Great Spots for Ethiopian Food in NYC (Including Vegan and Vegetarian Options)
Great Spots for Ethiopian Food in NYC (Including Vegan and Vegetarian Options)
NYC is a destination that turns on the adventurous side of many travelers. In addition to visiting famous New York statues, parks, museums, and theaters, there's also the eagerness to explore new foods and cultures. In the variety that New York offers, don't miss the chance to try Ethiopian cuisine.
We’ve put together a list of the best spots for Ethiopian food in NYC, conveniently located near our Westgate New York Grand Central Hotel.
9 Ethiopian Restaurants for Delicious Food in NYC
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Queen of Sheba
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Tsion Café
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Bersi Ethiopian Restaurant
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Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant
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Massawa
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Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
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Makina Café
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Haile Bistro
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Ras Plant Based
Let your tastebuds sing with the delicious Ethiopian flavors from any of these amazing restaurants in NYC.
1 | Queen of Sheba |
Queen of Sheba is one of the most popular places to find the best Ethiopian food in NYC. This down-to-earth restaurant offers an exquisite lunch menu. Some of the best offerings are marinated strips of lamb leg in Awaze sauce with a side of sautéed onions and peppers, lentil sambusa, Sheba Vegetarian Combination Platter, and popular Ethiopian drinks.
It’s the perfect place for a casual lunch or dinner with family and friends. The meals are made from fresh ingredients and cooked to perfection. The food is not too spicy, but you can ask for it to be made extra hot.
While Queen of Sheba meal portions aren’t huge, there’s enough to leave you full. The atmosphere is enjoyable, and the staff is friendly and responsive. There’s usually no crowd, and you get your meals quickly.
WHERE: 650 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036 | WHO: 212-397-0610
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2 | Tsion Café |
For a delightful immersion into Ethiopian culture and cuisine, head to Tsion Café. This bar-and-booth-style restaurant combines food and art in a way that feels both welcoming and unique. The space is adorned with captivating works by Ethiopian artists, and the building itself has a rich history tied to its culinary traditions.
The offerings at Tsion Café reflect the multicultural background of owner Beejhy Barhany, blending Ethiopian, Israeli, Middle Eastern, and African influences into every dish. The result is a fusion of flavors that both locals and visitors rave about.
Tsion Café’s menu caters to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Meat enthusiasts can try the sega tibs dish made of filet mignon, while vegetarians will enjoy a similar dish made with mushrooms. Tsion Café also hosts Sunday brunch with a special menu.
WHERE: 763 St, Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10031 | WHO: 212-234-2070
3 | Bersi Ethiopian Restaurant |
Bersi Ethiopian Restaurant has earned its place among NYC’s best spots for Ethiopian food. Its diverse menu boasts an array of vegan options that even non-vegans adore, such as Injera with Salad, Zenach Combo, Gursha Platter, and Shimbra Asa.
The restaurant’s exquisite traditional Ethiopian decor will transport you to the streets of this country. The serenading sound of traditional music makes the meal experience even more pleasant.
At Bersi, the portions are generous, perfect for satisfying even the heartiest appetites. If you're dining with family or friends, there are plenty of shareable dishes to enjoy together.
Each dish is crafted with premium ingredients sourced straight from Ethiopia. You can order Ethiopian beer and teas or ask the friendly staff for drink recommendations.
WHERE: 1049 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 | WHO: 347-335-0920
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4 | Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant |
Abyssinia is an excellent choice for a couple’s lunch or dinner date. Located in the heart of NYC, it offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere with delicious food and heartwarming service.
You’ll find the staff at Abyssinia Restaurant kind and attentive, even when the dining area gets busy. While the restaurant is casual rather than fancy, it’s clean, welcoming, and offers quick service.
Abyssinia is open for both lunch and dinner, serving delicious meals with generous portions—larger than what you'll find at similar restaurants. The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including vegetarian sambusa, beef Yebeg Awaze tibs, Ye Misir Wat, Shiro, Gomen, Kik Alicha, and Timatim Salad. You can also enjoy Ethiopian wine, beer, or soft drinks with your meal.
When eating at Abyssinia, prepare for the full Ethiopian experience—diners traditionally eat with their hands, just like in Ethiopia.
WHERE: 268 W 135th St, New York, NY 10030 | WHO: 212-281-2673
5 | Massawa |
Nestled in the heart of New York City, Massawa is a family-owned restaurant known for its tasty Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. As one of the first Ethiopian restaurants in Northeast Manhattan, it has been a local favorite since 1988.
Massawa takes pride in freshly preparing its meals using the finest natural ingredients. The restaurant has maintained its strong reputation by offering a wide range of dishes tailored to different tastes. Whether you enjoy milder or extra-hot flavors, there’s something for everyone.
The menu at Massawa caters to all dietary preferences. You’ll find fish, beef, lamb, chicken, and shrimp for meat lovers and vegetable-based meals for vegans and vegetarians. You can also enjoy Ethiopian wine, beer, and coffee.
The restaurant’s intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for a romantic dinner, yet it’s spacious enough to accommodate families and larger groups. If you're in a hurry, takeout is also available.
WHERE: 1239 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 1002 | WHO: 212-663-0505
6 | Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant |
Lalibela is a top spot for Ethiopian food in Harlem, New York. This clean, modern diner features a calm atmosphere with subtle touches of Ethiopian decor, making it a welcoming space for all. The friendly and attentive staff ensure excellent service and a pleasant dining experience.
