Shewhat

252

116

313

2 years ago

Decided to give Shewhat a try after seeing the raving reviews. We went on a weekday for dinner. It wasn't crowded. The backyard had plenty of tables. It was cozy and well-lit. The service was friendly and fast. We ordered the veggie combo. It was delicious and well-flavored. We were able to finish it between the two of us without feeling stuffed. The honey wine was refreshing but a bit too sweet. The Ethiopian beer was from a local brewery, not actually imported. read more

Shewhat - Veggie combi - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Charlotte M.

1 year ago

Very inviting vibe!! Felt so comfortable and homey. The service was awesome as well. The woman that works there was very kind and considerate. The food was so good omg. I swear I almost reached enlightenment. Went there for my birthday and was not disappointed. read more

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Thiri T.

174

385

4 years ago

This was an amazing Ethiopian spot with the best nighttime outdoor ambiance, nice and efficient staff, and flavorful food. We added fish tibsy and okra into the meat and veggie combo, and it was perfect amount of food for 6 very full people! The injera was a bit too sour for me, but it paired really well with the stews. The lentils were my favorite veggie stews, and all the meats really shocked me because of how flavorful it all was. The beef, fish, and chicken and spinach were all super yummy and well spiced, and I loved all of them equally. The family style sharing and ambiance of fairy lights adds such a comforting atmosphere perfect for any chill but explorative dinner. You also don't have to worry about parking! There was a small but empty lot in front of their restaurant. On our way out, we almost hit the owner, but he was so nice that he smiled and waved. Love this place and the people! read more

Shewhat - Shewhat Meat Combo Abby veggies combo Okra Kelwa - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Safi O.

7 months ago

Armando did an amazing job -- extremely quick service & very kind man. Do not go anywhere else- convenient location & plenty of parking.

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Peter K.

406

2 years ago

Delicious yemisir wat. Great Mushroom tibsy. Vegan section is big. The tej goes great with the meal on a warm evening. Portions are huge. Expect to need someone to roll you away. The food here is so good you can't stop. read more

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Rachel M.

1 year ago

We loved our meal here. We had the meat and veggie combo and it was absolutely delicious. Can't wait to come back! read more

Shewhat - Meat and veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Spire S.

219

5384

2 years ago

Had a major craving for Ethiopian food. Came here because Brundo was not open on Sunday (even though Google said it was). Business owners need to check and correct these things. Must have been meant to be because the food was ***excellent***. Each component of the dish was thoughtfully and tastefully seasoned, able stand alone as their own dish on their own dish. When combined, it's a symphony. The injera is 100% teff and fermented for three weeks which makes it robustly flavorful and acidic serving as a solid base to compliment each element topping the inners. The okra and the collards have a depth of flavor not usually found in other Ethiopian restaurants. Lentil elements are vibrant and everything is finger licking good. Especially since you're SUPPOSED to eat with your fingers. Staff is very nice. When the owner who is also the chef found out we were from out of town he came out to visit, reminisce and inquire about old haunts he used to enjoy. They also have a store that sells Ethiopian and Eritrean ingredients that is a block away but not open on Sunday. We'll definitely be back and will ask for the "surprise me" dish that is not on the menu and allows him to be creative. Should you choose to take this encouraged suggestion: Tell him "the adult pickles and ice cream" patron sent you. read more

Shewhat - Abby's Veggie Combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Shewhat - Extra injera and berbere. - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Jan L.

102

10 months ago

Went for the first time this week, and it was wonderful. Comfortable, friendly, unpretentious, super tasty food, generous portions. I look forward to going back. read more

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Michael M.

2 years ago

Absolutely wonderful meal and experience, enjoyed to it's entirety! Thank you very much! read more

Shewhat - Sample Platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Tamara T.

1 year ago

The food is really good, restaurant was easy to find and easy to get a table for 6 o'clock, but it filled up around 6:30. The service was atrocious. I can't even list everything that was wrong. There were so many problems. Even at the end, the waitress thanked us for being patient, thinking that if she thanked us putting up with her poor performance, we were going to tip her better? Either way if you can put up with poor Service, then you can have a great meal. read more

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Darryl Y.

