Went here tonight and had an amazing dinner. We ordered the veggie and meat combo plate and we ate the plate clean! We were taken care of by the lady working the restaurant and she was so sweet; she gave us extra injera too! We love trying the Ethiopian food around the area and we're glad we got to try this place out tonight! Definitely will come back here soon! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat / Veggie Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

This was a really yummy spot, we got the veggie and meat sampler. The owner was working by himself this night, and was understandably overwhelmed but it was worth the wait for others. We lucked out and got there first among the clientele. We enjoyed the food,and hope others will too! The njera was perfect, the chicken was well spiced and fall off the bone , and the salad on top crunchy to name a few highlights read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

I came here with a few friends for lunch on a Saturday and had made reservations for a group of 5 online. When I arrived, the door was locked and the owner had to come let us in as they seemed to be only accepting any customers who made reservations. There wasn't any dedicated parking but it was pretty easy to find street parking right in front of the restaurant. The owners were super nice and friendly, but unfortunately it seems like they committed to a big catering order that day so the service was really slow in terms of taking orders and for the the food & drinks to come. We ended up getting the doro wot, a veggie combo, and a grilled salmon dish that ended being one of the surprise hits of the meal. Overall all the food was good but it just took a very long time (the whole dining experience prob took 3 hours) given the catering so I would rate the food 5 stars and would like to go on a more regular day to experience how it would be like if they weren't tied up with a catering order. read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Stopped here on a Saturday evening on the drive back from Pinnacles, and overall quite enjoyed the experience. Service was very friendly (the owner even brought us a complementary scoop of rice mid-meal), food came out fairly fast, and everything was tasty We shared the Veggie Combo ($23) and two sambusas ($3 each), and it was just the right amount of food with nothing left over. Honestly liked every part of the combo, though if I had to choose favorites it might be the two split pea dips and beets (and I don't usually like beets!). The veggie combo was recommended to us as the least spicy thing on the menu, and indeed most of it was mild enough for my weak tolerance. On the other hand, while tasty, the sambusas were very spicy with the accompanying sauce I'm usually not a huge sourdough fan, so I appreciated that their injera was a little milder than others I've had. Definitely want to come back to try their doro tibbs read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Gojo Ethiopian restaurant was reopened under new management recently and is DELICIOUS. The new owners took over from family members who had previously run the restaurant and are fantastic chefs. I wish I could remember everything we ordered but we went with what they recommended and it did not disappoint. The picture attached was enough to feed 5 people and leave them stuffed. We came today at 1ish and the restaurant was fairly empty but smelled fantastic. We managed to find street parking right in front so thankfully after stuffing our faces and drinking their honey wine we didn't have to waddle too far. Can't wait to come back and eat here again and would easily recommend this spot to anyone looking for good Ethiopian food. read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Food was good but the portion is quiet small. I had to order extra sides because the meat comboplate didn't match what I saw on Yelp. I even showed her the picture of what I wanted. She said it wouldn't look like that but it would've been nice for her to make another suggestion. Restroom could use some mantinence and cleaning. Ambiance was nice with traditional decors. read more

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Food was delicious! We got the veggie combo and meat combo. It was maybe 25% more food than the two of us could finish. My favorite Ethiopian restaurant I've been to! Service was great, atmosphere was relaxed, and the spices Ethiopian tea was delicious! It was my first time visit but I'm already looking forward to coming back! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo and meat combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Went there last Saturday at 8 pm. They were closed during open hours. Tried to give them another chance today (Wednesday). Here at 11:50 am when they should be opened but they're closed. What a JOKE! They probably went out of business. And seeing their beat up architecture, I'm not surprised. Don't waste your time coming here! I wish I could give no stars! read more

This restaurant is absolutely a must-go. We walked in around 7:00pm for a table of 5 and they were super helpful recommending portions. We ordered two portions of doro wat, gomen, meat combo, veggie combo, ethiopian coffee, and cabbage. Everything was so delicious. The service was immaculate. The food was delicious, fresh, well-seasoned. They helped separate the veggies with the meat because one of our friends was vegetarian. They took care of us. The atmosphere was so fun, and the cooking videos being played in the dining area was so fun to watch while waiting. We ordered the lamb, and IT WAS INCREDIBLE. They brought it out sizzling. The spicy sauces were so good. This is a MUST GO. You have to go here at least once. Its worth every penny. You'll also be supporting a nice family business. read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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The food was authentic. Decor and plating was delightful. Atmosphere is simply inviting -- a pleasant surprise to step in from the busy street. I was transported to another space and time. Owner was the server -- attentive but not too much. I loved it and would recommend to anyone. read more

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Absolutely perfect food and service. Best owner ever. Wish I still lived closer but visit every chance I can.

