Sunday – Saturday | 8am – 6pm | Kitchen from 9am
402 1/2 N 2nd Street, Suite ACrafted with tradition, served with love
In Amharic, "Buna" means coffee and "Kurs" means breakfast. Together, they represent the heart of Ethiopian mornings—and the dream of bringing authentic Ethiopian hospitality to Richmond.
Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee. For generations, families have gathered for the coffee ceremony—a communal ritual where beans are washed and roasted, filling the air with intoxicating aromas. Incense is lit, snacks called "Bunakurs" are shared, and conversation flows freely.
The ceremony unfolds in three rounds: Abol, the strongest first pour; Tona, a gentler second cup; and Bereka, the blessing that completes the ritual. Each cup offers its own distinct taste—a journey meant to be savored slowly, together.
Let's calm down. Let's look at each other. Let's take a breath.
Coffee is bonding.
Founder & Owner
Born and raised in Addis Ababa, Lily grew up surrounded by the rich aromas of her mother's traditional coffee preparation. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2009, she studied communications at VCU, worked in D.C., then returned to Richmond with a dream.
A three-month journey back to Ethiopia with her sister Aida laid the groundwork for what would become Buna Kurs—a name Aida created. There, Lily did some soul-searching, hoping to merge her passions for creativity, community, and coffee.
"Ethiopia is my first home, but I've been in Richmond almost a decade and want to bring my authentic home to my second home."
"I want this to be a place where the hungry can be fed, the tired can rest, and the needy can find their true talents. I want the place to smell like coffee beans, the traditional way my mom makes it."
Our beans are sourced from Yirgacheffe, a region in Southern Ethiopia where coffee thrives with delicate, floral notes. Roasted by Carytown Coffee in small batches to bring out the bright, fruit-forward flavors that make Ethiopian coffee legendary.
What people are saying about Buna Kurs
"Buna Kurs isn't just a cafe—it's a cultural experience. The traditional coffee ceremony alone is worth the visit, but stay for the pastries and you'll find yourself planning your return before you've even left."
"In a city full of excellent coffee, Buna Kurs stands apart. The Ethiopian single-origin beans, roasted in-house, produce a cup that's simultaneously familiar and revelatory. This is coffee as it was meant to be."
"Chef Helen has created something truly special—a space where Ethiopian tradition meets Richmond hospitality. The injera breakfast is a revelation, and the warmth of the welcome makes you feel like family."
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Reviews from our community
"This is what you want when it's some different and comforting. Delicious!!! If you do not like spices do not come here, I'm talking flavor bombs!!! And the owner Ms. Lily is awesome!!! Can't wait to try the breakfast! My wife and I enjoyed all of it. Thank you for the great food and hospitality."
"Absolutely incredible experience! The food was packed with rich, unique flavors, especially the tibs, barley, and Ethiopian-style eggs. Lily and her husband were warm and welcoming, and the citrus espresso drink was such a fun surprise. Cozy space, beautiful energy, and I can't wait to come back with friends. Highly recommend!"
"The staff was so friendly and made sure we loved our meal! Beautiful atmosphere and lots of natural light. Absolutely will be coming here again soon. We got the cortado and cinnamon brown sugar latte. This is the best cortado I have had in the Mid-Atlantic area. The cinnamon brown sugar latte is one of the best we have tried in the region as well."
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