2 years ago

Eritrean food! Alex was very friendly and explained key differences between Ethiopian food and Eritrean. One of the key differences is Eritrean food is significantly lighter and uses less butter. Their bread is gluten free. The lamb dish was mild, but well seasoned for a perfect blend of light, gamey and earthy. Will definitely return. read more

Shewhat - Lamb allichia - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Alexis M.

465

519

829

4 years ago

This was my first time trying Ethiopian food and I was super impressed by the style of food and all the FLAVOR! This place gets busy so make sure to make a reservation! This experience if best enjoyed family style so you can try more of the dishes. We had a group of 4 and ordered the veggie + meat sampler along with the Beef Tibsy and okra, and mushroom Tibsy. It is served with Injera, essential to enjoy the whole spread of tasty food. I also had the ginger tea which paired perfectly with the food. I think the standouts for me was the beef tipsy and the mushrooms! Staff was super friendly and welcoming and made excellent recommendations. The place had a very homey feel to it and it shows in the quality of the food and service. I can't wait to come back! read more

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Hbny B.

2 years ago

We love Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine and have been looking for a replacement from our fave place in SF that closed a few years ago. The food was delicious and fresh and the service was awesome. We will be back! read more

Shewhat - Chicken Tibsy and Spinach and Merhaba Plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Charles K.

2 years ago

For a small restaurant it was an amazing experience. The whole place was clean, the dishes filled with fresh ingredients, and the service was friendly, relaxed and yet attentive. Highly recommend - beef and mushrooms - yellow lentils - lamb - chicken tibs Don't forget to eat the Injera under the dishes! It's so very flavorful.! read more

Shewhat - We ordered five dishes (for mom and dad and 2 teenage boys). It was so good we ate every last bit! - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Scott B.

10 months ago

This chef's food is so clean and balanced. The spices and the base ingredients like lentils and greens and chicken are seamlessly woven together with spices to create masterpieces. This is some of the best food I have ever had regardless of cuisine. The space is personal and feels like you are visiting an Auntie's patio or backyard. Best of all is the chef herself, full of joy and charisma. Later we noted that not only did we enjoy the flavors, it felt so nourishing and made us feel good. read more

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Alan H.

579

3 years ago

Shewhat Special is a must try!! Everything tasted delicious. Was also very excited to try an Ethiopian beer, Bedele! Service was attentive and had great recommendations. We sat outside during dinner service on a comfortable night, but space heaters are available if it's chilly. read more

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Natalie M.

549

1324

2768

3 years ago

This place is delish! Got the neat and veggie combo and it came with a delicious assortment of dishes. The injera is tasty and soaks up all the flavors! It came with beef stew and chicken with spinach. We also had red and yellow lentils and cabbage. I loved the collard greens too. Service was great and good was amazing quality. I'd go back! read more

Shewhat - Meat and veggie combo ($36.95) - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Sienna P.

11 months ago

Ordered delivery. Food was ok. Good flavor. Lentils were undercooked and watery. Injera was delicious but they only gave me ONE INJERA with the veggie combo. read more

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Hakan E.

3 years ago

It was first time trying Eritrean cuisine and I made the best decision picking this place! I sat at their cute patio, started with sambusas which was very crispy outside and soft inside. Alex was very welcoming, he treated me tea with my sambusa. Then I ordered beef tibsy & okra, so good!! Very tender and right amount of spice. This will be my new spot. read more

Shewhat - Sambusa, Beef Tibsy and Okra - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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D. M.

267

363

229

2 years ago

We came here with friends from out of town. It was close to our home and thought why not. The entrance was a little challenging to decipher because of the structure of the building. It's as if you are entering into someone's back porch. Once we got seated we were brought menus and water. We ordered the typical family style platters with lamb, beef, with lentils, and collard greens. Everything was absolutely delicious and we'd definitely return. read more

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Ash D.

Elite 24

304

316

3 years ago

HIGHLY recommend this place! The service and food was amazing. I came here with some friends and it was all our first time here. Our waiter was so helpful and he helped us understand the menu and how the food is and how we should order. The food was SO good!! My first time trying this cuisine and it was so delicious. It was very flavorful and tasty. The restaurant was also very clean. They have an inside and a small patio outside. We opted for the patio and they turned the heaters on for us since it was a cold day. Loved coming to this hidden gem and highly recommend everyone checks it out! read more

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Kaitlyn W.

