Excellent food and teff injera. A little on the spicy side. Place was crowded and was a wait for a table. read more

Cafe Colucci - Veggie combo with 100% teff injera - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

This was my first time at Cafe Colucci and I couldn't have loved it more, this place is a gem. The food was amazing. We got half/half sumbussas, begue tibs, and a hot chocolate and it was all so flavorful. The vibe is really great too. You can tell that a lot of love has gone into this place. It feels good to support a local business that is mission driven and feels like such a cultural hub. Shout out to Daniel for a great evening, we will be coming back! read more

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Such good quality! One platter can be shared between two people. Very authentic, amazing service, high quality ingredients. We were happy to find our new Ethiopian spot in the bay. read more

This was my first time trying Ethiopian food. Ethiopian food is something I'm not really familiar with, but every time I had it, the flavors packed a punch and it didn't feel too heavy for the stomach. My girlfriend and I decided to try the beef sambussas as a starter. The sambussas reminded me of a samosa with a wonton texture. It was very golden and crispy on the outside. The inside is beefy and rich in their seasoning. The sauce that came was tomatoey and a little spicy. We decided to get the veggie platter to share that came with injera. The injera has a good funk to it due to the fermentation and was very soft. It was used to scoop up the variety of dishes that come in the veggie platter. The veggie platter itself had a variety of dishes to try and they were all amazing. Each dish had it own unique flavor and all went well with the injera. Overall, glad I was able to step out of my comfort zone and try Ethiopian food because it was amazing. Will definitely be coming back! read more

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This is one of the first restaurants I tried when I moved to the east bay over a decade ago. I am happy to see that they are doing well and that they have expanded to a bigger location. It's a very "Berkeley" crowd if you get my gist...but the food is delicious. Get the vegan platter sampler. For a group of 6 we had to get 3 of them as they are pretty small. The messer wat is my favorite. I love the red lentils that are spicy! They give you unlimited enjera bread so don't be shy! This is a great healthy and tasty place for vegans and meat lovers alike. read more

This place is so GOATED! Came here for my sister's birthday in June. The food was delicious and the folks serving us were so kind and attentive. They seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs. The owner and staff really know how to set a vibe for their customers. Love this place sm Will absolutely be coming back :) read more

First time eating Ethiopian food and it was delicious. So glad that the nice woman at the front of the house took a lot of time to explain the fantastic menu, how to eat the food with injera and about the spices used. The two of us shared the veggie sampler and the meat sampler plates. All the items were flavorful and I felt so good after eating this food. And yep the Tiramisu and cold herbal tea were both excellent too. I will go back in person and order with Door Dash as well. read more

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I like the new location, it's open and airy. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. The new space is colorful and charming, we immediately felt a good vibe, although the hostess was very business-like and not very welcoming. Our waitress however was awesome and made sure we were well taken care of. The food was just as delicious as it's always been, and servings were generous (we had leftovers!). The cocktails are new thing for them, they were pretty strong and I think next time I might just stick to honey wine. Neighborhood is okay, we found street parking right out front. read more

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This place was amazing! My first time trying Ethiopian food. Service was good, server was nice, and helpful. Small restaurant but packs a punch. You can buy the seasonings, honey wine, books. There is so much to offer here. Doro Tibs - spicy but seasoned well! Shrimp Tibs - seasoned well same seasoning as doro tibs less spicy. Vegetarian Combo - must try it, it will surprise. Many flavors Honey wine- super sweet - loved it! Compliments the food well since proteins are spicy and Gluten Free Injera is sour. It works! They take reservations! This place did not disappoint, I will be back for sure! read more

Cafe Colucci - House Injera, Vegan Combination Platter (VG), Messer Wot (VG), Shrimp Tibs, Doro Tibs, Honey wine - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Food was very good, we had the meat combo and the veg combo. Both excellent. They have different injera. Both the traditional and wheat were good. Half and half sumbussa was crispy and tasty. Tori recommended this amount of food for the 5 of us and was just perfect amount. Service: Tori was such a great waitress, very warm, smiley, knowledgeable. Always attentive keeping an eye on her tables but not hovering. Twice I looked for her and twice she was right at our table to see what I needed. Great service. Thank you, Tori. Ambiance: Nicely decorated, people talking but not very loud. Definitely I will go back. read more

