Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant

Welcome to Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant, a culinary gem located at 1320 Saratoga Ave in San Jose, CA. This establishment offers a delightful array of Ethiopian cuisine, perfect for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of this exotic food culture. With a diverse menu that includes vegan and vegetarian options, Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Upon entering this cozy eatery, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, complete with gender-neutral restrooms and free Wi-Fi for added convenience. The restaurant prides itself on being black-owned and women-owned, making it a fantastic choice for supporting local businesses in the community.

Customer reviews consistently praise the vibrant and colorful presentation of the food at Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant, served on traditional Ethiopian bread called injera. Diners have raved about the flavorful dishes, such as the chicken and beef options, as well as the vegetarian combos that offer a variety of mashed delights reminiscent of Indian Thali.

Whether you're a fan of traditional Ethiopian cuisine or looking to expand your palate with new and exciting flavors, Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant is a must-visit destination. Come experience the unique culinary journey that awaits you at this charming establishment!

Zeni Ethiopian Restaurant Menu

Location

Address: 1320 Saratoga Ave San Jose, CA 95129
Phone: (408) 615-8282

🕓 Work Hours
MON Closed
TUE 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
WED 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
THU 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
FRI 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
SAT 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
SUN 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Business info

  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Reservations
    No
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Wheelchair accessible
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Private Lot Parking
    Yes
  • Waiter Service
    Yes
  • Free Wi-Fi
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • Black-owned
    Yes
  • Women-owned
    Yes
  • Gender-neutral restrooms
    Yes
  • Open to All
    Yes
  • Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Happy Hour
    No
  • Dogs Not Allowed
    No
  • TV
    No
  • Heated Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Covered Outdoor Seating
    No
  • Private Dining
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Victor L.

    10 August 2024

    We were a party of 7 (3 of them young kids). We were seated promptly on a Sunday evening at approximately 7pm. Within minutes, people were arriving and they had to wait. This restaurant got busy fast! I wish I took note of the ordering, but I kinda just went with a more seasoned vet. My friend Owen has been here a couple times before. The presentation of the food reminds me of a painter's pallet. Ethiopian food is fairly colorful. The food is spread out on an Ethiopian bread called injera. It has a sourish taste. It takes some getting used to. They also give you extra rolls of injera. Although you can request spoons, you eat mainly with your hands. How's the food? It was my first time so please take this review with a newbie perspective. For my Asian taste buds, I am OK with it. There are familiar flavors such as their chicken dish (forgot the name) as what we have in Indonesia called Rendang. I was just OK with the beef (Goden tibs) as I don't taste any ethnic spices in them. The beef Kitfo is nice and that was cooked medium. It taste a lot like Italian sausage to me. We also got the vegetarian option where there are 4 mashed up goodies. They remind me of Indian Thali in mashed potato form. I enjoyed the meal but I may only come once in a blue moon. It wouldn't be fair to knock a place down just because I'm learning the cuisine. For food taste, it's 3 stars. For experience/uniqueness it's a 5!

  • Author: Dana L.

    02 August 2024

    We got seated right away for a weekend lunch. The inside decor was quite nice, I appreciated how the lights on the ceilings had designs. We got the veggie and meat combo. It ended up coming out on one huuuuuge plate. I absolutely loved the veggie combo. I found the meat a little dry, but it was not bad. The veggie was definitely the winner of the two. Each selection had a different taste and I really enjoyed this experience. Very very tasty. Docking one star mostly because of the dryish meat and the ok service. Service was not bad, but felt like could be better.

  • Author: Erika W.

    10 July 2024

    My partner and I have recently discovered Zeni Ethiopian restaurant. We are completely in heaven with the delicious food, we have tried multiple dishes over the last couple of months, and everything is fresh, great flavors, and cooked to perfection. We also love that it is woman, owned, and operated, powerful! The decorations are simple and sweet. The food is consistently very good, so it's busy often. Best Ethiopian food in the Bay Area!

  • Author: Kimberly C.

    05 May 2024

    Came here on a Wednesday evening and it was busy! Luckily there was a table open and we were seated immediately. We ordered the vegetarian combo and meat combo. For my first time eating Ethiopian food, I enjoyed my experience. There is a separate hand-washing sink by the restroom which was convenient. I liked eating the injera with the different combinations of meats and veggies. The injera itself is spongy, slightly sour, and reminded me of sourdough. Some of the veggies and meats didn't taste salted enough for me. The overall dish is super filling as you have to get a good amount of injera to scoop up the food. I shared the whole platter with 2 others and we were barely able to finish it! Our food took a while to come out, which is understandable. We were checked on a few times while eating. The overall restaurant is pretty small. The restroom is clean and welcoming.

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