Semai Restaurant & Lounge image

Semai Restaurant & Lounge

Restaurant β€’ Ethiopian restaurant β€’ East african restaurant β€’ Eritrean restaurant

πŸ‘πŸ‘ Very good food and amazing experience in this family restaurant. All the family, even the kids, help each other in order to create a fantastic atmosphere for clients. People often mention good, staff, delicious, restaurant, friendly, recommend, service, vegetarian, atmosphere, Eritrean,


Address

Papaverhoek 35, 1032 JZ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Website

www.semai.nl

Contact

+31 20 786 6625

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (452 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 5 to 10β€―PM
  • Saturday: 5 to 10β€―PM
  • Sunday: 5 to 10β€―PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5 to 10β€―PM
  • Wednesday: 5 to 10β€―PM
  • Thursday: 5 to 10β€―PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (11) staff (10) delicious (9) restaurant (7) friendly (7) recommend (7) service (6) vegetarian (6) atmosphere (6) Eritrean (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 N U. 9 months ago on Google β€’ 678 reviews
    The food is good. Well spiced and even a good size. There was unfortunately not enough sauce (which makes the injera so juicy). The main problem is that it took over 30 minutes to get the dishes we ordered. Ethiopian food is precooked for hours - so it just sat somewhere and when we got it - it was cold. In addition, the service was good but very slow. We didn't get our drinks and then I had to go to the bar to ask for them and when they arrived (after probably sitting there for quite a few minutes), they weren't cold anymore. Also when we wanted to pay, we waited for long time - until I went to the bar to pay. The injera was hard on the side. Probably also not that fresh anymore. Pity - since the food was good. We took the vegetarian mix (22.50 euro) and the meat mix (25 euro). The beers were Hertog Jan (3.50) and Asmara (4 euro), both were ok. Altogether we paid 55 euro + tip. Not cheap but it's Amsterdam.
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Antonio R. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good food and amazing experience in this family restaurant. All the family, even the kids, help each other in order to create a fantastic atmosphere for clients.
    4 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Amit Z. 6 years ago on Google
    Entering this place makes you feel like you've traveled far. Designed like a gallery but also like a traditional home, with every detail taken care of. Incredibly delicious food, rich in flavor and fresh. The owners are very warm and welcoming. Definitely will be back!
    3 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 David P. 2 years ago on Google
    βœ… Genuinely sweet, kind staff βœ… Properly spiced food βœ… A delicious array of offerings including a plethora of vegetarian treats βœ… Walking away with a smile on your face after paying just €20 for the most expensive dish on the menu and a beer, and being completely sated
    2 people found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Ararat M. 5 months ago on Google β€’ 568 reviews
    We tried the Vegetarian mix, which consists of three vegetarian dishes of your choice and it was really delicious. The staff was really nice. I'll definitely be back in the near future.

  • 5/5 Erika F. 2 years ago on Google
    Everything about this place is just WOW. Their traditional Eritrean cuisine offers a diversity of options to satisfy everyone's taste. The Staff is very friendly and warm-hearted . Highly recommended !
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Eana C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing experience! The staff were friendly and their recommendations were really good. Must try the wedding stew!
    1 person found this review helpful πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Sytse van G. 10 months ago on Google β€’ 79 reviews
    Feel the family restaurant vibes with this authentic Eritrean/Ethiopian restaurant. Cute loungy interior, the food is delicious and the servings are generous. The lamb dish was delicious.

  • 5/5 Jordan F. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 27 reviews New
    Had a great time here. The food was delicious, the staff were super nice, and the atmosphere was very pleasant. Definitely different than a typical Amsterdam restaurant and very authentic seeming. Aside from the above, they are able to make their injera gluten-free so there are a lot of options for those with allergies. Just inform them when you are making the reservation. Enjoy ;)

  • 5/5 Annabelle P. 4 months ago on Google β€’ 22 reviews
    I love the Ethiopian cuisine and this absolutely blew my mind. The quality of the meat dishes was out of this world. Another plus is the atmosphere, it propels you right back to Ethiopia… I’ll definitely become a regular here!

  • 5/5 Nicholas 7 months ago on Google
    Very very friendly folks Really loved the homemade honey wine and the vibes inside

  • 5/5 Zoe V. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing, fresh food and super sweet staff. The portions are very large and well-priced. Will definetly be back!

  • 5/5 Miss C. 1 year ago on Google
    Delicious food, freshly cooked, for spices lovers. Very abundant portions: share a mix, its the best option ;-) Cozy atmosphere and very kind and welcoming staff. We will come back!

  • 5/5 Sena C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing Eritrean food. Honey wine is an interesting drink.

