New Location, Same Authentic Ethiopian Cuisine and Warm Hospitality

After more than 20 years serving authentic Ethiopian cuisine on Grand Avenue, Enssaro has begun a new chapter in its new home at 5897 College Avenue in Rockridge. While the address has changed, the restaurant’s heart remains the same: sharing Ethiopian culture through traditional cuisine, genuine hospitality, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every guest feel at home.

“Our recipes have been passed down through generations, and every meal is prepared with care using fresh ingredients and traditional techniques,” says Owner Nesanet Tamirue. “Cooking has always been a part of my life. I grew up watching my mother and my grandmothers, who are all pictured on our family wall inside the restaurant, share Ethiopian food as a way of bringing people together. They taught me that food is more than a meal. It’s an expression of love, hospitality, and community.”

The expanded restaurant provides room for private events, future cooking classes, and cultural gatherings, transforming Enssaro into a place where food, culture, and community come together. Whether stopping in for a full dinner or simply to enjoy the ambiance, guests are invited to make themselves at home.

“The move gave us the chance to reinvent ourselves while staying true to who we are,” continues Nesanet.

Thoughtfully designed to accommodate every occasion, the space invites families to celebrate milestones, friends to gather over Ethiopian-inspired cocktails, guests to relax with a book in the café, or visitors to unwind on the patio beside the fountain.

With multiple dining spaces, they’ve included a dedicated coffee ceremony area that honors one of Ethiopia's most cherished traditions.

In Ethiopian culture, the coffee ceremony is an integral daily ritual. Coffee was originally discovered in Ethiopia by a shepherd who noticed his goats became energetic after eating the beans. Unlike the modern habit of drinking coffee quickly for caffeine, the Ethiopian ceremony is the opposite: it is a time to relax, decompress, and bring family, friends, and neighbors together for face-to-face conversation without screens.

The process requires patience and involves three stages (known as Abol, Tona, and Baraka). The coffee is not made in an espresso machine; instead, it is brewed slowly in a traditional, hand-molded clay pot. This process encourages people to let their guard down and enjoy the moment.

Creating the new space was a collaborative effort. The owners credit Tyler and the architectural team at Design Draw Build (DDB) for helping transform their vision into a functional, welcoming restaurant, while interior designer Kalu Gebreyohannes-Royster of Liyu Design brought warmth, character, and a true sense of home to every corner of the space. Together, they created an environment that honors Enssaro’s Ethiopian heritage while embracing the welcoming spirit of the Rockridge community.

Many of Enssaro’s veteran staff members made the transition from Grand Avenue, bringing with them years of experience and relationships built with returning guests. They have been joined by new team members from Rockridge and across Oakland.

Oakland is home to a vibrant Ethiopian restaurant community, and Enssaro sees itself as part of a larger tradition—that philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the restaurant.

“Whether you come for a full dinner or simply to enjoy the atmosphere, we hope you’ll feel at home. We are honored to be part of the Rockridge community and look forward to serving our neighbors for many years to come,” says Nesanet.