2 years ago

Wow wow wow. This place is awesome. Amazing inside/outside patio. We had the Shewhat sampler and had our minds completely blown. My favorite was the greens, my partners favorite was the Sambusas and the beef. I don't think you can miss with this place. The owner was sweet and accommodating! Will be coming back read more

Shewhat - Shewhat Sampler, Sambusa, and Ethiopian/Eritrian beer! - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Jessica B.

163

2 years ago

BEST ETHIOPIAN FOOD EVER! The owner is so sweet and puts so much love in her cooking. Recommend a veggie AND a meat platter. read more

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tiana w.

119

211

3 years ago

I want to start by saying the best places to eat are always the "hole in the wall" restaurants. This was a cute little spot that you might miss if you're not paying attention. My husband and I love Ethiopian/Eritrean food and hands down this is by far the best place that we have been to from Sacramento to the Bay Area. They are able to customize your order for the spice level from not spicy to spicy and that's a big deal for me. I love to enjoy my food but can't eat food that is too spicy. Abby was great and the food came out perfectly. We ordered the veggie combo, beef and mushroom tibsy and beef crispy tibsy. The food was so flavorful and tasty that we ordered some to go. The service was amazing!! I plan to let my friends and family know about this excellent restaurant and will definitely be making a trip back soon. read more

Shewhat - The aftermath - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Shewhat - Great Presentation and tastes even better! - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Shewhat - Honey wine was really good - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Shewhat - Abby veggies combo, Beef Tibsy and mushroom & beef crispy tibsy. - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Jeanna T.

2 years ago

The best Ethiopian food I have ever had!! My friend and I shamelessly ate the entire Shewhat platter to ourselves. No doubt I will be returning with my friends and family. The servers are so kind to explain ingredients in the food since I was concerned about allergies, but was pleasantly surprised that I was able to eat everything! The food came quickly too. We enjoyed sitting in their nice space outside. read more

Shewhat - Shewhat sampler - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Gabby H.

Elite 21

121

2 years ago

The service and food here is phenomenal. I made reservations for the evening and upon walking in it was very busy. There was no one in front to greet us. It seemed that the entire staff was busy getting orders out. I was acknowledged by servers walking around from afar telling me that someone will be with me shortly. A party of 4 then walked in after us and were seated immediately. When I asked the server why, he said that they were waiting for a 2 person table to be available. I then told him that we had reservations and have been waiting for 15 min. He said to wait one moment while he went to go tell who I believe was the manager. Once the situation was made aware, the manager came out and apologized and had us seated right away. Although frustrated in the beginning, the manager really made up for it by just acknowledging the issue and correcting it. Really went a long way for me. The food was amazing! We ordered the Shewhat Special which I would highly recommend if you're not sure what to order but want to taste a little bit of everything. The red lentils were soooooo friggin good with a nice amount of spice. The beef ziggni was also so buttery and tender with lots of complex spices. The sambusas had so much flavor, were nice and crispy and were served with a sweet chili sauce. Thank you for such a wonderful meal, Shewhat! read more

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Adam W.

2 years ago

Delicious. Ate the veggie platter for two. Just the right amount. Even the lettuce was dressed well. read more

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Carlton C.

Elite 26 All-Star

520

1806

4 years ago

Excellent food, service, and ambiance. The food is ridiculously flavorful, I couldn't stop complimenting it. The service was great and the patio is a mix of romantic, chill, and cozy. All in all a great place and I look forward to another visit. read more

Shewhat - Shewhat Special - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Breana T.

