Buna Ethiopian Restaurant & Market — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Buna Ethiopian Restaurant is an all-encompassing market/restaurant/coffee den/art gallery, cultural and culinary gem run by an amazing family. *See the definition for "good people".

Ethiopian coffee has been described as "a tonic for solitude and an elixir for human connection". The owners of this restaurant cultivate and celebrate Ethiopia's ancient traditions through food, art, music, and exceptional service. "Buna" is an elixir for human connection where local artists and musicians are showcased, ancient traditions are celebrated, community connections and kindness is encouraged here.

Buy an original artwork celebrating black history and culture. Pick up a bulk order of Ethiopian coffee for your Michelin star restaurant. Share a vegan feast with your family and friends. Stock up on frankincense, sage, African soap, Shea butter, seasoning, spices, grains, East African and Ethiopian artisan imported products and treasures.

Buy a book about Ethiopian coffee heritage and learn about the long lives of ancient Ethiopians thanks to a traditional Ethiopian diet and the rich history of Ethiopian food, coffee and people. Purchase a traditional coffee ceremony set to go with your Ethiopian coffee beans, or an injera bread cookware set to accompany your teff flour, herbs, spices and grains.

I was looking for something special when I came here and I found it.

On my first visit, I was invited by the owner and a kind customer to a complimentary cup of coffee during a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. On my second visit, I was given complimentary lessons about Ethiopian coffee history from the owner. On my third visit, I was offered a complimentary piece of cake to accompany my Ethiopian coffee ceremony and I got a chance to give a fellow customer a cup of traditional Ethiopian coffee thanks to "Eob" who told us both, "It's an ancient Ethiopian tradition to share." His words were echoed by smiles, poured coffee and happy conversations. Every visit here is sure to be special thanks to the family who makes sure if it.

Try the meat combo plate, a large platter of mildly spiced tender beef and lamb with mild vegetables, diced tomatoes and injera bread, it's delicious and large enough to share. Order the garlic trout, a whole fish cooked to perfection with six tasty and unique vegetables, tomato salad, lime and injera bread. This dish is a customer favorite, including mine.

The neighborhood surrounding this restaurant is filled with churches, synagogues and mosques, everyone is given a warm welcome at this restaurant. I love that.

Many thanks to Eob and his lovely family for the great food, coffee and service, priceless lessons and for bringing the neighborhood, community, and the world together.

My new favorite Ethiopian restaurant, for many reasons, Buna brings together art, music, food, traditions, culture, the community in the best way, for the best reasons. If "paying it forward", "good people", and buying stock in making the world a better place appeals to you, you're going to love...

We love this little Ethiopian restaurant and market. It is on Fairfax Blvd. near other Ethiopian places and it is most certainly a hidden gem for those that don't know this area well.

The place is super cute and has been around since about 2011. When you first walk in you will see the wonderful, but small market. They stock cultural gifts and have the best biscotti (rectangular biscuits with nuts originally from Italy), spices, incense, lentils, and many teas. The spices your need to make food at home they have.

If you don't want a meal they also have the best coffee. 'Buna,' means coffee in Ethiopian. Their coffee is amazing and not like anything you will find at Starbucks. Whether you are just there to shop or to dine you should try the coffee.

Now, the food is always our reason for going there. It is the best. You can get take away, I think they deliver as well, but we always like to eat there. The dinning area is not huge, but there is usually a spot.

We love the service there. The owner is sometimes there and all the servers, there are just a few, are the best. They know everything about the food and if this is your first time trying it, they are ever so helpful. You will love them.

Try their chicken. It is made with crushed fava beans and garnished with fresh onion, jalapeño pepper, sour cream, fresh tomato and served with the best French bread. We also love their firfir which is beef made with hot spiced beef stew tossed with ingera. The Zil Zil Tibese is also a favorite made with strips of tender beef sautéed with butter, onion, jalapeño pepper and wonderful spices.

Their salmon and beef stew are also great and there are a couple of ways to have that and it is made clear on the menu.

For dessert you will love their Baklava. Parking is on the street, mind the...

5/5 Stars! A Hidden Gem in Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles!

Tucked away in the heart of Little Ethiopia in Fairfax, Los Angeles, lies a culinary treasure that will delight your senses. Buna Restaurant is an absolute gem, and we're hooked!

From the moment you step inside, you'll be enveloped in the warm, welcoming atmosphere that owners Mr. Eyob and his lovely wife have so thoughtfully curated. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, teasing your senses and building anticipation for the feast to come.

And what a feast it is! The menu boasts an impressive array of traditional Ethiopian dishes, each expertly prepared and presented with love. The flavors are bold, the portions generous, and the prices incredibly reasonable.

But what truly sets Buna apart is the exceptional service. Mr. Eyob and his wife are the epitome of hospitality, treating every guest like family. They take the time to explain the menu, offer pairing suggestions, and share stories about the inspiration behind each dish.

Whether you're a seasoned foodie, an adventurous eater, or simply looking for a unique dining experience, Buna Restaurant is an absolute must-visit. So come for the incredible food, stay for the warm atmosphere, and return again and again for the unforgettable...