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Vegan
Buffet
Ethiopian
Ethiopian food. Daytime buffet features 4-5 dishes plus injeera bread and soup and is available til 4pm. Dinner is a la carte menu. Free Wi-Fi. Black-owned. Open Mon-Fri 11:00am-2:00pm, Wed-Sat 5:00pm-8:00pm.
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288 Monroe Ave (at Alexander), Rochester, New York, USA, 14607
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Last update on 16 Nov 2023 by GwenLionhart
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Added by sashwap on 01 Dec 2008
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49 Reviews
First Review by sashwap
gwild
Points +1610
delicious and affordable - Edit
Outstanding
Read moreWe started with coconut milk chai tea with agave. It was wonderful on a cold rainy day.
Each dish cost $4 and it was suggested we order 2 or 3 dishes per person.
Everything was served with injera, an Ethiopian sourdough flatbread made with teff and barley.
We had Lentil stew, risotto with caramelized onions Brussel sprouts and cashew cheese, pizza with shiitakes baby spinach and roasted garlic, salad with arugula and spinach, and Gnocchi with roasted cauliflower.
The only item I didn't like (but my husband did) was the Bhaji. It was broccoli dipped in a chick pea batter and fried.
For dessert my kids had the chocolate carmel Ice cream with coconut milk maple and agave. It was a huge hit.
Each member of my family picked a different item as our favorite. We all agreed we love the food and will certainly be returning.
The service was quick and our server was very friendly.
When we first arrived we almost didn't go in as the place looked a bit sketchy. I am sure glad we did.
Pros: delicious , affordable, Quick service
Cons: Needs redecorating
Guest
droffman
Points +49
One of my local favorites - Edit
I have never been disappointed here. Solomon and Nick are always warm and welcoming. They know our family and greet us like we are old friends.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-04-04
Guest
AngelinaBell
Points +38
Delicious!!! - Edit
Wonderful to have a fully vegan restaurant. The food was incredible. I ordered the greens, lentils, gnocchi and broccoli fritters. And the chocolate cake. We are moving to Rochester partly for the vegan scene. We have tried about a dozen restaurants. This is my absolute favorite. Very nice owner.
Read morePros: Fully vegan, Delicious unique food made with love, Very nice service
Cons: Parking was a bit wonky
Guest
RichBeBe
Points +810
So Bland - Edit
I debated between one and two stars and went with two because the owner or maybe the manager was very nice.
Read moreThey advertise a buffet and pay bu the pound for lunch. I went in, and he said it was a buffet and that I would bring it out to you. He listed what they had. I was not sure what to expect, but some kind of thing where I picked out what I wanted and put it on my plate.
Nope I got a plate of slop with everything they had. It was flavorless (the first time I ever had flavorless Ethiopian), and everything was watery. I asked for injera, and he brought some cut-up pieces that were dry. Everything was so soupy I could not use the injera to pick it up.
I did not weigh it, but I was charged for two pounds, and I won't be back.
Updated from previous review on 2024-12-04
Cons: Not a buffet, Flavorless
Guest
BESA
Points +87
Excellent food! - Edit
I have not tried the Ethiopian lunches yet, but I’ve eaten dinner, which has a more international menu, many times over the years. The food is always excellent! I like that they serve small plates, so you don’t have the dilemma of having to choose between 3 things you really like—you can have all 3! The prices are very reasonable, too.
Read moreThe food is not just very good, it’s distinctive. Some restaurants are good, but the dishes are pretty much like those I can make for myself. Not so for Natural Oasis—the seasonings and sauces, the combinations of flavors, are wonderful. Love the gnocchi, lentils, salad, everything I’ve tried! My only complaint about the food is that they tend to use a bit more salt than I’d like.
My one hesitation in coming here is dealing with the parking. The lot is very small and difficult for maneuvering in and out of spaces. Unfortunately, there is not much street parking nearby. It’s worth that inconvenience, however, to have a truly wonderful meal.