Do yourself a favor and get both the vegetarian and meat combo! I loved: Mitten shito Yemisser wot Doro wot I liked: After kik Atakilt wot Gomen wot Kei wot Raw Kitfo special (beef) Ethiopian Coffee This was ok: Alitcha wot (dry) Ethiopian Spiced Tea Eating these #goodeats with my bare hands was an awesome cultural experience There are lots of unique flavors and textures and having a large group made things easy to share. Highly recommend dining in as they'll serve you raw kitfo properly. Ethnic rules apply for service and ambiance. It's dark as hell in the restaurant so speak up if you need something or else they'll ignore you. read more

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First time coming here. Delicious food and lovely service. Would recommend and will be definitely coming back! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

I was traveling and happened to find GoJo, and I'm so glad I did! There are no Ethiopian food options within an hour and a half of where I live, so discovering this incredible restaurant was such a treat. I ordered takeout this time--the vegetarian combo, the meat combo, and their special kitfo--and every dish was absolutely phenomenal. I can't wait to dine in person next time! The flavors in every bite were bold, vibrant, and perfectly balanced--you can truly taste the love and care that went into making each dish. My tastebuds were literally dancing with joy! On top of the amazing food, the owners are the absolute epitome of hospitality and kindness. Even with takeout, I could feel how much they care about their customers, and I know the in-person experience will be even better. GoJo is beautifully decorated and creates the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable meal. It's totally my new favorite restaurant, and I can't wait to return. If you're looking for a place that serves not just food but an incredible experience, you have to check it out. I highly recommend GoJo--you won't regret it! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie Combo with extra Shiro! - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

I'm really surprised by all these good reviews. We went on a Friday night a couple weeks ago, and got a veggie combo and meat combo for three people. That was a good amount of food, but none of it was very good. The injera was shockingly bland; I've truly never had injera this lacking in flavor. The meats and veggies were...fine, I guess. There were two different things in the veggie combo that looked like misir wot to me, and one of them was nice (it was soft and creamy, almost). The waitstaff were nice, but not competent. We all asked for beer. The waiter came over and opened two of them with no problem. The third one started fizzing as he was popping it open. He paused, but instead of stopping or getting a rag or anything, he just kept going. Obviously, once opened, it started overflowing out of the bottle. He picked it off his tray AND PUT IT ON OUR TABLE, as our table began filling with beer! In some shock, I quickly put it back on his tray to minimize how much spilled on our table, then asked him for some napkins and a new beer. He just sort of looked at me, then tried to give me back the half-empty beer, so I put it back on his tray and repeated my request. We eventually got more napkins and a new beer, but I don't understand what he could possibly have been thinking as he just let beer flood our table. Also, the bathroom was unspeakably dirty. read more

Meat Combo : Doro Wot - chicken leg with the egg (right side) Kei Wot - beef cubes in red sauce (left) Alitcha Wot - marinated beef (center) It was pretty good! They give you extra Injeera to enjoy everything and it's very reasonably priced as well. I came here for lunch and the parking was pretty easy and the food came out pretty quickly. After I got served though, I didn't see the server until I paid, so the service could have been better read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

The food quality here is great! The service is attentive. They do take a while to get you your food so keep that in mind. Our group of friends came by post pumpkin patch to try it out and the food was delicious and fresh. I loved all the fresh bread and my food was packed of flavors. read more

