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    Desta Ethiopian Cafe

    5.0 (111 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Desta Ethiopian Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    DESTA ETHIOPIAN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Desta Ethiopian Cafe

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

    I've been eating Ethiopian food almost weekly since getting back to the Bay. This was my first time here and it was . I ordered the Misir Wot, my got to favorite. From the injera, to the lentils it was hands down one of the best versions I've had. 10s across the board!!! Selam on Martin Luther King has been my weekly go to. But now this spot's giving competition. I'll def be back.

    Asal B.

    So incredibly good. We found this restaurant because my brother brought us here a year ago and we did not forget about it. It's located on Oakland Ave in a residential area. If you're not looking, you will miss it. There is usually parking on the street and you can just walk up and order. We got the vegetarian plate and 2 sambusas. It did not disappoint. The flavors are delicious, the food is literally cooked in front of you, and you do not feel sick hours later. Also the ladies working here are so kind and welcoming. Absolutely recommend this mom and pop restaurant.

    Ful, telba, sambussa
    Haley M.

    Delicious food, I ordered the telba drink and ful/fava beans plate, with kale and potato and injira on the side. I'm going back for sure. It is a small cafe style place and you leave full. Thank you Desta!

    Combo Plate
    Chandra C.

    After teaching a workshop, I took my assistant out to celebrate and he suggested Ethiopian food. A quick Yelp search led us to 5-star-rated Desta, a small neighborhood spot. The owners are warm, attentive, and it felt like being welcomed into someone's home. We shared the veggie combo: Atakilt Wot (cabbage, potatoes, carrots), Gomen (greens), Misir Wot (spiced red lentils), Alicha Ater Kik (yellow split peas), and Azifa (zesty green lentils) served on soft, airy not too tangy teff injera (gluten-free). Every bite was vibrant, comforting, and perfectly seasoned. The injera had just the right tang and sponginess for scooping up every last bit. Service matched the food: friendly, thoughtful, and fast without rushing us. Portions are generous, enough for two. Let's just say the platter was so good my assistant left the plate spotless (see pics!). For plant-based and gluten-free eaters, Desta is a dream For everyone else, it's simply outstanding Ethiopian food. Cozy space, fantastic flavors, lovely owners. Desta is an absolute must. I'll be back soon and bringing others!

    Bus stop across the street
    Daw M.

    Came early for their amazing Ethiopian Ginger Tea! Service is slow but it's one mama handling it all so bring something to keep yourself company while the amazing food is being made. Definitely whole in wall place with very homey vibes. The spices in the food made the vegetarian combo mouthwatering delicious. Will definitely be back for dinner Street parking sucks, but there's a bus stop right in across the street from the unassuming restaurant. Thanks!

    Veggie Platter
    Mari H.

    I can only complain that they don't stay open a little later. Absolutely spectacular veggie platter! One day I'll get something else, but you can't mess with perfection. My favorite lunch or early dinner spot!

    Veggie combo plate
    Jon G.

    Normally, I don't go for vegetarian only places. I was craving Ethiopian food and Desta was the closest location to me with stellar ratings so I drove in with the family. First, it's a smaller place. Maybe a total of 6 tables including the outside. It felt like being invited into someone's home to eat their food. The service was excellent! I was originally going to order individual items before the owner stopped me and advised me to order the combo instead. I couldn't have been happier with the recommendation! We also picked up some veggie Sambussa's to go along with everything. To be up front I wasn't as big of a fan of these as I was hoping it's overwhelming on the lentils and the flavor just wasn't there. The combo plate, however, was outstanding from the first bite to the last. If this was nearby in Contra Costa I'd order it multiple times a month. Lentils were cooked perfectly. Injera was delightful! Again, service was fantastic. Combo plate: 8.6/10 Sumbussa: 4.7/10

    Brigitte J.

    The best Ethiopian meal of my life! This place truly left a mark on me. Not only is the food unbelievably delicious, but the staff make you feel genuinely welcomed. My experience felt so warm and heartfelt, it was as if I were being served by family. I've never felt that kind of care in a restaurant before. You can taste the love and pride they put into every dish, and it really reflects the spirit of the restaurant. I live in Los Angeles, but I will definitely make it a point to return every time I'm in the Bay. This is officially my new favorite restaurant. Thank you to the for your kindness and talent. I can't wait for my next visit!

    Veggie Combo
    Joshua K.

    A fantastic restaurant that happens to be vegan and kosher and some of the best, most affordable Ethiopian food I've ever eaten. Desta is a cozy cafe just off of a couple major commercial streets, so it's easy to overlook. A friend and I recently got the sambusas and the veggie combo for delivery and it was ready exactly at the arranged pick-up time. The staff were extremely friendly and made pick-up easy. The sambusas were hearty, stuffed with a large portion of perfectly cooked and well-seasoned lentils, and the dough was fried well with a good filling-to-dough ratio. Although a bit on the saltier side for me, the veggie combo was outstanding. There were substantial portions of everything, some of the veggies were prepared in ways I hadn't seen before, and everything was deliciously spicy. Desta also gave us the right amount of injera to eat everything. The veggie combo was only $18, significantly cheaper and tastier than I've had at other places. I highly recommend Desta and look forward to going again!

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    1 month ago

    The food here was very fresh, flavorful and satisfying. The ambiance is a peaceful retreat in the city. Highly recommend.

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    9 months ago

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    5 months ago

    we had a great experience here, food was delicious and the owner was very considerate. Looking forward to coming here again.

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    4 months ago

    Absolutely delicious healthy and authentic eats! This will be one of my regulars for sure.

