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Featured Restaurant

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

Lake Merritt, Oakland, CA
$$
Vegan-Friendly
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
First-Timers Welcome
Family-Friendly
Casual Dining
Date Night
About Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant (also known as Ensarro) is an Oakland institution located on Grand Avenue in the vibrant Lake Merritt neighborhood. This family-owned restaurant has been voted East Bay's Best Ethiopian Restaurant by local press, drawing food lovers from across Oakland CA 94610 and beyond. Enssaro Oakland offers a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere with warm service and a loyal following of regulars who come for authentic Ethiopian food. The ambiance is homey and welcoming, making it perfect for anything from solo lunches to big group dinners. Whether you're craving traditional Ethiopian lamb tibs or exploring the extensive menu of vegetarian options, Enssaro Ethiopian in Oakland delivers exceptional flavors.

The Vibe

Cozy and welcoming
Family-owned Oakland institution
Casual dining
Great for groups
What They're Known For
  • Voted East Bay's Best Ethiopian Restaurant
  • Ethiopian lamb tibs - tender and perfectly seasoned
  • Spice-balanced, deeply flavorful stews
  • Excellent kitfo (seasoned minced beef)
  • Generous vegetarian combo platter with six dishes
  • House-made injera praised for perfect texture
  • Delicious tej (Ethiopian honey wine)
  • Extensive menu with authentic Ethiopian dishes

🌟 Most Popular Dish

Ethiopian Lamb Tibs & Vegetarian Combo Platter

First-Timer Tips

New to Ethiopian food? Here's everything you need to know for a great experience

1

First time at Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant Oakland? Mention it to staff - they'll guide you and create a sampler

2

Try a combination platter to taste a bit of everything on the Enssaro menu

3

Don't miss the Ethiopian lamb tibs - a house specialty

4

Don't skip the house-made injera - soft, slightly tangy, perfect texture

5

Eat with your hands by tearing off injera and scooping the stews - it's part of the authentic experience

6

Try a glass of tej (Ethiopian honey wine) - smoother than you might expect

7

Ask for gluten-free injera if needed - they have it available

8

Visit Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant Grand Avenue Oakland CA for lunch specials

Contact Information

Address

Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA 94610

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Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant Menu Highlights

The Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant menu showcases the finest authentic Ethiopian cuisine in Oakland CA. From traditional meat dishes to extensive vegetarian options, every dish at Enssaro Ethiopian Oakland is prepared with care and authentic Ethiopian spices.

Signature Meat Dishes

  • Ethiopian Lamb Tibs - Tender lamb sautéed with onions, peppers, and Ethiopian spices. A house specialty at Enssaro Oakland.
  • Kitfo - Seasoned minced beef with Ethiopian butter and mitmita spice, served raw or cooked to your preference.
  • Doro Wot - Traditional Ethiopian chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, slow-cooked in berbere sauce.

Vegetarian & Vegan Options

  • Vegetarian Combo Platter - Six traditional Ethiopian vegetable dishes including misir wat, gomen, and shiro.
  • Misir Wat - Red lentils in berbere sauce, a vegan favorite.
  • Gomen - Collard greens sautéed with garlic and ginger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant

Where is Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant located in Oakland?

Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant (also spelled Ensarro) is located on Grand Avenue in Oakland, CA 94610, in the Lake Merritt neighborhood. It's easily accessible from downtown Oakland and Berkeley.

What are the best dishes at Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant Oakland?

The most popular dishes at Enssaro Ethiopian include the Ethiopian lamb tibs, kitfo (seasoned minced beef), doro wot (chicken stew), and the generous vegetarian combo platter. Their house-made injera is also highly praised.

Does Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant have vegan and vegetarian options?

Yes! Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant Oakland offers extensive vegan and vegetarian options, including a vegetarian combo platter with six traditional Ethiopian dishes. They also have gluten-free injera available.

What is on the Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant menu?

The Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant menu features authentic Ethiopian dishes including lamb tibs, kitfo, doro wot, tibs wat, gomen (collard greens), misir wat (red lentils), shiro, and various combination platters. They offer both meat and extensive vegetarian options.

Is Enssaro the same as Ensarro?

Yes, Enssaro and Ensarro refer to the same restaurant. It's commonly known as both Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant and Ensarro Oakland.

Does Enssaro Ethiopian Oakland serve Ethiopian lamb tibs?

Yes! Ethiopian lamb tibs is one of the signature dishes at Enssaro. The tender lamb is sautéed with onions, peppers, and traditional Ethiopian spices.

Ready to Visit Enssaro Ethiopian Restaurant?

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