The Restaurant
Open · Dine In46-11 Skillman AveSunnyside, NY 11104
Sat–Sun 12PM–10PM
Our full-service flagship and the complete Makina experience.

Born from three cultures. Cooked for one city. Rooted in Queens, served across New York.

At Makina, we believe that the best way to experience the Culture is to pull up a chair and share a meal. We are a woman-owned hospitality family dedicated to bringing the soulful, vibrant flavors of Eritrea and Ethiopia to the heart of New York City. By blending time-honored traditions with a modern touch, we've created a space where everyone is welcome to discover the beauty of East African heritage.
Driven by a passion for her roots and a vision for the future, Eden launched Makina Café in 2017. With an MBA in Marketing, she combined her business expertise with the palette of flavors she grew up with — Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Italian. As the first Eritrean-American woman to run a food truck in NYC, she named the company "Makina" — the word for "truck" across all three cultures — to celebrate the journey of her heritage. Today, she leads Makina with a focus on community, mentorship, and heartfelt hospitality.
Our mission is simple: to expand the reach of "Habesha" culture — the shared spirit of the Eritrean and Ethiopian people. We are proud to be a bridge between generations, offering modern takes on classics that honor our history while inviting a new world of food lovers to the conversation. From features in Bon Appétit and VICE to the smiles we see across the table every night — we invite you to join us.
Eight years. One woman's vision. Four concepts — and still growing.

Four concepts, one family. Each Makina experience is rooted in the same Habesha traditions — choose the one that fits your moment.
Our full-service flagship and the complete Makina experience.
Habesha bowls and a beer garden under the trees.
The yellow truck that started it all in 2017.
A spread custom-built for your event, guests, and vision.
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.
Response within 24 hours · info@makinacafenyc.com
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Follow @makinacafeFrom 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
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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.
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.
Send Your Application →Reserve your seat at Makina Restaurant in Sunnyside, Queens — where every meal is a celebration of community and culture.