loveddddddd it so much. Ive tried many ethiopian veggie plates and this was the most flavorful plate ive had! It also feels great to support a small Ethiopian business with two lovely women holding it down! 5/5✨♥️

This place is a great addition to the kosher keeping community in the East bay. Service is quick, the veggie combo plate is huge and filled with beautiful hearty good for you yummies.

A neighborhood gem with a welcoming and charming atmosphere. The owner was roasting coffee beans which filled the air with a wonderful scent. Possibly the best injera I’ve had. FYI it’s vegetarian only.

The food here is absolutely amazing. Best Ethiopian overall ive ever had. Their collard greens and green lentil dish are both seriously the best ive ever had for those dishes in Ethiopian cuisine. Everything else is still show stopping. When we first went here, there was a dish with red sauce and I wasn't a huge fan - but i also am personally not a dark meaty-taste sauce person, and all the dishes here have otherwise been amazing. Even the sambusas are great! They could use a little more variety, maybe served with the green lentil dish as a side even or with a sauce- but even by themselves are amazing. Long story short, Desta is a must visit!

Where do I even begin? This was such a heartfelt and memorable experience—from the warm, attentive service to the absolutely delicious food, everything was beyond amazing. The atmosphere made me feel like I had been welcomed back home for Sunday lunch at my grandmother’s or aunt’s house. There was a genuine sense of comfort and care in every detail, from the way the staff greeted me to the way they made sure everything on my plate was just right. The flavors were rich and soulful, and the hospitality was exceptional. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for not just a meal, but an experience that feels like home. I’ll definitely be back!

I could not believe it was wonderful kudos ☺️ will definitely return and recommend other's keep up the darn 👍 good meal preparations it. Is rare I Give A ✍️ of the magnitude nevertheless it's warranted!

Everything was incredible. Not only was the food delicious. The owner showed our 3 year old daughter all the choices and made her a custom small plate. It was very family friendly and delicious. Can’t wait to go back!!

Great spot for Ethiopian served with a personal touch and a smile! Mostly open for lunch/brunch - they have interesting Ethiopian-inspired brunch options that taste great and combine eggs, veggies, spices, and injeera. Their sa visas are also great and they usually have a selection of dishes including vegetarian options. The service is always super friendly and food comes out quickly. One issue is that the restaurant is tiny so if they fill up I expect that the experience may change but so far we’ve not experienced that the three+ times we’ve been.

Easily my new favorite Ethiopian restaurant in the bay area. Desta is a cute little cafe with great service and a wide diversity of flavors that just recently opened. Get the veggie combo plate. It lets you try a bit of everything for a great price and two people can easily split it. If you only try just one thing, try the azifa. Theirs is really unique and has a distinctly fresh, pesto/chimichurri vibe to it. But seriously, don’t try just one thing. Get the combo.

This place is truly amazing. I ordered the Veggie Combo Plate and it was so good! Its a large serving so two people can easily fill up on it. The coffee and spiced tea was delicious. The ladies there were so sweet and answer any questions about the food that you have so definitely try it!

This is an amazing spot! Owners are so warm and sweet. Food was amazing, my partner and I had the vegetable combo plate. Felt like a home cooked meal. 5 stars hands down all the way from Chicago. Even saw a a fellow diner in a Svengoolie hoodie lol

I recently discovered this Ethiopian restaurant and was genuinely impressed. The food is incredibly flavorful and clearly made with care—the kind of quality you can taste in every bite. The two ladies working there were so welcoming,I loved how the kitchen felt like a cozy home kitchen, filled with authentic Ethiopian details. The portions are very generous, and the prices are more than reasonable. Definitely one of my new favorite spots in the neighborhood!

This tiny gem deserves 6 stars. From the moment you walk in, the smell of spices fills the sunny, cheerful space. The flavors are exceptional. The best way I can describe it is that they are a little bit brighter and more distinct than a lot of Ethiopian food I have had in the Bay Area, but not cloying or overwhelming. The injera is fresh and spongy, and stands apart in its lack of sourdough flavor (which I prefer.) This was my first time having azifa (green lentils with a bright, citrusy, slightly spicy flavor) and it is a new favorite. My personal standby at any Ethiopian restaurant, though, is atakilt ... I sort of use it as a litmus test for comparing apples to apples, and this is hands-down the best I've had. The proprietor is so sweet and kind, clearly someone who has always loved to cook and seems thrilled to meet every customer who comes into her tiny, homespun shop. Can't wait to go back!

