Ethiopian Restaurants in Oakland, CA

“Really really enjoyed the Veggie Combo plate at Desta. The greens were fresh and the lentils were extremely flavorful. The other sides were unique and delicious as well. Bursting with flavor and hearty. Awesome meal and will definitely be back. Wish they were open for dinner but will visit for lunch on a weekend again soon.“

“Absolutely the best Ethiopian food in the area. The ladies who take and prepare the orders are very polite and helpful. They sell the vegetarian half and full orders as well as coffee and some sweets. Authentic and delicious.“

“This place is really good. Great quality of food. Very good flavor. Good atmosphere. I love it! On top of that, everyone is always very friendly. Highly recommend!“

“😀First visit here after years of walking past it. The veggie combo and meat combo platters were among the best I've had at Berkeley and Oakland's many great Ethiopian restaurants. Service was very fast and friendly and outdoor back-patio was peaceful. I will be back soon and often.“

“Excellent food and fantastic service“

“Absolutely delicious, colorful, healthy food! We ordered takeout for dinner tonight and had the chicken and mushrooms, Mela platter, beef tibs and sambusa. The portions were generous and everything was fresh and seasoning was off the chain!!! Try the brownies for dessert - you will not be disappointed!! When in Oakland, order from Mela Bistro 😋❤️😃“

“This Ethiopian Restaurant has been our family fave across 4 generations💚 Over the years: my grandma, my father, me, and my son…we dine and we bring friends! Highly recommend the restaurant and check out their partner Brundo Spice Company—spices and retail items available at the restaurant as well. The marvelous new location on San Pablo Ave. is vibrant, spacious, and inviting✨ Try the Vegetarian Sampler with extra Injera, followed by a Traditional Ethiopian Coffee Latte and dreamy Tiramisu. Sheer divinity!💗“

“This was super delicious, and everyone was very friendly. I met the chef and he was kind enough to give our table free dessert! Don't be afraid to try new things here... No regrets! The beef, lamb, lentils, and bread were my favorites 😋“

“The food is DELICIOUS! I highly recommend this place.“

“Came in for brunch and had the foul here...was BOMB!! As an Eritrean who did not normally care for foul I have had my mind changed completely after eating here. Go support this local family business. Good vibes good food and good people 👌🏾😋“

“It was my father’s 70th birthday, and it was our first time dining at Lula’s Eritrean Restaurant.

From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the restaurant’s vibrant colors, elegant décor, and the warm golden glow that filled the space. The air carried the inviting scent of fragrant spices and freshly prepared dishes, creating an immediate sense of comfort and anticipation. Soft conversations and the gentle hum of activity blended seamlessly with the welcoming ambiance, making the atmosphere feel both festive and intimate—the perfect setting to celebrate such a special milestone. The service was exceptional from start to finish—we barely had time to settle into our seats before attentive staff greeted us with genuine smiles and made us feel like honored guests throughout the evening.

As someone who doesn’t regularly eat traditional Eritrean food, other than my mother’s, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this turned out to be one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. The aromas alone were incredible, with notes of warm berbere spices, savory stews, and freshly baked injera filling the table with anticipation as each dish arrived. Every bite revealed layers of flavor—rich, vibrant, and perfectly balanced without feeling overly heavy. Tangy, spongy injera soaked up deeply seasoned sauces, while the blend of spices delivered a satisfying warmth that lingered pleasantly on the palate. The textures and seasonings complemented one another beautifully, from tender, slow-cooked dishes to fresh accompaniments that added brightness and contrast. The presentation was stunning, with colorful platters arranged artfully, transforming the meal into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

What made the evening even more special was sharing these new flavors with my family while celebrating my father’s milestone birthday. There was a genuine sense of joy and togetherness that made the experience unforgettable. Surrounded by the restaurant’s warm hospitality and the lingering aroma of spices, we found ourselves savoring not only the food but also the moment itself. Everything exceeded our expectations, from the food and service to the welcoming atmosphere. We left feeling grateful, satisfied, and excited to return to explore more of the menu. I highly recommend this restaurant and can’t say enough wonderful things about it and the owner.“

“Very good. I like it much better than Colucci, across the street, which in my experience is uniformly greasy and brown. The veggie combo is excellent - haven't tried any of the meat options. Friendly staff and comfortable seating, and there's even a back patio. Several varieties of honey wine including Orit, which is delicious, much more complex in flavor than the standard Enat Tej served almost everywhere else.“

“Very nice and cute little Ethiopian cafe. I definitely need to bring a friend or two with me to do the coffee ceremony!!! But from what I experienced with the veggie plate, pretty good run of the mill Ethiopian food. Lots of people hanging out and having a sip of coffee or other drinks.“

“If you’re looking for authentic Ethiopian food, Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique is one of the best spots in the entire Bay Area. The food is consistently delicious, the injera is fresh, and the flavors are as authentic as they come.“

“Nice murals on the walls. Kind server. Not the best Ethiopian food I've had, but not bad. Reasonable prices given that this is the Bay area. We ordered the meat and vegan platter for 4 for $75. We finished every morsel of food. $3 lemonade was not at all special, must be made from a powder, but what can you expect for $3?“

“Really good food and quick service everyone was very friendly in a beautiful neighborhood 🤗❤️wil come back with my cousin when I come back to California 🤗❤️🕶🤗👏🏼“

“Great food and great music .... all you need .... great friends to join you.“

“I love coming here. It's clean and the ladies are nice each time I see one of them. I like to buy my kolo and injera here it is fresher than other places. We are lucky there are many other markets between Oakland and Berkeley so to each their own. We need African businesses to stay open and thrive. Thus place is amazing and honestly so are most of the Ethiopians businesses and restaurants“

“Delicious food and great service“

“Few places in the US are able to evoke the same feeling of being back in the old country — not only in terms of flavor, but also the decor, atmosphere. A meal at Selam Restaurant is like stepping back into East Africa — from the basic interior, the cable TV, the tablecloths.

Quanta Firfir is bold in spiciness, full-flavored, savory, cooked tomato tangy sauce. Ask for the habesha injera flown in from East Africa for the real-deal; though adding a few dollars to the price, it is well-worth it.

The tidy kitchen has nothing to hide — with diners regularly chatting with the cook as she prepares your meal at the stove. The ultimate cozy feel.

Open from 6am-11pm, catering to the long and late hours often kept by recent immigrants to America. A true gem.“

“Thank you 🙏 Ezzy what a great meal we had“

“nice food,nice people and clean restaurant...oh and reasonable prices“