Welcome to Selam Restaurant
At Selam Restaurant, we invite you to experience the rich culinary heritage of Eritrea, where every dish tells a story of tradition and warmth. Located in Oakland, CA, our establishment features a diverse menu with an array of vegetarian options and hearty meat dishes, all crafted from fresh, gluten-free ingredients. The standout, injera, serves as a soft, flavorful foundation for our vibrant stews and spicy creations, like the beloved shiro. With a cozy atmosphere and attentive staff, dining here feels like a comforting visit to a friend's home. Join us for a meal that nourishes both body and spirit.
Selam Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings
The food here is so amazing you need to try it ASAP. After we ordered we were sitting outside waiting for our food and I commented to my partner that it smelled so good I wished my phone had a way to share the smell with other people (yes, I was high) and at that exact moment a guy in an electric wheelchair rolled by on MLK and said, "Damn! That smells good!
Totally delicious, clean, home cooked-tasting food. The people working were super nice and I'd love to go back again when I'm in the area. Speaking of the area...it looks a little rough but don't let that deter you. They deserve our business!
Starting from the injera (which is the soft bread) is made out of Tiff which is nutritious grain, since I am Eritrean I know the injera is made out of Tiff 100%, which is gluten free. The stew, especially the Shiro (which is the orange paste) , is so delicious, it's make out of roasted chickpeas and spices. I like to eat more vegetables and grains. The vegetarian combo is my favorite. Knowing injera gives me probiotics, I prefer eating injera more than any other bread.
We went on the Black Liberation Walking Tour and wanted to stay in the neighborhood for lunch. This popped up on Google maps and we're so glad it did! The food was amazing!! The staff were very attentive and the price was starling low for the five of us We ate well and eating there was like having lunch at a friend's house! I believe one of the cooks was Mary and she was so kind and as we left, she offered us freshly made bread, Himbasha I believe it's called, and introduced us to her sister-in-law, who was also cooking. Also, this is Eritrean food, which is similar to Ethiopian, they border each other, but an entirely different country!
Went in for early breakfast. Got the shiro. So much flavor and the Injera is fresh. Delicious 10000/10
AMAZING!! First time here. I have been to a few others in Oakland but Omg Selam is so so better! Firstly their injera is not like others. The "honeycombs" is the first time I have experienced it. I ordered vegetarian combo and lamb tibs. Huge portions. The flavors of each are very distinct. Not overpowered by spicy heat. Three of us ate from 2 orders and this was what was left. Now I craving their food again!!
Absolutely delicious. Beef tips and vegetarian platter were both amazing. We got take out and it was ready on time and convenient.
Out of the five or six really good Ethiopian/Eritrean spots in Oakland/Berkeley that I've tried, this is the best. I split the veggie platter with my partner and it filled us up nicely. Please don't go; it's a small place, and I was here first.
Wow just picked up 2 veggie combos and 2 cubed lamb meals (not sure what it's called). They were each $14. Delicious flavor and huge portions. The pictures other reviewers posted accurately depicted the meals that I got. You can get it spicy or not spicy. Amazing flavor. I would say these dishes are a cross between Indian and Mediterranean cuisines. They made the food when I ordered it. Very fresh. They are doing a great job during covid on keeping the quality high (not like other restaurants I've been to). When I went in there were Ethiopian men and one woman hanging out and talking. They were very nice and helped me. Seems like a cafe type hang out place for Ethiopians. Family run place that seems to provide staples for the locals around there. There was a guy buying 50 injera flat breads to go.
A wonderful find. I was craving Ethiopian but my normal haunts were closed. Although not on the menu, they do have a delicious veggie combo that was filling enough for 2 meals. When I was there, I could see that they were making fresh injera.
Location
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2786 Martin Luther King Jr Way Oakland, CA 94612 United States Hotline:
Welcome to Selam Restaurant, a vibrant culinary sanctuary located at 2786 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA. This charming eatery specializes in Eritrean cuisine, bringing the rich, flavorful heritage of East Africa to your table. With a strong commitment to providing not just a meal, but an experience, Selam Restaurant caters to a wide array of dietary preferences, including many delicious vegetarian options and a menu that delights meat lovers alike.
At Selam, every dish tells a story. The savory fitfit silsi showcases the perfect blend of tomato, onion, garlic, and the aromatic berbere spice, beautifully paired with traditional bread. For those craving something heartier, the beef tibsi, a scrumptiously seasoned cubed beef shank served with injera, offers a taste that transports you right into the heart of Eritrea. If you’re looking for a vibrant and wholesome vegetarian feast, the vegetarian combo is a standout, featuring a medley of flavorful stews that highlight the restaurant's pride in its fresh, local ingredients.
- Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy its warm atmosphere.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal under the sun or stars in the heated outdoor seating area, perfect for those who relish dining al fresco.
- Compostable and Reusable Tableware: Selam also prioritizes sustainability, offering compostable containers and reusable tableware, making it kind to the environment.
- Community Vibe: Several visitors, like Hollie C. and Eddy L., rave about the friendly atmosphere, likening it to dining at a friend's home, where caring service meets authentic flavors.
With affordable prices that beckon diners to come back, Selam Restaurant has made its mark as a beloved local establishment. Beyond the food, the experience is enriched by the warmth and kindness of the staff, creating a familial bond that resonates throughout the dining experience.
As you savor a meal at Selam, you are not just nourishing your body; you are diving into the culture of Eritrea with every bite. So whether you dine in for a leisurely breakfast or grab takeout for a quick lunch, Selam Restaurant promises to deliver dishes that are not only delicious but also filled with heart.
In a world of dining choices, Selam shines brightly—a true gem offering a blend of tradition, flavor, and hospitality. Be sure to visit and partake in the culinary delights that await you!
