Welcome to Lemat
Lemat, located in the heart of Berkeley, is a vibrant dining destination that brings authentic Ethiopian cuisine to your plate. As a proud black-owned and women-owned establishment, Lemat specializes in gluten-free and vegetarian options, ensuring inclusivity for all diners. The menu features tantalizing dishes like Kitfo and Gored Gored, which showcase the rich flavors of prime beef seasoned with traditional spices. Guests rave about the delightful atmosphere, friendly staff, and the option to dine outdoors. Lemat offers a diverse selection of cocktails and encourages a communal dining experience, making it an inviting spot for families and groups. Come for the food, stay for the warmth.
Lemat: Reviews & Ratings
Just discovered this beautiful Ethiopian spot in Berkeley that is delicious, delicious, delicious! The food is outstanding and the ambience is really lovely. I'll be going back to try more of their food this week!
Solid combo meals, with tasty and fresh eats, but a bit pricey for quantity of food. It's filling, but the most recent go around, portions weren't as robust. At $20, it's a bit steep for small scoops of veggies on the veggie combo. The injera is gluten free and well made, but that's what you're filling up on. The space is large and has ambiance. Service is solid and friendly. Overall, a solid Ethiopian experience with some parking in the front.
If you're looking to branch into your first try at Ethiopian food, Lemat is the place -- excellent ingredients and helpful staff make this a great place to go for East African cuisine in Berkeley. Cocktail list is extensive and lots of options for vegetarian and meat-based preferences. Our group of four opted for the veggie and meat samplers and we weren't able to finish all the food -- plenty to go around for all. Nothing was too spicy or intensely flavored, though be prepared to eat with your hands (in the traditional Ethiopian style). The waitress was friendly and helped us choose the best samplers for a first time visit. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice, though when we arrived it was quite smoky -- as though something in the back had badly burned. It took awhile to clear the smoke and smell from the dining area, but otherwise it was a great visit.
Excellent Ethiopian cuisine served by very friendly people. The space is very large: the ambience is fine, but with all that space it could really use some more art or other decorative touches to make it feel more homey. Anyway, the food is excellent, which is the most important thing.
Great food. Great service. Great portions with the meats, less so with the legumes, but I don't know why. Highly recommend. No gluten reactions. Please come here and enjoy
It has a nice big open setting. Service was good. The spicy beef tibs (ye siga wat) was excellent and the lentils were delicious. I liked the light dressing on the salad that was included. It was a generous portion with different complex flavors, and the injera was nice texture and flavor. The food was delicious and price reasonable.
Location
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3212 Adeline St Berkeley, CA 94703 United States Hotline: (510) 430-2717
Welcome to Lemat, a hidden gem of Ethiopian cuisine located in the heart of Berkeley, California. This vibrant eatery takes pride in offering a diverse menu that caters to gluten-free and vegetarian diets, making it an ideal destination for health-conscious diners and food enthusiasts alike.
At Lemat, you’ll find a unique blend of flavors and textures reminiscent of traditional Ethiopian fare, enhanced by a casual yet inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's commitment to inclusivity is evident in its extensive offerings, including many vegetarian and vegan options, as well as the ability to accommodate different dietary needs. Whether you're dining in or taking advantage of their delivery and takeout services, Lemat ensures a fulfilling culinary experience for everyone.
- Location: 3212 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703
- Contact: (510) 430-2717
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the Injera, a gluten-free fermented flatbread that serves as the foundation for various dishes. Many patrons rave about the Lentil Samosa Triangles, which are perfectly deep-fried and stuffed with lentils, onions, jalapeños, and herbs, offering an explosion of flavor in each bite. Another crowd favorite is the Special Lemat Salad, which features fresh greens tossed generously, providing a light yet satisfying option to begin your meal.
Entrees shine with choices like Asa Wot, fish sautéed in a spicy Ethiopian tomato sauce, and Asa Tibs, fried fish served with vegetables. The menu also offers combo meals, which allow diners to explore a variety of dishes at once. As one customer noted, this is a great way to experience the range and richness of Ethiopian cuisine.
The ambiance of Lemat is lively and welcoming. While the service is generally friendly and attentive, some diners have mentioned moments of ambiance disruption, such as smoke that occasionally wafts through the space. However, the overall environment remains a cozy spot for dinner, gatherings, or even Sunday brunch with kids, enhanced by a full bar and happy hour specials for those looking to unwind.
Fans of Lemat appreciate not only its culinary offerings but also its community-focused ethos, with the restaurant being both black-owned and women-owned. This commitment to quality food with a personal touch is palpable in every dish served, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich flavors of Ethiopian cuisine.
In conclusion, whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned enthusiast of Ethiopian fare, Lemat is sure to impress with its hearty, fresh, and exciting meals. So grab your friends or family, dig into dishes served traditionally with your hands, and enjoy the unpretentious charm of Lemat!
