Best Upscale Ethiopian Restaurants in New York City | Upscale Ethiopian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Ethiopian Restaurants in New York City | Upscale Ethiopian Food

• BKG Coffee Roasters — American · rated 5/5: This artisanal roastery hums with the rhythmic energy of the craft, where the deep, toasted perfume of small-batch beans invites guests into a space dedicated to the perfect pour. The experience travels from the bright, floral heights of Ethiopian Sidamo to the velvety, chocolatey depths of Colombian harvests, each cup telling a vivid story of origin and meticulous roasting. It is a sensory retreat for the coffee-obsessed, where the industrial warmth of the shop meets the refined artistry of global flavors.
• Ras — Indian · rated 5/5: Vibrant colors and bold spices collide at Ras, a modern sanctuary where traditional Ethiopian soul is reimagined through a creative, plant-forward lens. Guests gather around communal plates to tear into tangy, hand-stretched injera, scooping up savory mushroom tibs and zesty lentil dips that burst with the aromatic warmth of berbere. This lively space hums with energy, offering a sensory journey where innovative bites like injera nachos and crisp sambusas celebrate a rich culinary heritage with contemporary flair.
• Cafe Grumpy — American · rated 5/5: This spirited neighborhood sanctuary hums with the rhythmic hiss of steam and the intoxicating aroma of small-batch beans roasted to highlight their unique terroir. The space invites a slow appreciation of the craft, where the bright, citrusy notes of an Ethiopian pour-over or the bold, chocolatey depth of the signature Heartbreaker Espresso are served with meticulous care. Whether warming up with a seasonal blend or exploring the nuanced sweetness of a Honduran single-origin, every cup offers a sophisticated journey through the world’s premier coffee-growing regions.
• Cafe Massawa — Middle Eastern · rated 5/5: The air at Cafe Massawa is thick with the intoxicating scent of berbere and slow-simmered spices, drawing guests into a space where communal dining is celebrated as an art form. Vibrant mounds of savory stews and crisp vegetables rest atop clouds of tangy, house-made injera, inviting diners to tear, scoop, and share in a rhythmic dance of bold East African flavors. This soulful destination captures the essence of traditional hospitality, offering a sensory journey where every hand-shared bite feels like an invitation into a warm, cultural embrace.
• Yenmenat — Ethiopian · rated 4.9/5: Yenmenat brings together the warmth of Ethiopian hospitality and the intoxicating aromas of toasted berbere, creating a sanctuary where the air is perfumed by the ritual of roasting coffee. Tangy, cloud-like folds of injera serve as a communal canvas for a vibrant mosaic of slow-simmered stews and earthy legumes, inviting guests to tear, scoop, and share in a sensory celebration of soulful culinary heritage.
• RAS Plant Based — Ethiopian · rated 4.9/5: RAS Plant Based, located at 170 Bleecker St, New York, is a vibrant vegan restaurant known for its flavorful Ethiopian cuisine. With a stellar rating of 4.9 and over 50 user reviews, this spot offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for families. Open daily and accepting credit and debit cards, RAS serves a wide range of delights from brunch to dessert, including wine, beer, coffee, and cocktails. Reserve your table today at +1 917-697-1056.
• Addey Ababa — Middle Eastern · rated 4.9/5: Located at 736 W 181st St in Washington Heights, Addey Ababa offers a delightful journey into traditional Ethiopian cuisine with its array of vegetarian options and flavorful dishes. This welcoming spot, run by three sisters, has quickly become a neighborhood favorite since its opening in September 2023. With a stellar rating of 4.9 from 125 reviews, Addey Ababa is praised for its cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and authentic flavors. Their honey wine and Ethiopian beer pair perfectly with the generous portions, making it a must-visit for both new and returning guests. Enjoy their lunch, dinner, and takeaway options, and don't miss their delightful homemade desserts!
• Ras — Ethiopian · rated 4.8/5: Ras invites guests into a vibrant, modern sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of toasted spices and slow-simmered stews. Diners gather around communal platters to tear away pieces of tangy, cloud-like injera, using the sourdough bread to scoop up a colorful kaleidoscope of flavors that pulse with heat and heritage. It is a soulful celebration of Ethiopian tradition, where every shared bite fosters a deep sense of connection and warmth.
• Benyam — Middle Eastern · rated 4.8/5: Nestled at 2795 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, Benyam offers a cozy, casual dining experience with traditional Ethiopian fare, including delicious veggie options. Featuring modern art-covered walls, the restaurant serves wine, beer, and cocktails. With outdoor seating and free street parking available, Benyam is family-friendly and perfect for groups, boasting a stellar 4.8 rating from 366 reviews.
• Bunna Cafe — Ethiopian · rated 4.7/5: The air at Bunna Cafe hums with the rich, toasted aroma of traditional coffee ceremonies and the intoxicating scent of berbere spice, drawing guests into a vibrant, plant-based sanctuary. Diners gather around communal platters to tear away pieces of tangy, cloud-like injera, using the sourdough bread to scoop up colorful mounds of slow-simmered lentils and fragrant vegetable stews. It is a soulful, sensory journey where the rhythmic pulse of music and the warmth of shared plates transform a meal into a lively celebration of Ethiopian heritage.
