Went here last Monday evening for dinner with my girlfriend. We ordered the mushroom tibs and the Kitfo. The mushroom tibs was amazing. The mushrooms were cooked with an assortment of seasoning and spices and had a very nice texture. Eating it by itself or with the injera bread was a pleasant experience. The Kitfo was a meat dish that usually was eaten like a steak tartare, but I opted for it to be cooked medium rare and with mild spice level. The dish also came with a mixed vegetable salad, chickpeas, and collared greens on top of a huge injera bread. We were also provided with more injera in a separate plate. The injera was soft and had a very sour taste, similar to eating a very strong sourdough. The bread nearly reminded me of eating a thin piece of pancake. The mixed vegetable salad was good. It had a nice vinaigrette and a nice assortment of different vegetables. The chickpeas were quite tasty with a nice flavor and creamy texture. I loved the collared greens. They were cooked wonderfully and had an excellent acidity and texture. The mixture of the collared greens and injera had a good balance in texture. Nice combination of flavors. The Kitfo was pretty good. I was glad to have the mild option. The meat was cooked to a medium rare. The seasoning and spices were well balanced. There was a little bit of sour, savory, and spicy. The injera helped soak up the flavors of the Kitfo. We enjoyed a cup of Ethiopian tea to end our evening. The tea was refreshing and very tasty. The service was excellent. The staff made sure our visit was a pleasant one. Loved the decor and ambiance of the place. Nice seeing the restaurant represent their history and culture on the walls and dining room floor. Many thanks for a lovely dining experience here at Lemat. read more

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Really nice staff, great ambiance, and amazing food. A bit pricey, but the portion size more than makes up for it. Definitely check it out if you get a chance. read more

What a beautiful space & delicious food. We were surprised with only one server working very hard whilst the owners (?) sat by and did not lend a hand. We had the lentil samosas- delicious!, salad, yetsom firfir (vegetarian) and a chicken dish. We also really enjoyed the mango lime punch. read more

Lemat - Family style dishes we ordered: Yetsom Firfir and Doro Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I unfortunately thought this place was just okay. The food was really bland in comparison to other Ethiopian restaurants I've visited. The injera was kind of flat too. Out of the many fantastic Ethiopian spots in the East Bay, I can't say that I'd highly recommend this one. read more

Great authentic interior with interesting light fixtures, tables and an area with instruments. There was also counter space at the bar. Came here on Sunday, after a walk around 1.30pm. Plenty of parking outside. Food was great but you have to use your hands to eat the food, which adds to the eating experience. Additional bread was served with the food, which had an interesting sour taste. However, the food took forever to arrive. Seems there's just one waitress & 1 chef and did not expect a big group of 10+ to arrive on a Quiet Sunday. Apart from that, a great place to give Ethiopian food a try. read more

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Besides the classically mild Gomen, all of the vegetables were very well seasoned. Lemat's Misir Wot is one of the best I've ever had: the texture was just right, and the spiciness was a great balance of being both tolerable and surprising. I was delighted by the portion sizes as well! Two meals (or one, on a hungrier day) for $16 aligns with other Ethiopian Veggie Combos in the area. My one major qualm is that the injera is less sour, and not as elastic as I'd like... But that's just how 100% teff injera is! All things considered, Lemat is a great option for a fresh, hearty meal. read more

Lemat - Veggie Combo Beyaynetu - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Best Ethiopian in the Bay and I've tried damn near all places. I like their vegetable combo plate with a side of the farm cheese. Everything is super fresh and they don't skimp on the fixins. New bar with large TV playing Ethiopian music videos. Definitely leaning towards the modern side but well executed homage to authenticity. read more

Food is fire! The portions are reasonable and the Ethiopian Coffee Martini is the best I've had in the East Bay! Do not sleep on this spot!

We absolutely loved Lemat! We ordered the Beyaynetu Veggie Combo and tried to order the Kitfo, but they were out, so we ordered the Ye'Siga Wot. Both dishes were so delicious and incredibly flavorful and light. We will definitely be coming back! read more

This was my first restaurant experience in Oakland, and honestly, I wouldn't have never been here if it wasn't for a wedding invitation held here. We had a melse (traditional Ethiopian wedding) invitation in the restaurant and to be honest, I was shocked at how amazing it turned out. The owner went above and beyond to make sure that everything went according to plan, the food was really tasty, especially the Kitfo and Misir, they had a friendly staff and the vibe was lit. If you are ever in Oakland, you should give them a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

SO delish!! I got a veg meal and it was perfect. Lentil samosas, veggie platter, teff; everything was perfect. Highly recommended! Super easy pick up. It was ready & waiting for me in a paper bag. read more

