Welcome to Red Sea Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Restaurant
At Red Sea Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Restaurant, a culinary journey awaits that beautifully blends the diverse flavors of Ethiopian, Eritrean, Mediterranean, and Cajun cuisines. Nestled in Oakland, CA, this hidden gem offers a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for family gatherings, special celebrations, or simply indulging in a unique meal. The extensive menu features standouts like the flavorful Veggie Sampler and succulent Lamb Shank, all served with traditional Injera. Guests rave about the attentiveness of the staff and the vibrant ambiance, making each visit a socially enriching culinary adventure. Discover signature dishes that promise satisfaction and delight in every bite.
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5200 Claremont Ave, Oakland, CA 94618 Hotline: (510) 655-3757
Welcome to Red Sea Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled at 5200 Claremont Ave, Oakland, CA 94618. This delightful establishment offers an intriguing fusion of Ethiopian, Mediterranean, and Cajun/Creole cuisines, offering diners a diverse palate to explore. With a phone number of (510) 655-3757, it's conveniently accessible for anyone craving flavorful culinary experiences.
Red Sea stands out not only for its unique blend of flavors but also for its exceptional service and community vibe. Customers rave about the warm atmosphere and attentive staff, ensuring that every visit feels like a special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply seeking a satisfying meal, Red Sea provides a cozy environment perfect for making memories.
Perhaps the most captivating aspect of the menu is its extensive variety. Patrons can indulge in traditional Ethiopian dishes such as Shiro Wot—a delightful spiced chickpea flour dish, or the flavorful Key Wot, a hearty beef stew infused with rich spices. For those desiring something different, the restaurant also presents an array of Mediterranean offerings like Chicken Shawarma, succulent rotisserie meat wrapped in warm pita, and Gyros that promise bursts of flavor in every bite. The Cajun menu, featuring Seafood Gumbo and Fried Green Tomatoes, embraces its own Southern charm, appealing to adventurous foodies.
- Highlight Dishes:
- Veggie Sampler with Injera: A beautifully arranged platter featuring a variety of vegetable dishes served with traditional Ethiopian injera—a spongy and tangy flatbread perfect for sopping up the rich flavors.
- Roasted Lamb Shank: A customer favorite that showcases tender, juicy meat with aromatic spices, leaving diners raving about the experience.
- Combo Platter: An ideal choice for those wanting a taste of everything—a culinary journey of flavors that will satisfy various cravings.
- Refreshing Drinks: Pair your meal with one of the enticing beverages, including their Red Sea Fruit Mix or house-made Lemonade, both perfect for balancing the bold spices typically found in Ethiopian cuisine.
Though opinions vary on some dishes, such as the injera not meeting some diners' expectations, the overall atmosphere and dedication to quality shine through each plate. Many patrons, like Eric F., appreciate the diverse menu, while others find joy in the restaurant's ability to cater to varied tastes with options for everyone.
Red Sea Ethiopian & Eritrean Cuisine Restaurant is more than just a eatery; it's a warm and welcoming space to experience the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia and beyond. For those adventurous enough to step out of their typical dining experiences, Red Sea promises a flavorful journey that will leave you planning your next visit before you even leave. So muster up that curiosity and drop by this culinary oasis! You won’t regret it.
Had a great lunch at Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant--highly recommend the place for something different! My TA and I both ordered lamb dishes, and they were delicious. His was actually the better of the two (Roasted Lamb Shank). The menu is diverse, offering not only Ethiopian food but also a wide selection of Indian cuisine. Don't miss visiting the market next door for some amazing Middle Eastern desserts to complete your meal! My only complaint is that the spicy dish didn't give me a night of strange dreams.
Great service and great food! The combo platter was shared with others, and there's something for everyone. My favorite were the curries. If you're looking to try something out of the ordinary for Birmingham you should try Red Sea!
LISTEN, Red Sea is MY go-to spot! I walk in for lunch with my mind already made up, "(1) Veggie Sampler with Injera, and tea please." I'm not 100% vegetarian, but I get my vegetables in every day, and Red Sea never disappoints. It comes with Shiro Wot (spiced chickpea flour in berbere sauce), Misir Key Wot ([spicy]split red lentils cooked in berbere sauce), Gomen (Ethiopian style greens or spinach), Key Sir (beet roots cooked in garlic, ginger, onions & peppers), Kik Alicha Wot(spilt peas cooked in berbere sauce), Atkilt (curried cabbage, carrots, and potatoes) and I always get Injera bread (similar to a crepe but spongy and sour) with mine; I gotta sop up the flavors. Eat it and you will be kinda plumpy leaving out happily satisfied. For dinner, I usually get the Key Wot (Beef stew), Alicha Wot (curried Beef stew), or Chicken Doro Wot (dark meat, typically Chicken leg with red pepper sauce with a boiled egg) and a side of Gomen or Key Sir. Yes, I love beets if you haven't noticed, LOL! I've only ordered to-go once, I have to sit and absorb all the flavors while I'm there. Besides, I'd be tempted to sneak a taste while driving. The staff is always attentive and the quiet atmosphere reminds me of a secluded restaurant because many drive by it without ever noticing this rare gem in Birmingham. If you're in the Homewood area, do yourself a favor and stop in and try some Ethiopian food. And if that doesn't suit your taste, they have Cajun menu items like Seafood or Chicken & Sausage Gumbo, Gator bites, Red Beans & Rice, Po-Boys, Fried Green Tomatoes. And if that's not your lane, they also offer a Mediterranean menu with items such as Chicken Shawarma, Lamb Shank, Kebabs, and Gyros.
I LOVE THIS PLACE!! We celebrated Valentine's Day 2025 last night! Everything went well!! We walked in and we were immediately seated. The lady that was serving us was so kind and sweet. The food was amazing and delicious as always! I tried some new things this time... the falafel roll and the Indian dessert.. They were both so yummy!!! I have been coming to this restaurant for about two years now.. the atmosphere is peaceful and a happy vibe.. I believe this is a wonderful place to go for a fabulous meal and great memories! We celebrate Birthdays Anniversaries and other special occasions here! The nice lady that worked last night deserves recognition!! She was so helpful and had lots of suggestions!! She was very attentive as well! Happy Valentine's Day! 2025
Definitely a hole-in-the-wall type of place but pretty good and the reviews do it justice! They have a somewhat confusing menu with Ethiopian, Mediterranean, and Cajun food which I guess is good because you know there'll be something for everybody. I got the chicken tibs plate and would rate it a 7/10, it was great flavor wise but super salty and I couldn't finish it. The injera wasn't what I was expecting, there wasn't much sourness and the edges were kinda hard. But overall it satisfied the Ethiopian craving. My friends got gyro plates and liked them. I think I would come back and try the Alicha wot. The service was good
Injera tasted nothing like the injera I have tried elsewhere in the United States for the past 15 years. I do not think it is made of teff flour and it did not taste fermented at all. I could taste rice flour and maybe wheat. Maybe this is a different version of injera and I am ok with it. It still tasted good. I was just disappointed since I am a big fan of the fermented Injera bread made with white or black teff and was hoping to try that here.
It's good. I haven't been since they changed ownership. Samosas are very tasty Chicken Mandi fell off the bone and portions could easily feed two The only thing I guess I didn't like was not having an option to select white or dark meat Sometimes I prefer one over the other Also my Mandi had about 20 plus black pepper corns in it I ordered pretty late and maybe caught the bottom of the pan but that was a bit much for me I wish they would be more generous with their sauces