Great location, amazing food, kind owner, and delicious must have sambusas are absolutely delicious. Definitely worth the experienced and the prices are fair.

We have lived so close to Desta for years but keep missing their open hours. Finally made it today and we’re sad not to have eaten here sooner! Definitely the best food from the Horn of Africa that we’ve had in the Bay Area. Flavorful, light but filling, and delicious! Two warm, welcoming women run the restaurant and do everything from filling water glasses to cooking to bussing tables - we were impressed by their coordination.

Lovely place with delicious food. Very welcoming owners and easy street parking. A neighborhoof gem!

Incredible Ethiopian Food — Just Like Home! If you’re looking for authentic Ethiopian food that hits every note of tradition and flavor, Desta Ethiopian Cafe is the place to go. The injera was soft and fresh, with just the right level of tang, and the wot dishes were rich, spicy, and full of depth. I had the shiro, doro wot, and gomen, and each bite took me back home. Portions are generous, and the vegetarian options are just as satisfying as the meat dishes. You can tell the food is made with love and care — the kind of comfort that only comes from real Ethiopian cooking. Whether you’re Ethiopian or just discovering the cuisine, Desta delivers a truly special dining experience. Highly recommend!

i love you desta ethiopian cafe. best sambusa of my life

Delicious veggie Ethiopian food in a homey setting! It’s a small, family-run cafe with lovely staff and a small but well-assorted menu. The veggie combo and sambusas tasted like they were homemade, and the hisbiscus tea was so good too. The portions are very generous and we’re excited to have the leftovers to take home. Highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area looking for lunch!

Amazing vegan food! Super kind and friendly service. Super small, feels like you are dining with family. Perfect little neighborhood spot.

Nick Shippers

Local spot, seems family run, I had the breakfast sandwich and it had a very nice herbal/spicy kick to it. The avocado, sauce, and vegan cheese made it a very creamy bite. Its so filling, I had to save the potatoes and greens for later.

Kiyan Fawaz

Beautiful sunny, quiet cafe in Adam’s point. The best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had. The food tastes very healthy, fresh, and simple but literally so full of flavor at the same time. Home cooking made with time and care. Just SO good. If you are thinking about going just go. Wow. And the injera is 100% teff and gluten free which can be hard to find these days. Plus the vibe inside is so peaceful and warm. I love.

Andrew Schneider

One of the most flavorful experiences I’ve had. I would highly recommend the combo platter to share with another person so you can get a taste of all the flavors they’ve got to offer. The hibiscus tea was perfect for a hot day. Incredibly quick and lovely service.

tafefee

I came here with my father for the first time yesterday and the way Sirgut and the other two woman treated us and prepared food was as if she was having us over at her home for lunch. Phenomenal food and service. We had the vegetarian combo and it was amazing. We then tried amazing espresso which was pan roasted right in front of us. We will definitely come back ❤️

Ruben Glatt

We have been coming back here for a few times since we found this place last year. It's fantastic vegetarian Ethiopian food served family style. I highly recommend starting with the combo and then order more of what you like best. The food is ready and will be served quickly. The atmosphere is very cozy and friendly as the owner (?) is super nice and always has a smile for the guests. There are no meat options but I bet you won't miss them.

Bamboo

This place is amazing, I'm so happy that pretty much everything is vegan. The food is extremely delicious, everyone there is friendly, the portion sizes are huge, and the price is quite reasonable. I'm already excited to come back. I didn't get a picture of the sambussa, but it's the biggest one I've ever had

N. Chan

Felt like I went to visit an auntie’s home and was treated to a home made meal <3 generous portions! Easy to be vegetarian with spices like these :) ordered the combo platter which includes 4 of 5 items listed but then was served all 5 items!

James Li

Absolutely delicious Ethiopian food with great service and wonderful vibes! A cozy little place that will guarantee a satisfying and filling meal. Highly recommend for vegetarians since everything is veggie. The flax drink is also incredible, and the coffee is well brewed and not bitter at all!

