FoodPlacee Passport United States · California · 80685
Verified Zara Restaurant
Oakland, California, USA
Rating★ 4.6 / 5
Price$20–30
CategoryRestaurant
Today 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Food Place Passport
Zara Restaurant in California
Discover Zara Restaurant in Oakland, CA. Enjoy a flavorful menu, dine-in or takeout options, and top-rated Ethiopian & Eritrean cuisine.
1009 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
Overview
About This Food Place
Zara Restaurant in Oakland, CA offers a rich dining experience focused on Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine. Known for its flavorful dishes and generous portions, this inviting restaurant is praised for both vegetarian and meat options, making it a versatile choice for a broad audience. Its central location on Clay Street places it conveniently near Swan’s Market.
The warm atmosphere complements the menu, which includes standout items like the Vegetarian Combination platter and House Special Sampler. Guests enjoy a relaxed dining environment with occasional live performances on a small stage, making the experience welcoming for both casual meals and group gatherings.
Gallery
Photos from Zara Restaurant
Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.
Local favorites
Why People Come Here
Zara Restaurant offers a flavorful dining experience with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for groups and casual meals alike.
Highly Rated Cuisine
Esteemed for its rich Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes, the menu features tasty vegetarian and meat combos praised by many visitors.
Great for Group Dining
Spacious seating and large portions make it a popular choice for groups, celebrations, and gatherings after conferences.
Convenient Location
Located in Oakland near Swan’s Market, it’s easily accessible whether dining in, ordering takeout, or opting for delivery.
Varied Offerings
With options like beer, alcohol, and vegetarian selections, the menu caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
Friendly and Attentive Service
Enjoy attentive yet unobtrusive service that enhances the dining experience and helps guide menu choices.
Extended Hours Most Days
Open until 10 PM on most days, visitors can enjoy dinner with a relaxed pace and comfortable ambiance.
Experience
When & How to Enjoy This Place
Ideal for enjoying authentic Eritrean and Ethiopian dishes throughout the week except Wednesdays when closed.
With a vibrant menu offering both spicy and mild options, Zara Restaurant caters to diverse palates and dining preferences. Its open daily schedule, except Wednesday, and delivery alongside dine-in services make it accessible for any occasion. — FoodPlacee editorial note
Group Dinner
Perfect for gatherings, the large space and generous portions allow groups to comfortably share sampler platters and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Weekend Dinner
Friday and Saturday evenings bring a comfortable vibe, ideal for relaxing with flavorful dishes and sampling the full menu.
Takeout Convenience
Order delivery or takeout for a convenient taste of Zara’s authentic cuisine at home or work.
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegetarian options such as Shiro and the Green Beans and Cabbage offer flavorful, satisfying meals for plant-based diners.
Casual Weekday Lunch
Stop by Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday for a quick, flavorful lunch break in a relaxed atmosphere.
Group Friendly Weekend Dining Takeout & Delivery Vegetarian Options Casual Lunch Evening Meals Friendly Service
Guest sentiment
What People Feel
A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.
RY
Rachel Yu 1 month ago
"Great food, good sized portions, reasonably priced. Have had both the Vegetarian and Meat Combo platters. Central location right next to Swan’s market. Kind and non-intrusive service."
JZ
Jay Zel 1 month ago
"Atmosphere is great. Food was good and large portions. Got the vegetarian combination, Samosa and Full. Food was flavorful and generous portions and quick service"
AB
Arun Baheti 1 month ago
"Food is quite good. Had some mixed results, but this time it delivered. If staying at the Marriott it is worth a visit to avoid the usual hotel fare. My food had some kick and a lot of flavor, on par with many of the spots in LA. Combo too much for me to finish. Friendly service but not super attentive (but what did I really need? They kind of just left me alone to eat and read). She was gracious and turned down the music when I walked in. Highly recommend. Veg friendly as expected at Eritrean or Ethiopian."
SD
Susan D 1 month ago
"Dine-in on a Thursday evening. Food was delicious and the people were friendly! We had the veggie sampler and the dorho chicken - highly recommend both. Our order came out quickly and the portions were so big that we ended up with a to-go box. Reasonably priced too. My dining parter said this was better than the several other Ethiopian/Eritrean places we've been to. I'll gladly go back!"
GW
George Wu 2 month ago
"The food is fantastic not to mention the portions are really well sized as well. Had both veggie and meat combos previously and it’s all good. Honestly, more people should be coming here!"
TK
Tatiana Kline 2 month ago
"I got the veggie combo and it was absolutely amazing. It was flavorful and had a great spice. I frequently eat Ethiopian food in San Diego and was thrilled to find a location while I was visiting. I will be back."
TC
Tj Chill 2 month ago
"I recently had the pleasure of dining at Zara restaurant and it was nothing short of a five-star experience from start to finish. Our server was exceptional—attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and genuinely enthusiastic about the dishes. They guided us through the menu, offering insightful recommendations that proved to be spot on. The server provided an outstanding dining experience that exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of exquisite food, impeccable service, and a charming ambiance makes it a must-visit. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine dining experience. Five stars, without a doubt."
JP
James Pollack 3 month ago
"Amazing injera! Super tasty food, nice folks, big space - there's even a small stage. Definitely coming back here."
Visit info
When to Visit
Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.
Today Open now · until 10:00 PM
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.
Best time to visit
Choosing the right time ensures a relaxed meal and attentive service at this popular Oakland restaurant.
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday to Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Evening dining perfect for dinner plans Weekends tend to be busy – group reservations recommended Ideal for leisurely meals with drinks and varied menu options
On the map
Where This Food Place Lives
Find your way to Zara Restaurant in California .
Address 1009 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
Phone +1 510-817-4155
Area California
Call Address copied ✓
Questions answered
Food Place Questions
Find answers to common questions about dining, menu options, and services offered at Zara Restaurant in Oakland.
Zara Restaurant is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays. Hours may change during holidays or special occasions.
Yes, there is a dedicated Vegetarian section on the menu featuring items like Birsin, Shiro, Vegetarian Combination, and Green Beans and Cabbage to accommodate vegetarian diners.
The restaurant offers Delivery, Takeout, and Dine-in services, providing flexibility for different dining preferences and convenience.
Alcohol and beer are offered as part of the menu selections, complementing the Eritrean and Ethiopian cuisine served.
The average price for a meal ranges from $20 to $30, providing reasonable pricing for generous portions and quality dishes.
It is located at 1009 Clay St, Oakland, CA 94607. For reservations or inquiries, the contact number is +1 510-817-4155.
Popular dishes include Dorho [Chicken] With Rice, Kitfo Special, House Special Sampler, as well as vegetarian favorites like Shiro and Vegetarian Combination. Menu items and availability may vary.
The atmosphere is welcoming with a spacious dining area and even a small stage. Service is friendly and attentive without being intrusive, creating a comfortable dining experience.
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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.