Really delicious authentic Ethiopian, we loved it! The Meade wine and meat plate with sponges dipping bread was fantastic.

Absolutely fantastic. The owner / chef is a sweet lady. She recommended the Tibbis and the vegetable combo. My kids devoured it. We loved the Ethiopian sponge bread Injera and the savory meat and tasty vegetables. Everything was delicious. read more

Arif Cafe - Tibbis and vegetable combo. - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Another amazing experience at Arif Cafe today! It was the perfect place to have our small private graduation dinner. The customer service and food was excellent. read more

This place is really easy to miss so make sure you keep an eye out for it! The parking lot isn't very big and is shared by a few other businesses. Additionally, there is only room for maybe fifteen people to sit down in the restaurant, so this probably isn't the place for a group meet up. We sat down and a lady came out to tell us what the cafe was offering today. There's no menu, so I would look at the pictures on here to figure out what kind of food you're interested in, especially if you've never had Ethiopian food! The options today were beef tibs, fish tibs, the veggie combo, and kitfo, all accompanied by the spongy bread called injera, and we chose the veggie combo and beef tibs. Each dish we ordered was about $10. We waited about fifteen to twenty minutes for our food, so if you're looking for a quick lunch, this probably isn't the place. However, if you have the time to spare for a good meal, you won't regret it! The food was warm and so flavorful, with seven different kinds of vegetable dishes surrounding the beef tibs in the center. The idea here is to eat with your hands, but if that's not your style you can ask for a fork and a plate. If you're looking for a drink, there's a self-serve mini-fridge with sodas and water in the corner under the TV that you can help yourself to. There's also a coffee machine on the other side, but the coffee pots just had water in them. read more

Arif Cafe - The veggie combo and beef tibs! - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Delightful experience! This was my second time eating Ethiopian food. I was not impressed the first time. This was so much tastier! Excellent well seasoned food, good quality ingredients, fun eating experience. read more

Arif Cafe - Beef, fish and veggie combo player. So good! - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Food was banging I got the beef meal.. sweet lady brought my meal out to me and showed me how to properly eat it. I didn't get her name but she cooked everything to perfection. Reminds me of my auntie house I felt comfortable in there. I'll definitely be back! I wish I would of took a picture read more

My 1st Ethiopian food experience... delicious Owner Tibeb is not only is she very friendly, she's awesome in describing her menu & its origin in detail. Date & I ordered the Vegetarian Platter & the Beef Tip one too. Deliciously spiced, uniquely beautiful presentation & hugely portioned... For both our 1st timer experience, if you will, it was really GOOD. Use your hands - that's the best fun of it all. The 'Injera' which is the bread-looking pita like, is so soft. I'll recommend this in a heartbeat & will be back again - with more adventurous friends too!!! read more

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We are big fans of Ethiopian which I've had in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and now in Dallas. This place it's was ok. My wife's favorite dish is the red lentils in a red sauce, and she just thought it was mediocre. I thought it was adequate but I'm easy to please since this is one of my favorite quisine. read more

This place is a hidden gem! Must get beef tibs and veggie platter -- they are SO delicious. The Injera is special and very very good. By far, this has been the BEST Ethiopian restaurant we have ever had!!! The quality of the food is great! The owner is a lovely person, very kind, and clearly very talented in the kitchen! A favorite restaurant for sure! read more

Arif Cafe - Beef Tibs and Veggie Platter.. SO SO SO GOOD!!! - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

This place is amazing! I have never eaten Ethiopian food before, but it's amazing what kind of experiences can form with good company! read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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My favorite Ethiopian food, ever. So good that I don't bother with other Ethiopian restaurants anymore. The owner is also the cook and waitress in this tiny spot, so be patient! She is a wonderful person - so kind hearted and friendly - and she cooks that feeling right into every dish. You. Will. Love. This. read more

Wow. I am very pleased. This restaurant is a MUST try when trying Ethiopian food. My friend and i were a little concerned when we did not see any tables and chairs but that changed when the owner came out with the chairs to seat my friend and I. Very courteous! Customer service was very nice. She could tell that neither of us had tried Ethiopian food, so she was patient and showed us the way to eat it. So thoughtful! That is just the customer service. The food was, just, amazing. We got the vegetarian and beef combo and it had potato, lentils, collard greens, beef, peppers, just sooo much that it was great to spilt with someone. The flavors matched no matter what to added together. D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S! Please try out this place! You will not be disappointed in this fantastic cuisine. read more

The parking lot was busy on a Saturday afternoon. So was the restaurant. It is small and plain with only a few tables. The beef tibs were delicious and beautifully presented. Bite sized slices of beef in a spicy sauce served with injera (flatbread with a slightly spongy texture). The spicy sauce was full of flavor with an interesting combination of spices that I could not begin to identify. I'm guessing that the sauce was made with perhaps ginger, garlic, onion, chili pepper, and tomato and assorted spices. The dish was spicy hot but not at all overwhelming - mild to moderate heat. I did not see silverware or a menu on my visit. After reading yelp reviews, I assumed that you eat Ethiopian food with your hands and that the server would describe the dishes that were being served that day. The beef tibs with flatbread and a can of Coke cost $12.00. There was plenty of food for one hungry person. Everyone I met was friendly, welcoming, and charming. read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

