The competition may be stiff on Oakland’s Ethiopian restaurant row, but thanks to a warm and welcoming team of chef/owners as well as a menu that excels in weaving together the spices and seasonings, the cuisine at Barcote stands out and sparkles like no other. Whether you opt for a meaty plate of kitfo (spiced minced beef cooked in clarified butter); a sampler of vegetarian stews like spicy misir wot (lentils simmered in berbere sauce); or hearty atakilt wot (cabbage, potato, and carrot stew with turmeric); you’ll be captivated by the layers of flavor. The space is clean and simple, but friendly service and a tree-shaded front patio ensure that it’s homey, not ho-hum. Don’t come in a rush—this is a place to kick back and enjoy a leisurely meal.