Lunch Box - San Jose

As soon as we walked in, I noticed they flipped the sign to "Closed." It seemed they weren't expecting to serve food on New Year’s Eve, but there were others inside just hanging out and enjoying themselves. My only complaint was the tea. They used Lipton tea bags, but they managed to add the right spices to give it a hint of that Ethiopian tea flavor I love. It wasn't the best tea I've ever had, but it wasn't bad given the circumstances. I would definitely come back if I'm in the area again!

As for the atmosphere, aside from our table, everyone else seemed to be Ethiopian and primarily focused on sipping tea and chatting— we were the only ones who ordered food. Perhaps Ethiopians don’t typically dine this late? The restaurant itself was spacious overall, but the individual dining areas felt a bit cramped. Still, we didn’t feel too confined; it just seemed like there was a lot of unused space, which was oddly bare. Maybe simplicity is valued in Ethiopian culture? In terms of service, we encountered some challenges communicating our needs beyond just ordering food (my friends also wanted tea). It took a bit of effort, but eventually, our requests were met. The waitstaff were friendly and accommodating despite some language barriers. Now about the food: I was pleased that my friends opted for a medium level of spiciness, although I found it a bit too intense for my taste. Still, the experience was unique (and enjoyable). The food was served on a large platter, and we used injera— a type of flatbread made from teff— to scoop up our meals. It felt like eating pizza, but instead of using our hands, we were grabbing it with edible “gloves.” I know it’s not a perfect analogy, but I hope it helps illustrate the concept. I do have a couple of complaints, though. The injera was always served cold, and while the dishes themselves were warm, they weren't hot. Additionally, we ordered two different lamb dishes, but we received one lamb and one chicken dish instead. Maybe it was just us misreading the menu, or perhaps there was a labeling error. Overall, it was an interesting and fairly enjoyable experience (though I should note that I was with friends, which always enhances the outing).

I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant! The food was outstanding, and the service was top-notch, all at reasonable prices. The injera was exceptional and definitely worth ordering more of. The veggie combo was incredibly tasty, featuring delightful spice blends, and the collard greens were among the best I've ever tried. To top it all off, the coffee was exceptional—smooth and rich, with no bitterness or tannins, even when enjoyed black. Highly recommend!

Delicious food, incredible service. We were warmly greeted and our food came quickly. I had the veggie combo which was fantastic and my partner had lamb timbs. The injera was perfect (and gluten free! And we had plenty to finish our meal. Portions were large- I even had leftovers to take home- and prices were very reasonable. It's a small place and a few people were gathered to watch the soccer game. Made it feel like a neighborhood place. We'll be going back!

I visited this restaurant with my wife in March 2022. Having dined at many Ethiopian restaurants, I can confidently say that the food here is EXCELLENT. The injera and meat dishes are incredibly delicious. The restaurant has a modest appearance, resembling a small family-owned establishment, but who needs flashy menus and multiple TV screens when all you really want is great food and the warm smile of the owner? I highly recommend visiting this restaurant. Moreover, considering the quality and quantity of the food, I believe their prices are slightly low, so please be generous with your tips. Thank you!