The only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant in NYC is turning into a cultural event space

Citing the antisemitic backlash the restaurant faced during the war in Gaza, Beejhy Barhany, owner of the kosher Tsion Cafe in Harlem—the only Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant in NYC—has announced that it is shutting down regular dining service, opting instead for a new model focused on immersive experiences. According to the New York Jewish Week, “that means no walk-ins, only group bookings made in advance.”

“Tsion Cafe is evolving,” reads an Instagram post from the restaurant. “We’re stepping beyond traditional dining into an immersive cultural experience. No more daily walk-ins—now, we’re creating intimate, transformative group gatherings that celebrate Ethiopian heritage, connection, and storytelling.” In the post, the new cultural space also notes additional offerings, from catering and to-go packages to hosting “intimate cultural gatherings.”

Speaking with the New York Jewish Week, Barhany addressed the animosity she says she has faced, particularly after deciding in February 2024 to stop serving meat and become fully vegan and kosher.

“I was proud to be Jewish. I wanted to illuminate that,” she told the outlet. “But from the moment we pivoted to be kosher, it became worse and worse.”

So, what will the new model actually look like? Would-be diners will be served traditional Ethiopian foods and asked to partake in culturally significant rituals, like hand washing and coffee ceremonies. In the future, the space might start hosting events that highlight other Jewish communities around the world.