Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant

- 1261 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant is truly one of San Jose's hidden culinary gems, offering an intimate and authentic dining experience right in the heart of California. As a dedicated African and Ethiopian restaurant, Gojo is celebrated for bringing the rich, complex flavors of Ethiopian tradition to the West San Carlos Street area. It stands out not only for its delicious, authentic menu but also for its commitment to inclusive dining, proudly identifying as a Gluten-free restaurant with ample Vegan and Vegetarian options.

The atmosphere at Gojo is consistently described by local patrons as casual and cozy, offering a relaxed setting perfect for enjoying a communal meal. The warm, inviting decor contributes to a memorable experience, making the restaurant a favored choice for Groups, Solo dining, Lunch, and Dinner. What truly elevates the Gojo experience is the genuinely kind and invested family that runs the establishment. Customers frequently commend the owners and staff for their wonderful service and genuine passion for sharing their heritage and ensuring a positive experience for every guest.

The menu at Gojo is a vibrant showcase of Ethiopian culinary art, emphasizing deep flavors achieved through heritage spices and fresh ingredients. For those new to the cuisine, the Combinations are highly recommended. The Meat Combination ($21.99) and the Veggie Combo ($21.99) offer a perfect sampler platter, allowing diners to explore a variety of stews (Wot) and sautéed dishes (Tibbs) served traditionally on a large disc of spongy, sourdough Injera flatbread.

Meat enthusiasts will appreciate the famous Ethiopian dishes available. The Doro Wot ($19.99), a famous chicken stew simmered in hot spices and seasoned butter, is a customer favorite. The beef selection is equally impressive, featuring the renowned Special Kitfo ($21.99)—selected chopped lean beef seasoned with purified butter and spiced pepper, served raw, rare, or well done, and accompanied by homemade cheese and Gomen Kitfo. Other highlights include the Yebeg Tibbs ($19.99) and the Tibbs Firfir "Yebere" ($19.99), ensuring a rich and hearty meal for any meat lover.

A significant draw for the health-conscious and specialized-diet communities in California is Gojo’s extensive focus on plant-based offerings and gluten-free preparation. The restaurant features a dedicated Vegetarian menu section, with flavorful, satisfying dishes like Yemisser Wot (split red lentils in berbere sauce) and Mitten Shiro (roasted chickpea flour stew), all priced at $16.00. Crucially, Gojo is one of the few places to reliably offer 100% Teff Gluten Free Injera ($3.00), ensuring that those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease can fully enjoy the traditional communal dining experience with confidence. These Healthy options and Vegan options, combined with the excellent service, solidify Gojo’s reputation as a thoughtful and accommodating San Jose favorite.

Location and Accessibility

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant is conveniently situated at 1261 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA. Its location near downtown San Jose makes it easily accessible to a wide range of customers across the South Bay area.

• Parking is made easy with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking available, eliminating the usual urban dining hassle.
• Gojo is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all guests, featuring comprehensive accessibility. This includes a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating.

Services Offered

• Dine-in service with comfortable Seating and full Table service in a cozy atmosphere.
• Full suite of off-premise dining options: Takeout, Delivery, No-contact delivery, and Curbside pickup.
• Offers full-service Lunch, Dinner, and Catering options for events and large groups.
• A dedicated Kids' menu and High chairs make it a great option that is Good for kids.
• Accepts reservations for easy Planning, accommodating Groups during busy times.
• Beverage Offerings include Alcohol (Beer and Wine), Coffee (including traditional Ethiopian Coffee), Soda, and Juice.
• The venue is Pet-friendly, allowing Dogs allowed outside in designated areas.
• Accepts various modern Payments, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Ethiopian cuisine, highly praised for traditional dishes like Special Kitfo and Doro Wot.
• Exceptional commitment to dietary needs, offering extensive Vegan options, Vegetarian options, and true Gluten Free Injera (made with 100% Teff).
• Renowned for the genuine kindness of the family that runs the business and the attentive, Fast service.
• The menu features popular Small plates (like Sambusa) and large Combinations, suitable for Solo dining or large Group meals.
• Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, providing reliable service hours for both lunch and dinner.
• Cozy atmosphere with great decor, establishing it as a local "hidden gem."
• Fully Wheelchair accessible for a comfortable experience for all patrons.
• Offers Ethiopian Spiced Tea and Ethiopian Coffee, providing an authentic beverage experience.

Contact Information

Address: 1261 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA

Phone: (408) 295-9546 (also listed as Mobile Phone: +1 408-295-9546)

What is worth choosing

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant is unequivocally worth choosing for any California resident in the San Jose area seeking an exceptional, authentic, and accommodating dining experience. In a diverse culinary landscape, Gojo distinguishes itself by offering genuine Ethiopian food that consistently receives high praise for its complexity and flavor, as highlighted by satisfied customers who find every dish "delicious" and portions generous.

The decision to dine here is also a celebration of conscious eating. For those with strict dietary requirements, the provision of a dedicated range of Vegan and Vegetarian options—coupled with the crucial availability of 100% Teff Gluten Free Injera—removes the stress often associated with trying ethnic cuisine. This inclusivity, combined with the excellent, fast service and the welcoming nature of the family who own and operate the restaurant, makes Gojo a standout local business. It's a place where you can explore the rich traditions of African dining in a casual, cozy, and highly professional environment, making it a true cultural and culinary destination on West San Carlos Street.

Gojo Ethiopian Restaurant

1261 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95126, USA