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Oakland

North America

United States

Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant, located at 6430 Telegraph Ave in Oakland, CA, offers a delightful journey into authentic Ethiopian cuisine. Known for its vibrant flavors and communal dining experience, Barcote is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich tapestry of Ethiopian food. The restaurant features a cozy atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings or intimate dinners. With a menu that showcases traditional dishes like Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew) and Injera (a unique sourdough flatbread), Barcote promises a memorable culinary adventure.

At Barcote, diners can indulge in a variety of traditional Ethiopian dishes that highlight the use of spices and communal eating. Here are some highlights of the menu:

Doro Wat: A flavorful chicken stew, slow-cooked with berbere spice.

Injera: A spongy, slightly sour flatbread that serves as both a dish and utensil.

Veggie Combo: A selection of vegetarian dishes, perfect for sharing.

Meat Samosa: Crispy phyllo dough filled with seasoned beef, a must-try appetizer.

Barcote is situated in the vibrant Upper Telegraph neighborhood of Oakland, making it a convenient stop for locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is close to several notable attractions, including:

The historic Fox Theater, known for its stunning architecture and live performances.

Lake Merritt, a beautiful urban lake perfect for a leisurely stroll.

The Oakland Museum of California, showcasing art, history, and natural sciences.

Traditional Ethiopian entrees & honey wines in snug, simple environs with outdoor seating.

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You can taste multiple layers of spices like cumin, coriander, tumeric, chilly pepper, fenugreek, etc,.  Smell lingering on my finger lasts long even after i washed my hands. :)
Their berbere spice is a real deal!

Doro means chicken and wat means stew so it’s an Ethiopian chicken stew.
it takes so much time to cook and prepare properly.

Injera has a distinct, slightly sour taste due to its fermentation process. It is so fluffy, spongy, light.
It goes well with spice sauces.
The only downside is that sauce tastes salty excessively.

Samosa is the winner, so flaky, very thin with a savory filling.  Give it a try!

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Delicious food (and homemade honey wine), but what I best recall a few weeks later is the service, which was incredibly warm and friendly. We never had to ask for anything. A complimentary baklava for the birthday boy too!

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Love Barcote! It’s a delightful place to dine and the food is wonderful. I went with friends and ate out on the back patio - lovely. The veggie combo is a winner and the injera bread comes with the meal.

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The experience from start to finish was simply wonderful in every way. We were greeted by a group of beautiful women in the front courtyard that were enjoying coffee and an afternoon chat, they immediately welcomed us and also asked if we wanted to join them for coffee. I will assume one of these ladies was the owner, and how kind a gesture, to invite patrons to have an intimate cup with you and your friends. Though we declined because we had our own celebration to enjoy, the generosity did not go unnoticed and warmed our hearts.

This restaurant is a lot larger than it appears from the outside, and there is lots of room inside, as well as a very large back patio that is perfect for the mild sunny summer months in the Bay Area. After you study the menu and decide what to eat, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, no hand sanitizer, soap and water, because unless you simply aren’t any fun and will ask for utensils, you will be eating with your hands!

Start with the Ethiopian Spiced Tea, it comes with an extra tea bag that is caffeinated, but you don’t need it, this tea is full of the flavors of clove and other spices and opens your appetite. Wine lovers, order a glass of the Honey Wine, but don’t expect Pinot, it is very sweet and has a fermented taste that has you expecting carbonation, though it was very different to any wine I have ever tasted, I enjoyed it and it paired well with the meal. Now let’s get into this food!

Appetizers are a must and I couldn’t get enough of the Meat Samosa, phyllo-dough filled with sauteed beef, garlic, jalapeno and onion. The phyllo is delicate and fried to crispy perfection, the meat is ground fine and has the perfect blend of seasoning and spice, the flavors marry happily. The dipping sauce is not needed, but has a mild spicy kick and a unique taste that reminded me of a peppered roucou (annatto seeds). These samosas made me feel as if I was walking down the streets of a bustling city in Ethiopia buying street food and laughing with locals! If you see them on a menu, try them!