  • 5/5 Laurent M. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to discover Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine. I especially enjoyed the roasted coffee with ginger πŸ‘

  • 5/5 Heinz E. 1 year ago on Google
    Super nice food, spicey for those who like :-) Very lovely service. Good prices.

  • 3/5 Tiana 1 year ago on Google
    Food was okay. Me and my friend shared a vegan/ vegetarian dish but i expected a bit more spice and seasoning, a bit more flavor. For the rest staff was very kind and they had gluten free option which is great!!

  • 5/5 Wouter van der J. 1 year ago on Google
    Very good food !! We know our Eth.cuisine, and this is good! Very friendly staff but bit language barrier for service on that evening. Great ambiance and atmosphere. Definitely coming back here...

  • 5/5 Teket 2. 1 year ago on Google
    Best restaurant in the city. Super lovely people, tasty food and big portions. Place to go for a good occasion!

  • 5/5 Robel A. 1 year ago on Google
    Really tasty food, nice and friendly service and a great ambiance. We ordered the mixed vegetarian plate and mixed meat plate, which I would recommend to those trying Eritrean food for the first time, as you will have the chance to taste the variety of the delicious dishes offered at the restaurant. We concluded the night with a traditional Eritrean coffee, which is also highly recommended!

  • 4/5 Carl R. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly staff and delicious food.

  • 5/5 dermot m. 1 year ago on Google
    If you are into African cuisine and I am and you are not afraid of getting your hands on your food, I would highly recommend this restaurant. Beautiful food and hostess and Cafadol is very talkative. A true Gent.

  • 1/5 miki k. 1 year ago on Google
    We were there on 9/9, 2022 had a birthday surprise, but we received very bad treatment, we expected them to do some decoration but even the table was not cleaned. Big disappointment. I do not recommend!

  • 5/5 Gulden T. 1 year ago on Google
    A highly authentic experience, extremely delicious food and bright interior. The owners are very kind and polite. The prices are very reasonable for the amount and quality of meals. Absolutely recommend!

  • 5/5 Witold O. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to eat and rest. Exceptional service, highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Ismail B. 2 years ago on Google
    Yesterday I fell in love with this place, I respect the service and love the decorations, and the food is just speechless, wish I had more time in A'dam. Really need to pass by this place and enjoy.

  • 5/5 Sabrina 2 years ago on Google
    We have been looking for a good Ethiopian place in Amsterdam after recently moving from the US and this is going to be our spot! The food was great and the owner even came and introduced himself. It’s a family-owned business and it was clear that he was passionate about the food and culture. Definitely worth the ferry from the city center!

  • 5/5 Blind B. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was so good, may be a little too spicy but really really tasty. The waiters was friendly and I had the best appelsap of my life. Thank u

  • 5/5 Joost 2 years ago on Google
    Great injera and nice staff. All for a reasonable price. We will be back!

  • 5/5 INME. N. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the ambience, yummy food and friendly staffs, great πŸ‘ŒπŸ‘ŒπŸ‘Œ

  • 5/5 Mara Y. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 1 review New
    We had a wonderful dinner. The food is authentic and well flavored. We tried a mix of the meat and vegetarian dishes. Highlights? The spicy lamb and the pumpkin dish. Highly recommend!

  • 4/5 Gilmard M. 3 months ago on Google β€’ 2 reviews New
    GréÒt place to enjoy an out of the ordinary EU cuisine. Friendly and welcoming hosts, making it a unique experience with their spicy atmosphere. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Kente M. 2 months ago on Google β€’ 1 review New
    Delicious traditional food πŸ‘ŒπŸΌ in the city with wonderful hospitality 🫢🏻


Call +31 20 786 6625 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • βœ“οΈ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • βœ“οΈ Debit cards
    • βœ“οΈ Credit cards
    • βœ“οΈ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • βœ“οΈ Beer
    • βœ“οΈ Wine
    • βœ“οΈ Coffee
    • βœ“οΈ Alcohol
    • βœ“οΈ Hard liquor
    • βœ“οΈ Small plates
    • βœ“οΈ Vegan options
    • βœ“οΈ Organic dishes
    • βœ“οΈ Healthy options
    • βœ“οΈ Late-night food
    • βœ“οΈ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • βœ— Wheelchair accessible seating
    • βœ— Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • βœ— Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • βœ“οΈ Lunch
    • βœ“οΈ Dinner
    • βœ“οΈ Dessert
    • βœ“οΈ Seating
    • βœ“οΈ Catering
  • Service options
    • βœ“οΈ Dine-in
    • βœ“οΈ Takeout
    • βœ“οΈ Delivery
  • From the business
    • βœ“οΈ Identifies as women-owned

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