Cafe Eritrea d'Afrique

Don't go for the atmosphere. This is a Formica table top, locals, family restaurant on a busy commercial street. Television always on in the adjacent bar area. No full entree is more than $14 and can often serve two. Several vegetarian entrees but limited (2) appetizers including traditional hummus. Don't look for the menu on the web because, like almost all of our Ethiopian restaurants, it isn't there. The meat family platter, $14, includes beef, chicken, lamb, three vegetables, and salad on a large platter. Comes with large tortilla size traditional Ethiopian sponge-like bread enjera. This can easily serve two. We also ordered their Jezelel (?) or Queen of Sheba platter $14. Mostly lots or beef, tough, not fatty served at the table out of a hot frying pan. Good for the economically minded meat-hungry. Order everything mild if you do not like spicy but be prepared for some spiciness anyway. Full bar, unlike many Ethiopian restaurants. Basic drinks $5.50 but they do not make mixed drinks like martinis. Good selection of beers $4, wines $4-5. Their honey wine $5/glass is like a hard cider and probably an acquired taste for most. Good place for a leisurely dinner. Good service and they do not rush you, even on a Saturday night when we were there. We enjoyed our dinner here even with the television background noise. Definitely among the most affordable and good value Ethiopian restaurants in the East Bay if if not the bay area. more

We've been eating here for years and the food and atmosphere are always spot-on. The veggie dishes are our favorite. My children really like the creamy fruit drinks. Parking is off-street so plan accordingly as it is often difficult and causes a few turns around the block. If you want a good place to eat and hang out with the immigrants who tend to gather here, then give it a visit! more

It was a great time we had last weekend here... the price was good, service was OK... and the food was excellent. The portions are a little too big for me, but that's not exactly a bad thing for others. The location is very decent, but unfortunately I dont come to this area often enough, so I was not feeling totally comfortable. more

Of the many Ethiopian restaurants in North Oakland, this one is definitely worth a try. The first thing you notice about this place is the atmosphere. The aesthetic is cool and calming, and despite the number of people hanging out and chatting, the restaurant stays fairly quiet. It's obviously a meeting point for the local immigrant population, but outsiders won't feel out of place. The food is good--traditional cuisine served with injera, with plenty of vegetarian options and tasty fruit cream drinks (which are basically like smoothies). WARNING: when they say spicy, they mean it. For those so inclined, there is also a bar area and coffee drinks are served. Parking is on-street only, but it's a block from MacArthur BART and on the 40 and 43 AC Transit lines (as well as all lines that stop at the BART station). more