Zeni
Ethiopian restaurant · Hathaway ·
Diners eat with hands at colorful Ethiopian spot
Diners eat with hands at colorful Ethiopian spot
"Fans have frequented Zeni for more than two decades thanks to the tremendous veggie combo, a plentfiul arrangement of lentils, split peas, collard greens, and the tomato salad timatim fitfit. Crucially, prices are reasonable for the boatload of food that arrives, $25 for the vegetarian combo, and the army of injera that arrives with it. There are smaller entrees that are all vegetarian and vegan, as well, such as the roasted chickpea dish shiro wot and ye tsome fir fir, a scrambled injera dish with berbere sauce." - Cathy Park
"For more than 20 years, Zeni has brought a true Ethiopian dining experience to Northern California. With traditional seating on low stools, family-style dishes, and the sharing of food from mesob straw baskets, Zeni is an expression of culture that seems to transcend the boundaries of its four walls on the west side of San Jose. The restaurant’s unleavened bread, or injera, is made from teff, which is a staple of Ethiopian cuisine. The notable specialty dishes are served with kitfo, meat that’s been seasoned with an array of aromatic spices." - Paolo Bicchieri, Cathy Park
"From its home at the end of a shopping plaza, Zeni caters to expats, tech types and families alike." - The MICHELIN Guide
"From its home at the end of a shopping plaza, Zeni caters to expats, tech types and families alike. The interior has a standard dining area decorated with colorful portraits and tapestries as well as traditional seating on low stools at woven tables. Either way, group dining is encouraged. Relish the spongy, enticingly sour injera used to scoop up delicious yemisir wot; kik alicha; or beef kitfo tossed with that aromatic spice blend, mitmita, and crowned by crumbled ayib cheese. Here, injera is your only utensil, but be assured as there's a sink in the back to tidy up. Balance the fiery food with cool honey wine, or opt for an after-dinner Ethiopian coffee." - The MICHELIN Guide
A community anchor for decades, Zeni serves injera‑lined feasts and hosts traditional coffee ceremonies. Celebrated by KQED and the San Francisco Chronicle for vibrant vegetarian combos and a transportive setting.
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