Umit Alis

Sometimes you get into a place and you feel at home, Desta Ethiopian Cafe is one of those places. Food was amazing, service was awesome. A very nice, friendly lady came, welcomed us, patiently listened and answered all our questios. At the end we got we were craving. Kid friendly restaurant, we had a very good experience here. I highly recommend this restaurant.

Sarah L

This might be the best meal I've ever eaten in my life. So tasty and I ate SO much food and did not feel heavy afterwards. Bright & sunny, super friendly staff, smells so good. They make their injera fresh - everything was fresh. So, so, SO good!!

Albert Chan

Finger licking good! One of the best Ethiopian places I’ve been to! Veggie combo was fantastic. Super nice owner too. Will be back.

N

Hard to not give this place 5 stars. I love Ethiopian food but this restaurant is another level. Initially dissappointed that it was vegan, the flavors were incredible. Very intimate setting rounds up this wonderful dining experience.

Jessica Wong

Got the vegetarian combo plate and a sambusa. The azifa that comes with the vegetarian combo platter is out of this world. It’s light, refreshing and has the tangy flavor to cut the heat of the other items on the platter. Teff injera was delicious. Sambusa has the crispy flaky exterior and the lentils inside are perfectly cooked and seasoned. I love the mom and pop, modern feel of this cozy neighborhood joint - smiles all around and you can taste the love and passion in the food.

Dillon Mulholland

This place is delicious! The owner is so sweet and puts her love in everything she makes. The veggie combo plate is incredible, a generous serving of 5 flavorful dishes all on top of a delicately sour injera. My partner’s breakfast sandwich was also delicious with a house made chickpea cauliflower patty that was better than any meat substitute could hope to be. Have been back 3 times in two weeks! Worth a visit!!

Ashley Trousdell

The food was delicious! Service was excellent! The women working were so lovely. The menu is fully vegan and vegetarian and the injera is naturally gluten free because it’s made with teff. We can’t wait to come back!

Stephen M

Their website mentions treating patrons like family and no doubt they live up to this claim. The food was superb, reasonably priced, and was served with the warmth and affection too often reserved for family. If in the area, stop by this spot. If out of the area, travel here to stop by. 💛

Their website mentions treating patrons like family and no doubt they live up to this claim. The food was superb, reasonably priced, and was served with the warmth and affection too often reserved for family. If in the area, stop by this spot. If out of the area, travel here to stop by. 💛

The food was delicious! Service was excellent! The women working were so lovely. The menu is fully vegan and vegetarian and the injera is naturally gluten free because it’s made with teff. We can’t wait to come back!

Got the vegetarian combo plate and a sambusa. The azifa that comes with the vegetarian combo platter is out of this world. It’s light, refreshing and has the tangy flavor to cut the heat of the other items on the platter. Teff injera was delicious. Sambusa has the crispy flaky exterior and the lentils inside are perfectly cooked and seasoned. I love the mom and pop, modern feel of this cozy neighborhood joint - smiles all around and you can taste the love and passion in the food.

This place is delicious! The owner is so sweet and puts her love in everything she makes. The veggie combo plate is incredible, a generous serving of 5 flavorful dishes all on top of a delicately sour injera. My partner’s breakfast sandwich was also delicious with a house made chickpea cauliflower patty that was better than any meat substitute could hope to be. Have been back 3 times in two weeks! Worth a visit!!

Finger licking good! One of the best Ethiopian places I’ve been to! Veggie combo was fantastic. Super nice owner too. Will be back.

This might be the best meal I've ever eaten in my life. So tasty and I ate SO much food and did not feel heavy afterwards. Bright & sunny, super friendly staff, smells so good. They make their injera fresh - everything was fresh. So, so, SO good!!

Sometimes you get into a place and you feel at home, Desta Ethiopian Cafe is one of those places. Food was amazing, service was awesome. A very nice, friendly lady came, welcomed us, patiently listened and answered all our questios. At the end we got we were craving. Kid friendly restaurant, we had a very good experience here. I highly recommend this restaurant.

+4

Absolutely delicious Ethiopian food with great service and wonderful vibes! A cozy little place that will guarantee a satisfying and filling meal. Highly recommend for vegetarians since everything is veggie. The flax drink is also incredible, and the coffee is well brewed and not bitter at all!

Felt like I went to visit an auntie’s home and was treated to a home made meal <3 generous portions! Easy to be vegetarian with spices like these :) ordered the combo platter which includes 4 of 5 items listed but then was served all 5 items!

