Pull up a chair. Share a meal. Experience the Culture.
We're a woman-owned hospitality family bringing the soulful flavors of Eritrea and Ethiopia to the heart of New York City — time-honored tradition with a modern touch, and a table where everyone is welcome.
Eden G. EgziabherFounder & CEO
Eden launched Makina in 2017, pairing an MBA in Marketing with the Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Italian flavors she grew up with. As the first Eritrean-American woman to run a food truck in NYC, she named it "Makina" — the word for "truck" across all three cultures — to honor her heritage. She leads with a focus on community, mentorship, and heartfelt hospitality.
Our mission is simple: to share "Habesha" culture — the spirit of the Eritrean and Ethiopian people — with modern takes on classics that honor our history. From Bon Appétit and VICE to the smiles across our table every night, we invite you to join us.
Our Journey
A New York story, served on injera
One founder, one truck, a lot of injera. Follow the road from 2017 to today.
2017
The OG Truck
Eden launched NYC's first Eritrean-American Habesha food truck - a red Makina Cafe truck with a short menu taped beside the window - introducing New Yorkers to the flavors of the Horn of Africa.
2018
Featured on GMA
Good Morning America and ABC News featured Eden in a story on the real cost of running a food truck in New York - including four parking tickets in a single day.
2018
New York Times
The New York Times featured Makina, praising the buoyant injera and the bold, layered flavors coming out of a truck window.
2019
The Hustle Joins
Makina's second truck, Hustle, joined the fleet. With two trucks on the road, Makina became a regular at Fort Greene Park, Rockefeller Center and Long Island City.
2020
LIC Kitchen Opens
Makina opened its own kitchen at 36-47 30th Street in Long Island City, bringing Habesha cooking to pickup and delivery across Queens.
2020
MWBE Certified
Makina became a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise, opening the door to government contract catering.
2021
Catering Launches
The catering program launched in earnest - corporate lunches, festivals and celebrations, with a roster that has included Google, Amazon, NYU, Goldman Sachs and HBO.
2022
And Just Like That...
Makina was featured in And Just Like That..., the Sex and the City sequel series.
2023
Queens Chamber
Eden was honored as one of the Queens Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Business Persons of the Year, celebrated at Terrace on the Park.
2023
Makina on the Island
After years of serving the Island seasonally, Makina became a permanent fixture - with a dedicated cafe and beloved beer garden on New York Harbor.
2024
Skillman Buildout
The buildout year at 46-11 Skillman Ave - permits, design and construction on what would become Makina's first full-service restaurant.
2025
The Flagship Opens
On December 12, Makina's flagship opened at 46-11 Skillman Ave in Sunnyside, Queens - full menu, drinks program, and Eden's hospitality philosophy at its center.
2026
The Eater 38
Makina was added to the Eater 38, Eater NY's list of the city's essential restaurants.
Next
The Story Continues
The Makina journey is far from over. Follow @makinacafe on Instagram to stay close to what Eden and the team are building next.
2017201820192020202120222023202420252026Next
The OG TruckFeatured on GMANew York TimesThe Hustle JoinsLIC Kitchen OpensMWBE CertifiedCatering LaunchesAnd Just Like That...Queens ChamberMakina on the IslandSkillman BuildoutThe Flagship OpensThe Eater 38The Story Continues
Hover a stop to learn more
2017
The OG Truck
Eden launched NYC's first Eritrean-American Habesha food truck - a red Makina Cafe truck with a short menu taped beside the window - introducing New Yorkers to the flavors of the Horn of Africa.
2018
Featured on GMA
Good Morning America and ABC News featured Eden in a story on the real cost of running a food truck in New York - including four parking tickets in a single day.
2018
New York Times
The New York Times featured Makina, praising the buoyant injera and the bold, layered flavors coming out of a truck window.
2019
The Hustle Joins
Makina's second truck, Hustle, joined the fleet. With two trucks on the road, Makina became a regular at Fort Greene Park, Rockefeller Center and Long Island City.
2020
LIC Kitchen Opens
Makina opened its own kitchen at 36-47 30th Street in Long Island City, bringing Habesha cooking to pickup and delivery across Queens.
2020
MWBE Certified
Makina became a certified Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise, opening the door to government contract catering.
2021
Catering Launches
The catering program launched in earnest - corporate lunches, festivals and celebrations, with a roster that has included Google, Amazon, NYU, Goldman Sachs and HBO.
2022
And Just Like That...
Makina was featured in And Just Like That..., the Sex and the City sequel series.
2023
Queens Chamber
Eden was honored as one of the Queens Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Business Persons of the Year, celebrated at Terrace on the Park.
2023
Makina on the Island
After years of serving the Island seasonally, Makina became a permanent fixture - with a dedicated cafe and beloved beer garden on New York Harbor.
2024
Skillman Buildout
The buildout year at 46-11 Skillman Ave - permits, design and construction on what would become Makina's first full-service restaurant.
2025
The Flagship Opens
On December 12, Makina's flagship opened at 46-11 Skillman Ave in Sunnyside, Queens - full menu, drinks program, and Eden's hospitality philosophy at its center.
2026
The Eater 38
Makina was added to the Eater 38, Eater NY's list of the city's essential restaurants.
Next
The Story Continues
The Makina journey is far from over. Follow @makinacafe on Instagram to stay close to what Eden and the team are building next.
Visit Makina
Where to find us
Four concepts, one family. Each Makina experience is rooted in the same Habesha traditions — choose the one that fits your moment.
Sunnyside, Queens
The Restaurant
Open · Dine In46-11 Skillman Ave Sunnyside, NY 11104(718) 451-8005
Tue–Fri 5PM–10PM Sat–Sun 12PM–10PM
Our full-service flagship and the complete Makina experience.
From corporate lunches to weddings, we bring the communal spirit of Habesha dining to any occasion. Our catering team works with you to create a menu that feels personal, abundant, and unforgettable.
From boardrooms to company celebrations, Makina has had the honor of feeding some of the city's most recognized names.
A selection of our corporate catering partners · Inquire below to bring Makina to your next event
All trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners.
Join Our Team
Build something meaningful with us
At Makina, we believe our team is the soul of every experience we create. We're looking for people who lead with warmth, take pride in their craft, and want to be part of something bigger than a shift. If that sounds like you — we'd love to hear from you.
We hire for hospitality, character, and curiosity. Experience in Eritrean or Ethiopian cuisine is a plus, but passion always comes first.
Get in Touch
General Application
All Locations · All Roles · Full-time & Part-time
We're always open to hearing from great people — whether you're front of house, back of house, events, or operations. Send us your story and tell us where you think you'd fit in the Makina family. We'll be in touch.
