 customer comments, 9 positive remarks highlight some charming aspects. Many appreciated the clean and comfy feel, describing the ambiance as chic yet comfortable, and loved the fun East African music creating a great atmosphere.
The fact that it's open till 2 am was also a definite plus! On the flip side, 11 negative comments point to some significant issues. Several folks mentioned the parking situation was a nightmare or tricky, often requiring a walk.
The music was sometimes a bit loud, and the lighting was described as dull or dark. A few even noted dirty tables and strange tables, with one alarming report of rats around the restaurant.
Ambience
20
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
11
negative
0
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- East African vibe
- Fun music atmosphere
- Open late hours
What people don't like
- Rats reported
- Parking nightmare
- Dirty tables
Often praised
- placeis a great place
- East AfricaIt’s so good! Totally felt like I’m in East Africa. Try it!
- adorable cather adorable cat!
- ambianceAmbiance is chic yet comfortable
- fun East African musicI loved the great food and the cold beer. The fun East African music created a great atmosphere, and the customer service was one-of-a-kind. It's a place that's definitely open late, till 2 am.
- open till 2amthe place is actually open till 2am
- websiteThe website looks awesome
Frequently criticized
- parkingParking was tricky, had to walk a block
- LightingLighting dull
- SittingSitting bad and strange tables
- darkA bit dark in there
- musicThe music was a bit loud
- parking situationthe parking situation was a nightmare
- placeThe staff was incredibly helpful, guiding me on how to eat the dish. While the music was a bit loud and the place was dark, it was also very clean and comfortable. I'm glad I got to experience a new bit of culture here.
- ratssaw rats all around going in and out the restaurant
- restaurantThe restaurant is not particularly lovely to be in
- tablesThe tables were dirty and disheveled.
If youre seeking a unique East African vibe and a late-night spot, and youre prepared for potential parking woes or dim lighting, this place might be worth a visit. However, if cleanliness and a quiet, well-lit environment are non-negotiable for you, you might want to explore other options.
Value (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
The value you get here is truly something to write home about! With an 8.6 score, its clear this place offers excellent bang for your buck. Customers consistently rave about getting their moneys worth and the generous portions, with all 5 customer statements highlighting great value for the price.
In fact, customer satisfaction for value is an outstanding 100%! When it comes to value, there's simply nothing to complain about. Based on 5 customer statements, there were absolutely no negative comments or concerns regarding the pricing or portion sizes, which is fantastic news for your wallet.
Value
5
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value for price
- Generous portions
- Accurate prices
What people don't like
Often praised
- portionsPortions were good value for the price
- money's worthget your money's worth here
- pricesthe prices are also accurate
- value for the pricethe portions were great value for the price
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If youre looking for a place where your money goes far, this is definitely it. You can expect generous portions and accurate pricing, ensuring you get excellent value for your meal. Dont hesitate to try it if getting your money's worth is a priority!
How are the prices at Momona?
You’re looking at roughly 36 per person – reported by 8 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For an Eritrean Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While our data is based on 8 reviews, which is a bit limited, it gives a good indication. Compared to the general spread of prices we see, from more budget-friendly spots to quite premium experiences, this restaurant sits nicely in the mid-to-upper-mid range.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 8 reviews. While the data is limited, it gives a good indication of typical spending.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering its an Eritrean Restaurant, we think the pricing feels fair for a mid-range experience. Its a good spot if you’re looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Momona
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Generous Portions, Sophisticated Flavors, Chic Ambiance
My experience at this restaurant was truly exceptional. I was blown away by the generosity of the servings, ensuring you truly get your money's worth. The flavor profile has evolved into something sophisticated, offering a delightful culinary journey.
The ambiance is chic yet comfortable, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Furthermore, the team really takes care of you, providing attentive and excellent service.
- generosity of servings10
- money's worth10
- flavor profile9
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Fantastic Food and Friendly Service
My experience at Letina on South Market Street was fantastic! It's a really cool spot, and even though it was busy, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. They even went the extra mile to give my granddaughter a little cup for water.
The food was absolutely fantastic and super flavorful, with perfectly cooked pasta. While the restaurant was a bit dark, the portions were a great value for the price. I would definitely go back!
- staff10
- food10
- pasta9
- dark4
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
8
Amazing Salmon, Friendly Staff at Momona
My recent dinner experience at Momona in WA 98118 was quite busy, leading to a 20-minute wait for a table. However, the staff were incredibly friendly, making me feel almost like part of their family. I ordered the salmon, which was seriously amazing and packed with flavor.
The portions were also a good value. A helpful tip: double-check their hours online, as Kenny mentioned they might be closed on Sundays despite the website indicating otherwise.
- staff10
- salmon10
- portions8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Intense Owner, Great Food, Parking Nightmare
I visited the place on Martin Luther King Jr Way and the parking situation was a nightmare. I witnessed an argument over parking behind the establishment. The owner seemed quite intense, and I overheard complaints about the staff being overly aggressive.
However, the food itself looked really good, and people were raving about it. Clearer signage about parking rules might be helpful.
- food9
- parking situation2
- owner3
- staff being overly aggressive2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
8
Interesting Ethiopian Experience at Momona
My experience at Momona in Seattle was quite interesting! The restaurant was packed when I arrived around 6: 30 pm. I found the injera to be a bit tangy, which was a learning curve, but I really loved the bread.
The portions offered good value for the price. Finding parking was a bit tricky, requiring a walk of about a block. While I wished for a few more vegetarian options, it was an overall solid experience.
- injera6
- bread9
- portions8
- parking4
What Momona offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Table service
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and services does Momona Cafe & Restaurant offer?
At Momona Cafe & Restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of dining options. They provide table service for both lunch and dinner, ensuring a comfortable experience. For your convenience, you also have the choice of takeout or delivery services.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Momona Cafe & Restaurant, and is it accessible?
You’ll find a wonderfully cozy and casual atmosphere at Momona Cafe & Restaurant, making it a great spot to relax. Additionally, the restaurant is committed to accessibility, offering wheelchair accessible seating to ensure comfort for all guests.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Momona?
Momona has an overall score of 6.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of 62.4%. While many enjoy their experience, some aspects could be improved.
What do customers appreciate most about Momona's offerings?
Customers frequently praise the excellent Value (8.6) and the flavorful Food (7.4), often highlighting the generous portions and authentic Ethiopian dishes.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks mentioned by visitors?
Yes, the Ambience (5.3) and Service (6.4) are areas where experiences vary. Some mention issues with parking, the physical setting, or occasional inconsistencies in service.