Vegan
Take-out
African
Ethiopian

Small Ethiopian cafe and shop est. 2015. Offers a combo meal served with gluten-free injera. Sells spices, lentils, coffee, and dried goods. Contactless pre-orders taken online. Black owned. NOTE: Please verify if still fully vegan. NOTE: Maybe closed May 2024 - please send updates to HappyCow. Open Mon-Sun 10:00am-7:00pm.


Venue map for Cafe Dareye - Maybe closed
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18 Reviews

First Review by Gopala108

JakeFuller

Points +1412

Vegan
18 Apr 2024

Extremely Good

Some of the best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had. Very friendly, family-owned restaurant. Unfortunately, no indoor seating, so you’re stuck outside with the crazy tweakers walking by. But whatever, it’s Oakland. What else do expect in a communist distopia? Anyways, great food!

veganguy111

05 Jun 2024

SoyCoffeeFTW

Points +645

Vegan
19 May 2023

Delicious and filling

The veggie combo is on gluten-free injera by default (no extra charge!). Everything tastes fresh and flavorful. And best of all, it’s one of the most affordable Ethiopian places.

Pros: All vegan, Gluten-free!, Affordable

MizzB

Points +3833

Vegan
16 Mar 2023

Authentic Ethiopian, 100% vegan

Deliciously tasty authentic Ethiopian food, spiced just right, served on gluten-free Injera. Collard greens well done without being overlooked, lentils and split peas also well seasoned, cooked to perfection, finely textured injera, no after taste found in some breads, perfect for scooping up the meal. Moderately priced veggie platter available in two sizes, depending on how hungry you are. The larger size might even serve two with small appetites; those who delight in and enjoy good Ethiopian dining as much as I do will want the larger platter all to themselves. Lentil samosas, available on the side, were excellent; very well seasoned. Fair trade coffee available by the cup, or by the bag to take home. Drink case with various juices, waters, sodas to choose from. Very compact space, with variety of Ethiopian & middle eastern grocery items for sale, plus stacks of injera. Food is take out since no place to eat inside. 3 small tables with chairs on sidewalk outside store/restaurant. Right on Telegraph Ave, which tends to be busy street so can be noisy. On street parking.
Reopen post pandemic lockdown for pickup. Online ordering, with timed pickup slots. Usual veggie platter, with some desserts available, bottled drinks. Sidewalk tables. Service slower due to reduced staffing.

Caution on business hours. Website and the hours posted on the door of the business show open 9am. Stopped by on March 15, 2023, 11am, restaurant was not open. Tried calling, no answer, no return call. Waited half hour, restaurant was still dark with door/gate locked.

Updated from previous review on 2021-07-25

Pros: Authentic, well seasoned, tasty Ethiopian food, 100% vegan, Affordable, ample portions

Cons: Very small space, Take-out only, no place to eat inside

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

eomski22

29 Mar 2023

FYI - this link doesn't work. Tried messaging the restaurant and calling multiple times. No answer.

MizzB

29 Mar 2023

The link has not worked for a while. The message providing it was from the restaurant.

villain

Points +8193

Vegan
01 Jan 2023

Nice lunch spot

Conveniently located on Telegraph and owned by friendly people. A nice place for grabbing lunch. There isn't any indoor seating, and the outdoor tables are quite small so it's definitely a place to dine solo or with one other person.

Full plate was a decent size, half order would've been too small in my opinion. The food here isn't as expensive as other Oakland Ethiopian spots and it's pretty good. Cheesecake wasn't the best though, it was reminiscent of daiya cheesecake and I'm just not into that flavor.

I love that they sell various other goodies here like bulk ingredients, spices, grains, teacups, pans, etc.

Updated from previous review on 2022-12-08

Pros: Gluten free

Geeokonkwo

Points +465

Vegan
18 Jul 2022

All Vegan Ethiopian

Love fully vegan spots! Owner is nice. Patio outside for ppl watching. Delicious. Plz note prices have raised, forgot to get picture of board but I believe it's $17 now for the full plate.

RachelLevit

Points +372

Vegan
15 May 2022

Half order

Perfect for lunch, injera was very soft!

ledruide

Points +70

Vegan
16 Nov 2019

Wish It Were a Sit-Down Restaurant

I have never had better Ethiopian food anywhere. The only problem is there's virtually no seating -- none at all if the minimal outdoor seating is occupied or weather makes it unusable. I will definitely be back, but only when I'm looking for something to take home and eat.

Pros: Five-star Ethiopian food.

Cons: One-star seating -- not a dinner destination.

shaynaryan136yandex

16 Nov 2019

We had read many good reviews about and the restaurant was very close to our hotel.