191

315

135

2 years ago

A step (or two) above the rest! I have eaten at every, yes, EVERY African, Eritrean, Ethiopian spots there are within 40 miles of where I live and Shewat is on top! And in my opinion it's not even close. Flavor! Salt! Black owned. Woman owned. Her daughter was doing homework at one of the tables when I walked in. Real family spot with smiles and such warmth that feels like you're at their home. A few tables inside and a really nice patio with lights and heat lamps too. By a happy accident I got to try more food than I had planned and it has me pumped to return! Crispy lamb tibs, gomen (greens), yellow & red lentils (kik alicha & misir wot), okra, atakilt (cabbage), shiro, even the salata (salad) was seasoned! Excellent! Overall - 9.6/10 - the only thing I would change is that for to-go they should consider putting the injera separate, wrap it some foil or plastic and put it outside of the container to keep the steam from making it soggy. I love supporting woman owned businesses but especially when they make you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. I drove about an hour to come pick up a bite from them and I am so glad I did! I've now posted about them on a number of my other platforms and can't wait until I can come back with enough time to dine in , grab some content and put that up on my tik tok. Everyone needs to know about this place! read more

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M G.

333

421

267

4 years ago

Easily the best Ethiopian food I've ever had. Literally writing this review mid meal while at the restaurant. Can't even wait to get home to give this place five stars. read more

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Heather S.

358

260

511

4 years ago

i've only had ethiopian/eritrean food a couple times in my life but i can HANDS DOWN say that this has been my hands down favorite spot for it so far not only was the service stellar with some of the sweetest waiters, but the food was packed with so much flavor and texture that i was sold! we sat in their outdoor seating area which was so cozy and welcoming, and it almost felt like i was eating a family friend's housethis is definitely the kind of meal that brings people together. -- -- -- pictured: " shewhat special + added okra kelwa ($36.95+ ) // first off, the portions were HUGE, making it the perfect combo to share with friends! with a combination of flavorful vegetables, lentils, and meats, I had such a variety of food! my favorites were the beef tibs, yellow lentils, and yellow cabbage! it also came with a generous side of injera, which was a sour, fluffy bread that paired well with all the toppings. " sambusa appetizer ($9.95) // SO GOODfilled with brown lentils seasoned with eritrean spices, the hot pockets were so divine. -- -- -- definitely recommend checking them out for a delicious and welcoming meal! read more

Shewhat - a plate of food on a table - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Daniel F.

1 year ago

Probably the best Ethiopian in the Bay Area. Perfect injera (not the kind that dries out your hands), great but not overpowering flavors of the dishes, and a lot less oily than most places. Kind owners too. read more

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Na A.

2 years ago

Omg, a gem in Berkeley!!! Visited from Hawaii and this is where I'm coming to get my fix from now on! I loved the customer service. Loved the flavors and the presentation. Family vibes read more

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Ian W.

2 years ago

Epic food and friendly service. Need I say more? The vegetarian combo and Shiro are my go-tos and both were up there w the best in the Bay Area. Ingera was excellent as well - perfect balance of tangy, spongy, and stretchy. Would recommend and will be going again! read more

Shewhat - Shito - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Shewhat - Vegetarian Combo Platter. Ingera was tangy, spongy, stretchy and fabulous. - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Shewhat - Vegetarian Combo Platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Mitchell S.

3 years ago

When I lived in the East Bay we loved how many great Ethiopian places we had to choose from. Now that we've left the area, it's become a rare treat. I had to check this place out because of the 5-star ratings, and it was just as good as everyone says. I ordered 3 dishes (beef tibsy, lamb alecha, and the Shewhat veggie combo. My plan was to eat a little of each and bring the rest home as leftovers for dinner with my wife the next day. However, it was so good that I ate nearly all of it and had to order another beef tibsy so I wouldn't go home empty handed! The only bummer is that it's only 7 blocks from my old house in Oakland. I wish it had been there when I could go all the time, but I will definitely be back. read more

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Bianca M.

1 year ago

Excellent food & service. The menu was fairly extensive; the restaurant was very relaxing & quiet enough to hold a conversation.

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Nyma S.