Lemat - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I first heard of Lemat from a co-worker in the East Bay originally from Africa who suggested I check out Lemat as it is a regular spot for him. It has been on my radar for sometime. Today me & my friend decided to check it out. I always like to research a place before going to it & scoped out some Yelp reviews of Lemat. East Bay Elite Community Manager Stephanie Y. had a great experience there & trust her judgment. Me & my friend met there for lunch today. We started w/ the Lentil Samosa that were triangle shaped pastry made in-house by Lemat & stuffed w/ lentil, onions, jalapeños, & herbs. This vegan dish is lightly deep fried in vegetable oil to golden perfection. The plate had three of them & we split them enjoying the green chutney that it came with. They really hit the spot & my friend enjoyed his as well. For the main course we had the Beyaynetu (Veggie Combo) that came w/ a combination of four vegetarian dishes including miser kid (lentil cooked in a delicious hot Lemat exotic sauce, Gamen (collard greens cooked w/ onions & turmeric, cabbage (cabbage & carrot cooked w/ onions, garlic,& turmeric), & house salad. The dish is totally vegan & also came w/ two hummus like dips. We loved the Veggie Combo. The salad was much more flavorful than typical salads at Ethiopian restaurants. The Miser Kid or spicy lentil dish was seriously spicy in a good way as had some serious kick to it. I agree w/ both Stephanie Y. & my co-worker that this place serves up a mighty good Veggie Combo that might possibly be the best Veggie Combo in the SF Bay Area. Stephanie Y. did mention in her review that the service was a bit under-par. There were a few other diners there when we went for lunch & only one server. Definitely don't come here if in a hurry as the service was a bit slow yet was my day off & we had time on our hands. The service here definitely reminds me more of FL than of NYC. As I was born in the latter & raised in the former. There is a great joke that people from the east coast will get that in NYC after a meal they kick you out & in FL you can't leave if you wanted to as the service can sometimes be slow. The restaurant was also quite spacious filled w/ lovely Ethiopian artwork. It is close to the Ashby BART station for those traveling by public transport. Me & my friend will both return. read more

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Some of the best Ethiopian food I've had. Every single thing on the vegetarian platter was delicious, I couldn't pick a favorite. The "Ethiopian hummus" was really unique and I loved the addition of beets. Overall so good and filling but didn't weigh me down. read more

Lemat - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

This is the first Ethiopia restaurant that I actually ate with hands. It was the ambiance that made me feel like local. People are very nice there. They talk to each other. Even though I am probably the only Asian walking around in the neighborhood, I like the experience there very much. I've had the vegetarian sampler before, but it's my first time to add fish there. Very delicious. The honey wine is sweet and yummy. I appreciate the authenticity. read more

Lemat - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I loved the atmosphere and the food is delicious! I will definitely return for more. Our waitress was fantastic!!

Made a reservation for Saturday night for 6. Showed up 15 minutes prior and was told that the restaurant was closed for a private event. Do not recommend. Will not return. read more

I may be dating myself but the first time I tasted Ethiopian cuisine was frosh year at Cal many moons ago. The Blue Nile was near the campus on Telegraph Ave. in Berkeley. Alas Blue Nile is no more and I don't know if the current Oakland restaurant with the same name has any affiliation. I really enjoyed the food and after graduating and moving around, I've been searching to recreate that intense flavor profile ever since. Lemat is a nice reintroduction to the cuisine. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy and it is far from the bustle of downtown. The decor is polished. The server is very laid back so prepare to spend some time actually conversing with your dining companions. We were a table of 4 and we shared beef tibs, meat platter and the veggie platter. It didn't look like much but at the end of the night, 3 of us waddled out of the place with leftovers. Some of the veggies were too sour and didn't pair well with the already sour injera. I liked the yellow split peas best. I liked the leafy collard greens (?) the least. The meat fared better, specially the beef and chicken. The lamb was a bit tough. Can't wait to return and try other things on the menu. read more

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Food is good and tasty. We tried the veg combo. All varieties in the platter very satisfying. The portions are good size so multiple people can eat 1 patter. Ok read more

Lemat - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

I went on a Wednesday evening and we were almost the only people there - which was great because we had attentive and quick service. The atmosphere was great - big wood panels on the walls, authentic Ethiopian coffee tables, and beautifully carved wooden chairs. If you enjoy the smell of spices (not spicy, but spices), you'll enjoy just walking in! I got the beef tibs (excellent) and people in my group got a variety of vegetarian and other dishes. The injera wasn't too sour and, if you want, they can serve your dishes sharing-style, which involves a very large injera (maybe 3 ft in diameter) with everyone's orders on top. Then everyone gets a basket of smaller injeras for dipping/trying everything. We had a lot of fun this way. Overall, we had a great time and I recommend this place. read more

