After trying a myriad of Ethiopian restaurants in the Bay Area I can officially say this is my favorite. It's a small shop that sells just a veggie combo of the usual suspects for either a full or half portion. The food itself is exceptional. Significantly less oil compared to any competitors and phenomenal flavor and preparation. This is a must try. read more

Great, delicious food. Terrible management and inconsistent schedule. Numerous occasions of checking online to see if they're open or closed, online will say they are open, the scheduling on the front of the establishment says their business hours and it matches with online hours but, everytime we arrive they are closed. Rarely are they actually open. It wouldnt really matter if we didnt travel so far only to find out the hard way. My advice, make sure you call the establishment before arriving. Once again great food, great people, bad management. read more

Very nice customer service. I ordered a large amount of injera that the owner cut and rolled for me. Also purchased berbere spice and chickpea powder. read more

This place cares about community, it also serves hella delicious food. We learned about this restaurant during lockdown, and unfortunately it was closed at that time. We were excited when they opened back up and went to support an all vegan Ethiopian establishment. After ordering inside, we sat at one of their outside tables and were eagerly anticipating our meal. Unfortunately a woman walked by and aggressively yelled at us for being "fucking Chinese" (we're not Chinese) and said we shouldn't be eating "[her] peoples food." Stuff like this has happened to us before but it's always a downer each time it occurs, even when you know it's more likely during COVID. After that, we decided that we weren't going to eat outside for safety reasons and went to ask to get our food to go (turns out it's all packaged to go), explaining what just happened. The person working the cashier was genuinely concerned and went outside to see if he could find her (she was not at all associated with the restaurant, just someone walking by). While we were continuing to wait outside, he came back out to chat and check on us to see if we were ok Then, when he brought out our food, he apologized for what happened even though it had nothing to do with him or the restaurant. We thanked him for his consideration and said we appreciated his support (it really meant a lot!). He mentioned that we all need to take care of each other. It seems that's exactly what they do at Cafe Dareye. They take care of people with nourishing food, a sense of community, and they even use compostable packaging materials (something I obsessively look out for). We will definitely be back as much as we can. Please support this business!! read more

I can't really give this place a proper review -- it's a small store-front with a counter where you order from -- the prices looked good for either a half or full order of a veggie combo. I believe everything is served "to go". Since I was travelling about an hour before I could eat it, I asked for the injera on the side. I don't like the food on the injera for a long-time because it doesn't reheat well. This request ended up causing a lot of confusion in the kitchen -- the guy at the counter went back to the kitchen to see if it could be done and then eventually came back and said it couldn't be done. Not really sure why it couldn't be done that way -- other to go Ethiopian places often put the injera in either plastic wrap or foil or a little bag. I'm not sure how much injera they actually give -- just one or two pieces and maybe that's the problem? I believe they serve the food in sort of a natural fiber box so maybe without the injera on the bottom it would mess up the box? Anyway, I didn't end up getting anything. Hopefully I'll get a chance to try it when I don't have to travel. read more

Reference review for myself as always: Not bad. I'm not too much of a fan for the bread since it's sour, but it's doable when paired with the food. My friend says other places have thicker bread? I wouldn't know. It was a good first experience. The stuffed pepper was pretty good as well. Lady was super sweet! read more

Simple, one thing to order. Vegan, gluten free. Incredibly tasty. There is one other Ethiopian restaurant I've been to that is this good and it's gourmet and in San Diego. For the value this is as good. No indoor seating, a few outdoor tables. Who cares? This will definitely be a new go to. read more

Five stars. Yeah, there's only one choice and yes, it's vegan, but it's so delicious I promise you wouldn't care about that. Plus: since the restaurant is also a grocery, there's technically more than one food option. Pick up some injera chips, or a tub of hummus. Get a hat! Buy some teff. Wait patiently for those amazingly overstuffed fresh jalapeño peppers topping every order. Call in your order before 7pm, though, or they will run out of food. Need something to do while you wait? Go to the dispensary across the street. You'll be an instant super star when you get home. My partner and I had Ethiopian food for twice the price that was half as good (looking at you, Lemat), so please: Cafe Dareye, stay open. We need you. read more