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

agreid

Points +46

Vegan
22 May 2019

Perfect

Right price, quick service, and incredible, filling food that made us feel warm and happy all day. The full plate is plenty to share between two people. :)

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

aner1kind17

Points +1289

Vegetarian
12 Jan 2019

Best Ethiopian I have had in the bay!

I’ve been searching for good Ethiopian and was amazed by the food at this little takeout place. A total hole in the wall - blink and miss. They have a few tables outside if you can’t do takeout and it’s super tasty. The full combo is perfect for 2 people and great price for $12. Home cooked feel and highly recommend!

Pros: Set menu , Great price

Cons: No indoor seating

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

LiviRoseSky

Points +43

Vegan
05 Apr 2018

love this place

Such good Ethiopian food I love that they put all your food on top!!

ledruide

26 Jun 2020

Here's a shorter version of the same link
https://bit.ly/2CJUGxU

MichelleSF

Points +48

Vegan
10 Sep 2017

yummy!

There's only one thing on the menu and it's delicious! I was actually happy that I didn't have to choose from a menu. I waited only 10 minutes for the food. I'm definitely coming back again soon! Thanks happy cow 😃

Pros: very flavorful!, fast and friendly service!, easy freeway access near bay bridge

Cons: no public restroom, only 3 small tables outside

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

alexandra_vegan

Points +1549

Vegan
09 Jun 2017

Delicious food, but wasteful packaging

The food here is 100% vegan, made on the spot and delicious.
This place serves food and also sells Ethiopian pantry items like spices, beans, drinks etc...
Food is served in a to go container. I wish they were a bit less wasteful with packaging and serve food reusable plates.
They have 3 tables with a couple of chairs just outside the shop if you want to eat here.
Look for parking on the smaller streets nearby, as on the main street parking is hard to find.

Pros: Delicious food, 100% vegan

Cons: Parking hard to find, Wasteful plastic packaging

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

eansty

Points +32

Vegan
18 Mar 2017

The best Ethiopian Food

Best Ethiopian food around. Made with love

Pros: The food!

Cons: You must get there before 3:00. They sell out fast

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

Ventura9612

Points +70

Vegan
07 Dec 2016

Amazingly Wonderful!

Took my Ethiopian food virginity and was one of the best meals I've had!!

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

Dialvegan

Points +16

Vegan
03 Nov 2016

Tasty & Healthy

Dareye is a revelation - the best Ethiopian in the city for sure. This tiny, Oakland cafe packs on good food and simplicity. I STRONGLY suggest the veggie combo platter for those who are unfamiliar and vegan, because there is nothing like getting a whole bowl of vegan tasty goodness. signed HAPPY CUSTOMER!!!!

Updated from previous review on 2016-11-03

Pros: gluten-free, Tasty, Healthy

Cons: none, none, none

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

veganmozsquad

Points +21

Vegan
09 Oct 2016

Lovely people & delicious vegan food!

I called ahead to make an order to pick up. When I got there 10 minutes later there was a large amount of healthy & yummy food waiting for me, $12. Enough for me to last 2 meals. The people working were very kind, smiles all around. Thank you! If you need quick take away, this is the place to stop!

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

SassyGreenVegan

Points +23

Vegan
13 Sep 2016

Love It

The staff was extremely helpful and patient with me. The lady at the counter seemed very motherly and welcoming and the food was delish. I will definitely go back to this place to bad hugs aren't on the menu. (I loved the energy of the mom) BEAUTIFUL VIBES

Pros: Vegan options, Worth The Cost

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/

Gopala108

Points +3082

Vegan
07 Apr 2016

wonderful experience here

I went here recently & this place is a real find. The food comes piping hot, fresh, & feels home cooked. The staff are super friendly. I went for the full veggie combo for $9.99 as I have a hearty appetite & barely finished it. It came with a salad with dressing & a giant raw stuffed jalapeño filled with something like salsa. It came with all the standards you are used to at Ethiopian restaurants such as collards, curried lentils, curried, split peas & plenty of Injera.

If you don't have a hearty appetite you can always split it with your friend or beloved. It comes in a container where you can take home leftovers or even better for some is the half veggie combo for $5.99. Vegans, vegetarians, Rastas who love Ital cuisine, plant based food lovers, & those who love Ethiopian food should definitely swing by here.

The only caveat with Cafe Dareye is there is limited seating as it serves as a market inside so the only seating is outdoors with two tables & four chairs at each table. You will most likely share a table with someone or a few folks which isn't a bad thing as talking to strangers is a good & you might find the stranger more interesting than a celebrity even.

It's popular here at lunch time so get here early or be prepared to wait yet folks are friendly so you should be able to grab a seat without too much trouble!

Pros: home cooked style meals, all vegan meals, option for half portion

Cons: limited seating

CafeD

10 Jun 2021

Valued customer, we are now taking online preorders for post-covid reopening here: https://cafedareyeoakland.com/




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