Updated from previous review on 2024-03-10
Pros: Excellent food!, Good prices, Cozy, pleasant atmosphere
Cons: Would prefer a bit less salt in some of the dishes, Parking is difficult
Guest
DrDirk
Points +21
Best Vegan Restaurant in Rochester - Edit
There are many great restaurants in Rochester, but this is the main place that makes food that I crave. Their food is consistently phenomenal and some of the best I’ve ever had. The gnocchi, vegetable, stew, sweet potato soup special, and chai are my favorites. I go almost weekly
Read moreGuest
Taylorvegan
Points +93
Nice service, great food! - Edit
Came on a visit to Rochester and natural oasis was the first place we visited! We have tried to find an Ethiopian place nearly as good near us but have failed. We went for their lunch, which is predictable and tasty. They now prepare it in the back and charge by the pound (different from the last time I visited 5 years ago). But the food is the same, very tasty. I wish I could make my collards even remotely as well as they do. The owner is very nice, and even offered to wash my daughters silicone plate and bib since I mentioned we were traveling. Wish we could have gone for dinner too, since that menu is great. Visit, you won’t regret!
Read morePros: Flavors, Very well cooked food, Cost
Cons: Lunch is no longer an all you can eat buffet
Guest
TessaFarley
Points +104
Favorite Restaurant in Rochester! - Edit
Hands down favorite amongst our household, as well as every friend and family member we bring! Every single item is delicious and fresh. As long as they’re open they have a customer with me.
Read morePros: Tapas style, Extremely affordable ($5/plate), Welcoming staff and atmosphere
Cons: None!
Guest
JudeAnne
Points +26
City vegan oasis - Edit
Close by, affordable, delicious vegan food
Read morePros: All vegan, Great price, Great service
Guest
supabush
Points +1111
Incredible food! - Edit
I went here with some friends and it was so amazing! The chai was so delicious, and the a la carte menu items are all priced at just $5. I got three items, which left me full and satisfied, I even had some leftovers to take home! Everything was so good! I can't wait to go back to try more!
Read morePros: All vegan!, Great service, Cheap prices
Guest
lotesote
Points +22
SO DELICIOUS - Edit
I loved the food, it was very filling and flavorful, im so excited to go back and try their dinner menu. #Veganuary
Read morePros: great prices, very flavorful
Guest
beccap
Points +818
Incredibly flavorful - Edit
First time trying this cuisine and it did not disappoint! Food was flavorful. The yellow lentils were amazing. Much bigger inside that what it looks from the outside. Absolutely worth visiting!
Read moreGuest
OscarZetaAcosta
Points +58
A Rochester vegan institution - Edit
Natural Oasis has been around for a very long time. It’s longevity speaks to its quality and favor among Rochester vegans and non vegans alike. I love this place.
Read moreGuest
KadiHarmon
Points +10006
Delectable! - Edit
I love Natural Oasis! They were instrumental at the beginning of my vegan journey which began when I lived in Rochester. The buffet is amazing and I love the small plates for dinner. I will always visit when I’m back in town!
Read moreGuest
VeganFred
Points +91
Great for the soul; Great for the spirit; Great for the taste buds - Edit
Fabulous tasting foods. Owners are the cooks and servers. Peaceful, welcoming atmosphere. My every visit has fed my body and soul. Great food that is good for the body.
Read morePros: Delicious food, Great atmosphere , Feeds the entire person
Cons: Small parking lot
Guest
NativeVegan
Points +24
Delicious - Edit
Lots of delicious flavors in a casual atmosphere. The gnocchi was particularly creative. I will be back and I highly recommend!
Read moreGuest
LishMCC
Points +640
Delicious Food! - Edit
I agree with other reviewers that the food has a lot of oil. The food is very flavorful and it is yummy. The food is tapa style for dinner and it was $5 per item.
Read morePros: Delicious Food!, Good prices for dinner
Cons: Limited parking
Guest
JohnDonald
Points +13
Too much oil - Edit
Amazing food. Just too much oil. Not good for those with heart disease and diabetes. Wish I could eat here but can not have such food. Those without these and other health issue enjoy the food.
