Walia Ethiopian Cuisine

- 2208 Business Cir, San Jose, CA 95128

For California residents and visitors in the South Bay looking for an exceptional and truly authentic culinary journey, Walia Ethiopian Cuisine stands out as a must-visit destination. Located in San Jose, this esteemed establishment is not just a place to eat; it is an experience rooted in rich tradition, community, and the vibrant, complex flavors of Ethiopian cooking. Identifying proudly as both a Black-owned and women-owned business, Walia contributes significantly to the diverse cultural tapestry of the San Jose food scene, bringing a cozy and casual atmosphere where all are welcome to gather and share a meal.

Ethiopian cuisine is famous for its communal style of dining, where flavorful stews and curries (known as wot) are served atop a large piece of injera—a spongy, slightly sour flatbread made from teff flour, which serves as both the plate and the utensil. Walia embraces this tradition wholeheartedly, offering a menu that showcases meticulous preparation and a deep love for the craft, supervised by seasoned cook Aster Teklemichael. Their commitment to high-quality ingredients and authentic spices ensures a taste that is both memorable and true to its heritage.

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine is conveniently situated at 2208 Business Cir in San Jose, CA 95128, USA. This location makes it accessible for locals and those traveling through the Silicon Valley area. For easy navigation and planning your visit, the restaurant is located in an area with practical parking solutions, offering a free parking lot and free street parking options, which is a great amenity in a busy metropolitan area like San Jose.

The restaurant has made conscious efforts to ensure a comfortable and inclusive dining experience for all patrons. It boasts a high degree of accessibility, which is important for a local California business serving a diverse community. Specific accessibility features include a wheelchair accessible entrance, a designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating throughout the dining area.

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine offers a full range of dining and service options to suit various needs, from a quick meal to a planned celebratory gathering.

• Dining Options: Patrons can enjoy lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and full table service in a casual, cozy, and quiet atmosphere. The restaurant also has a bar onsite and offers Wi-Fi access.
• Carryout and Delivery: For those preferring to enjoy Walia’s flavors at home or the office, both convenient Takeout and Delivery service options are available.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, making it a reliable choice for groups, family-friendly outings, or tourists planning a visit.
• Payment Methods: They accept various forms of payment, including major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for a seamless transaction.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The location is good for kids and provides high chairs for the youngest diners.

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine is celebrated in the Bay Area for several distinctive features that elevate the dining experience and their position within the local food community. They excel at offering variety and authenticity, all while maintaining excellent service standards.

• Great Coffee: Reflecting the deep cultural significance of coffee in Ethiopia, Walia is highlighted for its great coffee, suggesting a quality brew that can round off any meal.
• Serves Local Specialty: The focus is on authentic Ethiopian cuisine, bringing a truly unique and specialized flavor to the California dining landscape.
• Extensive Vegan and Vegetarian Options: A remarkable selection of plant-based dishes, such as Misir Wot (Red Lentils), Shiro (Chickpeas), Gomen (Collard Greens), and various combo platters like the 'Ultimate Vegan Party' or 'Ethiopian Feast,' makes it a premier spot for vegan and vegetarian diners.
• Diverse Offerings: The menu features Alcohol, Beer, Wine, Halal food, Healthy options, and comforting Small Plates, ensuring something for every palate and preference.
• Flavor Bowls: A modern and accessible take on Ethiopian flavors is offered through their 'Walia Flavor Bowls,' such as the 'Grilled Chicken Bowl' and 'Plant Powered Bowl (Vegan),' catering to those seeking a balanced, individual meal.
• Traditional Desserts: Beyond savory dishes, they offer unique desserts like 'Linda's Banana Pudding,' 'Honey-Soaked Baklava,' and 'Berbere Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream,' providing a perfect fusion of Ethiopian and international sweet treats.
• Spice Sales: Patrons can even purchase authentic Ethiopian spices like Berbere, Mitmita, Korerima, and Shiro to recreate the distinct Walia flavors at home.

Whether you plan to dine-in, order takeout, or inquire about catering options, here is the essential contact information for Walia Ethiopian Cuisine.

• Address: 2208 Business Cir, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
• Phone: (408) 772-9113
• Mobile Phone: +1 408-772-9113

Choosing Walia Ethiopian Cuisine is choosing a dynamic and flavorful experience deeply rooted in culture and community. The fact that the restaurant is a recognized Black-owned and women-owned business is a point of pride and a reason many California diners choose to support it. The menu’s depth is particularly notable, catering to both traditional Ethiopian food enthusiasts and those new to the cuisine.

The diverse combination platters are arguably the best way to explore the menu. Options like the 'Veggie Sampler,' featuring five delightful vegan dishes, or the 'Family-Style Combinations' named after notable figures (such as the 'Zuckerberg Combo' or 'Larry Page'), which feed 3-4 people, are excellent for communal dining and trying a wide variety of the restaurant’s specialties, like the rich Kewty Doro (Doro Wat) or the tender Tibs Stew.

For the more adventurous diner, the Kitfo—minced beef seasoned with Ethiopian spices and clarified butter, served raw, lightly sautéed, or fully cooked—is a house specialty that is highly acclaimed. Meanwhile, the robust range of Vegetarian Delights, including Key Sir (Beets) and Fasolia (String Beans With Carrots), ensures that every diner, regardless of dietary preference, can find a fulfilling and flavorful dish. Walia Ethiopian Cuisine offers an authentic taste of Ethiopia right here in San Jose, making it a distinctive and valued part of the California culinary landscape.

Walia Ethiopian Cuisine

2208 Business Cir, San Jose, CA 95128, USA