Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique is a popular and renowned ethnic restaurant in North Oakland serving the general public since 1986. It is a restaurant that received rave reviews from various food critics including the Oakland Tribune, East Bay Express, S.F Focus Magazine, and others in the past. As a winner of the international food festival contest that was held at Lake Merritt in Oakland, it enjoyed unbelievable success and recognition in and beyond its geographical area. Members of its ethnic community as well as the general public had made it a point to frequently visit the restaurant to enjoy the authentic food it serves from its Queen of Sheba’s kitchen.
Zimam, the owner/chef, of Cafe Eritrea migrated to America in 1991 with almost nothing but her determination to work hard and make a better life. She came here as a refugee due to the Ethiopian-Eritrean war that ravaged her country Eritrea, crushing her personal aspiration to pursue a peaceful and prosperous life in her village. Even though she did not get the opportunity to pursue a formal education, her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit motivated her to establish a transportation business in her village, using mules and donkeys to move goods and services from one place to the next. The hardship caused by the war forced her to migrate to the US without money and knowledge of the English language.
Soon after her arrival in Oakland, she landed a job as a cook in Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique. After a few years of hard work, she was able to take over the restaurant when the original owner moved to another location in 1993-94. Since then she has been making continuous improvements and added a unique style to the restaurant.
Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique serves as an Eritrean/Ethiopian cuisine that goes back to the era of the Queen of Sheba who ruled present-day Eritrea, Ethiopian, Yemen... around 1000 BC. During that time, 3000 years ago that is, legends has it that the area was so rich in gold and spices that the Queen used it to entice King Solomon to develop a special “relationship”. Shortly after, Menelik Solomon, their son, was born in the river of Mai Bela located in present-day Asmara, Eritrea. Eritreans and Ethiopians have been using the same exotic spices that the queen used to perfect her culinary 3000 years ago.
In Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique, meat dishes such as chicken, beef, lamb, and vegetarian dishes such as the mouth-watering SHEHAN PHOOL are cooked to perfection using the exotic spices that have been highly treasured in the community for generations. The cooking is time-tested and as good and rich as its history. The only way to confirm it is by trying it. Come to Cafe Eritrea D’Afrique to enjoy the pleasant, hospitable ambiance and service, as well as the exotic heap of meat and tasty vegetarian dishes.
Our restaurant is available for private events: weddings, business lunches, dinners, cocktail receptions, and more.
We also cater for special occasions including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and office parties. We would love to discuss how to be a part of your next event.
Please call us at (510) 547-4520 to make arrangements.
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