I appreciate the women in here. Always so friendly! The half combo is a quick and easy lunch. Filling. And good. Easy to get injera on the go instead of waiting in other restaurants. read more

The price for the vegy combo has gone up since the Mar. 3, 2022 photo of the menu. The full serving is now $15.99 and the half serving is $10.99. I would like the collard greens to be cooked more. The flavors were just ok. read more

This place has quality Ethiopian food and other products. I recommend everyone to visit it. While you are there watch for the paraoid husband. If you are a Tigrian man, he panics. The lady is nice and kind. read more

I really really wanted to like this. It's 100% vegan, and the place is nice and the server was super friendly, obviously cared about what people are eating. The problem is, I just can't do Ethiopian - I had had a pretty good idea what to expect, but I find the bread quite bitter, and the food is just too spicy for me. And even with the onion nominally removed, there were some remaining, so I had a really hard time with this meal. So, the 3 stars is just a reflection of my inability to eat this food. If you like vegan or Ethiopian, then you must go here. But not with me, sadly. read more

Different ownership, cook, and prices from when most of these reviews were posted. I prefer the food under the old ownership so far, but I am impressed with how clean the food tastes here. It is tastefully salted unlike a lot of take out food, and hassle free way for vegans to eat Ethiopian food. read more

Inspiring spice selection, excellent vibe, wonderful rosey baklava! We've been in twice to get spices. Yesterday, the woman working behind the counter was super patient and helpful in guiding us through selecting spices for various dishes, and selecting the injera (they also carry gluten free). She was kind, and obviously happy that people wanted to try cooking with the spices. On a previous visit, an older man had been working who was so grumpy and unwilling to help (even though the store was empty) that we had walked out without anything. So glad we went for it yesterday though, because we made red lentils with the spice mixtures the expert had recommended, and had so much fun! Can't wait to try their combo platter next time! read more

Cafe Dareye sells ehiopian groceries. there's a commercial kitchen at the rear. the steamtable with ready to go eats wasn't set up yet. . only one item is featured on the wall: vegeterian combo. no price listed. on dec. 2/12, Klya B. got it for 6.95, today's it's 8.69 with tax (7.95 pretax?) eats: veggie combo(7.95) -2 large injera "sheets" -missir wot (red lentils) -kik alicha (split pea) -Gomen (collard greens) -Selata (salad) chopped iceberg lettuce with a few diced tomatoes. entrees only a tablespoon each, a few ounces. -1 stuffed jalepeno tasted good. not a great value. notes: -kitchen not ready yet -order took about 10 minutes to prep. -small portions, not a good value. 3 stars.. read more

I went here recently & this place is a real find. The food comes piping hot, fresh, & feels home cooked. The staff are super friendly. I went for the full veggie combo for $9.99 as I have a hearty appetite & barely finished it. It came with a salad with dressing & a giant raw stuffed jalapeño filled with something like salsa. It came with all the standards you are used to at Ethiopian restaurants such as collards, curried lentils, curried, split peas & plenty of Injera. If you don't have a hearty appetite you can always split it with your friend or beloved. It comes in a container where you can take home leftovers or even better for some is the half veggie combo for $5.99. Vegans, vegetarians, Rastas who love Ital cuisine, plant based food lovers, & those who love Ethiopian food should definitely swing by here. The only caveat with Cafe Dareye is there is limited seating as it serves as a market inside so the only seating is outdoors with two tables & four chairs at each table. You will most likely share a table with someone or a few folks which isn't a bad thing as talking to strangers is a good & you might find the stranger more interesting than a celebrity even. It's popular here at lunch time so get here early or be prepared to wait yet folks are friendly so you should be able to grab a seat without too much trouble! read more

Stumbled on this gem walking toward Bart. I just wanted lunch and got one of the best meals I've had in a while So so good. read more

