TLDR
Authentic, entirely plant-based Ethiopian feasts served in a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for shared plates and traditional coffee ceremonies.
Bunna Cafe in East Williamsburg is a long-standing vegetarian Ethiopian restaurant offering a variety of flavorful dishes and a complimentary coffee ceremony on weekends.
Details
A long-standing fixture in East Williamsburg, this beloved spot offers a unique, entirely vegetarian Ethiopian dining experience [2]. The menu features flavorful staples like red lentils in berbere sauce and housemade injera, making it a top choice for authentic, shareable meals [2]. With a 4-star reputation, it has become a go-to destination for those seeking consistent quality and an immersive cultural experience [1].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in vegan Ethiopian cuisine, serving standout dishes such as red lentils in berbere sauce and simmered split peas accompanied by tangy, housemade injera [2]. Many customers specifically recommend the combo plates for their variety and shareability [1]. The injera is noted by some diners as having a milder, less sour profile compared to other Ethiopian restaurants, which makes it a preferred option for those who find the traditional version too acidic [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"The red lentils in berbere sauce and simmered split peas are highly recommended, often enjoyed as part of a curated combo plate [2]."
Customer Sentiment
Patrons consistently praise the restaurant for its phenomenal food and welcoming atmosphere, with many noting that even omnivores thoroughly enjoy the plant-based offerings [2]. While the feedback is overwhelmingly positive, visitors with severe wheat allergies should be aware of potential cross-contamination with the injera bread [1].
Caveats
Those with specific wheat or gluten allergies should verify ingredients, as the injera is crafted from teff and barley which may trigger sensitivities [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BUNNA CAFE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Im Looking To Try New Cuisine In Nyc Not Your
"The commenter notes that this restaurant is a reliable and authentic spot for Ethiopian food."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Foodie Reccs That Are Not Heavy
"Recommended as a spot that fits the request for lighter, non-heavy fare."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midpriced Vegfriendly Cuisinefocused
"Bunna Cafe was listed as a restaurant recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"This user seconded the recommendation for Bunna Cafe, calling the food phenomenal."
PositiveFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"This user, who plans to try Ethiopian food for the first time on their birthday, intends to go to Bunna."
NeutralFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"This user recommended Bunna in Bushwick as an excellent place for Ethiopian food."
PositiveFrom post: What Type Of Cuisine Would You Like To Try Once
"This user stated they love Bunna Cafe for Ethiopian food."
PositiveFrom post: Dinner Recommendations For Group Of 6
"Bunna Cafe in Bushwick is recommended for its delicious Ethiopian food, which is great for sharing."
PositiveFrom post: Ethiopian Injera Bread That Isnt Sour
"The original poster inquired about Ethiopian restaurants in NYC with less sour injera, as they preferred this style over the sour version they had tried. This comment expresses gratitude for the suggestion of Bunna Cafe."
NeutralFrom post: Ethiopian Injera Bread That Isnt Sour
"Responding to a user's preference for less sour injera, this comment suggests Bunna Cafe, noting that its injera is milder than other places, though not completely neutral. The user who asked the original question expressed thanks for this helpful suggestion."
PositiveFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter, an omnivore, loved Bunna Cafe and did not miss meat."
PositiveFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter noted that Bunna Cafe is vegan-only and mentioned ordering injera for pickup."
NeutralFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter highly recommended Cafe Bunna in Bushwick/East Williamsburg for its ambiance and Ethiopian food, noting it is vegetarian-only."
PositiveFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"The original poster expressed interest in trying Bunna Cafe based on a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter suggested Bunna Cafe as a standout Ethiopian restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Where In Nyc Can You Eat With Your Hands
"This commenter recommended Bunna Cafe in Bushwick for great Ethiopian food."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Only Pick One Restaurant In Nyc What
"The user, identifying as a Taurus who cannot pick just one restaurant, lists Bunna Cafe as a favorite."
PositiveFrom post: Good Food For Someone With Wheat And Rice Allergy
"Bunna Cafe was mentioned as a potential option for Ethiopian food. The user noted that while their injera uses Teff and Barley (which are not wheat), they might be related and require further checking for specific allergies."
NeutralFrom post: Large Vegetable Dishes
"The original poster is looking for large vegetable dishes and does not require the establishment to be exclusively vegan or vegetarian. They noted that Bunna Cafe was recommended multiple times."
NeutralFrom post: Large Vegetable Dishes
"The commenter recommended vegan Ethiopian cuisine as a good option for large vegetable dishes, suggesting Bunna Cafe as a default choice for combo plates."
Positive