This is second time I came back... This week. Got the chicken Tibs last time and the Doro wat this time. Both are amazing and I'd get either again but the Doro wat was so good. We also got the meatball appetizer,. totally underrated and highly recommend. Service was also amazing. Hannah who looked after our table was so pleasant, engaging and accommodating of all our needs, requests and restrictions. The ambience is a good balance of everything. It almost feels a little too high end for the location but I'm not complaining because it's so conveniently close with easy enough street parking. The smell of fresh spices hits you as you walk in the door and the tables are beautiful and unique with spices below the glass top. I am going back. Is three times in a week too much? Will consider taking pictures next time before we wolf down our meal. read more

Wanted injera for lunch today on my way from Berkeley, this was what I decided on. Really beautiful space, ample seating inside plus a patio in back. Love the representation of the Country. They also sell spices and other goods that are displayed primarily in front half. The bar size is amazing! Luckily I was able to get in 20 minutes before the lunch buzz. Staff is friendly and attentive. Enjoyed everything I had from beverage to food. Price is fairly reasonable for everything I received; appetizer, 2 beverages and an entree for under $50 w/taxes!! Would definitely be back for appetizers, drinks and the change in atmosphere when it's an evening vibe. Thank you for everything read more

Cafe Colucci - Meat Combination Platter | Vegatarian Sambussa | Ethiopian Spiced Tea - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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They moved to San Pablo Ave in 2022. Bigger space with a smaller menu. Inside and outside seating. Food is still delicious even though the cooks have changed. Prices are palatable considering the portions and seasonings. They were short staffed but the service was still pleasant. The owner always stops by each table to say thanks and check in. Our server forgot to bring our $12 sparkling lemon drinks so the owner took it off the bill and gave us 2 to go. Perfect customer service. read more

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This was my friends and my first time trying Ethiopian food and the experience was amazing. The drinks food and servers were incredible. The waiter was so attentive and the atmosphere was so friendly and warm! read more

Great friendly service, nice family-friendly atmosphere, and amazing food. Zero complaints!!

Ethiopian food is among my favorite of all cuisine, and as someone who's tried nearly all the ethiopian places in Oakland, LA, and other cities, Colucci might just be #1. You can't beat the price, portions, flavor, and vibe that Colucci offers. On top of that, most dishes are pretty healthy so for anyone nutrition conscious or with a sensitive stomach, this should check all your boxes. Their new location is AMAZING. Tons of space, dog friendly, incredible aromas, and wonderful staff. We recently got the Baobob (5/5 bitter/flavorful) for drinks, Azifa (5/5 spicy-ish and sharp) for apps, and vegan combo (5/5 hearty and diverse) as a main. This should be good for 2-3 people and maybe even offer leftovers. It comes with injera and somehow they always get the exact right amount of injera each time we've come here. My wife and I have ordered from colucci at least 40 times in the last 2 years, and they've never let me down yet. Truly a hidden gem that everyone should try at least once. read more

Cafe Colucci - Baobob cocktail - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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I was in the area and really qbt d some Ethiopian food. Looked on Yelp and there a lot of options around me. Decided to go with this restaurant based upon their website. It was a joy to look at. So I placed an order online and it was to be ready in 25 minutes. I ordered the meat sambusa, beef tibs and veggie combo. Pick up was super easy. The meat sambusa was amazing, crispy on the outside and the filling was out of this world. There was also a yummy sauce. Really really enjoyed them. The beef tibs are also amazing. Seasoned to perfection. There was like a hint of rosemary with with quite nicely. There also was a side option I selected the red lentils. Amazing!!!! The veggie combo was good. Not as spectacular as the beef tibs. I would definitely come back and get the beef tibs and sambusa. The flavors were so amazing!!!!!! read more

