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About
Red Sea Restaurant and Bar
Welcome to Red Sea Restaurant and Bar, the culinary gem nestled in the heart of Oakland, California. Offering a rich tapestry of authentic Ethiopian cuisine, this vibrant establishment is not just a place to dine; it's a celebration of culture, flavor, and community.
Located at 5200 Claremont Ave, Red Sea Restaurant and Bar stands out for its warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a loyal patron, the service here is consistently noted for its warmth and professionalism. The owner, Izzy, along with his dedicated team, ensures every guest feels welcomed and well taken care of.
- Ethiopian Cuisine: Savor dishes like the delectable beef banatu and the spicy goredgored, both crafted with a blend of traditional spices that stimulate the senses. Vegetarian options abound, such as the kelwa fitfit, making it easy for every guest to indulge in unique flavors.
- Outdoor Seating: Enjoy your meal al fresco with heated and covered outdoor seating, perfect for a casual dinner with family or friends.
- Happy Hour Specials: Don’t miss out on the happy hour specials that add extra flavor to an already delightful dining experience.
What sets Red Sea apart is the passion infused in each dish. As Barbara C. put it, "the meat combo plate was delicious—just the right amount of spice." This sentiment is echoed by many returning customers who frequently rave about the impeccable service alongside the mouthwatering food.
The restaurant offers a range of amenities designed to make your visit smooth and enjoyable. From catering options to a full bar, every detail is meticulously catered to. Furthermore, the accessibility features make it a great choice for groups and families, including kids who will love the delightful array of dishes.
With its moderate noise levels and casual dress code, Red Sea Restaurant and Bar becomes the ideal location for any dinner occasion—whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration. Plus, for those who can’t make it in, delivery and takeout options ensure that the vibrant flavors of Ethiopia are just a phone call away at (510) 655-3757.
In a city bustling with options, Red Sea Restaurant and Bar has truly carved its niche as one of the best Ethiopian restaurants in the country, as noted by food lovers like Max D., who has traveled far and wide in search of the perfect meal. Come experience the sublime flavors and the welcoming ambiance for yourself, and discover why patrons can't stay away!
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“ Excellent food and great service. The meat combo plate was delicious- just the right amount of spice. The people working there are also very nice. ”
“ Food Is amazing , service is Perfect and the ambiance are very nice. The people are humble. ”
“ One of the best in the West!!! Serving variety of Delicious "Habesha" dishes. "Izzy" (Owner) provides assistance quickly and efficiently, while also being polite, courteous and approachable, creating a positive and welcoming experience to all his customers. Festive and welcoming ambiance! ”
“ The food was amazing and the service is impeccable our family has been coming here for years and won't stop anytime soon some of the best Ethiopian food around ”
“ Best Ethiopian restaurant in the USA. I have traveled far and wide. Until tonight, I thought the best US Ethiopian food was in Washington, DC. But now, i think that Red Sea reigns supreme. Sublime flavors, first-class service, and truly majestic music, what's not to love? ”
“ We eat Ethiopian/Eritrean often but we usually stick to a restaurant in the South Bay so I am not the right critic to say the food we had is authentic or not. Or good or bad. I would just highlight what is noticeable. Most dishes are a bit spicy for us. Well the menu did indicate that! But again, I don't eat spicy often. So maybe this is the norm for authentic food. Kinda like you go to a Thai restaurant, their mild is spicy for my taste bud. We enjoyed the wonderful customer service. We brought a child who isn't tolerant of spicy food but accustomed to Ethiopian /Eritrean food we usually get. Unfortunately, she couldn't handle the stuff we ordered for adults. The staff ended up serving a non spicy food with injera for her. It was very sweet of them doing so. Street parking isn't bad. We found one around the corner with a short walking distance. ”
“ Before we get into the review, I wanted to mention that this is only the second time I've been to an Ethiopian restaurant ever. The food from the first place I went to many years ago was too spicy (I had no spice tolerance at the time), and the injera was sour enough that eventually my stomach hurt (possibly because I had too much since it was likely the only thing I could eat). When my spouse and I sat down to order lunch, we originally wanted to get a Sambusa, but they were all out, so we got the Kelwa Dinish and the Green Salad. The salad had a light dressing that was kind of like oil & pepper but more interesting. The cubed beef had a great flavor and texture. I also liked that there was a little bit of gristle on some of the pieces. I think there might be a little bit of spice from the oil, but I was able to eat it (since I can handle a tiny bit of spice now). Overall, I was glad we got the salad because it helped to balance out the other dish. The two of us couldn't finish the food, so we took the leftovers home in reusable silicone containers. If I ever get Ethiopian or Eritrean food again, I'd be happy to come back here for a casual dining experience with food that isn't too spicy for me. ECO NOTES (Dine-In) Dine-In Dishware: Reusable plates and bowls Napkins: Single-use disposable paper napkin Utensils: Metal serving fork and spoon for salad. The rest involves the most reusable utensil of all - your hands. Water cups: Short cups made of glass ”
“ Overall solid food, but given the overall high bar of Ethiopian food in the area, I was surprised at how this couldn't quite match the others. They forgot the soups in our order, but even outside of that, the dishes themselves really were more okay than good. The meat dishes consisted more of cartilage than actual meat, and was overall overcooked and tough. The injera was good, as were some of the vegetable options. But with Asmara around the corner, I can't say I'd recommend going here. ”
