Jebena Cafe

2930 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609, United States
+1 510-285-6441
$$$ Cafe
(97 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Jebena Cafe, a cherished gem located in the heart of Oakland at 2930 Telegraph Ave. This charming cafe effortlessly blends the rich traditions of Ethiopian cuisine with a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the warm decor and inviting ambiance that fosters a sense of community. Whether you're grabbing a quick coffee to go or settling in for a leisurely brunch, the spacious lounge invites you to relax and savor each moment. The friendly staff, including the passionate owners Mekki and Freya, add a personal touch to your dining experience, ensuring every visit feels special.

Jebena Cafe offers an impressive menu that celebrates Ethiopian flavors alongside classic cafe favorites. For coffee aficionados, the Honey Oat Lavender Latte ($7.25) is a must-try, boasting a delightful fusion of floral notes and rich, creamy texture. Those looking for something refreshing can indulge in an Iced Chai Latte ($5.75) or the tantalizing Ethiopian Iced Tea ($3.75), both of which promise to uplift your spirits.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience traditional Ethiopian dishes that are as hearty as they are flavorful. The Vegetarian Combo ($17.50), which comes elegantly served with injera — a sour fermented flatbread — showcases a vibrant array of spices and textures. Many customers rave about the Lentil Sambosa ($3.00) and the generously proportioned Vegetable Platter, both of which are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

Real reviews from diners tell the Jebena story perfectly. One patron marvels at the generous portions of Ethiopian food that are not just filling but also lovingly prepared, while another shares their first experience with Ethiopian cuisine, noting the “light, healthy, and fresh” taste that leaves a lasting impression. Customers repeatedly express their affection for the community atmosphere and the genuine kindness of the staff, which makes Jebena Cafe feel like a second home.

As a “hidden gem” in the Pill Hill neighborhood, Jebena Cafe not only provides delicious coffee and dishes but also plays a vital role in revitalizing the local community spirit. If you're looking for a cozy spot for breakfast or a delightful experience over coffee with friends, Jebena Cafe is waiting to welcome you with open arms. Prepare to be enchanted, not just by the food but by the entire experience that is uniquely Jebena.

Stop by today at 2930 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA, or call ahead at +1 510-285-6441 to check out the latest menus and specials! Your taste buds will thank you.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
From the business
Identifies as Black-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves healthy options
Serves organic dishes
Sells prepared foods
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid street parking
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed inside
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Saturday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Sunday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

97 Reviews
Rebecca

22 Sep 2025

Food is delicious. I got the vegetarian combo {$17.50} (not pictured is a side of injera) and I had enough leftovers for dinner. Honey oat lavender latte {$6.75}is really good too. The employee who served me was very nice. I asked about the spice levels for a dish and she gave me a sample so I could decide if I wanted to order it in full. I look forward to coming back.

Daniel Nguyen

16 Sep 2025

First experience with Ethiopian foods!! So light, healthy, and fresh, everything tasted homemade and fluffy but also crisp and natural, left a great taste in the mouth and a weightlessly bouncy belly, the tea was exquisitely spiced with exiting exotic flavors, wish more foods had character like this while being friendly to the diet! The pictures are of the Ethiopian breakfast and California croissant, we also had some decadent yet light baklava and sambusa to-go as well! The drinks were an Ethiopian iced tea which was full of life and flavor without being sugary and a hot chai latte which was comfortingly sweet and spicy. It was a quiet cafe-ambience atmosphere with gorgeous lighting and cool location, perfect for brunch! The staff were all so nice and came to check in on us and inspire us with insight in their beautiful culture! We will be coming back

Krishna Shastry

29 Aug 2025

Hidden gem, superb food, great energy and honestly I am glad that Pill Hill finally has a consistently good coffee shop + food to be truly enjoyed once again. As a neighborhood, Pill Hill has been neglected. Time for change. Say hi to Mekki & Freya for me.

Colin McCutcheon

18 Aug 2025

First time having Ethiopian food, and wow am I dying to try some more. Got the vegetable platter that came with injera (sour fermented flatbread) and it was not only plentiful, but also healthy and full of flavor! If I was from this area I’d come to this place every week. Very nice staff as well.

Colin Cahill

15 Jul 2025

Just had one of the best breakfasts I’ve had in a while! This sweet cafe has delicious savory dishes—their ful is one of the most flavorful versions I’ve ever tried, and their lentil sambosas are hearty yet delicate—as well as spiced teas and coffee drinks. They have a large, bright space with plentiful seating, and a lovely bar along the front windows for watching the rain, cozy with a steamed milk and honey. The folks are just the kindest, and everything feels like it was prepared with love!

onyx “babe” xx

02 Jul 2025

I’m in love with Jebena Cafe! The people who operate the space are so kind and caring. A lot of love has been poured into the space, it feels really good to sit in their spacious lounge. The coffee is tasty and the Ethiopian food is AMAZING. Almost every time I come I get a sambusa, they’re vegan and the perfect snack. When you have time for breakfast/brunch come for the ful, it’s the best I’ve ever eaten! I could really go on forever, this is my favorite new coffee spot. Please come check out Jebena Cafe

Astrid Macha

26 Jun 2025

It is my first time trying Ethiopian food and it was incredible. Huge huge portions so its great for sharing. If you love spicy this is definitely the place to get it. The coffee was high quality as well and the workers are so sweet.

Sally L

11 Jun 2025

jebena cafe is my favorite place for breakfast and coffee!! We often get an oat milk cappuccino which is one of the best, and an Ethiopian breakfast dish of some sort. We really enjoy the fata and ful (shown in first photo). They are a sweet fam owned cafe and really deserve all the love!

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