There’s no shortage of Santa Monica restaurants to choose from. However, few, if any, of those ocean-adjacent eateries can match the flavorful promise of Berbere. Berbere by T&T Lifestyle is a vegan Ethiopian restaurant in downtown Santa Monica, founded by Chef Tezeta Tete Alemayehu.
After a tenure at pre-pandemic Smorgasburg L.A., chef Tezeta “Tete” Alemayehu flipped her vegan Ethiopian food concept, T&T Lifestyle, into the brick-and-mortar Berbere, a mostly daytime Santa Monica eatery serving delicious, plant-based food. Also run by Alemayehu’s partner, Tsega-Ab “Bicko” Fenta, Berbere bills itself as an “unusual vegan restaurant,” which it is-in the best way possible.
The incoming all-vegan Ethiopian restaurant officially arrives on Tuesday, September 7 as a sunny alternative to brunch pancakes and beef burgers for lunch, and with a little time, the restaurant could even begin to open up the Ethiopian food conversation across a greater swathe of Los Angeles.
What to Expect at Berbere
For those unfamiliar with Berbere, don’t expect the restaurant to stick exclusively to the well-trod Ethiopian basics. Instead, this new Berbere will build on Alemayehu’s previous menus with a variety of dishes that link back to her roots via spices and sauces. That might mean a take on avocado toast with almond berbere at its base for breakfast, or potato and lentil tacos with Berbere’s own unique tangfaye sauce for lunch.
The restaurant is exclusively plant-based (Fenta and Alemayehu are both vegan) - making staple Ethiopian dishes like shiro chickpea stew an easy option for the restaurant - while still diving into takes on weekend brunch staples like tofu scrambles and teff pancakes, as well. There’s even a juice bar inside the new Santa Monica space, with smoothies and pressed juices available daily.
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When Berbere opens its doors, it won’t just be the name that’s changed (berbere is a spice mixture used in Ethiopian cuisine). You can still expect all of these favorites on the menu, but there will also be reimagined American classics with an Ethiopian twist. Berbere will also have a juice and smoothie bar, and they’ll be serving up traditional Ethiopian coffee alongside organic sodas and hot tea.
The Atmosphere
As for the space, expect a simplified cafe-style storefront with dining areas and lounge space available across two floors, plus lots of sun pouring in from the front windows. Santa Monica is known for its juice bars and health cafes serving avocado toast and acai bowls, so while there may be plenty of vegan options, there’s not a lot of diversity in choice.
The atmosphere was gorgeous; we sat by the window for am indoor outdoor vibe. Tarp ceilings, natural light and plants love made the ambiance welcoming.
Berbere's Menu Highlights
Here, Alemayehu offers an expanded menu of flatbreads, burritos and tacos, in addition to her signature Eat the Rainbow, a quartet of colorful vegetable and legume stews served with spongy housemade injera.
One of their staple dishes is a traditional Ethiopian plate filled with house-made teff injera, turmeric-soaked chickpeas, and sauteed greens. Another crowd favorite is the Ethiopian Twist Sliders, which taste like the best sloppy joes you’ve ever had.
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Reviewers praise the diverse and delicious menu, highlighting dishes like the Wish Meal, Plant Burger, Oyster Mushroom Pizza, Blueberry Black Seed Pancakes, and Eat the Rainbow platter.
Customer Reviews
Customers appreciate the friendly service and accommodating staff who provide gluten-free options.
I love this place! Especially because it’s plant based, with a wide variety of options. Their food is so homemade, with so many colorful, unique, earthy flavors. The hostess & staff could not have been more welcoming and friendly. I had a delicious cauliflower dish with traditional Ethiopian bread, and blueberry pancakes with tofu scramble and a yummy hot chocolate. The pancakes were a little crispy which I love, but could have been just a touch sweeter. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their dishes!
Vegan! ethio fusion! Fresh/organic! Great spot to have a lunch meeting-eat well and have a robust conversation! Great ambiance and decor. Friendly, professional staff . Easy parking in the back. Food is flavorful , creative and colorful. The portions are just right-you feel satisfied and light, food is not heavy, greasy or bloat inducing. Yay! A true happy meal.
Nice restaurant with cozy, casual seating. I always go when it's off hours in the afternoon and it's really peaceful. Could imagine getting some work done there. Love Ethiopian food but love that it's not the same old thing I could get in every state. This place feels unique and catered towards people who like a taste of everything. Plus, it's mainly all Gluten Free and Plant Based, which makes it one of the only places I enjoy in the Santa Monica area. Love the Sunday teff (gf) pancake spread with it's wonderful side of tofu scramble
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The reviews do not lie, an incredible Ethiopian restaurant that is also all plant based. extremely delicious from start to finish (recommend the wish plate to share and dessert as well).
Tips for Visiting
- Consider trying the Wish Meal to sample various flavors of Ethiopian vegan dishes
- For breakfast lovers, don't miss out on the Blueberry Black Seed (Teff) Pancakes served with Roasted Potatoes and Tofu Scramble
- Visit during off-peak hours for quicker seating as it can get busy during peak times
- If you have dietary restrictions like gluten-free needs, feel free to ask for assistance from their helpful staff
Location and Hours
Berbere’s new home at 510 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401 will be just around the corner from the Third Street Promenade and just five blocks from the beach. Berbere opens for business on Tuesday, September 7 from 11am-6pm. Regular hours will be Monday-Thursday from 8am-8pm, Fridays from 8am-5pm, and Sundays from 9am-3pm. Berbere will be closed on Saturdays in observation of the Sabbath.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 8am-8pm |
| Friday | 8am-5pm |
| Sunday | 9am-3pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
