New York City boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and Ethiopian cuisine is a significant part of it. When you crave food that is flavorful, perfect for sharing, and deeply satisfying, Ethiopian dishes are often at the top of the list. With numerous options spread across the five boroughs, a delicious Ethiopian meal is never too far away. From large group restaurants to cozy vegan spots ideal for date nights, here are some of the best Ethiopian restaurants in NYC.
Ethiopian restaurants have always been ahead of the curve on dietary needs by regularly providing numerous vegan and gluten-free choices, while still serving centuries-old dishes like strips of fried beef called tibs and diced raw meat called kitfo. These establishments were owned and operated by Ethiopians and Eritreans who immigrated to the United States following the political unrest caused by the removal of Ethiopia’s emperor Haile Selassie in 1974.
Here are some exceptional Ethiopian restaurants that capture the essence of this rich culinary tradition:
Top Ethiopian Restaurants in NYC
Abyssinia
Abyssinia in Harlem is an ideal spot to bring a date early on in your relationship when you're experimenting with sharing spicy beef stew off the same plate. The food here is extremely good, and all of the vegetable dishes are fully vegan. Get the meat or vegetable combo, and between the different stews, injera bread and vegetable sides, you’ll have a ton of food for around $30 per person.
Awash
With white tablecloths and perfect sambusas, this Upper West Side classic is a great option for a special occasion group dinner when you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on an outstanding meal, but still want to have a memorable night. But Awash works equally well for a lowkey date night or a solo meal with an order of their excellent kitfo.
Read also: Ethiopian Cuisine: Philadelphia Guide
Azara Kitchen
In the heart of Harlem, Azara Kitchen blends tradition and innovation, celebrating the rich heritage of West African cuisine. Each meal at Azara Kitchen is a journey through vibrant flavors and contemporary creativity, set against the backdrop of warm hospitality and a lively atmosphere. At Azara Kitchen, we offer a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of West African cuisine, highlighted by specialties such as Jollof Rice, Fufu, Whole Fish, Grills, Lamb Dishes, Attieke Poisson, traditional West African Stews, and seasonal salads. Our menu also includes chef-selected seasonal Mediterranean and American dishes and delightful breakfast options, crafted with fresh ingredients and authentic seasonings to ensure a unique and memorable dining experience.
Benyam
Near Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem, Benyam is a charming, art-filled family-run spot with a couple of outdoor seats, affordable bottles of wine, and mitmita that comes to your table along with a wink and a warning to watch out for the spice mix. The injera here is especially tangy (you can get it gluten-free if you call them in advance), and the mixed platter with kitfo is a great choice.
Bersi
Whether your friend group is fully vegetarian, or it’s the one vegan’s turn to choose, Bersi is a plant-based Ethiopian restaurant that everyone will enjoy. Stewed vegetables and spiced lentils make this cuisine one of our go-to’s for a vegetarian meal-but the best dishes at Bersi are actually the ones traditionally made with meat, like mushroom tibs and red lentil kitfo. This casual spot on the border of Park Slope and Gowanus is a reliable choice for group dinners, especially if there are vegans in the mix. Big windows let light in under a faux-thatched ceiling, and booths make it easy to get cozy around a bunch of delicious food. We always go for the combinations here-the vegan option is $99 for four people and comes with four stews-because it’s such a good deal.
Bunna Cafe
There’s a little corner booth by the door at Bunna Cafe in Bushwick, which I covet for a romantic night out. Tearing injera off of metal platters topped with slow-stewed tomatoes, aromatic sauces and savory greens is a lovely vehicle for romance (and a useful device for those who need to keep their hands busy to alleviate nervousness). Bunna checks all of my boxes. Somewhat remarkably for a vegan Ethiopian spot-in Bushwick, no less-Bunna Café is one of them. What’s more, Bunna is well, and rightly, loved. It’s one of those vegan restaurants where the absence of meat and dairy isn’t obvious while you’re there, but when you venture out the door your step has a new spring in it. This bustling, 100-percent plant-based Ethiopian spot is the ultimate answer to the age-old question, 'Where are we going to take our vegetarian friends to dinner?