We chose this restaurant for our family's holiday dinner and we loved it so much we will be returning. The food is very high quality and authentic. The service is friendly and attentive. The ambiance is warm and inviting. This restaurant also offer's a traditional Ethiopian coffee service that we will be booking in the future. read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Assortment of meat dishes served family style. - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Came at 12pm, ones there. Need to update actual hours. Looked inside, no lights on, no staff getting ready. Disappointed, really was in the mood for Ethiopian food. read more

Everything was delicious! We have been to several Ethiopian restaurants, and this was just as delicious! The service was great! The lady there was very sweet and even though there was a little wait, it was worth it! Definitely recommend and will be coming back! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat combo and veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Wonderful service and food! Very reasonable prices for the combo platters. I got the veggie, the hubs got the meant combo. So yummy! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Wow-Gojo Ethiopian Delivers-the best!!.. I had/needed Vegan (and gluten free) food and was recommended the Combo Injeera and picked, cooked, and pickled lil' dishes assortment. The server Moumoud (pardon, close?!!) was a pleasant experience himself in providing the choices and being a beacon of gentle, prompt, attentive, and kindly, jovial service. I felt like I was being served by family-in his mentioning of his cherished veggie dishes for me-that were... simply AMAZING..and were light, sweet, slightly spicy, and cooling as well. And...the injeeera here-may be the best injeera in NorCal-serious. Lightest, and most firm-absolutely teff-and delicious w/all the assortment! You can also tell of the humble pride of Ethiopia here-in the decor, both western and Ethiopian. I imagine they have both lots of Ethiopians and westerners in groups on a solid dining evening! I didn't try the meat dishes-they looked delectable-aside of my preference-in that they were very special dishes-go to this place w/a few friends or family who is daring or likes Ethiopian-it's an awesome group experience in a place like this-in sharing!! You'll love the variety of your friend's, neighbor's, or mom in law! If you are in San Jose or on your way to/from Santa Cruz-definitely stop by for a small bite or a solid meal! What an early dinner/afternoon delight! And if you see Moumoud-you'll know-because he has a glowing smile for his food! Ask him about a recommendation for you!! read more

The food was very good. The workers were excellent and so was the service. The room was very nice and beautiful. I would recommend! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

We really just found our new go to spot! It's pretty decent sized portions. We LOVE the veggies! So we got one veggie combo, and one meat/veggie combo! Inside is pretty clean and nice, definitely a good sit down for a super casual date! Parking is a bit tricky, since it's street parting in front. There is a bit of a spicy kick and there may be more subtle options, like the cabbage and carrots. The workers honestly make it even better here! We truly left happy costumers and we will definitely be back! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie combo and veggie/meat combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Incredibly friendly service and delicious food. A favorite whenever I am in San Jose.

