Tsion Cafe Introduce
Welcome to Tsion Cafe, a true cultural and culinary haven nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York. More than just a restaurant, Tsion Cafe offers a deeply immersive experience that combines the rich traditions of Ethiopian and East African cuisine with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Since its opening, this establishment has become a beloved fixture in the local community and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Africa in the city. As a Black-owned and women-owned business, Tsion Cafe is a testament to passion and dedication, creating a space where everyone feels welcome and the food tells a story of heritage and flavor.
The menu at Tsion Cafe is a celebration of flavor and tradition, with a wide array of options designed to satisfy every palate. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast of Ethiopian food or new to the cuisine, you'll find something to love. Start your meal with a unique appetizer like the crispy Injera Chips or a savory Sambusa. The menu is particularly rich in plant-based options, making it a paradise for vegans and vegetarians. Signature entrees include the Tsion Platter and the Axum Platter, which offer a delightful medley of different dishes, perfect for sharing. For those who appreciate comfort food, the Mushroom Tibs and the Fik're (Lover's Combo) are exceptional choices.
One of the standout features of Tsion Cafe is its commitment to providing delicious and healthy food. Options like the Tel-Aviv Quinoa Salad and the various 'Bowls,' such as the Mama Africa Bowl and Addis Harlem Bowl, are packed with fresh, organic ingredients. The restaurant also offers a great selection of sides, from classic Injera and Gluten-Free Injera to Jollof Rice. To finish your meal, be sure to try the traditional Malawach dessert, a flaky, layered bread that is a true treat.
The dining experience is enhanced by the restaurant's commitment to quality. Diners consistently rave about the flavorful and filling food, noting that even those new to Ethiopian cuisine find it delicious. The injera, a staple of Ethiopian dining, is often praised as some of the best in the city. The service is fast and friendly, with staff who are happy to guide you through the menu and recommend the best dishes. This combination of exceptional food and excellent service ensures that every visit to Tsion Cafe is memorable.
In addition to its everyday menu, Tsion Cafe also offers a special Sunday Brunch menu, featuring unique items like Injera Rolls and Plantain Sliders, alongside classics such as Fir-Fir and Ful. This makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely weekend meal with family or friends. The restaurant also provides a variety of beverages, including great coffee, a superb tea selection, and a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and happy hour specials. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with the diverse food and drink offerings, makes Tsion Cafe a perfect spot for any occasion, from a solo lunch to a romantic dinner or a large group gathering.
The atmosphere at Tsion Cafe is what truly sets it apart. The space is a perfect blend of casual, cozy, and romantic, making it suitable for a variety of occasions. The interior is thoughtfully designed, creating an intimate and warm environment that feels like a comfortable retreat from the busy city streets. Live music is a regular highlight, adding to the trendy and vibrant vibe, and providing a perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening. The restaurant is also known for being a safe and welcoming space for all, including the LGBTQ+ community and families. The presence of amenities like a bar, Wi-Fi, and gender-neutral restrooms further enhance the comfort and convenience for all guests.
The restaurant also excels in its service options, understanding the diverse needs of its New York clientele. Whether you prefer to dine in and enjoy the unique ambiance, grab takeout for a quick meal at home, or have your food delivered right to your door with no-contact delivery, Tsion Cafe has you covered. For those who enjoy dining al fresco, outdoor seating is available. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which is a great option for planning ahead, especially for larger groups. The payment options are convenient and modern, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Tsion Cafe is conveniently located at 763 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA. Situated in the vibrant Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, it's easily accessible by public transportation and car. The location provides a great opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the area before or after your meal. Free street parking is available, which is a significant convenience in a city where parking can be a challenge. The restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, thanks to its prime location and welcoming atmosphere.
The area is known for its beautiful architecture and lively community, making the journey to Tsion Cafe part of the overall experience. The restaurant's accessibility and location in a friendly, bustling neighborhood make it an ideal choice for anyone in the New York metropolitan area looking to enjoy a fantastic meal.
The restaurant also provides amenities to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests. The restrooms are clean and well-maintained, and high chairs are available for those dining with children. The casual and friendly atmosphere means it's a great spot for the whole family, and the attentive staff are always ready to assist with any needs.
With its blend of delicious food, a unique atmosphere, and excellent service, Tsion Cafe is more than just a place to eat—it's a destination. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, looking for a cozy spot for a date, or simply craving some authentic and healthy food, Tsion Cafe delivers on all fronts.
---- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Accepts reservations
- Fast service
- Great coffee and tea selection
- Live music
- Wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options
- Black-owned and women-owned
- Cozy, romantic, and trendy atmosphere
- Family-friendly and great for groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace
- Happy hour drinks
- Wi-Fi and gender-neutral restrooms available
Address: 763 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
Phone: (212) 234-2070
---Choosing Tsion Cafe is an easy decision for anyone in New York looking for an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to authentic, flavorful Ethiopian and East African cuisine is evident in every dish, from the savory Sambusa to the hearty Tsion Platter. The menu is not only delicious but also caters to a wide range of dietary needs, with an impressive selection of vegan, vegetarian, and organic options. The injera is consistently praised as some of the best available, and the diverse offerings ensure there's something for everyone, whether you're craving a quick bite or a full, multi-course meal. The unique Sunday Brunch menu and the full bar with happy hour specials add to the appeal.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Tsion Cafe is a major reason to visit. The cozy, romantic, and inviting space, complemented by live music, creates a memorable backdrop for any occasion. It’s a place where you can relax, connect with others, and enjoy great food in a vibrant setting. The service is consistently fast and friendly, with a staff that is knowledgeable and passionate about the cuisine. As a Black-owned and women-owned establishment, it’s a business you can feel good about supporting, knowing you are contributing to a place that values community and inclusivity. For its unique blend of culinary excellence, warm ambiance, and welcoming spirit, Tsion Cafe is a standout choice in the New York dining scene.