The menu caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and dairy-free options. While it’s not as extensive as other restaurants, Lalibela still offers satisfying dishes like Miser Wot, Gomen Wot, Doro Wot, and Doro Tibs. Guests can pair their meals with soft drinks, tea, or Ethiopian wine and beer.
The dining area is suitable for family lunches and dinners, as well as couples dining out. There’s also an outdoor seating area if you’d like to enjoy your food in the warm sun.
WHERE: 2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026 | WHO: 917-409-1609
7 | Makina Café |
For a more adventurous Ethiopian cuisine experience, there’s Makina Café. It’s one of the first Eritrean and Ethiopian food trucks in New York and offers an exciting way to enjoy Ethiopian meals.
Although it’s not a sit-down restaurant, Makina Café provides quick service at various locations around NYC. The food truck serves a tasty breakfast and lunch menu, perfect for locals and tourists wanting to try something new.
At Makina Café, you can build your meal by choosing a base (injera or yellow rice), a protein (options include chicken tibs, beef tibs, or vegetarian), and two vegetable sides. You can also select from a variety of sauces to complete your meal.
There’s no dine-in option at the food truck, only pick-up and delivery. Makina Café can be found at various locations throughout New York City on a weekly basis, so be sure to check the schedule on its website for the latest information.
WHERE: Varies | WHO: 917-426-5649
8 | Haile Bistro |
At Haile Bistro, you get a beautiful combination of traditional homemade Ethiopian cuisine and a warm and inviting environment.
Haile's menu offers appetizers, entrees, and combinations of meat and vegetable dishes. The stars of the appetizer menu include sambusa, Timatim Fitfit, and Buticha. For entrees, you have a wider variety, including vegetarian options like Gomen, Fasolia, Shiro Wot, Ater Kik Alicha, and meat-based options like Doro Wot, Lega Tibs, Kitfo, and Ye Sega Tibs.
The combo meals are the most enjoyable thanks to their authentic and rich flavor. You can get the meat combo, the vegetarian combo, or a combination of both—the meat and vegetarian combo.
You’ll find the ambiance perfect for intimate dinners. This Bistro may not be best for large groups as the tables are small. If you want to dine as a group, make a reservation in advance so arrangements can be made to accommodate you.
WHERE: 182 Ave, B1, New York, NY 10009 | WHO: 212-673-8949
9 | Ras Plant Based |
If you’re looking for a 100% vegan and vegetarian Ethiopian restaurant in NYC, you’ve found Ras. Ras Plant Based is a chill spot for people who love their veggies and other plant-based meals. It has a pleasant and colorful setting with a beautiful view of the surrounding street.
There are traditional dishes and a variety of food options to enjoy for lunch, brunch, or all-day dining. You’ll find entrées, platters, small bites, and sides. The lunch menu offers different pre-selected bowl platters, while the all-day menu allows you to mix and match dishes as you wish. It offers an assortment of drinks, including beer, tea, cocktails, mocktails, wines, and more.
Ras Plant Based restaurant is chic and a good spot for fine dining. The restaurant also offers private event services if you’re planning a birthday party, corporate event, or dinner. It can accommodate up to 80 guests at your request.
WHERE: 739 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238 | WHO: 718-701-8801
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Use Our Handy Map to Locate Your Favorite Ethiopian Restaurant in NYC
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethiopian Food in NYC
What are some popular Ethiopian foods to try in NYC?
Injera is an Ethiopian staple and one of the most popular items at Ethiopian restaurants. It’s a sour, fermented, pancake-like flatbread with a spongy texture, typically used to scoop up sauces by hand.
Tibs are also a popular dish in Ethiopian cuisine. They are stir-fried stews that can be made with lamb, beef, mushrooms, or tofu.
Where can I find Ethiopian vegan meals in NYC?
Many Ethiopian restaurants offer vegetarian menus, as Ethiopian cuisine features a variety of vegetables. If you're specifically looking for 100% vegan options, Ras Plant Based is a great choice—its extensive vegan menu offers a variety of flavorful dishes.
What is the best Ethiopian restaurant in NYC for fine dining?
Queen of Sheba is a standout Ethiopian restaurant for fine dining in NYC, boasting a sophisticated atmosphere, a diverse menu catering to various dietary preferences, and expertly prepared Ethiopian dishes served in generous portions.
For those seeking vegetarian fine dining, Ras Plant Based serves flavorful and thoughtfully crafted dishes in a chic, modern setting.
Do I have to make a reservation before dining at Queen of Sheba?
It’s advisable to book a table before heading to Queen of Sheba. Being the most popular Ethiopian restaurant, it can get busy, and you may need to wait for a table.
Since the dining area is relatively small, especially during peak times, it’s best to reserve, particularly if you’re dining with a large group.
Where can I have Ethiopian food for lunch in New York City?
Many Ethiopian restaurants offer lunch menus. For a hearty meal, try Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant, which offers large, filling portions. Ras Plant Based also has a dedicated lunch menu, providing a quick and delicious option for a satisfying midday meal.
New York City—The Dream Destination for Families Who Love Fun
New York is a wonderful tourist destination for family vacations and solo trips. Its world-renowned tourist attractions make it perfect for sightseeing and exploring. Young or old, there’s no limit to who gets to have fun when in NYC. From finding Thai food spots to trying out sushi recommendations from locals, there’s always something fun to do, so don’t miss out!
For more information on NYC hotels and attractions, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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