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Featured Restaurant

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine

Westgate, San Jose, CA
$$
Est. 2000s
Vegan-Friendly
Vegetarian
First-Timers Welcome
Family-Friendly
Casual Dining
About Walia Ethiopian Cuisine

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine (also known as Walia Ethiopian Restaurant) is a legendary San Jose institution that has earned celebrity status in Silicon Valley. Located in an unassuming strip mall, Walia Ethiopian delivers authentic Ethiopian cuisine that has attracted tech giants including Google co-founder Larry Page and Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg - Zuckerberg once had to wait in line for a table! To honor Larry Page's patronage, the owners created the famous 'Larry Page Combo' platter that has become a signature dish. As one of the best Ethiopian food destinations in San Jose and the greater San Francisco Bay Area, Walia Ethiopian offers traditional Ethiopian cuisine with perfectly seasoned injera, flavorful wots, and an extensive selection of vegetarian dishes rooted in Orthodox fasting traditions. Whether you're seeking authentic Ethiopian food in San Jose or exploring Ethiopian cuisine for the first time, Walia provides a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where Silicon Valley's tech community meets East African culinary excellence.

The Vibe

Casual and friendly
Silicon Valley favorite and tech elite approved
Family atmosphere
Authentic Ethiopian cuisine experience
What They're Known For
  • The famous "Larry Page Combo" - created for Google co-founder Larry Page
  • Visited by Mark Zuckerberg, tech CEOs, and Silicon Valley leaders
  • Authentic Ethiopian cuisine praised by locals and food critics
  • Perfect injera with just the right tang and texture
  • Excellent kitfo prepared to perfection with Ethiopian spices
  • Hearty vegetarian dishes rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox fasting traditions
  • Traditional Ethiopian food in San Jose since the 2000s
  • Best Ethiopian restaurant in Silicon Valley

🌟 Most Popular Dish

Larry Page Combo & Vegetarian Platter

First-Timer Tips

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

1

Order the Larry Page Combo at Walia Ethiopian for a greatest-hits feast (great for groups)

2

Ask for Joseph - a server known for giving quick tutorials on using injera

3

Traditionally no utensils needed at Walia Ethiopian Cuisine - tear off injera and pinch around bites, but they'll provide forks if you ask

4

Everyone eats from the same large platter - adds to the communal Ethiopian dining experience

5

Try ayib (Ethiopian cheese) on the side to cool down spicy Ethiopian dishes

6

Go early on weekends or call ahead - Walia San Jose is very popular with potential wait times

7

Ask about daily specials featuring authentic Ethiopian cuisine

8

Perfect spot for introducing friends to Ethiopian food in San Jose

Contact Information

Address

Strip Mall Location
San Jose, CA 95126

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Walia Ethiopian Cuisine Menu & Signature Dishes

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine in San Jose offers authentic Ethiopian food that has attracted Silicon Valley's tech elite. The Walia Ethiopian Restaurant menu features traditional Ethiopian cuisine with the famous Larry Page Combo and extensive vegetarian options. Experience the best Ethiopian food in San Jose and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Signature Dishes at Walia Ethiopian

  • Larry Page Combo - The legendary platter created for Google co-founder Larry Page. A greatest-hits selection of Walia's best Ethiopian cuisine, perfect for groups.
  • Kitfo - Excellent seasoned minced beef prepared to perfection, a signature at Walia Ethiopian Restaurant.
  • Doro Wot - Traditional Ethiopian chicken stew with perfectly spiced berbere sauce and hard-boiled eggs.
  • Injera - Perfect house-made injera with just the right tang, praised by tech CEOs and food lovers alike.

Vegetarian Ethiopian Cuisine

  • Vegetarian Combo Platter - Hearty vegetarian dishes rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox fasting traditions. Perfect vegan Ethiopian food.
  • Misir Wat - Spiced red lentils in berbere sauce, a staple of Ethiopian cuisine.
  • Gomen - Ethiopian-style collard greens with garlic and ginger.
  • Shiro - Ground chickpea stew, a beloved Ethiopian vegetarian dish.

Silicon Valley's Favorite: Walia Ethiopian has been serving authentic Ethiopian food in San Jose since the 2000s. From tech CEOs to local families, everyone agrees that Walia offers some of the best Ethiopian cuisine in the Bay Area.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walia Ethiopian Cuisine

Where is Walia Ethiopian Restaurant located in San Jose?

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine is located in San Jose, CA in a strip mall in the Westgate area. This unassuming location has become famous for serving authentic Ethiopian food in San Jose and attracting tech celebrities from Silicon Valley.

What is the Larry Page Combo at Walia Ethiopian?

The Larry Page Combo is a famous platter created by Walia Ethiopian Restaurant to honor Google co-founder Larry Page. This signature dish features a variety of Ethiopian cuisine favorites including meats and vegetarian dishes, perfect for groups wanting to try multiple Ethiopian food options.

Did Mark Zuckerberg really eat at Walia Ethiopian Restaurant?

Yes! Walia Ethiopian Cuisine in San Jose has been visited by tech giants including Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg and Google's Larry Page. Zuckerberg was once spotted waiting in line for a table, showing that even Silicon Valley CEOs can't skip the queue at this popular Ethiopian food destination.

What are the best dishes at Walia San Jose?

The most popular dishes at Walia Ethiopian include the Larry Page Combo platter, excellent kitfo, perfect injera, doro wot, and extensive vegetarian platters. Their Ethiopian cuisine is known for authentic flavors and generous portions.

Does Walia Ethiopian Cuisine have vegetarian options?

Yes! Walia Ethiopian Restaurant offers extensive vegetarian and vegan options rooted in Ethiopian Orthodox fasting traditions. Their vegetarian platters feature authentic Ethiopian cuisine including lentils, collard greens, and various vegetable stews.

Is Walia the best Ethiopian food in San Jose?

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine is widely considered one of the best Ethiopian food restaurants in San Jose and the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, celebrity clientele, and legendary Larry Page Combo have earned it a top reputation in Silicon Valley.

What makes Walia Ethiopian different from other Ethiopian restaurants?

Walia Ethiopian stands out for its Silicon Valley tech celebrity clientele, the famous Larry Page Combo dish, consistently authentic Ethiopian cuisine, and welcoming family atmosphere. It's where traditional Ethiopian food meets modern California's tech culture.

Ready to Visit Walia Ethiopian Cuisine?

Experience authentic Ethiopian cuisine and warm hospitality at one of San Francisco Bay Area's best Ethiopian restaurants. Check directions, hours, and plan your visit today!