Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant in San Jose

1320 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95129-4336, San Jose

Overview

Cuisine
  • African
  • Etdiopian
  • Vegetarian Friendly
  • Vegan Options
Features
  • Takeout
  • Seating
  • Waitstaff
  • Wheelchair Accessible
  • Serves Alcohol
Good for
  • Families witd children
  • Kids

Restaurant Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 am

Thursday

11:30 am

Saturday

11:30 am

If my last name is Zeni, do I get a discount? Lok

I didn't see that in Zeni's Menu but trying is not bad.

Do they have any Halal options?

They do offer vegetarian entrees but I don't remember seeing anything indicating halal. Food is fabulous

Do you sell gift cards for your restaurant?

Yes

Do you book tables?

There is no reservation. Only walk-ins.

Review

Add rating restaurant:
Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
JX
Jingyi Xu
google
04.30.2024
4/5

Ingeria is very tasty, as all ingeria. Entree is good as well. However, entree does not come with a side salad and your meal might feel very heavy... Their service is also on the slow side. It's hard to find Ethiopian food around here, and if you haven't tried it, I would definitely recommend.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
JC
James Cha
google
11.13.2018
5/5

So much food and all wonderful.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
HS
Hannah Scherer
google
11.11.2018
4/5

Really cool atmosphere! The food is very different then anything I have ever eaten! It tates great! You have to go there to touch the bread stuff! It will be one of the coolest things you have ever felt! The coffee is also amazing! Overall, great place but the service is not the best.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
SK
Siva Kongara
google
11.10.2018
4/5

Food is tasty and the portion size is decent. One combo would easily serve two. Less number of servers, so wait time to even place order could be high when busy.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
MD
Mrugesh Desai
google
10.10.2018
4/5

Cosy goto place for Ethiopian food. Going there for more than a decade and never disappointed.Veggie combo, red lentil, and split Peas are fav dishes

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
PS
Preet Shah
google
10.02.2018
3/5

The food is amazing however their service is not that great. My experience with the staff wasn’t good.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AJ
Ankush Joshi
google
09.19.2018
4/5

Good food, exceptional Ethiopian coffee and very nice setup. The service is abrupt and language issues are predominant, one would hope by this time serving staff is used to Indian accent :-). Loved the food, sufficient quantity, good quality, nice setup, little crowded for a group of more than 4 but its OK. We are expected to eat in communal way when in Ethiopian restaurant. I will try again next.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
rb
rhee bevere
google
09.05.2018
5/5

Oh wow, I am so in love with Zeni! First of all, there WILL be a line, so get used to it. When you arrive, head to the bar to sign in on the tablet. People don't usually linger and tables turn over relatively quickly. And it's *worth the wait*. Did you know the thick pancake used to pick up the food is naturally gluten free?! The name of the pancake is injera, and it's made of teff flour.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
SD
Sean D'Souza
google
09.04.2018
5/5

Zeni is one of our favorites. We always leave really full and satisfied. We tend to go with the vegetarian combination. Pair it with the spiced Ethiopian tea.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
ZG
Zuzzo GD
google
09.02.2018
5/5

From the outside did not look great but once inside the music changed. Nice and simple restaurant with good and attentive service. Now the best part: the food is just super tasty. I ordered the meat combo with a simple salad and each and every bite was mind blowing. Reasonable price. Definitely recommended 👍

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
RB
Rob Berry
google
08.03.2018
5/5

Love this place. Great family owners, food is outstanding. The line outside on weekends is rough (arrive early) and the operations inside are a bit slow. But its worth it!

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
ss
sunitha suresh
google
06.21.2018
5/5

Very good ethopian food. The only downside is the wait. It can be from half m hour to one hour

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
SR
Saptami Rao
google
06.15.2018
5/5

It is a must-go place for an authentic Ethiopian experience. The food is sumptuous. Every item on the menu has a distinct taste. My personal fav are the injera( Ethiopian flat bread) the veggies platter and yedoro kilafe (shredded chicken spiced up with herbs and buttery sauce). Dessert lovers must taste the baklava, they serve it warm and crunchy with a sugary syrup.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AP
Abhijeet Pagare
google
06.02.2018
5/5

Best Ethiopian food there ever was. Period. I’ve been coming back to this place for over 5 years and the taste has remained consistent, delicious and high quality. Ambience is meh, but I couldn’t care less given the awesome food. Top it up with either a glass of honey wine or spiced tea and you are sure to come out smiling and full.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AT
Aditya Thakkar
google
05.27.2018
5/5

This is one of my favorite Ethiopian place. The food, and service is extraordinary. Servers are humble and very friendly. In addition, this place is perfect for both vegetarians and omnivores. Lastly, don't forget to order The (honey wine).