There are several ways to approach a meal at Bunna, a low-key Bushwick cafe that’s consistently packed. The easiest route is The Feast: a giant plate of every main on the menu, like miser wot, gomen, shiro, and kale salad with avocado. Everyone gets their own personal pile of injera, so no need to fight anyone for the last piece. The appetizers are also great, and you can add extra a la carte orders of any dish.
Read also: Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine
Haile
On Avenue B, Haile is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel like you’re at your best friend’s house. There’s a lot of seating, and even though there’s almost always a small crowd of regulars, it never gets annoyingly busy. This is a restaurant you’ll return to often, not just for the exceptional shiro wot, which coats everything it meets with garlicky creaminess, but to say hi to your favorite host again.
LéLé
LÉLÉ is more than a restaurant-it’s a celebration of culture, flavor, and heritage. Located in the heart of Manhattan, LÉLÉ brings the soulful rhythm of the Afro-Caribbean diaspora to the NYC fine dining scene. Our menu is a bold fusion of traditional African and Caribbean flavors, reimagined with a modern twist curated by Michelin starred chef Rúnar Pierre Heriveaux . From rich spices and tropical ingredients to time-honored recipes passed down through generations, every dish tells a story of connection-of island life, African roots, and the vibrant communities that inspire us.
Makina Cafe
Born in Ethiopia from parents of Eritrean descent, Makina Cafe founder Eden G. Egziabher was raised amidst a vibrant mix of Ethiopian, Eritrean and Italian cultures. Eden prides herself on being the first Eritrean-American female entrepreneur in NYC with a food truck serving “Habesha” food. Tasty, healthy, nutritious and something quite unique, Makina Cafe serves up breakfast and lunch to New Yorkers that are tired of the same old take-out options. Located in Long Island City, the food truck’s menu is limited, but features classic dishes like beef and chicken tibs, where the meat is cubed and marinated with spices, and served in a bowl.
Massawa
If you want an authentic taste of Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine served with actual personality, Massawa has been doing it since 1988. Located on Amsterdam Ave in Morningside Heights, this family-owned spot specializes in the kind of meals meant for sharing-think generous platters of shiro, alitcha, and tsebhi hamli that arrive on a bed of fluffy injera bread, which you'll use to scoop up every last bit. The vegetarian options are legitimately excellent (don't sleep on the sambusa), and if you go with a crew, you can demolish an impressive amount of food without breaking the bank. An offshoot of Ethiopian/Eritrean institution Massawa, this Morningside Heights restaurant is a good place to get coffee and work, then order a glass of South African wine and pretend to work, and then share a tibs quesadilla with a friend and give up on work altogether. You can get extra-soft injera covered with a solid, steaming assortment of meat and lentil dishes, but dipping into the snacky portion of the menu for things like berbere wings is a great idea, too.
Massawa in NY has been proudly serving the community since 1988. It has provided a full and fantastic menu, which has helped to strengthen the continued popularity of the eatery. Options on the menu at Massawa include appetizers such as vegetable sambuusa, beef sambuusa and ful. Some of the other popular menu items include tebsi, kitfo and zegini. The restaurant has beef, lamb, poultry and seafood. In addition, Massawa provides options for vegans.
Read also: A Taste of Ethiopia in South Carolina
Native Restaurant and Lounge
Welcome to Native Restaurant and Lounge, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. Our culinary artisans have crafted a menu that blends traditional flavors with contemporary flair, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience. At Native, we take pride in serving traditional Nigerian soups that transport you to the heart of Nigeria. Our skilled chefs prepare authentic recipes that have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each spoonful captures the essence of Nigerian culinary traditions. From the rich and robust flavors of Egusi and Ogbono soup, our menu showcases a variety of Nigerian soups. Enjoy the fiery depths of suya-spiced grilled meats to the comforting embrace of jollof rice, each dish tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary mastery. Sip on handcrafted cocktails inspired by the vibes and rhythms of Afrobeats and Afrojazz, while the rhythmic experience transport you to the heart of West Africa.