This place is amazing, I'm so happy that pretty much everything is vegan. The food is extremely delicious, everyone there is friendly, the portion sizes are huge, and the price is quite reasonable. I'm already excited to come back. I didn't get a picture of the sambussa, but it's the biggest one I've ever had

One of the most flavorful experiences I’ve had. I would highly recommend the combo platter to share with another person so you can get a taste of all the flavors they’ve got to offer. The hibiscus tea was perfect for a hot day. Incredibly quick and lovely service.

I came here with my father for the first time yesterday and the way Sirgut and the other two woman treated us and prepared food was as if she was having us over at her home for lunch. Phenomenal food and service. We had the vegetarian combo and it was amazing. We then tried amazing espresso which was pan roasted right in front of us. We will definitely come back ❤️

We have been coming back here for a few times since we found this place last year. It's fantastic vegetarian Ethiopian food served family style. I highly recommend starting with the combo and then order more of what you like best. The food is ready and will be served quickly. The atmosphere is very cozy and friendly as the owner (?) is super nice and always has a smile for the guests. There are no meat options but I bet you won't miss them.

+3

Local spot, seems family run, I had the breakfast sandwich and it had a very nice herbal/spicy kick to it. The avocado, sauce, and vegan cheese made it a very creamy bite. Its so filling, I had to save the potatoes and greens for later.

Beautiful sunny, quiet cafe in Adam’s point. The best Ethiopian food I’ve ever had. The food tastes very healthy, fresh, and simple but literally so full of flavor at the same time. Home cooking made with time and care. Just SO good. If you are thinking about going just go. Wow. And the injera is 100% teff and gluten free which can be hard to find these days. Plus the vibe inside is so peaceful and warm. I love.

I live near four very good and praised Ethiopian restaurants in my city, and this place, without any doubt, has been the best Ethiopian food I have ever had. The environment is cozy and warm, the food is homemade and very well prepared, the woman who cooks is very friendly and nice. We tried many things, all of them delicious, including the tea. No complaints, only praises for this place.

In a town with incredible Ethiopian cuisine this place stands out. The garlicy gomen is especially delicious and the delicate injera is just perfect.

I've been to Desta twice and had the Veggie Combo both times. I normally can’t digest lentils well, but I had no problem with the perfectly cooked, delicious lentils here. The injera is fluffy and not too sour, and all the veggie and lentil dishes are super tasty, each with its own distinct flavor. The two lady chefs are so kind and always make me feel like I’m being fed as part of their family. :) I also had a great chai latte there today and got to watch them roast their coffee beans for other guests.

Daniel Certain

I live near four very good and praised Ethiopian restaurants in my city, and this place, without any doubt, has been the best Ethiopian food I have ever had. The environment is cozy and warm, the food is homemade and very well prepared, the woman who cooks is very friendly and nice. We tried many things, all of them delicious, including the tea. No complaints, only praises for this place.

Fi

I've been to Desta twice and had the Veggie Combo both times. I normally can’t digest lentils well, but I had no problem with the perfectly cooked, delicious lentils here. The injera is fluffy and not too sour, and all the veggie and lentil dishes are super tasty, each with its own distinct flavor. The two lady chefs are so kind and always make me feel like I’m being fed as part of their family. :) I also had a great chai latte there today and got to watch them roast their coffee beans for other guests.

Ryan

Food is amazing and service is incredible. The owner is super friendly and nice. Out of all the Ethiopian food I've had, this is by far my favourite! Amazing value and quality. Will be coming back again!

We go here for take out quite frequently. The service is always warm and friendly and the food is delicious. We're vegan and are quite happy with the vegetarian platter. The ONLY reason for the 4 stars is because they recently switched to plastic take out containers. I really preferred the compostable containers because they did a good job of sucking up a lot of the oil.

Mylinda Ogundipe

We go here for take out quite frequently. The service is always warm and friendly and the food is delicious. We're vegan and are quite happy with the vegetarian platter. The ONLY reason for the 4 stars is because they recently switched to plastic take out containers. I really preferred the compostable containers because they did a good job of sucking up a lot of the oil.

I was able to get a tofu scramble, which was decent, but I ordered dairy substitute in my latte and that wasn't honored