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

    Kosher! Has a Hechsher! Phenomenal and interesting food! Definitely a new experience and I'm glad I went.

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    11 months ago

    Literally the best veggie combo ive ever had, this is my new favorite ethiopian place!!

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    11 months ago

    Very good small Ethiopian restaurant, good food. Everything tastes good, vegetarian food is very good as well

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    Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat and Veggie Sampler for Four

    Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.2(1.7k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    I had dinner with my best friend tonight on May 15, 2026. We were seated promptly and offered water…read moreright away. I ordered the veggie sampler, featuring spiced lentils, yellow split peas, kale greens with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots, all paired with a basket of tangy injera bread. The injera was fluffy with a pancake-like texture, perfect for scooping. The service was attentive and kind with our waitstaff continuously refilling our glasses of water without us even having to ask. The atmosphere was relaxed, making it easy to linger and chat. Overall, a positive experience with flavorful dishes, great bread, and prompt service. A lovely spot for a satisfying Ethiopian meal with a friend.

    My fav Ethiopian dish?…read more Doro Wat (bone-in). With a side of Kitfo and Misir Wot. Cuz, I can't just choose one dish. I love Ethiopian food - the bold, rich spices AND the heat gets me feeling all types of way....including heartburn. The East Bay is known for their top-tier Ethiopian and Eritrean food so I'm slowly starting to explore the options here. Plan A: Café Colucci's patio was closed. We headed straight to Enssaro where we were warmly welcomed by the family behind the place, including Coco enjoying her golden years on the couch. F O O D - Requested spicy for all dishes * Kifto: Ethiopian Tartare ($24) IMO Ethiopian tartare over French tartare all day, every day! The finely minced raw beef is mixed with clarified butter and spices, creating a rich, savory flavor that's balanced by the sour tang of injera cutting through the meatiness. Served with ayib (crumbly, mild cheese) and gomen (earthy sautéed greens). Despite not being spicy, it was bomb. * Meat Platter for One ($20) - Doro Wot: Spicy Ethiopian Chicken Stew - Mildly spiced, just wish the drumstick was more tender. - Beg Wot: Lamb Stew - Mild earthy flavor, good for those who are sensitive to spice. - Bere Beef Wot: Spicy Minced Beef Stew - Most flavorful of the three meats, savory with a mild heat. Think Ethiopian bolognese. * Misir Wot: Red lentils cooked slowly w/ Ethiopian spices ($20) Deeply savory with a warm, earthy spice (not spicy). The lentils are nicely broken down to a thick, creamy texture with a bite. Seemed kinda pricey for the portion tho. Platters are served with lightly dressed garden salad and a basket of spongey, tangy injera. S E R V I C E Welcoming, gracious, and attentive. Staff kept our water glasses filled and kindly packed our leftovers. A M B I A N C E Casual, low-key. It was a rare 85 degrees in April day so the covered front patio offered welcome relief. Overall, I wished the food had been more boldly spiced and brought more heat, nonetheless, we still enjoyed the meal, especially the kitfo...GET IT!

    Photos
    Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant - Menu

    Menu

    Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant - DORO WOT ( chicken stew ), BEEF Tibs, LAMB Tibs

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

    Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant - Amazing Cocktails: Espresso Martini, Honey Wine Pineapple Cider, Honey wine, Campari

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

    Cafe Romanat - Buticha

    Cafe Romanat

    4.4(473 reviews)
    0.6 miGrand Lake, Lower Hills
    $$

    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.

    Photos
    Cafe Romanat - Wall decor

    Wall decor

    Cafe Romanat - Combination plate with chicken and vegetables.

    Combination plate with chicken and vegetables.

    Cafe Romanat - Ethiopian beer

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    Ethiopian beer

    Admas - They call it Veggie combo ,what a combination . & we add one delicious mild stew ,yebeg kikil (lamb)

    Admas

    4.4(86 reviews)
    1.2 miEast 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.

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

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

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

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

    Admas

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    Cafe Colucci - Injera (wheat combo)

    Cafe Colucci

    4.2(1.4k reviews)
    2.3 miNorth Oakland
    $$

    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.

    My first time trying Ethiopian food and I LOVED IT!!…read more The dishes are FULL of flavor! This family run cafe has been serving up East African cuisine in Oakland since 1991! Each dish was loaded with spices and I'm going to say it again, soooo much flavor. To be honest, we had no idea what to order or where to even start, so we got the sampler that our server recommended and it was soooo good. It was also a fun experience because we got to eat with our hands lol. If you're like us and completely clueless, go with the meat sampler because for $23, you get a HUGE portion and then can figure out which items are your favorites for next time. What we ordered: Meat Sampler ($23) * Doro Wot - spicy, slow simmered chicken stew * Doro Alicha - chicken stew in turmeric-based sauce * Sega Alicha - spicy beef stew * Minchet Wot - minced beef stew * Gomen - stewed collard greens We also got their Sambussas (half lentil and half beef), which were similar to samosas. Both their mocktails and cocktails were really well made too. I loved how they incorporated spices into the drink too, which was pretty unique.  So if you're looking for a fun date night or just to try something new, definitely bookmark this place!

    Photos
    Cafe Colucci - The outdoor table decorated for a private party

    The outdoor table decorated for a private party

    Cafe Colucci - Vegan Combination Platter (VG) & Meat Combination Platter

    Vegan Combination Platter (VG) & Meat Combination Platter

    Cafe Colucci - Tej and a lemonade mocktail

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    Tej and a lemonade mocktail

    Desta Ethiopian Cafe - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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