Great ambience and service. As soon as you enter you are transported to a different world, with the colors and the aromas.
Service is super friendly. Try their platters, sambusas and honey wine.
Buy some spices on your way out.
Binoli Shah
Absolutely incredible experience! This was my first time at an Ethiopian restaurant, and I’m so glad I chose this place. I ordered vegetarian food — the spiced tea, sambussa, and the veggie platter — and hands down, it was some of the best food I’ve ever had. Every bite was flavorful and unique.
What made the experience even better was the amazing service. The staff took the time to explain what each dish was, which made it feel welcoming and thoughtful. You can tell they really care about sharing their culture and food.
Highly recommend — I’ll definitely be coming back!
Rosezetta Upshaw
My favorite Habesha restaurant!! The food is so good! The lamb tibs, atakilt (cabbage) and shiro (puréed chickpeas) are my favorites. I would say skip the doro wot (it’s 2 chicken drumsticks, needed salt). The tibs portions are more generous than most Ethiopian restaurants.
The sambusas (samosa) were super fresh. The beef was great. The lentil ones were super spicy and too hot for me.
The service is impressive. Our waitress gifted us baklava. It was so fresh I could taste the rose water.
They have real injera that is gluten free but make sure you ask for it. And hands down Ethiopian food is the most delicious vegan/vegetarian food ever.
Every time we go the place is packed but we typically walk in without a reservation. The inside is lovely and there is outdoor seating in the back.
Bryan Moran
Raw meat at its finest
Juan P
First time trying Ethiopian food, was not disappointed! Got the sampler to split between two, and it was definitely enough food. I didn’t realize that when they ask if you want Injera, which is like the bread/rice option you see at other restaurants, they provide it as a separate charge and that the plate came with some (it’s actually the base of it), so I wouldn’t have ordered extra. The sampler was varied with several options, and the flavors very tasty - perhaps the only downside was the actual amount of chicken for some of the samples was a little small. For the price too it wasn’t outrageously expensive either, though it is on the pricier side.
jongleur
Huge fan of Cafe Colucci. I eat here regularly. Vegan sampler is phenomenal. The richness of flavors and the variety are top notch. Everything goes together so well and you can also eat each item on it's own. Love the injera (they have a regular house blend and teff injera as well). Deserves 5 stars. Service is great and friendly and the layout / vibe is also very nice. Can't speak highly enough of this spot. A true gem.
Frank Cohen
Delicious vegetarian and vegan meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
arena lopez
The atmosphere and service was 5 stars, the food was good, I didn't love it, it was my first time eating this food and it is not something that my palate likes. I ordered a vegan sampler and a meat sampler. They add star anise to the coffee. The truth is that it is something very spicy for my taste. It gave me gas. But for those who like this type of food, the place is very clean.
Vegetarian options: There are vegan options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Gabrielle Leavy-Obeng
First time joining some family who are loyal Cafe Colucci fans. I’ve eaten at many Ethiopian spots and I’d say this is my new favorite. From the ambience, service, drinks and most importantly the food, everything was wonderful. There is love and thought put into each aspect of the restaurant. The food was very fresh and flavorful, we had both the meat and vegan sampler as well as drinks and appetizers which were delicious. We met the owner who was kind and welcoming as well as our waiter Ricardo was extremely attentive and kind. I will definitely be back when visiting Oakland.
Café Colucci is the truth! Food is delicious and full of flavor. I would recommend starting with either the Meat Platter or the Vegan Platter to get a taste for all the different dishes. The sumbussas (vegan and meat filled) and the polpetti (Ethiopian style meatballs) are also a must-try. To drink—the Selassie Spritz and the Ethiopian spiced tea are delicious albeit one is cool and refreshing and one is warm and spice-filled so get what fits your flavor needs for the time. The patio in back is a vibe when weather allows and the cafe inside has a beautiful ambiance. Absolutely recommend giving them a try!
Vegetarian options: There are tons of vegan and vegetarian dishes!
Dietary restrictions: They have gluten free Teff! (Injera)
Hidden gem in Emeryville / Oakland. We only happened to see it while driving through. Delicious and filling options, spicy and mild as you need, and plenty of meat and vegetarian/ vegan options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Sampler
Alison Bloom
A must visit! Coziest restaurant with consistently delicious food and drinks. I find myself trying new favorites each time - as of now the shrimp and vegan sampler are in my top rotation. There are options for everyone and the vibes are great for both small and big groups. This is such a special place and I love their food and the seasoning spices - thank you Colucci/ Brundo and see you soon!
My first time eating here. I ordered pickup- the vegan combo and the meat combo with gluten-free injera. Next time I'll dine in- the atmosphere was nice. Smelled great inside, friendly staff, unique spices and books for sale, interesting decor- the tables showcased dried beans and spices. The food was delicious! I enjoyed the vegan combo most. The meat combo flavors on the chicken were too mellow. The menu didn't state it, but the meat combo salad has a sour cream dressing, so dairy-free folks- take note. I will definitely return and experience indoor dining.
Dietary restrictions: They offer gluten-free injera. The salad in the meat combo contains dairy.
Great ambience and service. As soon as you enter you are transported to a different world, with the colors and the aromas.
Service is super friendly. Try their platters, sambusas and honey wine.