" simply the best injera and home made baklava! . . . period " when i used to stay in alcatrz ave i thought cafe colucci made an "sort of ok type of injera" or addis made the best injera. . .turned out i was wrong !! located at the end of telegraph, close to the kp asian market, lies a small family owned and traditional restaurant/ spice store. a friend of mine runs the place and her mom the owner is a very nice and very sweet lady, who makes every thing from scratch. this place is well known for the "veggie combo" in which alot of my biker friends love. me personally not a big fan, but was very surprise on how good the injera is; even a close friend of mine said" they put alot of work in this injera" she said " how i wish oakland is only 10 minutes away from san jose. last but not the least, one of my favorite desserts of all time!!! the baklava. hands down better thans " cafe colucci, ahadu, barcote and even my favorite ethiopian restaurant " addis " wont even surpass cafe dareye's baklava, first off the baklava is made off real honey and not of high fructose syrup. second it is moist but not saggy, naturally sweet which is very important. last thing is value. last time i bought its was $2.50 each great for bringing on potlucks, store at home or even wedding decorations, i honestly think they should charge more compare to alot of ethiopian restaurants who charges double. if you happen to be in oakland swing by this place its a very unique store, if you like injera and baklava like me then this is the place to go i give it 4 stars just because they dont served tibs and gore-gore my favorite ethiopian dish. . . enjoy! and cheers read more

I've done the rounds multiple times around the Bay Area when it comes to Ethiopian food and Cafe Dareye is consistently the best Ethiopian food in the entire Bay Area. At the time of this review this family-run business is temporarily closed and they are in need of our support to stay in business and help a family member battling cancer. Please share: gf.me/u/yjw8c4 read more

After trying many Ethiopian restaurants in the bay area, this place has become my absolute favorite. It's a vegan restauraunt, and I am not vegan but that doesn't stop me from putting this high on my list of favorites. Their kik-alicha is my favorite. I need this place in my life more. It is not a sit down place, but who cares, it was a joy to eat this in my car when I had to or eating it at home. read more

So good! Food (vegan gluten free combo meal) is well balanced for flavor and portion (I ordered the 1/2 size). I feel healthy eating the delicious food. Beautiful little market has some great products and the shop owners are super kind and lovely. will definitely make this a regular stop. read more

They continue to be Amazing! 100% Teff injera! I love this place. And the prices are great!

Not sure what happened but I was calling this place multiple times to order injera but there was no answer. So I drove there and it was closed. The stores near by said it has been closed for 2-3 weeks. read more

The best spot for quick, vegan Ethiopian food! Service is always nice and easy. Would recommend getting the large size every time for a bit more of everything!! read more

Ethical, delicious, affordable and community centric food. Please support local black businesses

Food was meh. Service was meh. Selection was meh. Coffee was actually bad. We will avoid this place in future.

Only good things to say about Cafe Dareye :) The food menu is pretty straightforward (half or full order). The injera is prepared traditionally and is subsequently gluten-free which makes my GI tract very happy :) Food is always fresh and tasty. Make sure you get your dinner order in early late in the week they tend to sell out around 6pm. read more

Oh man - this review is long overdue. I had Cafe Dareye for the first time a few days ago and it was AMAZING. I like Ethiopian and I've had a few different spots around Berkeley and Oakland but this place takes the cake! Theres basically one main item on the menu - the vegetarian combo. It was a whole lot of food - I managed to get through it all but was stuffed, so it could probably serve two who eat more moderately. Everything was spiced well and the injera (Ethiopian spongey bread) was on point. It felt healthy and satisfying at the same time. Not too oily, not too dry. Gotta try it out! They have outdoor seating but its made to go so you can take it to your favorite Oakland spot for a little picnic or back home if thats more your thing. read more

This is my go to spot for Supreme Vegan Ethiopian yellow split pea Kik served over Injera along with a nice salad on the side. I drive all the way from Hayward to pick up my most appreciated meal from their awesome cafe. Truly, I do not really order or eat out much so this days a lot! Thank you for always servicing with a smile ladies read more

Everything on the platter is delicious, their coffee is delicious, the portions are huge & the price can't be beat. My favorite Ethiopian restaurant hands down. And if you want to cook the same dishes at home, they've got all the spices & ingredients in bulk, and will sell you a package of 5 giant, fresh pieces of injera to go too. So glad they've re-opened, this place is one of Oakland's best. read more