PB Brasserie Steak House
PB Brasserie Steak House in Harlem, New York, delivers an exquisite French dining experience that has diners raving about its quality and authenticity. Chef Cisse, known for his success with Ponty Bistro, brings an elegant touch to traditional French cuisine. Guests have praised the restaurant as a "culinary masterpiece" with standout dishes like the seafood risotto and Branzino. The ambiance is both "beautiful" and "elegant," enhancing the dining experience. Though new, this brasserie has quickly become a local favorite, offering “great food” and “peerless service.” Whether for a special occasion or a casual night out, PB Brasserie promises an unforgettable French feast.
Ponty Bistro
Ponty Bistro in Harlem, New York, offers a delightful blend of French and African cuisine that has captivated diners since 2008. Renowned for its authentic African dishes like Poisson Yassa and Dibi Haoussa, the restaurant receives glowing praise for its "consistently delicious" food and "exceptional" service. Chef Cisse’s culinary expertise is celebrated by long-time patrons who are "long-standing fans" of his dishes. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive staff make every visit a memorable experience. With its status as a neighborhood gem, Ponty Bistro is the perfect choice for those seeking genuine and delectable African flavors in a vibrant setting.
Tsion Cafe
With a brick wall filled with images of Ethiopia and art made by local artists, booth-style seating and a bar, Tsion Cafe in Harlem’s Sugar Hill area has plenty of charm. The menu draws on the owner Beejhy Barhany’s multicultural upbringing which included a stint in Israel. Must-try dishes include the injera chips appetizer, which is served with a shiro dip, which is made from ground chickpeas and spices. The sega tibs made from filet mignon will appeal to any meat enthusiast, while the mushroom tibs will satisfy vegetarians. Enjoy meals with live music, which is played on select dates. Try the Lalibela sampler, a combination of chicken stew (doro wot), beef (tibs wot), and vegetable dishes including kik alicha (split peas), cabbage, and gomen (collard greens).
Vegan Ethiopian Cuisine
This vegan Ethiopian restaurant has a Biggie Smalls-heavy soundtrack, colorful murals, and crowd-pleasing platters of spongy injera, topped with creamy ground chickpeas and crispy green beans. It’s great for a group dinner for both vegans and people who prefer meat with their legumes, or a casual catch-up with a friend.
Many of us are foodies on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we’re always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. With favorites like Queen of Sheba, Bunna Cafe, and Teranga Midtown and more, get ready to experience the best flavors around Long Island City.
A Culinary Staple
Since then, especially over the past decade, Ethiopian cuisine has become an indelible part of New York’s restaurant scene. It pairs injera, a porous flatbread resembling a pancake, made with a fermented grain called teff, with protein and or vegetable stews.
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Native Harlem, located on 125th street in the heart of Harlem, offers a vibrant fusion of Nigerian culture, cuisine, and entertainment. The restaurant's decor blends traditional Nigerian artwork with a modern Harlem twist, creating a warm inviting atmosphere. At its heart is a large stage, where live performances- ranging from Afrobeats music to traditional dances- immerse guests in the vibrant energy of Nigerian culture. The menu features authentic Nigerian dishes like jollof rice, suya, and pounded yam with egusi soup, each bursting with rich, regional flavors. Native Harlem is not just a dining experience; it's a celebration of food, music, and the warmth of Nigerian hospitality, bringing the spirit of Nigeria to the heart of Harlem. To ensure a seamless experience, please note our evening chic dress code.
Whether you're in the mood for a special occasion dinner, a casual date night, or a solo meal, Long Island, New York, and its surroundings offer a diverse range of Ethiopian restaurants to satisfy your cravings.
