Bati Ethiopian Kitchen — Restaurant in New York

As someone who doesn't eat animal products, it is a bit of a challenge to find restaurants at which I can eat. Ethiopian restaurants are good because they usually offer a good range of meat- and dairy-free options. I chose Bati because I live nearby and walk by the restaurant quite frequently and, more importantly, because it highlighted vegan options on its website. I tried booking a table on OpenTable for the same night. OpenTable indicated nothing was available. I called the restaurant and was told I'd likely find a table available. I gave them my name; when we arrived they had reserved a table. They were very friendly and accommodating. I hadn't been to an Ethiopian restaurant in a while and my guests had never been at one so the server took the time to explain the menu and give suggestions. The food was solid. I've had injera that was thicker and more sour tasting. I think I prefer that to Bati's thinner, less sour version but there was by no means something wrong with Bati's. The different entrees (served as part of a combination platter on the injera) were all good. The flavors didn't blow me away but they were all solid, with a couple being very good. Because of the good vegan options and because it is so close to home, I plan...

The Server Made the Difference!!!

I arrived at this particular restaurant expecting to eat some good Ethiopian food and to experience a nice environment. Having had very good experiences from other Ethiopian restaurants across the country- I did not think for a moment that I would experience anything less than what I’ve come to love about Ethiopian cuisine. In addition I excitedly brought my sister in-law to introduce her to Ethiopian food. Unfortunately we had a very disappointing experience, from the young woman, who appeared to be reluctantly performing her duties as a server. To the small portions and mildly seasoned food. Regardless of a lack luster experience I wanted to see the good in this restaurant, I was hoping that this was just a low performance day. I am not a perfectionist, people can have a bad day- that is ok. However; even towards the end of our dining experience the server demonstrated poor behavior and acted in poor taste- I decided that I would not return. I had to reassure my sister in-law that the “Bati Restaurant” was not demonstrative of dinning in an Ethiopian restaurant I did not want her turned-off from ever trying...

If I can describe this place and the quality of food…HORRENDOUS and a NIGHTMARE . When it comes to Ethiopian cuisine I know the authenticity of it. Due to trying many different restaurants. Firstly, the injera bread was cold, very thin and stale resembling like crepes. Yikes! The meat dishes was mainly dried up stew- barley no meat. Upon receiving my order I asked politely our server/manger “HIBIST LEGESSE” about my concern. She was extremely passive aggressive and dismissive about it, and was pointing her fingers directly on my food saying” look its right there, the meat” . Unbelievable, Unsanitary and No Respect. Lastly, when it came to my bill of charge , she had the audacity to walk up to my table during a conversation. She said “ why this is $0 in the tip section” “ how was the service, huh “ . Basically asking us about a tip she didn’t deserve. I was shocked. Ms. Legesse take this as lesson , when you provide great-friendly service to your customers and , that’s when you receive a tip. But instead you was the opposite of that. Never in my life I experience this treatment . Overall , please stay away from this “ Ethiopian...