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
MD
Mayuresh Dani
google
05.08.2018
3/5

We had the veggie & meat combo. Followed it up with the Tej - Ethiopian Honey Wine. Food was decent. The meat combo was good. The wine was decent too. I loved the Ethiopian coffee even more!

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
GS
Gerald Scott
google
04.05.2018
5/5

I celebrated my birthday earlier this evening in this great place. happy to tell that we enjoyed a pleasant evening and the restaurant was evidently the reason for the successful meeting. The waiters participated in a graceful way, the cuisine was yummy and my friends were extremely joyful. We shall no dout come back again for more celebrations. Thank you very much.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
CT
Corina Tyagi
google
03.25.2018
5/5

Great food, service and atmosphere !

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
JE
Jayne Engelgau
google
03.03.2018
5/5

The food is really good!! And they have a good set up for picking up takeout orders

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
SS
Sankha S Hota
google
02.09.2018
4/5

Good food, unique seating arrangements, and not very congested (in the next room) place, that sums up Zeni! Better to waitlist in Yelp or stand for hours to get a seat. Once seated the service is quick and the food is delicious. Be prepared to use your fingers to eat food as that is the tradition. The dishes with gravy are well prepared that the base bread is not destroyed. However, the lamb meat we were served was not soft. Rest aside, a very nice Ethiopian restaurant in greater San Jose area.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
FH
Familie Hong
google
02.07.2018
5/5

As much as I love this place I have to add a warning about the service and most importantly how long it takes to get the food. It is always 30 minutes waiting, minimum. But it's still worth it.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
ES
Eli Sickel
google
02.06.2018
5/5

I love this place. The staff is incredibly friendly and the food is great. Veggie Combo is my personal fav.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
JH
James Howland
google
11.25.2017
5/5

I tried this spot once with a friend and I am addicted since then. I love the fantastic atmosphere and fresh food and drinks. Fantastic work.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
ES
Elise Scher
google
11.09.2017
5/5

Good Ethiopian food and lots of it. I had the Kitfo rare. I almost always do when I go to Zeni's. My husband had the vegetarian sampler. He always does when we go there. The food is always good. The service is good. There are always people in line ahead of us to be seated. Go around 3:30 on if you don't want to have to wait. Authentic decor too.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
SC
Sanjuanita Camille
google
10.09.2017
5/5

Also a good kids menu. Casual dining but get there early as the lines can get long.A very classy nice restaurant. A warm welcoming, followed by an excellent service, with a lot of attention to details on order to please you.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
DL
Dave Lawrence
google
09.23.2017
5/5

We went to celebrate my mother's birthday during the week. This place was amazing. The food was hot and delicious and would definitely recommend anyone looking for some good food!

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AG
Aanchal Garon
google
09.13.2017
4/5

I visit this place whenever I'm in the south bay and craving Ethiopian food. I almost always order the vegetarian combo. The combo is good for two people but sometimes we order a side dish too.The only problem with this place is that service is a bit on the slower side. However, the staff is polite and the food is good.I like everything on the vegetarian combo but my favorite is the yellow lentil curry!

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
RK
Rashmi Kolhar
google
09.09.2017
5/5

Great place with good food. My favorite Ethiopian restaurant. There are veggie options. Vegetarian combo and yemisir wot are my favorites here.Service is a little slow and long wait times during weekend.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
TL
Tarun Lingam
google
07.16.2017
5/5

Great tasting food in a neat semi traditional place.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AG
Astha Garg
google
05.14.2017
5/5

Authentic Ethiopian place, right from the ambience to the experience it provides and the native food! The portion size is large and one plate is more than enough for 2 people. Would definitely try it again when I crave for this cuisine.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
UD
U Das
google
05.11.2017
5/5

Lovely food, great experience of community style dining, nice service. Suits my palate rather nicely. Helpful staff.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AS
Amir Shevat
google
05.06.2017
4/5