Buy some spices on your way out.
Absolutely incredible experience!
This was my first time at an Ethiopian restaurant, and I’m so glad I chose this place. I ordered vegetarian food — the spiced tea, sambussa, and the veggie platter — and hands down, it was some of the best food I’ve ever had. Every bite was flavorful and unique.
What made the experience even better was the amazing service. The staff took the time to explain what each dish was, which made it feel welcoming and thoughtful. You can tell they really care about sharing their culture and food.
Highly recommend — I’ll definitely be coming back!
My favorite Habesha restaurant!! The food is so good! The lamb tibs, atakilt (cabbage) and shiro (puréed chickpeas) are my favorites. I would say skip the doro wot (it’s 2 chicken drumsticks, needed salt). The tibs portions are more generous than most Ethiopian restaurants.
The sambusas (samosa) were super fresh. The beef was great. The lentil ones were super spicy and too hot for me.
The service is impressive. Our waitress gifted us baklava. It was so fresh I could taste the rose water.
They have real injera that is gluten free but make sure you ask for it. And hands down Ethiopian food is the most delicious vegan/vegetarian food ever.
Every time we go the place is packed but we typically walk in without a reservation. The inside is lovely and there is outdoor seating in the back.
Raw meat at its finest
First time trying Ethiopian food, was not disappointed! Got the sampler to split between two, and it was definitely enough food. I didn’t realize that when they ask if you want Injera, which is like the bread/rice option you see at other restaurants, they provide it as a separate charge and that the plate came with some (it’s actually the base of it), so I wouldn’t have ordered extra. The sampler was varied with several options, and the flavors very tasty - perhaps the only downside was the actual amount of chicken for some of the samples was a little small. For the price too it wasn’t outrageously expensive either, though it is on the pricier side.
Huge fan of Cafe Colucci. I eat here regularly. Vegan sampler is phenomenal. The richness of flavors and the variety are top notch. Everything goes together so well and you can also eat each item on it's own. Love the injera (they have a regular house blend and teff injera as well). Deserves 5 stars. Service is great and friendly and the layout / vibe is also very nice. Can't speak highly enough of this spot. A true gem.
Delicious vegetarian and vegan meal
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The atmosphere and service was 5 stars, the food was good, I didn't love it, it was my first time eating this food and it is not something that my palate likes. I ordered a vegan sampler and a meat sampler. They add star anise to the coffee. The truth is that it is something very spicy for my taste. It gave me gas. But for those who like this type of food, the place is very clean.
Vegetarian options: There are vegan options
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
First time joining some family who are loyal Cafe Colucci fans. I’ve eaten at many Ethiopian spots and I’d say this is my new favorite. From the ambience, service, drinks and most importantly the food, everything was wonderful. There is love and thought put into each aspect of the restaurant. The food was very fresh and flavorful, we had both the meat and vegan sampler as well as drinks and appetizers which were delicious. We met the owner who was kind and welcoming as well as our waiter Ricardo was extremely attentive and kind.
I will definitely be back when visiting Oakland.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Alicha, Meat Combo, Vegan Sampler, Kitfo
Authentico experience! We devoured the sampler plate. Get it and don’t be shy to get your hands dirty i.e use it to break the injera ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meat Sampler, Vegan Sampler
Restaurantji Recommends
Café Colucci is the truth! Food is delicious and full of flavor. I would recommend starting with either the Meat Platter or the Vegan Platter to get a taste for all the different dishes. The sumbussas (vegan and meat filled) and the polpetti (Ethiopian style meatballs) are also a must-try. To drink—the Selassie Spritz and the Ethiopian spiced tea are delicious albeit one is cool and refreshing and one is warm and spice-filled so get what fits your flavor needs for the time. The patio in back is a vibe when weather allows and the cafe inside has a beautiful ambiance. Absolutely recommend giving them a try!
Vegetarian options: There are tons of vegan and vegetarian dishes!
Dietary restrictions: They have gluten free Teff! (Injera)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meat Sampler, Wot, Vegan Sampler, Veggie Sumbussa
Hidden gem in Emeryville / Oakland. We only happened to see it while driving through. Delicious and filling options, spicy and mild as you need, and plenty of meat and vegetarian/ vegan options.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegan Sampler
A must visit! Coziest restaurant with consistently delicious food and drinks. I find myself trying new favorites each time - as of now the shrimp and vegan sampler are in my top rotation. There are options for everyone and the vibes are great for both small and big groups. This is such a special place and I love their food and the seasoning spices - thank you Colucci/ Brundo and see you soon!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best Ethiopian food in the Bay ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Meat Sampler, Meat Combo, Vegan Sampler
My first time eating here. I ordered pickup- the vegan combo and the meat combo with gluten-free injera. Next time I'll dine in- the atmosphere was nice. Smelled great inside, friendly staff, unique spices and books for sale, interesting decor- the tables showcased dried beans and spices. The food was delicious! I enjoyed the vegan combo most. The meat combo flavors on the chicken were too mellow. The menu didn't state it, but the meat combo salad has a sour cream dressing, so dairy-free folks- take note. I will definitely return and experience indoor dining.
Dietary restrictions: They offer gluten-free injera. The salad in the meat combo contains dairy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetarian Combo
Loading...