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    Shewhat

    4.9 (344 reviews)
    ModerateEthiopian, Eritrean
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

    Order Shewhat Takeout or Delivery

    Shewhat Photos

    Business Info

    SHEWHAT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Shewhat

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    Reviews With Photos

    Deepthi T.

    I was in Oakland last weekend and I'm so happy I had a chance to go to Shewat. It was nice out, so we sat in this cute outdoor patio. The space was clean and the service was really good, we got great recommendations for the menu for a vegetarian meal. We started out with the lentil sambusa, it was spicy, so delicious with a sweet chili side sauce. It came out hot and crispy! We shared the Abby Veggie Combo which comes with Simo's Special, Vegan Sampler & Shiro. This comes with injeria rolls. This serves two so we added the Mushroom Tibsy: Mushrooms sautéed with onions tomato, garlic and Berbere. The food was absolutely incredible!! The mushroom dish and okra were so flavorful. All of the lentils were outstanding. Everything was seasoned so well, delicious, not heavy. It was such a memorable meal to share. This is the best Ethiopian/Eritrean spot I've had! I highly highly recommend visiting Shewat, they really knocked it out of the park.

    Shewhat Special
    Kyra K.

    Companion and I got Ethiopian food which was quite memorable. He wanted to take us out for it again but somewhere new. We chose Shewhat based on the rave reviews. We arrived around the opening on a weekday evening. For the majority of our meals, we were the only customers. The outdoor patio is airy, colorful, and cozy. There's also indoor seating. Being the only customers, we were well cared for by the lovely owner and cook. After an hour, the dinner crowd started rolling in and their small team had to juggle that so it did take a bit to get our check. We understand and appreciate her kindness and hospitality. Companion and I love to share so we got the Shewhat Special which comes with vegan and meat items. On a giant plate is a variety of greens, lentils, and meats with injera. You eat with your hands which always adds to the fun. My favorites were the lentils and collard greens. Some items are more spicy but everything is well-seasoned and flavorful. This was the perfect amount for the two of us! If you're looking for Ethiopian or Eritrean food, Shewhat is worth a try! We were happy to have come and tried a new spot. The restaurant is off Shattuck Ave. and can be easy to pass up but they have parking in front plus on the street!

    Mariam J.

    This is some of the best Eritrean food I've had (and im used to aunties and grandmas making home cooked habesha food). The owner was so kind and service was so quick. We got the sambusa for appetizer, the Merhaba plate and meat combo and both were so yummy and well-seasoned and more than enough food for the two of us. All our food was placed on one large plate which we shared and didn't bother us but might be an issue for other people. We chose to eat outside on the patio and it was decorated so well and had really nice ambiance and it also stayed really warm despite the cold weather so that was nice. Only downside is that i wish they offered a few more things like doro wat but this is just because it is one of my favorite dishes and is not a real downside. All in all a great place, I will definitely be going back

    Family style... Chicken Tibsy and Spinach,  Mushroom Tibsy and Shewhat Vegan Sampler
    Mayari A.

    First time coming here when a few friends. I love ambiance and the decor. Our server was nice and came by often to fill our water. The food..... was absolutely amazing, it was so good. I was in heaven. I will definitely come back and recommend.

    Robbie P.

    It doesn't get ANY better. This spot has been one of my favorite Bay Area restaurants since it was shouted out on a Nicole Danner YouTube video. It SO lives up to the hype!! The injera is perfect, and can't recommend the Mushroom entree enough. Can't wait to eat leftovers tomorrow. Also, the sweet woman who runs this restaurant is so kind and attentive. She's full of joy, making this experience even better. I'll be back in a couple weeks!

    Focus on the spread and size (not this gentleman)
    Darius W.

    Yes! Owner Abby Dair does it all! She what? Yes, she takes the orders, hooks up the grills and meals and serves customers with a lot of culture and culinary art! Very personable and proud of her culture, Abby excitedly told us about the dishes on the menu. Consistent with the culture, she served a beautiful meat and veggie spread family-style for my wife and I to dig in with the injera. Even the very large plates were authentic with visual stories seen and told on them. Yes, we finished majority of our food to see the underlying artwork. Sure, it was comfort food. More importantly, the comfort came from Abby's vibrant energy and her beautiful love language as expressed through her traditional dishes. I was a first-timer but I hope to be a regular! Please support great small businesses!

    Kaitlin K.

