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Featured Restaurant

Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant

Westgate, San Jose, CA
$$
Vegan-Friendly
Vegetarian
First-Timers Welcome
Traditional Setting
Coffee Ceremony
Family-Friendly
About Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant

Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant (also known as Zenis or Zeni's) is widely acclaimed as the best Ethiopian restaurant in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in San Jose, Zeni Restaurant offers an immersive cultural experience that transports diners to Ethiopia the moment they step inside. The walls are adorned with authentic Ethiopian art and traditional crafts, while the back room features traditional low mesob basket tables with handwoven straw seats for an authentic dining experience. Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant San Jose has earned outstanding reviews for its commitment to authenticity and cultural preservation. The Zeni San Jose menu showcases traditional Ethiopian dishes prepared with time-honored recipes and techniques. Whether you visit the Zeni Restaurant San Jose location or explore nearby Saratoga, you'll experience family-style dining at its finest. The restaurant is consistently lively and frequently packed with a diverse crowd of loyal regulars and curious first-timers. Weekend nights at Zeni Ethiopian San Jose often have a waitlist, but diners agree the wait is worth it - Zeni Restaurant delivers authenticity like no other Ethiopian restaurant in the Bay Area. From the traditional coffee ceremony to the perfect injera, every aspect of dining at Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant San Jose CA reflects a dedication to genuine Ethiopian hospitality and cuisine. Check Zeni reviews online to see why locals consistently rate it as San Jose's premier destination for authentic Ethiopian food.

The Vibe

Authentic traditional Ethiopian setting
Decorated with Ethiopian art and crafts
Lively family-style atmosphere
Cultural immersion experience
What They're Known For
  • Traditional mesob basket tables for authentic Ethiopian dining experience
  • House specialty kitfo (seasoned minced beef) - best in San Jose
  • Unique yebeg fitfit (lamb with injera) featured on Zeni San Jose menu
  • Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony performed tableside for guests
  • Injera praised in Zeni reviews for spot-on sourness and perfect fluffiness
  • Extensive Zeni menu with authentic Ethiopian fasting dishes
  • Aromatic Ethiopian spiced tea (shai) with cinnamon and cloves
  • Best Ethiopian restaurant reviews in San Jose and Saratoga area
  • Traditional Ethiopian decor and cultural atmosphere

🌟 Most Popular Dish

Kitfo & Yebeg Fitfit

First-Timer Tips

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

1

Perfect for Ethiopian cuisine novices - Zeni Restaurant staff will explain everything

2

Try sitting at a mesob table at Zeni Ethiopian for the full traditional experience

3

Check the Zeni San Jose menu online before visiting

4

Get the meat and veggie combo for two - a sampler of the best dishes at Zeni

5

Injera is unlimited at Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant - don't be shy, they'll bring more

6

Request the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony if you have time - beans roasted tableside

7

Try the Ethiopian spiced tea (shai) at Zeni Restaurant San Jose

8

Read Zeni reviews to see what other diners recommend

9

Go early or on a weeknight to Zeni San Jose to avoid long waits

10

Zeni Restaurant Saratoga area diners should plan ahead for weekend visits

Contact Information

Address

Strip Mall Location
San Jose, CA 95126

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Zeni San Jose Menu & Traditional Ethiopian Dishes

The Zeni San Jose menu is celebrated in Zeni reviews as the most authentic Ethiopian restaurant menu in the Bay Area. Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant San Jose (also known as Zenis) offers traditional Ethiopian dishes prepared with time-honored recipes. Whether you're visiting Zeni Restaurant San Jose or coming from nearby Saratoga, explore the extensive Zeni menu featuring signature dishes that have earned outstanding reviews.

Signature Dishes at Zeni Ethiopian

  • Kitfo - Zeni's house specialty! Seasoned minced beef with Ethiopian butter and mitmita, praised in Zeni reviews as the best in San Jose.
  • Yebeg Fitfit - Unique lamb dish with injera featured on the Zeni San Jose menu, a signature at Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant.
  • Doro Wot - Traditional Ethiopian chicken stew with hard-boiled eggs, slow-cooked with berbere spices.
  • Meat & Veggie Combo for Two - Perfect sampler of Zeni's best dishes, highly recommended in Zeni San Jose reviews.

Traditional Ethiopian Experience

  • Mesob Basket Tables - Sit at traditional low tables with handwoven straw seats, unique to Zeni Ethiopian San Jose.
  • Coffee Ceremony - Traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony with tableside roasting, highlighted in many Zeni reviews.
  • Perfect Injera - House-made injera praised for spot-on sourness and fluffy texture.
  • Vegetarian Fasting Dishes - Extensive menu of traditional Ethiopian vegan dishes at Zenis Restaurant.

Bay Area's Most Authentic: According to Zeni reviews and Zeni San Jose reviews, this is the most authentic Ethiopian dining experience in California. Zeni Restaurant transports you to Ethiopia with traditional decor, mesob seating, and cultural atmosphere. Check recent Zeni reviews to see why diners from San Jose to Saratoga consider it the best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant

Where is Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant located in San Jose?

Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant (also known as Zenis) is located in San Jose, CA 95126 in the Westgate neighborhood. Zeni Restaurant San Jose is also convenient for diners from nearby Saratoga. The restaurant features authentic Ethiopian decor and traditional mesob basket seating.

What is on the Zeni San Jose menu?

The Zeni San Jose menu features authentic Ethiopian dishes including their famous kitfo, unique yebeg fitfit (lamb with injera), doro wot, traditional vegetarian platters, and extensive fasting dishes. Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant is known for having one of the most authentic Ethiopian menus in the Bay Area.

What are Zeni reviews saying about the restaurant?

Zeni reviews consistently rate it as the best Ethiopian restaurant in San Jose and the Bay Area. Zeni San Jose reviews praise the traditional mesob seating, authentic Ethiopian coffee ceremony, perfect injera, and cultural atmosphere. Many Zeni reviews highlight it as the most authentic Ethiopian dining experience in California.

Does Zeni Restaurant serve the traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony?

Yes! Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant San Jose is famous for its traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Beans are roasted tableside with aromatic incense, creating an authentic cultural experience. This is one of the highlights mentioned in many Zeni reviews.

What makes Zeni Ethiopian San Jose special?

Zeni Ethiopian San Jose stands out for its traditional mesob basket tables, authentic Ethiopian art and decor, cultural immersion experience, and commitment to traditional recipes. Zeni Restaurant creates an atmosphere that transports you to Ethiopia, making it unique among San Jose restaurants.

Is Zeni Restaurant in Saratoga or San Jose?

Zeni Restaurant is located in San Jose, CA. However, it is conveniently accessible from Saratoga and serves many diners from the Saratoga area, which is why it's sometimes referred to as "Zeni Restaurant Saratoga" by locals.

Does Zenis Restaurant have vegetarian options?

Yes! Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant (Zenis) offers extensive vegetarian and vegan options. The Zeni San Jose menu includes traditional Ethiopian fasting dishes that are naturally vegan, including lentil stews, vegetable combinations, and chickpea dishes.

What are the best dishes at Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant San Jose CA?

Based on Zeni reviews, the best dishes include their signature kitfo (house specialty), yebeg fitfit (lamb with injera), the meat and veggie combo for two, and any of their traditional vegetarian platters. The injera at Zeni is also highly praised for its perfect texture and sourness.

Ready to Visit Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant?

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!