More than just a restaurant, Lemat is an experience. The dining room is airy, open, and inviting, which is a real rarity when most establishments are focused on cramming as many tables into the space as possible. Service is kind, unhurried; best for when you have time to unwind and catch up with friends. These meals are designed of be shared, afterall. Start with a combo platter and add another dish for every additional person, and you'll wind up with a generous feast with plenty of distinctive flavors and textures to savor. My favorite entree is the mushroom tibs, but don't sleep on the lentil samosas as a starter. The pastry is perfectly crisp, and the bold green cilantro dipping sauce is superlative. I would pour it over everything if I was given a pitcher. It's an if a venue for veggies and carnivores to meet, too. There are a plethora of choices, with both mild and spicy options to pick from, so it's really impossible to leave unhappy. They just begun serving breakfast and brunch, which sounds like an excellent way to start the day. Their coffee program is on point, no matter what time of day you visit. read more

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I'm a huge fan of Ethiopian food so I had to try this place out. Per usual, I got the veggie combo (it's always my go to for Ethiopian spots) and it was delicious! The red lentils were spicy, the greens were full of flavor, and even the cabbage had a little kick to it. read more

Amazing! Great food great ambience we will be back. It is the best Ethiopian food I've had in the East Bay or really anywhere for that matter. read more

I can only speak to the veggie/vegan combo, but that was truly delicious. The staff is so pleasant and responsive. The ambience is spacious, attractive and very clean. We met the owner and he is very warm and engaging. Highly recommended. read more

The injera (flat bread) was delightfully tangy and the usual unique texture. I would have preferred it warm but that was not a serious drawback. I had the veggie combo. Four different dishes. The greens were good but the spicy lentils were wonderful and alone merit the five stars. If you are vegan this is recommended. I am not vegan but frequently order vegetarian fare and was not disappointed in this case. When, not if, I return I may just get those lentils. Surely one of the better meat substitutes I have ever had. Great ambience with Ethiopian music and decorations. Server very pleasant and helpful. I am not a huge fan of eating with my hands. Maybe because I am a messy eater, although this time my shirt is unscathed. Nonetheless, I will return and eat with my hands. Recommended. read more

Lemat - Veggie combo. Great colors! Great flavors! - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Truly the best samosas I've ever had. The dough and filling and sauces were all impeccable! My family and I ordered multiple dishes and they were very kind and conscious of my mother's food allergies. Excellent and kind service and even better food! read more

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Excellent service, interior design, ambience. Authentic food, try the local Honey wine.

Thank you for the amazing catering service you delivered to our wedding! Lemat catered delicious food, with a presentation that is pleasing to the eye. Gezu, from Lemat Ethiopian Restaurant, came to our venue prior to the event and completed a walk through with us offering suggestions and ensuring all necessary equipment was arranged. We were able to easily reach him throughout the planning process and communicate our needs. In addition to coordinating the delivery of food. The presentation was beautiful, the staff was professional, and most importantly, in sync with the rest of the vendor team. Immediately after dinner, the staff put the room back into the original condition. Making it possible to quickly transition the room for cake and dancing. If you are looking for the most amazing and professional Ethiopian food catering experience, Lemat is the way to go! read more

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LOVE this place! Ordered takeout here during the COVID-19 pandemic and all precautions are well in place. The food is out of this world! We loved the vegetable combo and sambussas are phenomenal. Would definitely go back over and over again! The inside is beautiful too and can't wait to go sometime when indoor dining is safe again. read more

Lemat - Vegetable combo - A round aluminum tray contains an Ethiopian vegetarian meal with injera bread as the base. The tray includes vegetable stews, such as cabbage and carrots, lentil mash, yellow lentils, a dollop of butter, and a rolled sponge bread called injera. The food is arranged in sections around the tray, showcasing traditional Ethiopian cuisine. - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Give Lemat a go! Whether you're into Ethiopian food or not, it doesn't matter. This is an authentic experience for any occasion. My mom's birthday was a few months ago, and I was the designated planner for about 10 family members - some from LA, some from Sac, and one living here in the Bay Area (me!). I was looking for somewhere with an authentic cultural experience, centrally located, with amazing food. I'd contacted about 5 other places in the area, and luckily for us, the owner of Lemat got back to me that night! (Already a good sign). He was super accommodating, welcoming to my entire family, and was willing to store our birthday cake in his refrigerator. First off, anyone can tell that the decor is well-thought out and super authentic. Second, the staff is very nice and will kindly guide you for want to go. Honestly, I can't recite the names of the dishes, but you'll be able to see from the photos. A few highlights worth nothing: -EXCELLENT VEGETARIAN SELECTIONS -GREAT FOOD FOR SHARING -LOTS FOR MEAT-EATERS, TOO! -YOU WON'T FEEL STUFFED NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU EAT! In a place where authenticity is fading fast, the Bay Area needs more places like Lemat! read more