• Awaze Ethiopian Restaurant — Middle Eastern · rated 4.7/5: Discover Awaze Ethiopian Restaurant, a delightful haven for authentic Ethiopian cuisine in the heart of New York at 2288 Frederick Douglass Blvd. With a stellar 4.7 rating from satisfied patrons, this family-friendly spot offers an extensive menu catering to both adults and kids. Enjoy the lively ambiance with communal eating, perfect for groups and sports enthusiasts, while savoring exquisite dishes paired with premium wine and coffee.
• Abyssinia — Ethiopian · rated 4.6/5: Abyssinia invites guests into a warm, fragrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of slow-simmered berbere and freshly roasted coffee. The experience brings together friends and family around vibrant communal platters, where they tear away pieces of tangy, cloud-like injera to scoop up rich mounds of spicy doro wat and earthy, jewel-toned lentils. This
• Makina Cafe Eritrean-Ethiopian To Go — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Discover Makina Cafe Eritrean-Ethiopian To Go, a vibrant food truck delivering traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean delights in Long Island City. With a 4.6-star rating and over 145 reviews, this eatery offers a mix of vegetarian, vegan, and meat dishes, prominently featuring their famous injera. Open daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, they also provide curbside pickup, takeout, and delivery options. Enjoy flavorful, authentic cuisine that's perfect for a quick, delicious meal!
• Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant, nestled in Central Harlem at 268 W 135th St, offers a relaxed dining experience with authentic Ethiopian cuisine. From kitfo to tibs, vegetarian combos, and sambusas, the dishes cater to vegan, vegetarian, and halal preferences. The cozy, unpretentious setting welcomes children and groups, offering high chairs, quick service, and reservations. Guests typically spend $20-30, enjoying a menu that includes beers, teas, and honey wine. Rated 4.6 stars from 483 reviews, it's a highly recommended dining spot in NYC.
• Haile — Middle Eastern · rated 4.6/5: Haile, an inviting Ethiopian restaurant in Alphabet City, offers a delightful array of traditional dishes for dinner and drinks. With warm, welcoming staff and a cozy atmosphere, Haile features both meat and vegetarian options like sambusas and doro wot. Diners can enjoy a selection of wine and honey wine, all in a setting that's perfect for a memorable evening out. Average spending ranges from $20-30.
• Mesob Ethiopian — Ethiopian · rated 4.5/5: Vibrant colors and the intoxicating scent of toasted berbere fill this warm sanctuary, where guests gather around traditional woven baskets to share in a communal, tactile feast. Tangy, pillowy folds of injera serve as both plate and utensil, perfectly capturing the rich juices of slow-simmered stews and spiced legumes that burst with earthy, complex heat. It is a soulful celebration of Ethiopian heritage, where every shared platter fosters a deep sense of connection and the timeless comfort of home-cooked tradition.
• Ghenet — Ethiopian · rated 4.5/5: Step into Ghenet, a cozy Brooklyn restaurant offering traditional Ethiopian dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Located at 348 Douglass St, the menu boasts flavorful meat and vegetable stews, injera bread, and more. With a 4.5-star rating from 594 reviews, guests praise the attentive service, delicious flavors, and relaxing ambiance. Perfect for a romantic meal or a casual dinner, Ghenet is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, serving wine, beer, coffee, and cocktails. Make a reservation by calling +1 718-230-4475.
• Hav & Mar — Seafood · rated 4.5/5: Located in the Starrett-Lehigh Building, Hav & Mar is a celebrated seafood restaurant in New York. Known for its innovative fusion of Swedish and Ethiopian flavors, this establishment offers a unique dining experience with its well-balanced and flavorful dishes. Rated 4.5 stars by 345 reviewers, Hav & Mar is perfect for date nights and intimate gatherings. Enjoy happy hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on weekdays, and savor their delightful desserts and curated selection of wines and cocktails.
• Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant — Ethiopian · rated 4.5/5: Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant offers an authentic dining experience with classic Ethiopian cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan options, in a stylish, welcoming environment. Located at 2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, the restaurant features free street parking, outdoor seating, and is family-friendly. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Lalibela is known for its flavorful dishes, attentive service, and warm, cultural atmosphere. With a rating of 4.5 from 272 reviews, it’s a must-visit for Ethiopian food enthusiasts. For reservations, call +1 917-409-1609.
• Awash Ethiopian Restaurant — Ethiopian · rated 4.4/5: Awash transports guests to the heart of East Africa, where the warm glow of the dining room is filled with the intoxicating aroma of roasting coffee and slow-simmering berbere spices. Diners gather around communal platters to tear off pieces of tangy, cloud-like injera, using the traditional flatbread to scoop up vibrant mounds of spicy stews and earthy lentils in a soulful celebration of shared flavors and heritage.
