Monona Cafe and Restaurant

Reviews

• Swift Albro H.

  star star star star star 15 July 2026

  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!

• Ray B.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 11 July 2026

  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

• Thanh D.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 5 July 2026

  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.

• Michael W.

  star star star star star_border 30 June 2026

  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.

• Sirak K.

  star star star star star 27 June 2026

  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