3 years ago

Food is good overall. Service is adequate (inattentive at times). Ambiance was nice. Though tables are very big and it's hard to have a quiet conversation with your partner. If you are Celiac or gluten intolerant you might enjoy this place. Their injera is 100% teff and gluten free. Main dishes are GF too. The appetizer and desserts are NOT gluten free. Staff is nice and helpful mostly. However, when it's busy, service suffers. Prior to coming, I emailed them and asked them about their menu because I have Celiac's Disease. I never received a response. However, I still came to the restaurant. When I arrived, I told the server, I have Celiac, but clearly didn't emphasize it enough. I suspect that, because I was dining with someone who is NOT Celiac they got confused. My non Celiac diner ordered the appetizer. Since appetizers are typically brought out first, we figured it would be OK because my partner could wash his hands before the main meal. However, this didn't happen. They brought it out just minutes before the main dish. Needless to say, I was VERY annoyed, but my partner and I took precautions and we managed fine. Also, we never had water on our table. Other tables had a bottle of water on them. Our server never seemed to notice or care. The first time we came here, the experience was great. However, this was my second time here, and I was not nearly as impressed. Going out to eat is pretty risky for anyone who is Celiac and I didn't feel as safe or as comfortable eating here as I would have liked. Maybe it was just an off night for everybody, but for me, I doubt I'll be returning. read more

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Victoria T.

256

3 years ago

We met my mom for dinner and were greeted by a very friendly server. My mother and I ordered vegetarian plates and my partner ordered the chicken plate. We all enjoyed our meal's immensely Service was lovely and the bill was very reasonable. read more

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Suni P.

2 years ago

The vegan dishes we got were so flavorful! The perfect amount of complementing spices. I appreciated the many vegan options they had on their menu. The service was kind. We sat outside on the patio which was perfect on a warm summer evening. read more

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Page 2 of 9

6101 Shattuck Ave
Oakland, CA 94609
Rockridge, North Oakland
Directions
(510) 250-9533
Call Now
Order Takeout or Delivery
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Visit Website
http://Shewhatcafe.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Shewhat open?

Shewhat opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Shewhat opens at 4:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Shewhat close?

Shewhat closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.Shewhat is closed on Tuesday.

Mon, Wed-Fri 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMTue ClosedSat-Sun 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Shewhat take credit cards?

Yes, Shewhat takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Shewhat have catering options?

Yes, Shewhat does have catering options.

Does Shewhat have a drive thru?

No, Shewhat does not have a drive thru.

Does Shewhat serve alcohol?

Yes, Shewhat serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Shewhat allow dogs?

No, Shewhat does not allow dogs.

Does Shewhat have TVs?

No, Shewhat does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Shewhat have bike parking?

Yes, Shewhat has bike parking.

Does Shewhat have outdoor seating?

Yes, Shewhat has outdoor seating options.

Does Shewhat have parking?

Yes, Shewhat has parking options. Street Parking

Other Amenities

Is Shewhat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Shewhat is wheelchair accessible.

Does Shewhat have free WiFi?

Yes, Shewhat has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Our restaurant is brand new to the neighborhood, We serve Delicious traditional food! Now serve dinner only .

More Info

Health Score

Ask the Community - Shewhat

Do you have atakilt on your menu? Is it served as one of the items on the veggie sampler plate?

Yes we do have

Is there alcohol? Can I bring a bottle of wine or is there no liquor license?

Yea you can bring .but we r going to charge you corkage ….

Do you offer halal options?

Yes they do!

Is the injera made with 100% teff - or is there an option to choose so?

100%teff flour

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Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

4.2(1.7k reviews)

2.7 mi

came in on memorial day bc I was in the area, and a family friend recommended this place :)…read more Quickly seated for a party of one, average sized lunch crowd Servers were great, helpful, and kind Food & drink: - Sampled the classic honey wine! Def sweet & kinda strong for me but still loved hehe - Another server said her fave was the honey pineapple cider wine and it fsho didn't disappoint; came in a cinnamon-lined glass and tasted more apple than pineapple haha but not complaining at all, just noticing - small plate of chicken w/ red lentils -- came w/ injera and salad --- HELLA SHMACK (usually at Ethiopian restaurants, I get the samplers to split w/ friends) since I came in solo, I got the small plate today. I thought I'd need more injera, but the serving was actually a perfect size bc I even needed a to-go box **can't wait to visit again!! though they did note their moving locations soon