Now bring on the Injera, a staple flatbread of the dining experience in Ethiopia! I was surprised at the springy light texture, and the slightly sour taste.  Expecting a more dense bread, but now I understand why,  it’s the spoon needed to grab your portion of food. What I noticed at the end of the meal was how light I felt even with a full stomach, no bloating, and that has sold me on Injera!

We ordered the Meat & Veggie Ultimate Combo, I would suggest this as a main if you would like to experience a bit of everything without ordering everything on the menu. Filled with samples of Misir Wot (split lentils in berbere sauce), Ater Kik Alicha (split peas in a tumeric sauce) , Gomen (fried collard greens with onions and garlic) Buticha (pureed chickpeas seasoned with onions, garlic, oil and jalapenos)  , Atalkilt (cabbage, potatoes, carrots, sautéed with garlic, onions and turmeric).

The meats included Doro Wot (spicy chicken cooked delicately with spiced berbere sauce served with hard boiled egg) , Siga Alicha (beef cooked in onions, garlic, ginger and tumeric), and Siga Wot (cubes of beef simmered in a blend of berbere and herbed butter).

While this meal is filling, you will not feel stuffed, and I highly encourage you to have a cup of Ethiopian Coffee and a piece of Baklava! A word of advice though, this coffee is very strong, and I was only able to drink a few sips, it had me spinning, so remember your tolerance for caffeine before you drown that full cup! The flavor is deep, and it’s really delicious, it’s just much too strong for me, but I couldn’t say I had a proper visit without trying at least one cup!

The service was superb, and every accommodation was made to assist and ensure the comfort of a family member who requires the use of a wheelchair and oxygen. The staff was attentive and also concerned about her wellness and shared loving words and prayers for her recovery.  What else can be said, this was a 5 star experience! Enjoy

Unnerved Traveler

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Barcote offers a truly authentic Ethiopian dining experience that shines through in its flavors. The portions are generous, easily enough to satisfy a family, which is perfect for the family-style dining integral to Ethiopian culture. While the atmosphere is a bit outdated and could benefit from some remodeling, it still complements the communal dining experience.

However, there are areas that could use improvement. Service was slow, as it took a long time both to place orders and to receive our food, despite the visible busyness of the staff. Additionally, the menu feels somewhat limited, though the dishes available are still worth trying.

Would I return? I might, but I'd like to compare it with other Ethiopian restaurants to see how it stacks up. In summary, Barcote is worth a visit for those seeking to explore or enjoy Ethiopian cuisine in a family-friendly setting.

Authentic Ethiopian Dining at Barcote Restaurant Oakland

Outdoor Seating

Restroom

Good for Groups

Serves Vegetarian Food

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Coffee

Serves Dessert

In the vibrant heart of Upper Telegraph lies Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant, an enticing culinary gem that beckons with the rich aromas of East African spices and the warm, communal spirit of Ethiopian dining. The moment you cross the threshold, you are enveloped in a cozy atmosphere adorned with traditional Ethiopian decor, including woven baskets and colorful tapestries that narrate stories of a culture steeped in history. Barcote stands out not just for its captivating ambience but also for its authentic dishes, crafted with a fervent respect for culinary traditions. The signature injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread, serves as the perfect vessel for an array of stews, known as wot, that tantalize the palate with flavors deepened by berbere spice and locally sourced ingredients. Each meal becomes an experience, encouraging diners to share in the joy of eating with their hands, amidst hearty laughter and camaraderie, a hallmark of Ethiopian hospitality. Positioned conveniently on Telegraph Avenue, this restaurant is a stone’s throw away from the eclectic vibe of Oakland, where art and culture thrive. After your meal, immerse yourself in the local scene by exploring the unique shops and vibrant street art that adorn the neighborhood. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado of Ethiopian cuisine or embarking on a new culinary adventure, Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant invites you to savor an unforgettable experience filled with flavors, warmth, and a sense of community. Step into this oasis of flavor and let your taste buds journey through the rich landscapes of Ethiopia without ever leaving Oakland.

Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant

Savor authentic Ethiopian flavors at Barcote Ethiopian Restaurant in Oakland. Enjoy vibrant cuisine that tantalizes your taste buds! Visit us today!

Authentic Ethiopian Dining at Barcote Restaurant Oakland

Dining & Culinary Delights

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