Selam Restaurant — Restaurant in Oakland

“Midterms can wait. Mama said "mix it”.”

I stopped by Selam Restaurant in Oakland on a whim, hungry and waiting on a ride to Pinole to study for a midterm. I figured I’d try something new, and ended up discovering Eritrean food for the first time. I ordered what turned out to be beef tibs, wrapped tightly in soft, tangy injera, the sponge-textured flatbread that serves as both utensil and canvas in East African cuisine. The dish that surprised me most, though, was a bowl of foule (or fitfit): chopped beef, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a hard-boiled egg, all mixed into a deeply spiced blend. I was instructed, by the kind woman everyone calls “Mama” to mix it all together. The bread on the side was a soft roll, perfect for mopping. Selam opened (circa early 2010s) as a small, family‑operated Eritrean café at 2786 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in West Oakland, anchoring the neighborhood’s growing Horn‑of‑Africa food scene. As a Black‑owned establishment, it contributes to West Oakland’s cultural tapestry offering casual, home‑style East African cooking that reflects the larger story of migration and food traditions in the Bay Area. Unlike larger restaurants, Selam’s emphasis has always been on clean, home‑cooked‑tasting food and warm hospitality “Mama” style service that turns first‑timers...

Mixed feelings about the place. Service was friendly, so were the other patrons. The food was fine, but definitely not our favorite Ethiopian food in Oakland by any measure. Personally, we both found the food pretty mediocre and bland compared to others.

But I was charged 60 dollars for food that should have cost 39+tax! They brought our veggie and meat dishes in one plate (family style) without clarifying with us. My partner being a vegetarian couldn't touch it. So they made her another plate which we appreciated. At billing time, the owner said that they'll charge an extra 10 bucks for the mixup. Even though it was their mistake for not clarifying with us, I was okay with it since everyone was friendly. But I still can't figure out how they reached the 60 dollar figure for 2 plates of food. Guess they decided to tip themselves. 🤔

Notes- inform them in advance if you don't want family style. Check your final bill amount. They don't have meat combo, only...

I ate her on Monday evening and wow. I push myself to eat at as many different places as possible in the city and I can't believe I hadn't been here until now. It's a very hidden place. The service is not just friendly, but very kind and gracious. It's more like showing up at a friends house for dinner than going to a restaurant. I've never had Ethiopian food before and I've been missing out. If you come here just ask the server to pick your meal and prepare to be surprised.

The prices were also...