Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant

- 1663 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128

The culinary landscape of the California Bay Area is celebrated for its incredible diversity, and **Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant** stands out as an authentic and welcoming purveyor of Ethiopian cuisine in San Jose. Located on West San Carlos Street, Kategna offers a traditional dining experience built around the communal sharing of flavorful stews, meats, and vegetables served atop the iconic, spongy flatbread, Injera. This restaurant is a true representation of cultural richness and community, proudly identifying as both a **Black-owned** and **women-owned** establishment, adding a layer of local significance that resonates with California's commitment to supporting diverse small businesses.

Kategna’s menu is extensive, designed to cater to every palate, from the uninitiated to the connoisseur of Ethiopian food. For those seeking rich, savory meat dishes, specialties include the **Special Kitfo** (a highly seasoned ground beef dish, often served raw or very rare, though cooked options are available), **Yeshekla Tibs** (meat served sizzling in a clay pot), and a wide variety of stews like **Key Wot** (spicy beef stew) and **Ye-Doro Wot** (chicken stew). A standout feature of Ethiopian dining, and a hallmark of Kategna, is the exceptional accommodation for plant-based diets. The restaurant offers a substantial selection of **Vegetarian** and **Vegan options**, such as **Atakilt Wot** (cabbage, carrots, and potatoes), **Ye Miser Wot** (spicy red lentils), and a popular **Vegetarian Combo** plate, allowing California's health-conscious and plant-forward diners to enjoy a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The practice of serving many dishes as small plates with communal dining is a core part of the experience, fostering a cozy and group-friendly atmosphere.

The overall atmosphere is described as **Casual**, **Cozy**, and **Quiet**, providing a pleasant environment where guests can converse easily over their meal, which is often a significant draw for groups and local diners looking for a relaxed setting away from the noise of typical fast-paced dining. The commitment to quality is evident in their menu highlights, which include a **Great tea selection** and the serving of a **local specialty**, ensuring an authentic culinary journey.

Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant is centrally located in San Jose, providing easy access for residents throughout the South Bay area of California.

The full address for the restaurant is:

1663 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

The location offers excellent accessibility and planning convenience, vital features for a busy California community. Guests driving to the restaurant will find ample parking with both a **Free parking lot** and **Free street parking** available, eliminating a common hassle in urban dining. In line with modern standards and the needs of the community, Kategna has ensured high standards of physical accessibility.

Accessibility accommodations include:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Furthermore, for dining flexibility, the restaurant **Accepts reservations**, a useful feature for planning dinner with larger groups or during peak dining hours.

To accommodate the varied needs of its San Jose and California clientele, Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant provides a comprehensive set of dining and service options.

• **Dine-in:** Guests can enjoy the full experience, complete with **Table service** and comfortable **Seating** in a cozy environment.
• **Outdoor Seating:** A wonderful option for enjoying California’s pleasant weather while dining.
• **Takeout:** Meals are readily available for convenient pickup.
• **Delivery:** The restaurant offers delivery, including a **No-contact delivery** option for maximum safety and convenience.
• **Catering:** Specialized catering services are available, perfect for corporate events, family celebrations, or any large gathering looking to offer a unique and flavorful spread.
• **Full Beverage Service:** Kategna offers a selection of **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Wine**, **Cocktails**, and **Hard liquor**, in addition to soft drinks and a variety of juices and coffees, including a **Bar onsite**.
• **Payments:** The establishment accepts modern payment methods, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant has earned its positive reputation in the South Bay through a combination of cultural authenticity and attentive service, which includes several notable features.

• **Authentic and Diverse Menu:** The extensive offerings include high-quality, authentic preparations of beef, lamb, and chicken, with signature dishes like **Special Kitfo** and a full line of vegetable wots.
• **Dietary Inclusivity:** The availability of multiple dedicated **Vegan options**, **Vegetarian options**, and dishes categorized as **Healthy options** and **Organic dishes** is a major highlight, perfectly aligning with the popular dietary trends in California.
• **Full Drink Menu:** The presence of a **Bar onsite** and offerings including **Beer**, **Wine**, **Cocktails**, and **Coffee** ensures that diners can pair their meal with a beverage of choice.
• **Cozy and Quiet Atmosphere:** The ambiance is specifically noted as **Cozy** and **Quiet**, making it ideal for groups or individuals seeking a relaxed environment conducive to conversation.
• **Community Focus:** As a certified **Black-owned** and **Women-owned** business, supporting Kategna is a way for local diners to invest in the diversity of the San Jose community.
• **Convenience and Amenities:** The restaurant offers **Wi-Fi** and is well-appointed with a **Restroom**, and is popular for both **Lunch** and **Dinner**, including **Solo dining** and serving **Groups** and **Locals**.
• **Child-Friendly:** With a designation as **Good for kids** and the provision of **High chairs**, it is a welcoming space for families.

To inquire about the menu, place a takeout order, book a reservation, or discuss catering for your upcoming event, you can use the contact details below.

**Address:** 1663 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

**Phone:** (408) 216-9695

The current operating hours are generally: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The restaurant is typically closed on Wednesdays, but it is always recommended to check the latest schedule before planning a visit.

Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant is worth choosing for California diners looking for an authentic, culturally rich, and incredibly accommodating dining experience in the heart of San Jose. For locals who appreciate ethnic diversity and want to explore flavors beyond the typical chain restaurant fare, Kategna provides a true culinary escape. The communal style of eating traditional Ethiopian dishes, served with flavorful wots and Tibs on Injera, makes for a truly memorable meal that is perfect for date nights or sharing with friends and family.

The restaurant’s commitment to providing extensive **Vegan** and **Vegetarian options**—a necessity in the health-conscious Bay Area—is a powerful reason to choose Kategna. Whether you opt for the savory **Ye Miser Wot** (red lentils) or the expansive **Vegetarian Combo**, plant-based diners will find their options plentiful and delicious. Additionally, the ease of access, facilitated by guaranteed **Free parking** and full **Wheelchair accessibility**, removes common urban dining barriers. Supporting a **Black-owned** and **women-owned** business that is a recognized part of the local community adds a layer of positive impact to your dining dollars. The combination of cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and uniquely flavorful, healthy, and authentic food makes Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant a must-try local gem in the San Jose dining scene. It provides not just a meal, but a warm, cultural experience that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more.

Kategna Ethiopian Restaurant

1663 W San Carlos St, San Jose, CA 95128, USA