Makina Eritrean-Ethiopian Eatery

Just tried the newly opened Makina in Sunnyside and wow!! It did not disappoint. I’ve been a long time fan of their food truck, so I was beyond excited to finally visit the restaurant, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The space is stunning—elegant and sophisticated, yet still warm and cozy. You can tell a lot of time and thought went into the design and all the little details really elevated the space. The staff and owners were incredibly friendly and welcoming, and hearing them share the history of Ethiopia and Eritrea made the experience feel even more special and personal. The food was bold, vibrant, and full of flavor with just the right level of spice. The injera deserves a special shoutout - soft, fresh, and perfect for scooping up every bite. Standout dishes for us were the

had a wonderful experience at Makina. This was my first time trying Ethiopian food, and I will definitely be back. Thank you so much to the staff and the wonderful chefs. Special thank you to Chef Justin and the hostesses, Asia/Asya, for such an amazing experience. The cocktail menu is very well thought out. Food ordered: berbere spiced prawns, asa tsebhi (hake fish served on injera), keysir salata (collard greens), and tiramisu. Starting with the prawns: they were extremely flavorful and perfectly tender. Served over an aioli, they honestly left me wanting more. The hake fish was served in bite-sized cubes. I believe it was grilled and paired with peppers and onions. The fish was very tender and not overcooked at all. It was served on injera to soak up the sauce, with additional inje

Tried Makina in Sunnyside and overall the food was very good. The injera bruschetta was super creative and really flavorful great balance of warm spices with a nice touch of acidity, and the fried injera chips were a smart idea. My only complaint is the portion ratio: they gave very few chips compared to the amount of bruschetta, so I had no choice but to order a whole extra side for $4.50, which felt unnecessary. The prawns were excellent nice amount of fat and smokiness, cooked really well. Everything else we tried tasted fresh and full of flavor. Definitely a unique and tasty spot, just wish the appetizer portions were better balanced.

honestly just found my new favorite spot. if you live in nyc you know it’s rare to find something that actually feels new, but this place is doing a mix of ethiopian and eritrean food with italian influences because of the history. I haven't seen this anywhere else. the flavors are really bold and most dishes have a bit of a spicy kick, though it’s definitely manageable and not overwhelming. the kale and beet salad was great and the mushroom dulet is a must order. if you want a heavy main dish the doro wot or the lamb are both solid, super hearty. also the tiramisu is actually one of the best i’ve had in awhile. eating with your hands is the traditional way to go, but don't worry, utensils are definitely available if you’re not feeling it! lol the interior is also worth mentioning becau

Visited Makina, this new Ethiopian restaurant in Sunnyside on just their 4th day after opening, and it was absolutely worth the wait. I’ve been looking forward to this place, and it did not disappoint. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and although we waited about 10 minutes, we ended up with a great spot and even got to chat with the owner during the wait — a lovely personal touch. The food was fantastic. Everything is served with injera as the base, as it should be, and every dish we tried was delicious. A strong recommendation for the mushroom dulet appetizer — truly standout. From the thoughtful details like the expanding hand towels (just add warm water!) to the curated cocktails, wine and a beautifully done fish entrée, everything felt well thought out and flavorful. So happy Su