• Awash — Ethiopian · rated 4.3/5: Awash transports guests to the heart of East Africa, where the warm, inviting atmosphere is perfumed with the heady scent of toasted spices and slow-simmered stews. Diners gather around communal platters to tear away pieces of tangy, cloud-like injera, using the sourdough flatbread to scoop up vibrant mounds of savory lentils and tender, spice-rubbed meats. It is a soulful dining experience that honors the art of shared meals, blending bold, complex flavors with a deep sense of traditional hospitality.
• Bati Ethiopian Kitchen — Ethiopian · rated 4.3/5: Bati Ethiopian Kitchen invites diners into a warm, intimate sanctuary where the communal spirit of Ethiopian dining unfolds over platters of tangy, cloud-like injera. Vibrant mounds of slow-simmered stews and earthy lentils create a colorful mosaic of flavors, inviting guests to tear, scoop, and share in a sensory experience defined by the aromatic heat of berbere. The rustic-chic space hums
• Meskerem — Ethiopian · rated 4.2/5: Meskerem transports guests to the heart of East Africa with an atmosphere steeped in the heady aromas of toasted spices and slow-simmering stews. Diners gather around communal platters to tear away pieces of tangy, honeycomb-textured injera, using the sourdough bread to scoop up vibrant mounds of savory lentils and tender meats infused with the fiery warmth of berbere. This tactile journey celebrates the spirit of togetherness, where every shared bite reflects a rich heritage of hospitality and bold, earthy flavors.
• Mesob Ethiopian — Ethiopian · rated 4/5: Warm light glows over traditional woven mesobs, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered berbere and clarified butter. Vibrant mounds of spicy lentils and tender, slow-cooked meats are served atop clouds of tangy, house-made injera, inviting guests to tear, scoop, and share in a communal feast that celebrates the soulful heritage of East Africa. It is a sensory journey where every hand-shared bite offers a complex harmony of heat and texture, turning a simple meal into an intimate celebration of flavor and togetherness.
• Clo Coffee Co. — American · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched and minimalist, this artisanal sanctuary invites guests to linger over the bright, floral aromas of freshly ground Ethiopian beans. Each meticulously poured cup celebrates the vibrant complexity of single-origin harvests, offering a sensory journey through notes of bergamot, jasmine, and sun-ripened berries. It is a refined haven for the coffee purist, where the precision of the brew is elevated into a quiet, soul-warming ritual.
• Sweetleaf — American · rated 4/5: The air at Sweetleaf is thick with the intoxicating scent of freshly roasted beans, drawing visitors into a sleek, high-energy haven where the craft of caffeine is elevated to an art form. Guests can indulge in the velvety, potent kick of their signature Rocket Fuel cold brew or explore the nuanced, sun-drenched flavors of single-origin Ethiopian roasts that highlight the roastery's artisanal precision. This is a vibrant sanctuary for coffee aficionados, where every bold blend and concentrated pour is designed to fuel the day with unparalleled intensity and flavor.
• Zagaya — Mediterranean · rated 4/5: Zagaya unfolds as a sophisticated retreat where the bold, aromatic spices of Ethiopian-inspired bites harmonize with the rustic elegance of artisanal cheese boards and perfectly pressed panini. Guests linger over golden Tej cocktails and curated wine flights in an atmosphere that feels both globally inspired and intimately welcoming, celebrating a unique tapestry of flavors that invites slow, soulful discovery.
• Yenmenat — Middle Eastern · rated 3/5: This vibrant Ethiopian gem invites guests into a space filled with the intoxicating aroma of roasting coffee and exotic spices, where the warmth of traditional hospitality meets a lively, communal spirit. Diners gather around colorful platters of tangy, spongey injera topped with a kaleidoscope of slow-simmered stews, using the hand-torn bread to scoop up every morsel of bold, berbere-spiced flavor. It is a soulful culinary journey that celebrates the art of shared dining, turning every meal into a tactile and fragrant celebration of East African heritage.
• Buunni — Ethiopian cuisine). * · rated 3/5: The air is thick with the intoxicating fragrance of freshly roasted Ethiopian beans, drawing neighbors into a vibrant space where the rich heritage of the birthplace of coffee is celebrated in every pour. From the floral complexity of a single-origin Yirgacheffe to the velvety, spiced layers of a Fort Tryon Mocha, each cup offers a sensory journey through high-altitude estates and artisanal craftsmanship. Whether sipping a bright, citrusy Sidama or a comforting Hudson Fog, guests find a warm community hub that honors traditional roasting techniques while embracing a modern, creative coffee culture.
• Irving Farm Coffee Roasters — American: The air hums with the rhythmic hiss of steam and the deep, nutty aroma of beans roasted to perfection, drawing guests into a warm, inviting sanctuary that celebrates the craft of the bean. From the bright, floral whispers of organic Ethiopian harvests to the velvety, chocolatey depths of their signature Blackstrap espresso, each cup offers a nuanced journey through the world's finest growing regions. It is a place where the city’s frantic pace dissolves into the simple, soul-warming pleasure of a perfectly pulled shot or a smooth, dark roast enjoyed in a cozy, sun-drenched corner.