The food was delicious and prices were reasonable for the large quantity. Deducting a star because…read moreit's so loud here I could barely hold a conversation. I'm glad they've moving locations in a week. Wait staff was friendly. We got the veggie sampler for two ($40) and the meat sampler for one ($23). The veggie sampler was very filling, and each dish was flavorful. My friends enjoyed the meat dishes. The dishes came with plenty of injera. The spicy red lentils were my favorite as well as the carrot/cabbage/potato mix. I can't stomach onions so I was happy none of the veggie dishes included chunks in them. They were probably in there but blended or cooked down to nothing. My friend is diabetic so he couldn't eat a lot of the injera. We asked and the wait staff brought him eating utensils. When we entered, we stood around for a while and then figured out we were supposed to go to the back right where there's a few chairs put together for a waiting area. I flagged down a staff member and they had me put my name on a wait list. We were there early on a Friday (around 6pm), so we only had a short wait. Although this place has a decent amount of tables, I can imagine long waits during peak times. I'm glad they're moving to a new location in about a week and I hope it's quieter. We sat in the semi enclosed outside area and even there was loud. Voices echo throughout and since the restaurant is near a stoplight outside, cars and motorcycles blaring music go by constantly. Many were so loud just about the entire restaurant turned their heads to look at what was so noisy. As soon as we finished eating I suggested we leave since I could barely hear our conversation.

DORO WOT ( chicken stew ), BEEF Tibs, LAMB Tibs

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Amazing Cocktails: Espresso Martini, Honey Wine Pineapple Cider, Honey wine, Campari

Blue Nile Ethiopian

4.4(187 reviews)

3.1 mi•Lake Merritt

Family-owned & operated

Free WiFi

Absolutely delicious food, friendly service, reasonable prices, easy parking. Wonderful experience!read more

The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming, just like home for Habesha people. Everything was clean,…read morecomfortable, and well organized. I really enjoyed my time here and would gladly come back again

Meat Combo Platter

Lights shining

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Desta Ethiopian Cafe

5.0(111 reviews)

2.1 mi•Lower Hills

There's a special flavor when your mom or grandma cooks something. I saw some IG reel that tried to…read moreattribute it to mom's bacteria on her hand that transferes to her cooking, but I think it's something else... Love! And of course all of the years of cooking expertise that she has! This Ethiopian restaurant has that flavor, and it's definitely from the women that run it!! The food is incredible! So fresh and flavorful! Everything is vegan! The injera is gluten free! The vibe is sweet, and they have dishes I've never seen at any other restaurant, like azifa, green lentils with jalapeño and garlic! Delicious! Don't miss this gem!

Small spot by a busy road serving up delicious vegetarian food. The vegetarian combo here is…read moreprobably hands down the best I've ever had. It's not too saucy and the injera is also perfectly chewy and a nice color as well. They also have a lentil sambussa that was delicious and definitely worth trying! Parking was street only, luckily we got a spot nearby!

2.6 mi•Grand Lake, Lower Hills

Inside

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What's left of some of the BEST misir wot I've ever had!

Cafe Romanat

4.4(472 reviews)

Go for the food and service, not the ambiance. The food was…read moreamazing. I'm not an expert on Ethiopian cuisine, but I enjoy it and would not hesitate to go back to Romanat. In fact, it would be at the top of my list if I was hungry for Ethiopian. Service was friendly and attentive. Helped guide us to a platter for our small group and it was the perfect choice. It's not a beautiful restaurant, but the food is the star and the reason to go.

So this place is Ethiopian cuisine. Not many of those around these days. I've only been to the one…read moreother one before this one. But it's got all the flavors and bread that I had at this other place that belonged to the Queen of Sheba. I think the food was great. That 'bread' was sour and also tasted as expected, which was yummy. All the meats which were chicken and beef were very tasty. And so were the veggie option which was made out of eggplant. This eggplant was not oily but still tasted very good and not strongly bitter. Service was very nice and friendly. They gave us an extra samosa bc they wanted everyone to have a piece. And the place is very cozy and well decorated. We had a party of 9 and they fitted us. Prolly bc we reserved ahead of time. If you want this type of food, I'd would recommend it. Until I find something Mediterranean or more similar and better.

Wall decor

Combination plate with chicken and vegetables.