Read morePros: Food taste great, Chief and owner very fine people., Relaxing atmosphere.
Cons: Too much oil in food.
Guest
KitMcGrath
Points +270
Excellent food for a good price - Edit
I love Ethiopian food, and this is the best place to have it if you’re just trying it out or can’t afford the standard servings prices.
Read morePros: Buffet-style, Quiet
Guest
kgriffy
Points +27
Everything was AMAZING! - Edit
Ordered the whole dinner menu, everything was so flavorful and delicious! Great service, no corkage fee, a must try!
Read morePros: All vegan, Soooo good, Inexpensive
Guest
Sisi.vibes
Points +164
My fav vegan restaurant in Rochester, NY - Edit
Fulfilled with flavor and textures every single time!
Read morePros: All vegan , Every dish is $4, Delicious
Cons: N/A
Guest
RachelIngutti
Points +22
One of the best spots in Rochester - Edit
I have been to Natural Oasis many times and have never been disappointed. They generally offer a lunch buffet and also have the buffet on Monday nights. The buffet is AMAZING and usually why I go. On other nights, they have an a la carte small meals menu. It is so fun to go with a group of people and get everything on the menu (each item is $4-$6 making it super affordable). The owner and cook are so friendly and they make you feel at home immediately. Check it out for sure!
Read moreGuest
averyginsberg
Points +78
The Most Wholesome Restaurant in Rochester - Edit
Every dish is worth trying; you truly can’t mess up when ordering, and there’s always an option whether you are feeling indulgent or a bit lighter. Make sure to bring friends who are ready to share! Family owned, service was above and beyond, and the food was honest yet packed with flavor. Both the lunch buffet and dinner menu are way too affordable for what you get in return! One of the biggest reasons I will return to Rochester.
Read moreGuest
fruitiJulie
Points +3509
Dinner Is So Unique! - Edit
The lunch and dinner options are almost like eating at two very different restaurants. The lunch is a buffet with lots of vegetables like beets, string beans, and potatoes cooked in oils. This meal is very filling. The dinner is more of a tapas with many small plates and dishes to try. Each dish is about $3-4, For dinner, I would recommend ordering one of each dish, then seeing which ones you like best and ordering more your favorites. There are 'Ethiopian-Inspired' dishes, very unique options.
Read moreGuest
lizardlucas
Points +1299
Fantastic - Edit
It's always refreshing to be able to order anything off the menu, and Natural Oasis has an ever changing menu with an excellent amount of options. The a la carte menu is $4 for each dish, and I split four dishes (plus injera) and a dessert with a friend, and it was very filling! Amazing amount of food for the price. I've been vegan and in the Rochester area for five years and somehow last night was my first time here - it certainly won't be my last.
Read moreMy only complaint was that they were clearly understaffed last night - one person was serving the entire dining room, so service was slow and our waiter forgot part of our order. May have easily been an off night, though.
Pros: Good selection, Fantastic value, Great food
Cons: Can get busy
Guest
sapientia
Points +1376
Simply Good food - Edit
Old style vegan restaurant with simple furnishings and great food. Low sodium made this among the best Ethiopian food ever.
Read morePros: Quaint environment, Tasty lunch buffet
Cons: Injera was different
Guest
JulieNeild
Points +163
All-Vegan Ethiopian Buffet - Edit
We ate at the Oasis on Friday in the middle afternoon. We were the only patrons there when we first arrived so I wasn’t sure the food would still be fresh, but it was. There were eight dishes from which to choose plus injera. Everything was very tasty, but we most enjoyed the lentil dishes.
Read moreThe only downsides were that the injera wasn’t warm and the water dispenser was a very slow dispenser into small glasses.
The staff greeted us upon arrival and took our empty plates away during the meal. The cost for each person was $9.
Pros: All vegan options!, Nice-sized tables
Cons: Cold injera, Slow water dispenser and small glasses
Guest
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