Bonna Annee is a hidden Ethiopian gem tucked away behind Salam Street in the Tourist Club Area (Al Zahiyah) of Abu Dhabi. The restaurant opened its doors to share real Ethiopian food with locals and visitors.

Key highlights:
- Authentic Ethiopian cuisine in the heart of Abu Dhabi
- Famous for their Beyaynetu and Special Tibs dishes
- Friendly staff that makes you feel like family

OVERVIEW

Bonna Annee has become super popular with both Ethiopian people living in Abu Dhabi and food lovers looking for something different. Many reviews call it the best Ethiopian restaurant in the city. The name "Bonna Annee" means something good in Ethiopian language. And that's exactly what they deliver.

AMBIENCE

Don't expect fancy stuff here. The place is small and cozy with simple seating and cute African lamps hanging from the ceiling. It feels like eating at someone's home rather than a restaurant. There's only about 8-9 tables inside. The walls are plain but the vibe is warm. Most times the place is full of Ethiopian customers, which is always a good sign. You might have to wait for a table on busy nights. The restaurant is usually packed with people enjoying their food and talking loudly. The simple setting lets the food be the star of the show. No distractions, just good eating.

MUST-TRY

The Bonna Annee Special is what everyone talks about. It's a huge platter with different stews and sides served on a giant injera bread. Beyaynetu is another must-try dish, especially if you're vegetarian or vegan. It comes with multiple vegetable and lentil curries arranged colorfully on injera. Special Tibs (stir-fried beef strips with peppers) gets lots of praise from meat lovers. The meat is tender and full of flavor. Doro Wat, a spiced chicken stew, is perfect if you like a bit of heat in your food. It's rich and thick with just the right amount of spice. Don't leave without trying their Ethiopian coffee. It comes with popcorn on the side, which is a traditional way to serve it.

FOOD

Ethiopian food at Bonna Annee is meant for sharing. Everything comes on injera, a sour, spongy flatbread that looks like a giant pancake. You eat with your hands here. Tear off a piece of injera and use it to scoop up the stews and other dishes. The injera has a tangy taste similar to sourdough. Some people compare it to South Indian dosa or Kerala appam. Their vegetarian options are amazing. The lentil dishes and spiced vegetables burst with flavor without being too hot. Meat dishes feature beef, lamb,and some chicken. They cook the meat with Ethiopian spices and butter that give it a unique taste. The portions are huge. One Bonna Annee Special can easily feed 3-4 people. Colors pop on your plate. Red lentils, yellow split peas, green collards, purple beets, and brown meat stews create a rainbow of food. Nothing is too oily or too spicy. The kitchen knows how to balance flavors perfectly.

SERVICE

The staff at Bonna Annee treats you like family. They greet everyone with big smiles. If you're new to Ethiopian food, they'll help explain the menu and suggest dishes based on what you like. Super helpful. Service is quick even when they're busy. Food comes out hot and fresh. The waiters check on you just enough without being annoying. They seem happy you're there trying their food. Many reviews mention how the staff remembers regular customers. That's pretty cool. They only accept cash, so remember to bring some with you. No cards here.

PRICING

Bonna Annee won't empty your wallet. Prices are super reasonable, especially for the amount of food you get. A meal for two people costs around 70 AED (about $19 USD). That's crazy cheap for Abu Dhabi. The Bonna Annee Special, which feeds several people, is priced fairly. You get a ton of food for what you pay. Individual dishes average about 35 AED. That's less than $10 for a full meal. Their Ethiopian coffee is worth every dirham. It's strong and comes with complimentary popcorn. For the quality and quantity of food, this place offers amazing value. No wonder it's always packed.

SUMMARY

Bonna Annee brings a taste of Ethiopia to Abu Dhabi without any fuss. The food speaks for itself. It's the kind of place locals keep secret because they don't want it to get too crowded. Too late for that. If you want to try something different from the usual fancy restaurants in Abu Dhabi, this is your spot. Real food, real people. The experience of eating with your hands and sharing food from one big plate makes dining here special. It brings people together. Go with friends so you can try more dishes. Or make new friends while you're there. Just don't wear your best white shirt. Eating with hands can get messy, but that's part of the fun.

FAQs

Is Bonna Annee suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes! They have many vegetarian and vegan options. The Yesom Beyaynetu is completely vegan and includes lentils, spinach,chickpeas, vegetable stew, and cabbage served on injera bread.

Do I need to make a reservation at Bonna Annee?
Reservations aren't mentioned in reviews, but the restaurant is small and often gets crowded, especially on weekends. It might be worth calling ahead if you're going with a group.

What are the opening hours of Bonna Annee?
Bonna Annee is open Sunday through Monday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). They serve both lunch and dinner throughout the day.