    So delicious. We got the two sampler platters which was perfect for 3 very hungry people. There is indoor and covered outdoor seating with music but not too loud outside.

    Shewhat Special
    Audrey I.

    Shewhat, with nearly 5 stars on Yelp, is clearly an East Bay favorite for Ethiopian cuisine. I've always wanted to try it and despite spending 3 years at Berkeley during undergrad, I somehow never found the time to visit. But, a year into my post-grad life, I've made it. And, it was worth the wait! I came with a friend on a Saturday evening and was surprised to find not wait. We ordered the Shewhat Special which included the vegan combo, a chicken and spinach dish, salad, and Ziggni (beef stew) all served atop a generous layer of injera with additional rolls on the side. The portion was more than sufficient for two, leaving us stuffed and satisfied at the end. The flavors, as expected from a 5 star establishment, were nothing short of remarkable. The stews and curries all offer a comforting richness -- something like that of home cooking and what I'd imagine a loving Ethiopian mom would prepare. The beef chunks and chicken morsels were simmered to tender perfection and the vegetables were hearty without feeling heavy. The injera? Probably the highlight. Incredibly porous, tangy, and ideal for soaking up every drop of stew. My only downside is the service as it took quite a long time to receive the check post-meal, but minor delay aside, everything else was great.

    Abby veggie combo
    Ashwini A.

    SERVICE - located across from a park in an otherwise residential neighborhood - limited parking available in lot or plenty of street parking nearby - most seating is outside in the covered patio - we called ahead of time to make sure we got a table as the operation is small and can only serve a limited number of customers - waiter is very friendly and serves food quickly - ambiance good for casual meal MENU - decent selection of Ethiopian dishes and combos - average price ($19 per entree) FOOD - abby veggie combo (7/10): all the vegan dishes except the mushroom served on top of injera bread with a healthy amount of lettuce. This combo is a great option to try a lot of dishes and share between 2-4 people. I liked how everything tastes authentic and each one had a slightly different taste. Some were spicier while others were more fresh. The lettuce pile in the middle was too salty to eat on its own. The injera was more sour than what I was used to which may have just been due to over fermenting in the heat. I would have liked more quantity of the side dishes as they only occupied a ring around the edge of the plate. WOULD I GO BACK? If I lived closer than maybe.

    Abby's Veggie Combo
    Ari Z.

    This was a delicious and delightful meal. My friend and I shared Abby's Veggie Combo and we left so full and satisfied. The injera is delicious and I loved trying all the different flavors. My favorite out of the platter was the red lentils. The okra and spinach were so flavorful. Highly recommend getting one of their combos to share!

    Sue K.

    Can never pass up an opportunity for Ethiopian food -- visited Shewhat and was not disappointed! As a perk, it boasts one of THE coziest covered patio areas I've come across. Got a combo platter with chickpeas, lentils, spinach, chicken, and beef and it was the perfect amount for two. Lettuce was a welcome addition, as it provided a nice crunch to each bite. Only complaint is that the injera rolls don't come in a separate bowl -- they got way too soggy after sitting in a pool of wot. Service is extremely quick and friendly. I'll be back!

    Mushroom and crispy lamb tibsy
    Josephine A.

    Cozy small hole in the wall family owned business, which I love. I've never tried Ethiopian or Eritrean food before and I was so impressed! We tried the Sambusa (reminds me of Indian Samosas) which was made to perfection and packed with yummy lentils. Then my friend and I tried the Tibsy (she got mushroom and I got lamb). So delicious! It's not heavy or greasy. Well-seasoned. The injera was so light and fluffy/spongy. I recommend the ginger tea!! So delicious and comforting. The honey wine was refreshing albeit a bit sweet for me but still enjoyed it. There's small area to seat indoors but they have outdoor seating with heaters when it's cold; it gives a homey vibe. The owners are wonderful and so sweet; they explained everything clearly and service was quick(though at one point we were one of two tables there). I imagine it can get quite busy here though. Bathroom is clean and tidy too btw which is a plus!

    Sambusa appetizer

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    1 year ago

    Always delicious and flavorful!! Came here for Valentine's Day three years ago and came back for this Valentine's Day!

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

    It is that good. I've been to two Ethiopian places, and this one is far far far better than the other.

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    5 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Got takeout and food was fresh and delicious! Service was super kind and friendly. Will definitely come back.

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    2 years ago

    Charming restaurant run by a charming family. Healthy fresh delicious food, with a nice patio to eat on. Definitely going back.

