food & drink
Aomboon Deasy Farmer and owner, Pomet
ETHIOPIAN If you’re craving or curious about Ethiopian food stop into Barcote, where every dish is bursting with spicy deliciousness. It’s no surprise that Barcote landed a spot in the Michelin guide. Choose a meaty entree or one of the restaurant’s vegan dishes, along with some tangy injera bread. And make sure to try the Ethiopian coffee or spiced tea. OTHER MUST-TRYS Like Barcote, Shewhat Cafe has a warm, welcoming vibe. Owner Abby Dair cooks authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes from her mother’s recipes. Try the chicken tibsy (pan-roasted chicken strips simmered with garlic, onion, and butter). Another standout is family-owned Café Romanat, serving meat and vegan dishes, includCoffee ing gluten-free options. Don't or Tea miss the sumbussas at Café Make sure to Colucci, a family-run try the coffee or eatery powered by spiced tea Brundo Spice Company, which specializes in heirloom Ethiopian spices.
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At Millennium, chef and owner Eric Tucker dazzles vegans and carnivores alike with inventive plant-based cuisine. On the ever-changing menu, you’ll find temptations like bourbon barbecue tempeh and mushroom estofado, as well as sweet treats like pistachio cake. Michelin has recognized Millennium as a Bib Gourmand restaurant for offering quality food at moderate prices. Enjoy your meal alfresco on the covered patio.
Millennium
Roasted and Raw
DEASY’S DELIGHTS For a meal with intent “The Wolf is just down the street from Pomet, and I love chef Yang [Peng]. The food is simple, and it’s so diverse … thoughtfully prepared and tastes delicious.” For a carbo-load “I do enjoy Ramen Shop once in a great while when I’m feeling like I need some carbs.”
MORE PLANT-CENTRIC DESTINATIONS Get konjac shrimp tacos or a soy chorizo burrito at Rico Rico Vegano and wash it down with a refreshing coconut horchata. Roasted and Raw has earned an enthusiastic local following for its scrumptious vegan bowls and house-made falafel burgers.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF BARCOTE; COURTESY OF VISIT OAKLAND (2); ISTOCK
Barcote
Vibrant, seasonal Californian dishes are on offer at Pomet, owned by farmer Aomboon Deasy, who buys fresh ingredients from local purveyors and fellow farmers she’s worked with for roughly 30 years. Pomet earned a rare Michelin Green Star in 2024 for sustainable practices like sourcing local ingredients, partnering with regenerative ranchers, and feeding the kitchen’s food scraps to the farm’s chickens.
VEGAN