Tsion Cafe Food & drink
Appetizers
- Injera Chips $13.00
w/ Kik alicha (yellow split-pea) dip
- Sambusa $9.00
(2) Lentil or Collard Greens
- Ful $18.00
Crushed fava beans with tomatoes, peppers, onions. Served with pita
- Plantini $13.00
Crispy green plantains, served with shirt (ground chickpea) dip
- Hummus with Silsi $16.00
Served with injera chips
Salads
- Tel-Aviv Quinoa Salad $21.00
Organic greens, quinoa, injera chips, cucumber
- Sugar Hill Salad $21.00
Organic mixed greens, braised beets, red lentils, yellow split peas, injera chips
Entrees
- Tsion Platter $25.00
Shiro (ground chickpea), atakilt (cabbage with potatoes and carrots), qey sir (braised beets), mild lentils, and organic mixed greens served on injera
- Axum Platter $25.00
Kik (yellow split pea), gomen (collard greens), dinish (cabbage), messer (red lentils), and organic mixed greens on injera
- Mushroom Tibs $25.00
Portobello mushroom, jalapenos, awaze, injera, side of your choice
- Fik're (Lover's Combo) $49.00
Kik (yellow split pea), shiro (ground chickpea), gomen (collard greens), and mild lentils served on injera: made to share!
- Shimbra Asa Wot $27.00
Spicy chickpea stew, injera, and a side of your choice
- Oyster Mushroom Wot $28.00
Spicy, slow simmered mushroom stew, injera, and a side of your choice
Bowls
- Adwa Bowl $23.00
Pumpkin, sweet potato, jollof rice, plantains, and green tahini sauce
- Mama Africa Bowl $23.00
Black-eyed peas cooked in coconut milk, beets, plantains, and jollof rice
- Addis Harlem Bowl $23.00
Portobello mushrooms, dinish (cabbage), plantains, and quinoa
- Ras Hagos (Joy) Bowl $23.00
Mild okra stew, cabbage, plantains, jollof rice, and green tahini sauce
Vegetable Sides
- Atakilt (Large) $15.00
Sauteed cabbage with spiced potatoes and carrots
- Gomen (Large) $15.00
Braised collard greens
- Messer (Large) $15.00
Stewed red lentils
- Shiro (Large) $15.00
Ground chickpeas
- Kik Alicha (Large) $15.00
Yellow split pea stew
- Atakilt (Small) $5.00
Sauteed cabbage with spiced potatoes and carrots
- Gomen (Small) $5.00
Braised collard greens
- Messer (Small) $5.00
Stewed red lentils
- Shiro (Small) $5.00
Ground chickpeas
- Kik Alicha (Small) $5.00
Yellow split pea stew
Sides
- Quinoa $10.00
- Jollof Rice $10.00
- Gluten Free Injera $6.00
- Injera $3.00
- Pita $2.00
Desserts
- Malawach $12.00
Flakey Yemeni pastry, date syrup, coconut flakes
- Halva $8.00
Sesame seed and cocoa
Sunday Brunch Appetizers
- Injera Rolls $16.00
Injera with red lentils
- Sambusa $9.00
(2) Lentil
- Plantain Sliders $18.00
Pan-fried green plantains with mushroom and cabbage, on a bed of micro greens
- Hummus with Silsi $16.00
Served with injera chips
Sunday Brunch Entrees
- Malawach $18.00
Mediterranean pancake with a chopped organic salad
- Fir-Fir $18.00
Ripped injera soaked in spicy berbere sauce with vegetables, served on injera
- Mushroom Tibs $25.00
Portobello mushroom, jalapenos, awaze, injera, side of your choice
- Mama Africa Bowl $23.00
Black-eyed peas cooked in coconut milk, beets, plantains, and jollof rice
- Addis Harlem Bowl $23.00
Portobello mushrooms, dinish (cabbage), plantains, and quinoa
- Adwa Bowl $23.00
Pumpkin, sweet potato, jollof rice, plantains, with green tahini sauce
- LemLem Pasta $18.00
Rigatoni pasta with pesto sauce
- Ful $18.00
Crushed fava beans with tomatoes, peppers, onions. Served with pita
- Tsion Platter $25.00
Shiro (ground chickpea), atakilt (cabbage with potatoes and carrots), qey sir (braised beets), mild lentils, and organic mixed greens served on injera
- Axum Platter $25.00
Kik (yellow split pea), gomen (collard greens), dinish (cabbage), messer (red lentils), and organic mixed greens on injera
Tsion Cafe Details
From the business
- Identifies as Black-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great coffee
- Great tea selection
- Live music
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
Tsion Cafe Photos










Tsion Cafe Location
Tsion Cafe
763 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
Tsion Cafe Reviews
patiobrunchethiopian jewish cuisinedessertphotoartistscocktailskoshermushroomsalmon
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I 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!
April 08 · SK collinsI 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.
June 07 · Yehuda KirschenbaumI 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 excellentzThe 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.
July 12 · Itai EpsteinDinner 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.
May 29 · Sarah SafeerI ate at Tsion Cafe this past weekend and it was delicious! By far some of the best Ethiopian food I've had! The waitress was so kind and helped my parents, who are less familiar with Ethiopian, make a decision on their platter. Everything tasted so good and I hope to come back soon with friends!The weather was super nice so we sat on the gorgeous back patio space!
August 05 · Eden Anolick
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