Selam Restaurant and Cafe

Inside Selam Restaurant and Cafe

Selam Restaurant and Cafe is a straightforward, no-frills spot specializing in authentic Ethiopian cuisine located in a quieter strip of San Jose’s Williams Road corridor. This is a place where the flavors feel rooted in traditional recipes, offering a genuine taste of Ethiopia away from the city’s more tourist-heavy dining areas. The atmosphere leans casual and relaxed, with a touch of low-key warmth that suits both quick solo lunches and laid-back dinners with friends.

The menu highlights include classic dishes like Gored Gored (tender cubes of raw beef with spices), a variety of stews such as Bozena Shiro made from slowly cooked chickpeas blended with beef or lamb, and combos that blend meat with vegetable sides like lentils, cabbage, and potatoes. The presence of imported beers and Ethiopian traditional brews adds a cultural layer for those interested in pairing drinks with their meals. Diners often appreciate the vegan sampler platter, a go-to for those wanting a plant-based introduction to the cuisine.

Selam tends to attract a mix of locals who are either deeply familiar with Ethiopian food or newcomers seeking an authentic experience without the bustle of larger, more crowded Ethiopian restaurants nearby. The service is friendly and respectful, giving the place a comfortable, welcoming vibe. Regulars mention enjoying watching NBA games or catching the news while waiting, suggesting a setting that feels informal and approachable rather than polished or formal.

Outdoor seating is available, which can be especially appealing on warm San Jose evenings when the restaurant fills up enough to create a communal dining atmosphere without overwhelming the space. The best times to visit seem to be weekday lunches or early dinners when the place is quiet, making it ideal for a quick but satisfying meal after work or a casual meet-up spot for friends craving something flavorful and familiar.

Highlights & Local Essentials

Highlights

Has fast service

Popular for

Popular for lunch

Popular for dinner

Good for solo dining

What they serve

Serves alcohol

Serves beer

Serves coffee

Serves comfort food

Serves healthy options

Quick bite

Serves small plates

Serves vegan dishes

Serves vegetarian dishes

Serves wine

Best for

Serves brunch

Serves lunch

Serves dinner

Serves dessert

Has seating

Accessibility

Has wheelchair-accessible car park

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance

Has wheelchair-accessible seating

Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Parking

Free of charge street parking

Free parking lot

Plenty of parking

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What Locals & Travelers Say

262 Reviews

Daryl McCray

09 Jan 2026

I LOVE visiting various cities and trying the "vegan sampler platter". Selam has one, and it is excellent! In addition, the prices seem quite fair considering San Jose is somewhat expensive. Next time I visit I am planning to come back for the Doro Wat.

Chinmay S

04 Dec 2025

Delicious food with friendly and quick service. Our preferred Ethiopian restaurant in the area has always been Zeni but Selam is an excellent option if you prefer something more low-key and less crowded. Highly recommend!

Shelley Byron

30 Nov 2025

Highly recommend, especially the lamb and veg combo with red lentils, cabbage, potato, and lamb tibs. I come here when I’m too exhausted from work and need something quick, spicy, and reminds me of my mother’s food. The men at the counter are always kind, friendly, and respectful. I enjoy watching the news or NBA games while I’m waiting.

Dana Dornsife

22 Nov 2025

A rare place where you can find authentic Ethiopian taste. The food preserves the true native flavors. Highly recommended

Prax Chandra

27 Oct 2025

We were craving for Ethiopian delight. We fell back to our usual Zeni which has not been opened for dine-in since COVID-19. Yelp wasn't particularly helpful by letting us reserve a table with waitlist and when we got, it was only open for togo. Nevertheless the person inside Zeni recommended another place close by, Selam to try ou for dine in. Selam had outdoor seating only. Ordered our usual combo, which was very close to our liking with a twist of a new lentil curry in addition to yemisir-wot. That had unique flavor to it (distinct from yemisir-wot red sauce base) and whitened really nice for our palate. Overall food and service was good. Unfortunately our experience was bit spoiled by folks smoking around, so half way we made the rest to go. Once this place opens indoor dining, we'll definitely visit again for the couple of unique dishes. Keep up the good vibe!!

Marlena Simone

19 Oct 2025

Beautiful people, welcoming vibes, and delicious food. Selam (ሰላም) means peace, and that’s exactly the feeling I felt here.

Amit Jain

15 Oct 2025

Great Ethiopian food. More subtle flavors; generous servings & very delicious vegetarian platter. Highly recommended.

mounica naidu

22 Sep 2025

Amazing food!! We took the Miser Wot and Mushroom dulet. Both were spicy and very flavourful. Totally recommend this place for a soulful meal.

Inside Selam Restaurant and Cafe

Highlights & Local Essentials

Local Moments in Photos

Find It on the Map

Openings Hours

What Locals & Travelers Say

262 Reviews

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