"Honestly the star of my whole meal was the lentil samosas. The flavor was so on point and the dough was amazing. The sauce too!! I wish I could say the same about my main, which was the vegetarian peanut stew and injera. The injera was great, but the stew needed some acid (lime?) and salt. It was on the bland side but I still ate it all. The cake was fine but I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to order it again. I would come back for all the appetizers though!"

"I don’t think I have ever written a review so quickly after experiencing a new restaurant. Today, September 28, 2025; my partner and I decided to try out Buraka after shopping at Cycle Gear—which I highly recommend for motorcyclists. We both have consumed Ethiopian food during our time in Seattle, but never in Madison, WI. My partner ordered a Combination Dinner with Begwot, Dorowot and Injera; and I ordered a Combination Dinner with Alicha, Misirwot, and Injera. Both meals came with a cold, bland, and flavorless lentil salad. If you’re curious on learning more about our regret, please continue reading. Flavor and Texture Begwot (1) - Wasn’t bland, didn’t have a distinct flavor, but the meat wasn’t chewy. Decent amount of lamb. Dorowot (2) - There were probably two pieces of chicken for the total dish, which was three tablespoons of Dorowot. Wasn’t spicy at all, maybe a hint of spice. Alicha (3) - “A rich stew” is what I would use to describe chili. There was no sauce and the potatoes were barely cooked. The flavor was extremely mild. I was given one baby potato for the entire three and-a-half tablespoons worth of this dish. Misirwot (4)- The Misirwot is advertised as a “Vegetarian dish .” However, upon opening the to-go box, it looked and smelled like sloppy joes. My partner, who eats meat, said it tastes like ground beef. The dish’s description says: “[L]entils, split peas and potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce.” I gave this dish to him to eat, as I do not eat meat. This was extremely disappointing, as I hope this was a simple mistake and not intentional false advertisement. There was no spice. Injera - The edges were drier than the ends of my hair in the heart of a Wisconsin winter. Dry, brittle, and probably bland. The moving inward, the Injera was moist but had a bitter taste to it as well. Overall $46.42 for essentially two meals and two wimpy lentil salads. The portions were a joke for a combo meal; and this coming from a petite person. I would never return, as this is not authentic nor genuine cuisine. Please, if you crave Ethopian food and/or want to try it, trying making a dish from scratch. I promise you can cook a better meal on the first try with one hand tied behind your back, than what they serve here."

"The waiter was funny and engaging and amazing. The food was very authentic and you can tell the injera was properly fermented. If you like spice ask for the green sauce, it's amazing, just use a little though (big kick). I'm upset with myself for not trying that mango passion fruit cheesecake. I will definitely be back for that!"

"Came in with high expectations of atleast a decent meal. Got a serving size for "3 people" the came out to $80+ but was extremely disappointed and dissatisfied with the leftover scraps I was given. Barely fulfilling for one person Dry meat with poor taste. I have never seen or ate east african food with such disregard for the culture and flavor. Please spare yourself and choose a different location."

"Incredible food- I meant to take a picture of our platter but we gobbled it up too fast! Fish and chips were a great choice for my six year old. Plus we got to sit in a delightful outdoor sanctuary. What a gem in Madison!"