This is my favorite Ethiopian spot in San Jose and I usually recommend it to all my friends who want to try Ethiopian food. The parking is a little difficult but usually we get lucky and are able to park right in front. It's a small hole in the wall place, but it's spacious inside. There are some days where I've noticed it's more busy than others. I always get the meat combination, and the portions are huge! 5/5! I get a side of the their ayib (traditional Ethiopian cheese) and it pairs really well on top of the meats. The meat combination includes three types of meat from left to right in the photo: Doro wot: a chicken stew in hot spices, herbs, seasoned butter cooked until tender (my favorite!!) Kei Wot: Prime beef cubes marinated in red pepper sauce, seasoned butter, garlic onion fresh ginger and cooked until tender. This one is my second favorite Alitcha Wot: Prime beef cubes marinated in a mild flavor full sauce, seasoned butter, garlic onions fresh ginger and cooked until tender (third favorite) I like their Ethiopian flat bread called Injera, and that's usually what you take pieces of and then pick up a piece of meat. It's super flavorful. If it's your first time I definitely recommend the meat combination or the vegetarian combo so you can try a variety of it! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat Combination - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Found this gem in San Jose. As someone from the service industry I really appreciate great service and this place went above and beyond. This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and let just say it's like traveling to Ethiopia without getting on a flight. Everything was delicious and new and exciting. It really felt like a journey through Ethiopian history. I never thought food could transport a person but this did that for me. It was rich and flavorful and my taste buds were delighted. I cannot tell you the names of everything but the photos speak for itself. I throughly enjoyed eating with my hands, I think that added such another element of enjoyment. I know Ethiopia is famous for their coffee so I had to try it, unfortunately I did not know that it's not drank with cream and I requested cream.....no problem the owner said give me a few minutes and he left the restaurant and went across the street to the supermarket to get me cream. I was so impressed and embarrassed at the same time that a restaurant would do that. So, to wrap up, this was a perfect 10 dining experience. If you're in the San Jose area and would like to experience some amazing food, look no further than Gojo. Great food and service that is above and beyond. Enjoy! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Gojo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Okay so I lived near the midtown/San Carlos St. area for 2 years and I came to learn this was the mecca of Ethiopian food in San Jose. I don't know why but no complaints from me!! Out of all the restaurants in the area, Gojo quickly became my favorite. I started doing take out orders almost every week.. The owner is super sweet and now that we moved away (tear), he still remembers us when we come by. This is a very traditional, family owned restaurant, nothing fancy, and just hands down amazing food. They don't have a parking lot. Just street parking, which can be tricky on a busy night. But the food is worth a short walk! My boyfriend and I always start with their sambusas because you can't not!! You can tell they are made fresh and not frozen. The outside is perfectly crispy and the inside is warm and not too mushy. You can ask for the spicy paste to go with it but beware it is really spicy! We love it. An order comes with 2. Our go to's are the veggie combo and an extra side of yemisser wot (it's my boyfriends favorite). I can't pick just one, I love them all!! So the veggie combo is perfect. I guess my top 2 would be the atakilt wot and the shiro wot. I love the potato and carrot. And the shiro has such a tasty garlic flavor with just a kick of spice. Ugh so good! Paired with their delicious injera, it's heavenly. We also love their salad! The tomato goes so well with all the flavors. If you've never had Ethiopian food, it can be intimidating. But trust me, once you try it once you'll be hooked. It's seriously the best comfort food :). read more

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this place is a good place to go to! we ordered the veggie combo with doro tibs and collared greens. the veggie combo was good, but not hot when it came to us. the tibs were really good and came hot! the food was on point and the cost was great. i'll more than likely be going back when i want ethiopian food. the is the best place around the area's read more

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After moving from DC (fun fact: highest concentration of Ethiopian people outside of Ethiopia) I missed good Ethiopian food. Thank goodness there are several options in the South Bay! Came here for a quick weeknight dinner. At 8pm we were the only diners. However there were some takeout orders. Our server was very helpful with indicating what items met our dietary restrictions. Note that you can ask for gluten free injera bread and that most of the vegetable dishes are vegan. We started with the sambusas which had a spicy lentil filling. The exterior was fried crisp and fresh (we could hear the sizzling from our table). Of note, these didn't taste premade and frozen, and which can often give a mushy filling (pet peeve with most spring rolls, but I digress). This came with a spicy sauce (more like a paste) that was very spicy (we were warned) but too good to miss. For our meal, we got the veggie combo. It came with 3 different lentil sides, sautéed kale, and a potato and carrot mash, along with a fresh green salad. Each of the dishes provided a variety of flavors, textures, and spice levels. It was served on a perfectly spongy injera (the best part is eating the injera bits that have been soaking up all the lentils). We were even given extra injera midway through. Overall very solid place for super authentic Ethiopian food. If you haven't tried it, this is your sign. read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Sambusa 2 pieces - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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I have been craving for Ethiopian food since Washington DC and found this place. Love the ambience and most importantly food was very delicious with the perfectly sour dough the waiter was friendly and explained the menu to us! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Veggie and meat combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

We found this place on Yelp. We are here in a Friday night before we went axe throwing nearby. We were on a time crunch and they were able to accommodate us by getting our food out and getting our check early. We ordered the meat and veggie combo and boy was it delicious. We ate it all up. The food was spices, flavorful, and you can feel the love that was put into it. I feel like this place is a mom and pops ram by a family. It's casual and simple Ethiopian decor. I love the ambiance and homey feel. Will definitely come back! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat and veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