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Ethiopian beer

Cafe Dareye

4.6(178 reviews)

2.2 mi

•$

They recently changed ownership. We used to go all the time because the food was so good but you…read morewould never know if they were opened. But after the change, the food and service is even better. Only one Ethiopian lady, makes the food when you order. They do sell green coffee beans which is good for those that roast their own coffee as well as some other items. Same small space but added a bit more tables so you can eat in the store vs before it was mostly a to go place. Go and support this local business with amazing Ethiopian food. Authentic Ethiopian food, they only have coffee and a large or small veggie combo. You finish feeling satisfied

Very tasty. Very friendly. My wife will like that they have a little spiciness option. Will…read moreprobably doordash because the seating area is sparse

Spices and other dry goods

Full Veggie Combo with the beef special

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Admas

4.4(88 reviews)

3.4 mi•East Oakland

My experience at Admas never fails to amaze me. Even though it was my second visit, it felt just as…read moreexciting as the first. From the moment I walked in, I was welcomed with amazing service that made the entire experience even better. The first time I visited, I tried the veggie combo and loved how flavorful and well-prepared everything was. This time I decided to try the veggie meat combo, and somehow it was even better. One thing I really appreciate about Admas is the variety of options they offer--whether you're a meat lover or vegetarian/vegan, there's something for everyone. Beyond the food, the restaurant itself is very clean, spacious, and family-friendly. It's the perfect place for both small dinners and larger groups. I'll definitely be coming back again soon!

First off, I ordered for delivery…read more I love Ethiopian and Eritrean food, so I was excited to see this spot finally open for deliveries in my neighborhood! I think I've eaten at the majority of Ethiopian restaurants in Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco, so I'm a fan. Sadly, I was NOT a fan of this spot. :( (For context, I tried to go back to the delivery app to give a review, but the window for leaving a review had closed.) I looked over the menu and I was suspicious that there was no standard Doro Wot for delivery, but, whatevs --sometimes restaurants leave off certain items on delivery apps. I got the Chicken Tibs and Beef Tibs. The beef was spiced, but the chicken tasted bland and watery. Both seemed to be missing salt. The beef tibs was tougher than I'm used to. Maybe it was an off day. The Yemisir Wot (stewed red lentils) was flavorful. The vegetarian combo was a complete miss for the price and the portions were super small. The Tikil Gomen (cabbage, carrots, potatoes) looked like one tablespoon had been scooped out and put on the injera. It came with Yemisir Wot, Yekik Alicha (yellow spiced lentils), beets(???), Gomen (collards), and green salad (though I don't remember getting the green salad in my combo). The Gomen (collards) were super bland and tasted like reheated frozen collards. My last issue is that the a-la-carte items are photographed with a small salad and injera, pretty standard (see attached image from site). Unfortunately, the a-la-carte options came singularly in a container with a side of injera. Bummer. If I hadn't included the vegetarian combo, I probably would've been even more upset. What I did like: --- - The Tikil Gomen and Yemisir Wot were well spiced and tasty. - Plenty of injera, almost too many. I think my biggest issue is that given the portion size, most items are between $16 - $24, so if you're looking to have a rounded meal (injera, vegetables, meat), you're going to have to order multiple items and that adds up fast; it will be cheaper if you just eat in or call them and order for pick-up. (I'm also kind of bummed because I was rooting for them since they are in the space where Casa Vallarta used to be.) If you plan to go, I'd suggest sticking to the vegetarian options.

0.7 mi•Temescal, North Oakland, Rockridge

Dining room area. We forgot to take a picture of the food. Ate it too fast.

Gored gored, disappointing chicken doro wot, vegetable combo, & lamb tibs

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Asmara Restaurant

4.3(635 reviews)

Vegan friendly

Gluten-free friendly

The guys at Jerusalem Coffee recommended for my friends & I to walk over to Asmara for dinner when…read moreI said I have not had Eritrean food before. They said Eritrean is very similar to Ethiopian food so we finished our beverages & headed down Telegraph to Asmara. We were delighted when we were told to wait at the bar next door until they have a large table for our group. I asked the server to bring us their popular dishes, enough to feed 7 adults and she told me not to worry, that she would take care of it. She brought out the Meat Combo and the Beef/chicken/lamb tibs along with platter of veggies and eggplant. She gave us enough injera to keep us munching away. The food and service were Fabulous so naturally we had a great evening.

$7 Asmara Lager (Eritrean): refreshing, slightly bitter, fruity, malty…read more $18 Vegi Combo: good! Can eat again but for me, it's not my favorite way to eat vegan.