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The food didn't have much flavor per our taste but may be that's the standard. It was well presented. The inside was decent. The server didn't have much knowledge about menu items but she was polite about that. read more

This place has only been open about 4-5 months and we got a free 2 hour parking space right in front of the restaurant. The signage and decor in and outside of the restaurant is so beautiful but of course, we didn't come here to eat the beauty! But as soon as we walked in, we could smell a beautiful scent in the spacious room and taking in the beauty of the furniture and decorations, made me totally relaxed! There are beautiful woven baskets hanging from the ceiling and the furniture is comfy and the floor is wooden. I read on their website that their restaurant and cafe is named after a handwoven Ethiopian basket for injera, a large sourdough flatbread (heaven for gluten free dieters). We started with the lentil samosas, then shared the chicken tibs which included lots of tender delicious chicken as well as a tasty salad on a bed of injera! We also got a basket of injera with our meal and the injera is yummy! Don't be afraid to use your hands eating but wash them first in their large male or female bathrooms with sliding doors. They also have utensils if you would rather use them. The samosas were tasty with a basil sauce and the chicken tibs and salad were plenty to share between the two of us. I'm planning to bring some friends here next week to try something else! read more

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The best food made with a ton of love The ambience is fabulous and they allowed me to bring my dog in. If I lived closer, I would eat there every day read more

I love this place!!! The food is amazing, love the bar, and the service is great! It's definitely a must if you haven't been there!

I recently moved from the Bay area, I have to say out of the many choices and places I've eaten Ethiopian food. Lemat has the best food and atmosphere in the entire Bay area. The staff is really nice and makes you feel welcome and at home. This location is very clean and has ample places to park. read more

We visited this restaurant with an old friend and his family. We had been her in bh for good Ethiopian food for a while. Unfortunately there is nothing near out place thatt we can frequently. The restaurant id spacious, brightly lit and had great ambiance. It is well decorated with art from Ethiopia that gives one a feeling of being in a different culture. The service is also excellent with the staff dotting on you for the whole stay. Having said all that the food itself was ok. We ordered a vegetarian plate, a lamb dish and chicken tibs. The lentils were perfectly cooked with very good amount of spice. The vegetables, however, were not very good. They were either too soggy or under flavored. The collard greens had too little salt as did the injera. The lamb dish was spectacular but the tibs were dry. The Ethiopian coffee was very good: strong and flavorful. In summary, when I evaluate the restaurant holistically, I felt this was a great experience for the price that we paid (~ $150 for 6 people without any alcoholic beverages).I will certainly visit this restaurant again if I am in the neighborhood. read more

First time trying Ethiopian food and it was amazing! The food was excellent and the service was great

Everything was amazing. Started with the lentil samosas, super crunchy on the outside, super soft on the inside. We also had the veggie combo and the mushroom tibs...AMAZING! Great flavors, perfect portions. Service was great, waitress was attentive, entire staff very personable and professional. read more

Lemat - Veggie combo + mushroom tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and it was pretty tasty. I don't have anything to compare it to but I enjoyed the mushroom tibs so much. Honestly I could have just had the mushroom tibs and injira and been totally set - that's how much I loved the tibs. We ordered the veggie combo and the meat combo with added mushroom tibs. It was definitely enough food for two. The injira was kinda vinegary and light, the perfect vessel for all of the yummy food that was in front of us. At first I was a little hesitant about using our hands to scoop food that had a stew like consistency but there was not that much drip-age and they do give you moist towelettes at the end. Overall I would totally go back and since it's within walking distance of my place and pretty casual I probably will very soon in the near future. I still need to try the Ethiopian coffee. read more

Lemat - Mushroom tibs, veggie combo (which is vegan) and the meat combo. These come with injira on the side. - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

Amazing food! Lovely staff. This is the best Ethiopian food that I have ever had.

First time at this spot and would highly recommend! The staff/people are really nice/friendly, reasonable wait time and the food is great! From the walk in, the ambiance looks great and seems like would be a really nice place to have dinner plus they have a bar if you want drink accompaniments. I had the chicken tibs ( forget the exact name ) but if you're looking for an easy pick this is great. Only one thing I'd suggest from my visit is perhaps napkins and maybe fork/ spoon just incase / or maybe ask if people want it. I only say this because during corona times people might be doing social distancing outside lunches and eating by hand( which is how I'd enjoy this meal) might not be so ideal. Otherwise, worth checking out, great way to support local/ black owned business and also enjoy some African cuisine! Would definitely come back, oh we walked in and order and it took nothing more than 20 minutes to get our food. Good portion sizes too! read more

Lemat - View from entrance. Walk in and current set up with COVID - Ethiopian Near Me - Berkeley, California

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