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    2 years ago

    Great food and friendly service. Haven't had any thing but good experience here. I even introduced to some friends

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    2 years ago

    Excellent food. Great flavors. Very over salted. They could use with bio degradable disposable togo containers.

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Delicious food and wonderful service. We had the veggie combo for two people and it was perfect. Highly recommended.

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    2 years ago

    Food, staff & service is absolutely top tier! Every time I support this amazing business their food consistency is the same.

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    Page 3 of 9

    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

    View All 5 Questions

    Alem's Coffee - Kicha fit fit and mocha

    Alem's Coffee

    4.5(168 reviews)
    0.5 miNorth Oakland, Rockridge
    $

    This is one of those iconic mom and pop Oakland restaurants I absolutely adore, and it is what…read moremakes the diverse Oakland culinary landscape flourish. Located at a corner across from the DMV (on Sundays the DMV transforms into a lively farmer's market) off of Claremont, its sleepy vibes have attracted its own cult of regulars for years. Moreover, it's a quick bike trip from where we live in Jack London Sq, and I always make it a pit stop whenever we ride up Telegraph. An affordable bowl of shihan ful - a nice savory, spiced bean dip served with airy bread - can keep two hungry bellies satiated for hours. I've even tried to replicate shihan ful at home (SF Chronicles had posted a recipe) but honestly have not been successful. Best to just leave it up to the pros at Alem's. It's hard to describe the flavor but the bean dip is nourishing and bursting with umami-ness that lights up my brain, in a good way. Recommend stopping by for a bite after a leisurely stroll at the Sunday Temescal Farmer's Market.

    I was really excited to check out Alems because of the high ratings and because I love…read moreEritrean/Ethiopian breakfast. The food is good, but kinda expensive for what it is. The main problem is the service here. Every time I've been to Alem's they have forgotten my order. After ordering at the register ive sat down at a table waited 30-45 minutes and watched as they immediately serve regulars/friends that ordered well after me. Every time ive been Ive had to go back up to the register to remind them of my order and see that they have clearly forgotten about my order. This has happened THREE TIMES NOW. This last time we ordered to go: they forgot our order, we reminded them, and after waiting 45 minutes seeing people order and get thier food before us they still forgot a portion of our order. The food is good, kinda expensive for what it is, and you have to really remind them of your order if you arent in the inner circle. There's a clear distinction between the regulars/friends and everyone else. I won't be returning

    Photos
    Alem's Coffee - Inside the restaurant

    Inside the restaurant

    Alem's Coffee - Shihan ful

    Shihan ful

    Alem's Coffee - Menu as of 8/29/22 2of2

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    Menu as of 8/29/22 2of2

    Cafe Colucci - Injera (wheat combo)

    Cafe Colucci

    4.2(1.4k reviews)
    1.0 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

    Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant - Meat & Veggie Ultimate Combo

    Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant

    4.4(516 reviews)
    0.4 miRockridge, North Oakland
    $$

    If you like variety on a plate and communal gathering this can be a spot. I like variety so my…read morebrother and I went for the vegetarian and meat combo platter. You get a little bit of everything more or less and you get injera bread with it, all meal comes with injera which is amazing. The presentation is eye appealing. Colour is there. You get a bed of a large round of injera and you get all your goods there. My favourite was the yellow lentils and the cabbage-carrot-potato vegetable in turmeric I think. Service was direct nothing special. I heard we can get unlimited bread but a basket of just 1 round was more than enough for 2 people. Ambiance is nice. There's incense and a lot of colourful art. Nice patio for the summer time. I think this is a nice place for an intro to Ethiopian food. It's also in the Michelin world, maybe that can say something. AC transit bus 6 and 22 come near here

    We got the combo plate with the meat and veggies…read more I really dont know the names of what we had but I felt the meats were too spicy and some of the veggies, especially the Grey ones on the side weren't my type of flavor. I'm so used to Walia in San Jose so maybe I compare that flavor profile to other Ethiopian restaurants. Service was very hard to come by, we had to flag the waitress for every thing from napkins to more water and we we're literally the only table there. Lukewarm water also, and again waiting for the check. This was not the best experience for me or my friend for either the food or service. Barely 3 stars.

    Photos
    Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant - Back room

    Back room

    Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant - Injera

    Injera

    Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant - Inside

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    Inside

    Shewhat - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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