The food was wonderful, but the service is strange. We waited in the entrance to be seated for 5 min and finally asked and only then got the attention. Feels like the waitress was not really keen to help or serve.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
YS
Yu Shin Chuang
google
04.10.2017
5/5

One of my favorite restaurants. Delicious food well priced. Does a great job social distancing and feels safe to go and pick up.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
Roshan
google
03.26.2017
4/5

So far the best Ethiopian Food I have had in the US. Opt for their traditional seating.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
AC
Aaron Chan
google
03.08.2017
5/5

Five stars for delicious food and a unique dining experience! Not only did they capture the family style way of eating, but they even have a themed box that the bill comes in. Usually getting the bill is my least favorite part of eating out, but with this little box, it felt like I was in an archeological adventure with my buddy, Indiana!

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
DF
David Fuchs
google
01.14.2017
5/5

I eat in this spot a lot since I work close by. I have to say their customer service is always fantastic and they keep the spot well kept at all times. Prices are convenient and they serve generous portions.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
JW
Johnny Wohlgamuth
google
11.26.2016
5/5

Zeni is a small gem. The food is sooo very good! The people are so nice. The only thing you could say was a negative, is the business is small. So if you go there after 6:00pm you might have to way. Love that place.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
TR
Tre Retter
google
11.22.2016
4/5

Nice people, good food. I recommend all the vegetarian options.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
HK
Hrishikesh Kulkarni
google
11.17.2016
5/5

Place to go for Ethiopian food! I like their veg combo meal. Restaurant has a good seating area.. bigger/better than other similar in the Bay Area.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
KC
Kamyar Choubak
google
11.12.2016
5/5

I absolutely love this place. Their veggie and meat combo are amazing ! Clean and friendly ! Highly recommended !

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
JR
Jim Ratchford
google
11.07.2016
5/5

My first time trying Ethiopian cuisine. Amazing! I asked our server to bring us what she would have for dinner. She suggested something traditional. Oh my, what a treat. The flavors and textures were fantastic. Up for something new that isn't extreme, try Zeni.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
Sammi
google
10.23.2016
5/5

This was the first time my boyfriend and I had Ethiopian food and it did not disappoint. There was no seating on the floor, everything was at a table, just everyone knows. (I honestly was hoping to sit on the floor).But the staff was friendly and helpful if you hadn't had the food before. The portions are also quite large and delicious. The chicken was my favorite and the salads they add in the middle are perfect.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
RR
Rajiv Radhakrishnan
google
08.17.2016
5/5

Zeni has been a personal favorite when looking for Ethiopian soul food.The food options are terrific, portion size large for sharing in traditional local ways, everything... especially the salads are fresh and crisp.Ambience is warm and inviting, and service is always friendly with genuine hospitality. What more could you ask for...?

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
RV
Ramanujan Venkatadri
google
08.11.2016
4/5

One more place to try the Ethiopian delicacy in Bay Area. Good options with the great Ethiopian coffee and sambosa. Only low light here is the service, which could be improved.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
ZU
Zyonna U Hendry
google
08.10.2016
5/5

The place is so perfect for celebrations. Stopped in for dinner. Food was very good and reasonably priced.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
ds
deepti savanur
google
03.24.2016
3/5

The food was good. We had to wait for almost 30-35 mins to get a table so plan accordingly. The waitress who served us was very serious and looked like she was in hurry all the time but there were other staff who were smiling and friendly. Ambience is all nice and Ethiopian.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
KN
Kory Nettlem
google
02.20.2016
5/5

Zeni’s is one of our favorite restaurants and we try to stop by whenever we are in San Jose. Our favorite order is a veggie combo with fresh salad and yebeg tibs (lamb) sizzling. The flavors are unique and the injera to be used as a utensil brings an air of authenticity. This restaurant is quite a find and you will not be disappointed.

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
DR
Dhivya R
google
02.11.2016
4/5

Food was really good. The lamb was perfectly cooked and the vegetable platter was good too. The place is crowded most of the time so expect a waiting time. For a group of 6 , they have a mandatory rule to order 4 entree which is the drawback. Overall experience was good .

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
MC
Muk Charo
google
02.07.2016
4/5

The food was really good, my first time having Ethiopian food. Love it I have to say ... 😊❤️

Zeni Etdiopian Restaurant
PhillycheeseYO
google
01.23.2016
5/5

Amazing experience. Wonderful food and yummy honey wine.

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