Lamb tibs non spicy

Keywatt (beef stew)

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Zilzil Tibs

Cafe Colucci

4.2(1.4k reviews)

1.0 mi•North Oakland

My cousins and I came here on a whim, two of us had not tried Ethiopian cooking before and I had…read morebeen craving it for some time now. We came across Cafe Colucci and it was pretty busy for a Sunday morning! We ordered their vegan and meat samplers as well as the beef sambussas. Meat sampler: 8/10 delicious! So many flavors and each item packed with some spices. Vegan sampler: 9/10 a hit! We all loved each item, especially the spicy ones. *Injera was absolutely a fam fave, we all loved the texture and flavors: tart, slightly savory and perfectly chewy/fluffy!! Sambussas: 100/10 we would order 100 of these! The sauce is came with was chefs kiss, amazingly sweet and savory with an ever so slight kick. The ambiance was family friendly, music wasn't too loud and everyone was very warm and inviting. I highly recommend coming here!

So many vibes. I've been here but it's been a long time. In fact it was in their old location. Met…read moreup with some friends. They are vegetarian and we eat meat. So 3 of us ordered 2 meat dishes and they 3, ordered vegetarian dishes. We also ordered samoses (2 orders) and 2 lattes, and 2 baklava. Oh, they also ordered the stuffed jalapeño dish, which surprise was hot. All the food was delicious, even the two teenagers with us liked the food. It's got a good vibe inside and despite there being a pretty constant line we were seated within 15 mins. I would absolutely go back. Also - order the coffee, was hit with wonderful flavors served in this awesome ceramic mug.

0.3 mi•Rockridge, North Oakland

The outdoor table decorated for a private party

Vegan Combination Platter (VG) & Meat Combination Platter

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Tej and a lemonade mocktail

Addis Ethiopian Restaurant

4.2(751 reviews)

Love this spot the people are super friendly and have little holiday events. Kitfo and Chicken tibs…read morewith veggie platter is our go to. Have been eating here for 7 years and it's consistently tasty. Honey wine and their teas are also great.

Addis Ethiopian Restaurant was such a great experience. The food was rich in flavor, fresh, and…read moresuper comforting you can really taste the quality and seasonings in every bite. Everything paired perfectly with the injera, and the portions were filling and worth it. The service was also friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even better. If you're craving Ethiopian food or want to try something new, Addis is definitely a spot I'd recommend. I'll be back fr fr

Inside of the restaurant

Addis Combination (Serves 2)

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Parking lot

Zara Restaurant

4.2(26 reviews)

3.1 mi•Old Oakland

First time trying Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine and it was delicious. I really appreciated the staff…read morefor being patient with us and explaining the dishes we had questions on. The portion size is like having a feast - definitely perfect for sharing. The injerito was a great appetizer, love the silky and soft texture of the injera. I ordered the House Special Sampler which was a great option for me because I wanted to try as many dishes as I could. From the choices of meat, the beef was my favorite. I ate it with the rice from the "Lamb with Rice" dish - very perfect pairing. The rice and beef were packed with so much flavor - every bite was a sensation. If you're looking for a great Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine, I highly suggest this place!

Food 4/5 I went with…read morethe vegetarian platter which is my go to wherever possible. My food was made to order and came out within a reasonable timeframe. Everything had a good flavor balance except the Gomen. For my taste buds it could use more seasoning. The whole platter was delectable. Just one thing, a gnat showed up and landed on my other roll of injera so I did not eat it. Service 4/5 KEren, the owner is soft spoken and kind. I told her the spelling of her name was unique to the traditional spelling Karen. She greeted me as soon as I entered. At this time there were no customers. She brought me the drinks menu and the food menu accompanied with a pitcher of water. I feel a pitcher of water should be offered at every restaurant for your table. Minimizes the requests for refills. On a warm sunny day like today hydration is paramount. Keren returned moments later to take my order. Ambiance 3/5 Clean. Neat. A little bare. Four big screen televisions though for those who are into watching TV. There's a bar with a limited alcohol selection. Happy Hour is offered from 4-8pm. No days specified. There's two restrooms. One for women and one for men. The women's is missing the door have handle. Inside the one person restroom it's very clean and stocked with all the basics you need.