Closed. Made a reservation for my son's birthday for 5:45pm. Confirmed it via the Yelp app. Came there on time, and it was closed. It was supposed to be open till 9pm. A guy from DoorDash also came as we were waiting outside, trying to knock (there was light inside, so we still hoped for a service). No such luck. All of us left. Very disappointing! BUT, we searched for a replacement and found Kategna Ethiopian restarant just a block away that was absolutely great. So after all, the evening was not spoiled. Go to Kategna! read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

We came right at closing -- or maybe even after -- but the owners welcomed us in, even though we were interrupting their own dinner. Excellent food, gracious service, all at a great price. read more

If you're looking for Ethiopian food in the Bay Area, stop your search--Gojo is IT! I've been to a few Ethiopian places over the years, and Gojo Ethiopian is the best. It definitely has that hole-in-the-wall, hidden gem vibe: relatively unassuming from the outside, but once you enter, you feel transported to a different part of the globe. Walking into this restaurant feels more like being welcomed into someone's home. This is partly due to the owners themselves, who are attentive, generous, kind. It is also because of the decor and layout. The kitchen is in the same room, separated by a wooden divider wall that doesn't reach the ceiling, which means you can hear and smell your food being cooked, creating an ambiance of cozy familiarity. They have a side room for special reservation, nicely adorned with Ethiopian decor and coffee equipment (which is an entire ceremony unto itself, I hear), which you can look into and enjoy from the main area. And speaking of the food, which is why you're here--INCREDIBLE. From the sambusa appetizer w/spicy garlic sauce, it was clear that we were in for a treat, and oh did the main course deliver. Exquisite. Not too oily, not too salty. Flavors remain clearly distinct, and yet harmonious. Great quality of meat and vegetables. Injera is freshly baked and generously portioned. Very good mitten shiro (simmered chickpea stew/sauce). Doro tibbs (cubed chicken) was my personal favorite! Genuinely addictive, and I would have ordered more had the platter not been so full already. We also ordered a Tej honey wine with the meal, which was amazing; just sweet enough, with depth, and the taste of real honey (sounds obvious, but I have been disappointed by cheap, flat-tasting Tej elsewhere). If you need any further indication of how good this meal was, I ate past the point of full, just so I could taste more of it lol. 10/10 food, service, and atmosphere. Going again as soon as I can. read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Doro wot, doro tibbs, gomen wot, mitten shiro, ater kik, cabbage on injera - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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Food was flavorful- we had the vegetarian combo and meat combo. Both dishes was plenty full for multiple people. The service was amazing. Everyone was really nice in explaining the menu and they even brought us spicy sauce to try out. We will definitely be back! read more

I don't get to eat Ethiopian food very often. Gojo had great reviews and I was excited to try them out. The decor is pretty low key but you don't go here for that. You go here for the food and service. The manager was great, super friendly, and makes you feel at ease. They have been around for 28 years which is amazing. My go-to dish is the kitfo(rare) and that's what I got here as well. It was very good and flavorful but I could not eat too much of it. Perhaps it is a sign of getting older but it was too oily and a tad too spicy for me. The injera bread was very soft and great. I will be back to check out other items. read more

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Amazing flavor, meat/veggie combo was enough for two people to share. Service was excellent, we were in a rush and the owner made sure w got it on time and even gave us some extra. The total bill was under $30 which is sooo affordable for two people. Amazing!!! read more

Was in town briefly and wanted African food. This location is a "hole in a wall" but the flavors speak for themselves . We had the vegetarian Plater and one meat platter with DoroWot, lamb cooked with spices. Clearly we jumped on the meat plate so quickly that I didn't get to take a picture. Injera was a little bit more Tangier than I like the sauces were all delicious. Washed down with honey wine. They don't have ice but it wasn't a deal breaker for me. Service was very good and the ambiance was chill. Will definitely return next time I am around read more

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant - Injera - Ethiopian Near Me - San Jose, California

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I have been looking for a good Ethiopian restaurant and this place far exceeded my expectations. The owner was so wonderful giving us recommendations and providing delicious sauces. She modified the combos so we could try the widest variety of foods and each dish was delicious. They can accommodate different spice levels, food preferences, and are happy to surprise you with their favorites. The ambiance is colorful and welcoming. 10/10 Will come again read more