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We love Ethiopian food, and unfortunately where we live, there's only one place that makes it. I was talking to a friend who is Eritrean and she told me I had to go here and give them a try and that the food was definitely worth the drive. All I can say is WOW, she was right! I love Berkeley because it is so full of adventure and amazing food. This place was on a street with a couple other Eritrean and Ethiopian food places, so we knew we were in the right spot. It was a gorgeous sunny Saturday, and we ordered inside and sat outside for covid precautions. I ordered the telba shake, which had a super cute name "Idris Telba" ($4) and tasted like banana and cocoa nibs, and he ordered the hot spiced tea ($2.50). To eat, we shared the veggie sampler ($14.95) for two with extra injera ( $1.50 but they didn't charge us). While we waited for the food, I perused their spices, and made mental note of what I might want to buy before we left. Unfortunately, the sun was pretty intense, and the only spot we could go was directly in front of the outdoor menu. This made it super awkward to anyone trying to order- having half the menu behind me. We made it work however, and it was worth it! Wow, these flavors were amazing! Both of us loved the sampler, and we raved about a few items we hadn't had before. I make berbere red lentils at home, as well as telba shakes, but their versions were incredible. The best thing we had however was a pair of beige mounds that looked like hummus, and were incredible- they were the Buticha and the Asifa. Definitely enough food overall for us both. The injera was light, fluffy and stretchy, and was delicious enough to eat plain if we had any leftover (which of course we didn't). After the delicious food, I went inside and bought some spices for home. I love that they sell the ingredients that they use right there in the store! The berbere that we bought there is so much better tasting than the one we get from our semi-local spice store, it is definitely now on our weekly rotation for meals I make at home. Overall great service, friendly people, incredibly delicious food, and a real eye to detail in the seasoning, presentation, and freshness. I can't wait to go back and eat here again (next time however, I'll remember the sunscreen). Cafe Colucci is not to miss when you're in Berkeley! read more

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The vibe in this place 10/10 The food 10/10 We always order beef sambusas at Eithiopian restaurants, it's a must have and they didn't disappoint. I got the veggie platter and my husband got the meat platter both were delicious. They serve two types of injera the original authentic with teff, and a wheat version. This was hilarious to me because I've never seen this option anywhere else even the server was like only in the Bay Area! The original one is better for you and it's fermented which makes it great for your digestive system, in case you're wondering The service here not so great. We sat the entrance for close to 10 minutes before someone realized we were there and then she's like it's not my job but I'll seat you, that was annoying. We had one server that took our order really never saw him again, I'm used to people checking in, and also the fact that we had long finished our meal and literally had to go get up for several minutes to find someone to pay is beyond me. I think if they were may more attentive and did a better customer service training I would add the one star back. The guy that helped with the check at the end was nice and he apologized for the lack of service. All in all, I would definitely be back 100 times over, just with a different server. read more

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The food is really good, and the atmosphere feels warm and familiar. My only complaint is about the host -- her customer service could definitely be improved. read more

We have had one Ethiopian restaurant in Oakland that was our East Bay go-to for many years. We also have eaten at numerous Ethiopian restaurants in San Jose. Our visit to Cafe Colucci was a happy discovery. The service was helpful and friendly; the restaurant was inviting with a hint of wonderful spice smells to give it a cozy ambience. The food, well, the food was about the very best we have had over the years. Without a doubt, we will be back for more! read more

The food is generally good but recent price increases and reduction of portion sizes have made it irrelevant To our neighborhood.

My favorite place to eat for Ethiopian food! Dine in or to-go, it's always good. I usually get the vegetarian platter with side of sour cream, the Sega tips, and Doro wat. The injera takes a little getting used to in the beginning but it's so delicious once you have acquired the taste. Highly recommend to try it out. This is my go-to spot to satisfy my Ethiopian food craving. read more

Really good food. The portions are share-able if you're not too hungry. We got the meat platter they have but our server said the portions were small so my partner and I decided to grab the vegan combo platter as well, needless to say we could've stuck to just the meat combo... still very delicious though and the beers were good as well. Idk if we'll be back because we're only here for a couple more weeks but it was a nice experience. read more

