Tsion Cafe

Best Ethiopian Food in NYC by far, atmosphere, staff are all extremely up to par. Will be returning soon.

I was recommended Tsion Café by my parents and was surprised to see that it was in Harlem! I believe it is the only ethiopian restaurant in the area.

Tsion Café offers a unique take on the Ethiopian dining experience with fusion appetizers that I’ve never seen or had at other Ethiopian restaurants. The injera chips with hummus and fava bean dip, to name a few, were excellentz

The entrées here are also comprised of very unique offerings. The mushroom tibsi and pumpkin were phenomenal. I wish more ethiopian restaurants experimented with stuff like this. The traditional ethiopian entrées are were Tsion Café lacks compared to other spots like Bunna Café. While the food is up to par, serving sizes are small and each order only comes with one of each type whereas other places double up on the various types of bites.

Overall, I was surprised by Tsion Café. It stands out among New York’s other Ethiopian restaurants in location and its unique appetizer and entrée offerings. On top of all this, the host was very ready to answer our questions and was a joy to talk to after the meal. Although I may not come here for my next Ethiopian fix, no one should shy away from coming here if they are in the area and are looking to try something new.

I really enjoyed Tsion Cafe, everything was flavorful and tasty. This was some of the best injira I have ever had. Most things were not too spicy but for someone who is sensitive there are still options.

Dinner at Tsion Cafe was a beautiful fusion of Ethiopian and Israeli flavors in a cozy, welcoming space. The meal was perfect for sharing, with every dish bringing something vibrant and comforting to the table.

The Sambusas were crisp and savory, filled with warm spices and paired with a bright dipping sauce that added just the right zing. The Hummus with Silsi was creamy and rich, topped with a spiced tomato sauce that gave it depth and warmth, served alongside soft pita bread.

The Fik’re Lover’s Combo was a standout—a colorful platter of stews and vegetables over injera, each component offering unique spices and textures. It was a perfect introduction to Ethiopian cuisine, with lentils, greens, cabbage, and split peas all complementing one another beautifully.

The Duba Wot with Jollof Rice was hearty and full of flavor, with the sweetness of the pumpkin stew balanced by the spice in the rice. The Ful (fava beans) was earthy and satisfying, brightened by fresh diced vegetables and served with warm bread for scooping.

The Tel Aviv Quinoa Salad was light and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the richer dishes, with Mediterranean herbs and citrusy notes. The Shimbra Asa, a spicy chickpea stew, brought a lovely kick and deep flavor, perfect for fans of bold spices.

To end the meal, the Malawach with Silan—a flaky Yemeni flatbread drizzled with sweet date syrup—was delicate, comforting, and an unexpected treat. The Redd Foxx cocktails were strong, fruity, and a great match for the bold dishes.

Service was warm and attentive, and the space had a relaxed, intimate vibe that made the whole experience feel like a special gathering.

I don't eat much Ethiopian food, never the less vegetarian. But this was delicious! Our server was great at advising all the best dishes to try. We left full and feeling great. Flavorful and filling. The vibes are good and intimate. Definitely get the dessert!