At Cafe Dejena, we are a family-owned Eritrean cafe located in the heart of Oakland, California. Our story began in 2003 when we opened our doors to the community, bringing with us a piece of Eritrean culture and tradition. Inspired by the Eritrean tradition of gathering under the big tree, our cafe aims to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our customers to gather, share a meal, and connect with one another.
About Us
Our cafe is more than just a place to grab a quick bite - it's a gathering place where friends and family can come together to share in the rich cultural heritage of Eritrea. Our menu is designed to take you on a culinary journey through the flavors and traditions of Eritrea, with dishes such as Shiro Dejena, Tsebhe Tsome, and Shahan Ful. We also offer a variety of international dishes, from Italian to American favorites.
Our Menu
Our menu is designed to cater to a variety of tastes and dietary needs. From our signature dishes to our daily specials, we offer a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Our breakfast menu features items such as the Dejena Breakfast, which includes cage-free eggs, Dejena potatoes or seasonal mixed greens, and your choice of bread or an English muffin. Our lunch and dinner menu offers a range of vegetarian and meat options, including stir-fry dishes and pasta bowls.
Our History
Our cafe has a rich history that dates back to the early days of Eritrean independence. In the 1990s, our founders were part of the Eritrean Students Association, which played a significant role in the fight for Eritrean independence. Our cafe was born out of a desire to share Eritrean culture with the local community and to provide a welcoming space for people to gather and share meals together.
Community
At Cafe Dejena, we believe that community is at the heart of what we do. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people from all walks of life can come together to share in the joy of good food, good company, and good conversation. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to work or a lively atmosphere to meet friends, we invite you to join our community and be a part of our story.
Get Involved
Whether you're a local or just visiting, we invite you to get involved in our community. Join us for one of our regular events, or volunteer your time and talents to help us continue to build a welcoming and inclusive space for all. We look forward to seeing you at Cafe Dejena!
Value and Quality
Some reviewers found Cafe Dejena to offer an excellent value, with food described as "on point" and "delicious". Others, however, were less impressed, with some reporting soggy sandwiches and overpriced food.
Atmosphere
Reviewers generally agreed that the cafe was clean and inviting, with some mentioning the pleasant morning sun streaming in. One reviewer found the atmosphere perfect for a quick lunch or meeting, while another noted that it was quiet and easy to converse.
Service
Service was a mixed bag, with some reviewers praising friendly and genuine staff, while others experienced poor service, including calculators unable to calculate prices and servers seemingly uninterested in customer needs.
Food Variety
Cafe Dejena offers a mix of American and Eritrean cuisine, with some reviewers enthusiastic about trying new dishes. Others were more skeptical, preferring familiar options like grilled veggies sandwiches.
Price
Several reviewers were disappointed with the high prices at Cafe Dejena, with some finding the value to be off. One reviewer specifically mentioned overpriced bacon and unclean toilets.
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