Cafe Colucci - Meat Combination Platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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The food gets a solid 4 starts. The host/maitre d' gets one star. I think I've never felt so unwelcome in a restaurant. Barely any acknowledgement, just a cold stare and led to our seats. I think I recall that there was no word of parting either (e.g. no "enjoy your meal" or "your server will be with you in just a moment) after the host seated us and left. My companions and I were surprised at the lack of gestures of general restaurant courtesy. Maybe she was having a really bad day. The food was tasty but the messir wot in the veggie sampler was unusually spicy tonight for this particular restaurant, enough that one of my companions could not eat hers. Still, a solid 4 stars. I especially like their teff injera and (when it's a litlte less spicy) the messir wot. I was a regular at the Telegraph location and their messir wot was the dish I ordered double servings of for take-out. Our server was quite nice and capable. read more

Café Colucci is truly so ~special~ not only is their food absolutely amazing, the ambience of the restaurant impeccable and colorful, but the vibes are so wholehearted. Cafe Colucci is not just a restaraunt, it's a place where community comes together to celebrate culture, food and connection. Once I became a regular they started remembering my order, remembering my name, and when I would go in I would get sincere "how are you?" I feel seen and welcome. I go there to get nourished by both the sense of friendship and belonging, as well the AMAZING food, with heirloom Ethiopian spices, fresh produce, and fresh mango juice. Cafe Colucci is an example of a food shop totally engaged with the community theyre in, and totally engaged with the community in which the food heritage belongs, and doing the food proper homage by letting it be about community- what good food is truly about. I moved away from my home in Oakland to go to grad school, and Cafe Colluci is one of the places my heart longs for as I'm away! ! read more

New spot new vibes Much larger space and food and coffee, not to mention the spices on point! read more

Cafe Colucci - Front of store with mural of a legend. - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

I love that they provide a quinoa option! I've never liked injera and glad here at Cafe Colucci they don't have it as default. I ordered the vegan combo with quinoa and it was so good. It has my favorite potato and cabbage dish, collard greens, lentils, and it was actually spicy. A lot of time I was disappoineted at other places for modifying spicy dishes to cater to American taste but not here! Definitely one of the best meals I had in Oakland during my work trips. read more

Cafe Colucci - Vegan Combination Platter (VG) - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

The best Ethiopian food in the bay - hands down!!! The ambiance was a beautiful mix of rustic and upscale to taste which made me feel like I was at home but would also come back here on a date or for a business dinner. The service was excellent from the front door, to the bar, to the table. We sat at the bar for a glass of their delicious honey wine and denith tibs until our fashionably late (lol) cousins arrived. The bartender was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable about the menu and cocktail items and made great recommendations - this was my first time! The food came out really quickly for a party of 4. The food is absolutely delicious!!! Everything was well prepared and seasoned perfectly for us (we love spices but can't eat heavily seasoned food). Here's the food we had and that I HIGHLY recommend you try. I put * next to my favorites. Note: I don't eat meat so I can't speak to them directly but my cousins loved their dishes and we can't wait to come back. The vegan platter ** Veggie sambussa ** Meet sambussa Denith tibs Buticha ** (taste like your favorite auntie potato salad!!!) Salata Assa Gored gored ** Doro tibs Begue Wot Ethiopian tea Tipsy Teze ** (or something that started with a T that had uncle nearest, rum and cardamom) read more

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Food is SO good i have been a couple times and they are consistent! Mixed drinks are yummy too read more

Cafe Colucci - Veg Sambussa - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Family owned establishment that has been around since 1991 but has recently been rebranded by the family's younger generation. The entrance welcomes you with a small retail area and some prepared foods. You can dine inside or outside on their patio. We got the vegan combo and hot tea. Fresh ingredients and clean kitchen. They also have live music some days. Check their social media for schedule updates. read more

Cafe Colucci - Vegan combo (apologies for presentation because we already took a bite) - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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When I think about this place my Mouth waters. It's one of the best Ethiopian places I've tried over the last decade and the side spice they give you is the chefs kiss. Gluten free injera is always available and delicious. Vegan platters are the way to go read more

