Catering is now available
About Us

Sylvan Cafe History

We are here to listen to you and deliver excellence

Constructed in 1913, the Sylvan Theater may be the oldest purpose-built movie theater in Washington, DC. For over 100 years, it operated as an entertainment hub and community anchor in the Bloomingdale neighborhood of DC. Now, as the Ethiopian-run Sylvan Cafe, we offer a unique blend of Ethiopian cuisine, breakfast, bagels, and coffee. We pride ourselves on being a community-centered establishment that honors its rich history while delivering exceptional food and coffee experiences.

What Our Customers Are Saying

A few words from neighbors and regulars.

Rumesh V.

We are so glad to see this cafe do well in our neighborhood. I believe in cafes in every neighborhood. We walk our dog every morning and grab hot chocolate and coffee when we walk by this place. They have recently redid their interiors. Looks much spacious now and very welcoming. With my drinks, I often get their samosa or spinach puffs. It's so good. For lunch, my go to is their Ethiopian combo. They have 5 different veggies and recently added meat as well. Absolutely delicious! Depending on how busy they are, expect to wait for the Ethiopian entree. Worth it.

Grace C.

I had a great experience at Sylvan Cafe. The staff were friendly, helpful, and made me feel welcome. They were quick to assist and always had a smile on their faces. Overall, the service was excellent and made my visit enjoyable.

400+ customer reviews 4.4/5 average rating

Sylvan Cafe Catering Menu

Breakfast, lunch and authentic Ethiopian catering for office meetings, training sessions, schools, churches, resident gatherings, open houses and special occasions.

View Full Menu (PDF) Request a Quote
Small Serves 8–10
Medium Serves 15–20
Large Serves 25–30

Breakfast Packages

Bagels & Coffee

Assorted fresh bagels, plain and flavored cream cheese, butter and preserves, plus freshly brewed coffee with cups, cream, sugar and sweeteners.

Small $95 Medium $180 Large $260

Breakfast Sandwich Package

Individually wrapped egg-and-cheese sandwiches with assorted meat and vegetarian selections, plus freshly brewed coffee, cups, cream, sugar and sweeteners.

Small $145 Medium $275 Large $395

Add breakfast potatoes: Small $35 / Medium $65 / Large $90

Hot Breakfast Package

Scrambled eggs or assorted omelets, breakfast potatoes, bagels, cream cheese and butter, plus freshly brewed coffee.

Small $175 Medium $330 Large $475

Meat and vegetarian selections are available.

Lunch Packages

Sylvan Sandwich Platter

Assorted meat and vegetarian sandwiches, cut for sharing, with your choice of chips, pasta salad or garden salad, pickles, plates, napkins and utensils.

Small $175 Medium $335 Large $485

Individual Boxed Lunches

Each box includes one Sylvan lunch sandwich, chips or side salad, a cookie, napkin and utensils.

$18.50 per person

Minimum 8 lunches. Add a bottled beverage for $2.50 per person.

Ethiopian Catering

Vegetarian Ethiopian Feast

Four vegetable and lentil dishes, fresh injera, Ethiopian salad, plates, napkins and utensils. Vegan options are available.

Small $180 Medium $340 Large $495

Classic Ethiopian Meat & Vegetable Buffet

Two meat entrées, four vegetable and lentil dishes, fresh injera, Ethiopian salad, plates, napkins and utensils. Choose mild, spicy or a combination.

Small $230 Medium $440 Large $640

Entrée selections are confirmed when ordering.

Premium Ethiopian Celebration Buffet

Three meat entrées, five vegetable and lentil dishes, fresh injera, Ethiopian salad, sambusas, plates, napkins and utensils.

Small $290 Medium $550 Large $795

Sambusas, Beverages & Add-Ons

Sambusa Packages

Fresh lentil, vegetable or beef sambusas with dipping sauce.

  • Small: 20 sambusas — $70
  • Medium: 40 sambusas — $135
  • Large: 60 sambusas — $195

Assorted fillings may be requested.

Beverages

  • Freshly brewed coffee: Small $35 / Medium $65 / Large $95
  • Ethiopian coffee: Small $45 / Medium $85 / Large $120
  • Bottled water: $2 per person
  • Canned beverages: $2.50 per person
  • Juice: $3 per person

Freshly brewed coffee includes cups, cream, sugar, sweeteners and stirrers. Traditional coffee ceremony service is available by custom quote.

Optional Add-Ons

  • Fresh fruit platter: Small $45 / Medium $80 / Large $115
  • Garden salad: Small $40 / Medium $75 / Large $105
  • Breakfast potatoes: Small $35 / Medium $65 / Large $90
  • Cookies or pastries: $3.50 per person
  • Extra injera: starting at $15

Disposable serving utensils and chafing setup are available upon request.

Ready to plan your gathering?

Please place standard orders at least 48 hours in advance. Larger or customized events may require more notice. Orders are available for pickup; taxes are additional. Vegetarian, vegan and dietary accommodations are available upon request. Final pricing may vary for customized menus or special requests.

Get in Touch

Send us a message or request a catering quote.

For catering, include the event date and time, pickup time, guest count, preferred package, dietary restrictions and a phone number.