TLDR
A beloved East Village homey spot for authentic Ethiopian eats. Highly regarded as a go-to choice for approachable, delicious traditional dishes.
Details
This East Village gem offers an authentic Ethiopian dining experience that many locals consider their go-to spot [4]. While widely celebrated for its homey atmosphere and welcoming service [5], opinions on the food quality can be polarized [5]. Some diners find the flavors lack the brightness of other city favorites [10], though many others continue to hail it as a top-tier destination for traditional cuisine [2].
Food Overview
This restaurant specializes in traditional Ethiopian cuisine, with many diners highly recommending their vegetable sampler entrées [12]. While some guests find the flavors less vibrant than competitors like Awash [10], others are enthusiastic fans of specific items like their kitfo [16] and lega tibs [17].
Caveats
Some visitors have described the food as mediocre or lacking the flavor intensity found at other local Ethiopian restaurants [5], [10].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About HAILE BISTRO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Are There Any Decent Ethiopian Spots In Manhattan
"Clarifies the menu details regarding lamb and beef, specifically mentioning lega tibs."
PositiveFrom post: Are There Any Decent Ethiopian Spots In Manhattan
"A huge fan of the restaurant, specifically mentioning the kitfo."
PositiveFrom post: Are There Any Decent Ethiopian Spots In Manhattan
"The go-to spot for dates; highlighted as affordable with great service."
PositiveFrom post: Are There Any Decent Ethiopian Spots In Manhattan
"Listed as a primary recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Impress My Celebrity Chef Friend With A
"Suggested in a list of authentic dining recommendations."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Ethiopian Recommendations All Boroughs
"This user considers it their go-to Ethiopian spot."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Ethiopian Recommendations All Boroughs
"The author is obsessed with the kitfo here and mentions the staff is very familiar with their order."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Ethiopian Recommendations All Boroughs
"This user identifies the restaurant as the second best option."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Nice Dinner For Two 200 All Told In
"Suggested as an option for Ethiopian food."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Non Plantbased Restaurants With Lots
"This commenter recommended Ethiopian restaurants as perfect for the user's request, noting that most offer a 'vegetable sampler' entree and often have meat options too."
PositiveFrom post: West African Food In Lower Manhattan
"A user had pretty good Ethiopian food at Haile on Ave B. However, it was clarified that this is East African cuisine, not West African as initially requested."
NegativeFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"This user found Haile to be decent, but felt the flavors weren't as bright as at Awash. They have tried many Ethiopian restaurants in the city and consider Awash consistently the best."
NegativeFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"In response to a question about Meskerem, this user stated that Haile is good, but Benyam in Harlem is better."
NeutralFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"This user recommended Haile as a place to try Ethiopian food."
NeutralFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter recommended Haile on 11th & Ave B, stating it's amazing and they ate there again last night."
PositiveFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter recommended Haile in Alphabet City."
PositiveFrom post: Best Ethiopian Food
"In response to a comment about Haile being homey, this user found the food to be very mediocre."
NegativeFrom post: Best Ethiopian Food
"This commenter has always loved Haile in the East Village, describing it as a homey spot."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is The Ethiopian Food In The City So Damn Good
"This user recommended Haile in the East Village as a top-tier Ethiopian place in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Why Is The Ethiopian Food In The City So Damn Good
"This user listed Haile among their liked Ethiopian restaurants in the city."
Positive