I had friends recently visit from SoCal where there's not many Ethiopian options and they were looking to satisfy that craving. We ordered food from Cafe Colucci and were really satisfied with our meal. Between four people, we ordered a vegan combination platter, a meat combination platter, and doro tibs. With four pieces of injera, this was more than enough food for dinner and we even had leftovers. The injera Cafe Colucci makes has a really great texture and tastes freshly made. There is not a single item in the meal that I would ever describe as not having enough flavor. Though the food here may not be the most Instagrammable plate of food, it is absolutely delicious. read more

This restaurant is my new favorite. Love the food, the ambiance, love that they offer drinks, and the service was impeccable. Check check check, will be back! read more

The food and ambience was really nice. I was very surprised by how everything was. Will come back. read more

Cafe Colucci - This is the vegan and meat platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

My wife and I ate here twice this year. We thought the food was good, but not significantly better than other Ethiopian restaurants in the area, of which there are many good ones. I tried the raw beef, which other Ethiopian restaurants don't serve in my experience. It was ok but wouldn't order it again. I love Steak Tartar so I thought I'd like the Ethiopian version but I didn't. Was probably the flavoring that didn't sit well with me. The service was fine. We sat in the back courtyard both times. And the ambience was fine also, quieter in the courtyard than inside. However we had an unpleasant experience that they wouldn't resolve. We were charged $41 on a night when we were not there. I called to ask who was charging my CC fraudulently. They said to email the owner, Daniel, which I did. No response so I call back another day and spoke to the manager. He said maybe I dropped my CC in the restaurant, or something stupid like that. He said he would talk to Daniel and get back to me. Again, nothing. Finally, I called again and the person in charge said that he would have Danial call me as soon as he finishes with a delivery, Guess what? He never did. So this may have been a one of, but the way they handled it was unacceptable. I will contest the charge on my CC. My wife and I will not be returning, nor will we be recommending this place to others. read more

Came here on a Friday evening and there wasn't too long of a wait. Got the vegan platter to split with a friend and even though I'm not vegan, I thoroughly enjoyed the food. The restaurant had a homey feel and I would definitely come back! read more

Cafe Colucci - Vegan Combination Platter (VG), Eggplant Tibs (VG) - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Beautiful place, same great food I remember from 2020 and before, but in a much nicer place. I am glad we went there for our Valentines Dinner. read more

We ordered the chicken tibs and the veg combo plater. It was a delight! It came with 6 different vegan dishes, salad, and a intriguing chicken dish. The level of heat from the spices was low but tasty, just as we asked for. The sourness of the injera (bread) paired perfectly well with each different lentil or chickpea based dish. We added a 'National' cocktail and it was all good! Hostess and waiter both very sweet and made suggestions. Another guy came by and explained about the food, that was great. One caveat: it's a dicey neighborhood so don't leave anything in your car and keep your wits about you. But it's worth it for the food. Nicely decorated with Ethiopian pix and things. Totally recommend. read more

This is my first time visiting the new location, but have been going to cafe Colucci for years. The new location is cute! Cute for date night, friends get together, family dinner. There is a full bar and a cocktail menu now with wine and beer options. We ordered the beef and vegetarian sambussa, followed by 2 orders of the meat sampler, and 1 vegetarian sampler. The amt was ample enough for 5 people and covers a broad basis if this is your first time trying Ethiopian food. You'll get to try pretty much half the meat and or vegetarian menu if you get the sampler. The food was well seasoned and mild to moderate spicy. If you are sensitive to spicy food, the sambussa sauce was moderate to really spicy but it was really good imo. Overall the food was great. We did try the wheat blend and teff injera.. overall I liked the wheat injera more. I suggest ordering both to see which one you like best because they both have a subtle difference in terms of sourness, and texture. The price came out to be around ~$40 per person if you get a cocktail, and sharing the appetizers and entree. The staff were very attentive and gave great feedback when we asked about their cocktail menu and explained some of the meat preparations (braised whole vs minced, vs small chunks of meat read more

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