My friend has been raving about this place for *months* and every time we are in the area or walk by, she reminds me of a) how good it is and b) how important it is to support businesses that we want to stick around. Cafe Dareye is a place with a heart and the mom and daughter who work here are the heartbeat. It's a small, warm place with a vegetarian combination dish that is filling, regardless of what size you get. I love how the combination of herbs and scents fill my nose as soon as I enter the door. Also, both sizes (half and full) are very affordable. If you're in the Telegraph/Uptown area and haven't tried this place yet, you need to put it on your list. read more

There's only one option and that's the veggie combo! You can get it in half order ($8) or full order ($11). I always get the half-order and I can never finish it in one sitting. It's basically traditional Ethiopian sponge bread filled with a mix of savory bean and lentil pastes and chopped lettuce and God knows what else, alls I know is that it's delicious, healthy, filling, and vegan! You can add a stuffed jalapeno pepper for a buck which I think is a bit overpriced especially since it's a raw jalapeno. Also Cafe Dareye is more-so a traditional spice and goods shop than an actual cafe. There isn't a lot of room to sit so don't plan on eating your food there. read more

Umm is this supposed to be 4-5 stars? Mediocre taste. Would rather go to a standard restaurant for larger portions and more options for a few $ more. read more

I'm a fan of their veggie combo. Staff is nice, portions are of great value for the Bay Area and the food is fresh. The red lentils are a tad spicier than what I'm accustomed to, but all the vegetable (vegan) offerings are tasty and easily scooped up by the injera provided. There isn't any indoor seating and if you go late in the day and use the outdoor seating, you'll be in direct sunburning sunlight. This place is more like an Ethiopian market with a kitchen, so you can pick up all your Ethiopian food ingredients as well as get a to-go offering of prepared food. Do call before coming, as the store/ restaurant was closed, with the owners being on vacation when I rolled by last month. read more

Best veggie combo in the Bay Area! The gluten-free injera is perfection. The classic combo is delicious. The price is so reasonable. I've eaten here a lot so I know there's the very occasional day that one dish may be a little more salty or spicier than usual, and you never know when your stuffed jalapeno will set your mouth on fire. That said, the mystery and slight variation is part of the fun for me. My 3 year old gets the half combo with just yellow lentils and no red spicy lentils (half combo doesn't come with the jalepeno) and she eats almost the whole thing in one sitting. So great getting injera to go. Wish they had a full restaurant as I'd love to see what else they would make. read more

I would have given this place 5 stars if they had more seating (there are a couple tables outside but no indoor seating), and if they had a wider selection (veggie combo and the option of additional sides). However, I found the food to be outstanding and the portions gracious. The reviews here do not accurately reflect the prices, as I noticed a ~$2 price increase, but I felt like the serving size was more than fair. I split a full and felt more than stuffed! read more

I enjoy the veggie combo, and find it to be the freshest and tastiest in the neighborhood. Sometimes they run out of food which makes ordering a gamble, but it also says son thing for the quality of what they offer. read more

I've been waiting for these guys to reopen after covid shut them down. I was so happy to see recent reviews so I made the drive out from the north bay only to find the store was closed during their listed open hours Still giving them 4 stars because I love this place and want them to do well, but I have no idea what their hours are or when they're actually open because their website and the sign on their door says different things and they don't answer their phone. I'll try again another day. read more

When it comes to vegan Ethiopian, Cafe Dareye is the jam! I'm a fan because the food is fresh, flavorful, gluten free and served with a smile at an affordable price. Warning that the red lentils are a stich spicy. I usually ask them to just double up on the yellow lentils and peas as a replacement. Also, lately the injera is suuuuuuuuper vinegary. Not sure if that's a recipe change or just a fluke. I hope it's a fluke, cause otherwise this is the BEST Ethiopian food in Oakland! read more

Cafe Dareye was closed for much of the pandemic but they have now reopened! They take online orders and walk in. The food is still delicious, as always. I'm so happy they're back open. read more