Bati

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 Ethiopian food again.

Very disappointing. Not worth the eighty dollars. The chicken dish consisted of one small chicken leg in a sauce with a hard boiled egg. All dishes consisted of a smear of gravy with invisible meat portions. I've been to numerous ethopian restaurants and this one was the worst.

As a consistent Ethiopian food eater, I was disappointed by this restaurant. They compromised Ethiopian food culture to accommodate or rather benefit from the posh neighborhood and surrounding restaurants who serve very small servings. Which is okay but not for Ethiopian food. The serving of the dishes are as important as the spices and the meats. It totally ruined my experience to get a decorative small serving and all too much injera.

DON'T go to this restaurant go to the one in Harlem. They respect the culture and honor the African culture and cuisine.

The second Ethiopian place I've ever been to but definitely the best. Great atmosphere, music, service and of course the food!

Late posting. I tried this place for the first time back in April 2015. Enjoyed the food and atmosphere very much. Would go again.