Selam Restaurant and Cafe

3120 Williams Rd, San Jose, CA 95117, United States
+1 408-984-9600
$$$ Ethiopian restaurant
(262 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re on a quest for an authentic Ethiopian experience in San Jose, look no further than Selam Restaurant and Cafe. Nestled at 3120 Williams Rd, this charming eatery captures the heart and soul of Ethiopian cuisine, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly embodies the spirit of community. With a focus on homemade ingredients, Selam serves dishes that are as flavorful as they are colorful, ensuring each visit is both a culinary adventure and a heartfelt connection to the rich traditions of Ethiopia.

The menu is a delightful homage to traditional Ethiopian cuisine, featuring an array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Start your experience with a cup of their traditional coffee—brewed from premium imported Ethiopian beans for just $3.50. The aroma alone is enough to awaken your senses, setting the tone for the delicious journey ahead. Pair that with a side of Aiyb, the exquisite Ethiopian-style cheese, which perfectly complements the meal with its creamy texture and rich flavor at only $3.99.

For those who crave spice, the Miser Wot and Mushroom Dulet are must-tries, celebrated for their bold flavors and aromatic spices. Customers rave about the lamb and veg combo, which includes red lentils, cabbage, potato, and tender lamb tibs, creating a satisfying balance of hearty and healthy. Each dish is served atop injera, a traditional sourdough flatbread that not only complements the flavors but also adds a delightful chewing experience. Whether you’re sharing a meal with friends or enjoying a moment of solitude, the communal aspect of Ethiopian dining is truly special.

Dining at Selam is also about the experience. The outdoor seating provides a relaxed ambiance, perfect for enjoying a warm sunny day or a cool evening breeze. Regular patrons, including a friendly group of Ethiopian locals, contribute to the lively charm of the place, often seen sharing stories and laughter over meals. Reviews emphasize the supportive and polite service, making every guest feel more than just a visitor but part of the family.

While some might note that the decor isn’t lavish, it exudes a cozy charm that invites lengthy conversations and intimacy. As one customer beautifully stated, “Selam (ሰላም) means peace, and that’s exactly the feeling I felt here.” Embrace the warmth as you sip on their delicious spiced Ethiopian black tea or indulge in the delicious duos option, featuring a sandwich and salad perfect for those looking for a lighter fare at $17.99.

In a world filled with dining options, Selam Restaurant and Cafe stands out not only for its flavorful dishes but also for its welcoming spirit and community vibe, making it a highly recommended stop for anyone eager to dive into the flavors of Ethiopia. Whether you’re a seasoned Ethiopian food lover or new to the cuisine, Selam promises a memorable dining experience full of flavor, warmth, and respect. Discover this gem and savor the peace that comes with every bite.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
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
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Good for groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
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

262 Reviews
Prax Chandra

19 Sep 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!!

Shreya B

10 Sep 2025

I love this place so much that I want to gatekeep it. I am a regular patron of this restaurant. The food is delicious and reasonably priced. The decor is not fancy, and the service is often slow, but the server is always polite and helpful. There are a lot of Ethiopian uncles at any given time having beers and chit chatting, and they're always very friendly and helpful. They have amazing tea and coffee. The tea is mild, spiced and without milk and tastes heavenly on cold days. The latte is $2.50, which is a such a deal for the bay area and it's better than many $6 lattes I have had. You can actually taste the coffee in that as opposed to it being overwhelmed by milk.

mounica naidu

26 Aug 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.

Balachander Padmanabha

04 Aug 2025

Really lovely family run Ethiopia restaurant! Yummy food and friendly staff would definitely recommend this place!

Shelley Byron

31 Jul 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.

Marlena Simone

18 Jul 2025

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

Chinmay S

30 May 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!

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