New Vegan Ethiopian Restaurant Opens in Santa Monica

Berbere, a new vegan Ethiopian restaurant, is set to open in Santa Monica on September 7. The restaurant was formerly known as T&T Lifestyle, a popular pop-up in LA and Long Beach. Owners Tezeta “Tete” Alemayehu and Tsega-Ab “Bicko” Fenta are known for serving up traditional Ethiopian dishes like teff injera, turmeric-soaked chickpeas, and sauteed greens, as well as unique creations like Ethiopian Twist Sliders and flavorful tacos.

Berbere will offer an array of vegan options with an Ethiopian twist, including reimagined American classics like avocado toast with almond berbere spread, breakfast burritos with bulgar and firfir, and veggie burgers with homemade sauce. The restaurant will also have a juice and smoothie bar, traditional Ethiopian coffee, organic sodas, and a kids' menu. Located just blocks away from the beach, Berbere will provide a diverse and delicious dining experience in Santa Monica, with profits from their opening day going to a nonprofit organization that supports underprivileged public schools in Ethiopia.