First let me say that 90% of my reviews on here and bad reviews ..I don't think I have ever rated a restaurant all five stars but this place deserves it! The owner came out to introduce herself and to give us our menu. She does everything herself besides the help from the lady who does some of the prep. This woman put her heart into every bite! I was full but had to finish my plate because it was so good! I will definitely be back again in the future! Btw the food will be a little slower than most places but it's worth the wait..it came out fresh and you could taste the love that she sprinkles in her food! read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Like having your Ethiopian grandma cook for you, delightful. I love the veggie combo plate with fish stew, delicious and bountiful. Go there soon and enjoy yourself thoroughly. read more

This is food for the soul- the real deal, made with love, all made from scratch. This is the best African food I've had outside of Africa (and I've traveled there quite a bit!). The owner told me she makes everything from scratch- including the cheese and breads. Wow. Her talent and love for cooking really shines through in every bite. I popped in for takeout and got the Beef Tibs, Veggie Combo, and Doro Wat. Let me say, I am BLOWN AWAY. I had all three dishes and all were just incredible. Every single bite was outstanding- how often can we say that? And now, today, I'm eating leftovers. Everything re-heated lovely and every different veggie in the veggie combo is incredible. I usually have a favorite but not with this, everything is so amazing how can I choose just one? I am just so blown away by this. I had never had Doro Wat before and I think it's my new go-to dish. The beef tibs is the best I've ever had. I feel inspired to learn to cook like this. I am so glad I stopped in- what an awesome treat during this quarantine! Of course, I will be back! read more

Love this place. It has that janky authentic atmosphere and the women who I believe runs the place is extremely kind and helpful. The food was better than this other known place we went to last weekend. We got the doro wat which was ok. And the veggie and beef platter, that was amazingly good. We also ordered the lentil Sambusa and it was delicious! It was freshly fried. read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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My friends and I were looking for something new to try when one of us found this cafe. Not sure what to think from the outside, we were sold as soon as the aromas inside hit our noses. The sweet, wonderful lady running the place recommended a beef and a veggie option, which were served community style. The food blew all of us away and screamed authentic and flavorful. Would DEFINITELY recommend for anyone who likes good food and, well, has taste buds. read more

The place has a homely atmosphere and the woman there is really poliet and sweet. The food is good and is different from what you eat normally, ate Ethiopian cuise for the first time here. read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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I love Arif Cafe. This is where I tried Ethiopian food for the first time, so it holds a special place in my heart. But the lady who runs it may have something to do with it as well; she's incredibly sweet and makes you feel right at home, so please, do not be put off by Arif's, hole-in-the-wall vibe! I've only been here twice, but the second time I went was even better. For some reason, the lady (I wish I knew her name) gave my friend and I bigger portions! Score! I guess she remembered us? Anyways, the food at Arif is d e l i c i o u s, filling, and just right. Despite the different sauces, seasonings, and spices, none of it is ever too overwhelming! All the different textures and flavors come together so well - something akin to Indian food. I haven't been to Arif in awhile, and I'll definitely be checking out other Ethiopian restaurants in the area, but this place will most likely be my go-to. :) read more

The food here is delicious and the service is excellent. We had the large platter with meat and veggies, everything fresh and full of flavor. The lady who I believe is the owner was very kind to us even though we didn't fully know everything that was on the menu she helped guide us and made a good recommendation. Great experience overall. read more

This is an absolute GEM!!!!!! It is so amazing delicious and different and filling and affordable!!!!!! We got just one dish and it was plenty for both of us!!!!!!! Highly recommend. Thank you so much for wonderful service and amazing food!!!! read more

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Wow the food here is AMAZING! It's kind of hard to find, but it is totally worth it We got the beef and vegetable plates... and then we ordered a second round! Definitely recommend giving this place a try. read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I found this place on Yelp and decided to give it a shot. The place is small (about 4-5 tables max). The owner of the restaurant serves as the cook and waitress. I went on a Saturday evening with some friends, and ordered the vegetarian combo. The food was so delicious, we polished off the first plate and ordered a second one. I would definitely visit again read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

The owner was so sweet! We had beef tibs, doro wat, and a vegetarian platter. It didn't disappoint! The injera is so tasty. It's just like spongy sourdough. Be prepared to dig in with your hands. (Best enjoyed with friends that you don't mind are sticking their fingers in your food.) read more

Arif Cafe - Vegetarian, beef tibs, and doro wat in the middle. - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

I came here on a Friday evening. We ordered family style. The service and the food was amazing. I definitely will be back for more.

I was craving some Ethiopian food and decided to try Yelp for suggestions nearby. Arif Cafe was the closest and I don't regret the visit one bit.. the food was excellent! The lady who helped me recommended the veggie plate with beef. So glad I decided to try it, I even went back a couple days later for more. read more

Arif Cafe - Beef and Veggie Plate - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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How fast the food was ready is what impressed me the most! I'm Ethiopian and I love Ethiopian food. But what frustrates me the most about going to most Ethiopian restaurants is the amount of TIME it takes to actually get the food! I just don't get it. But not here! I was in and out in 10 min! I ordered the juicy Tibs! I told her I will write a review only if I love the food, and she said "oh you will". And she was 100% correct!!!!! The Food tasted wonderful! Being Ethiopian, I'm used to eating this type of cuisine. Like the other reviewers have said, it had the right amount of spices and flavor. I definitely recommend this place! Just a reminder, it's To Go only! read more

The food was amazing. I would recommend this place to anyone who loves Ethiopian food. The restaurant itself is super small- very few seats (I think it's primarily take out), and we didn't get a menu. Instead, we were offered tibs and/or a veggie combo and we just said yes! Everything was delicious, very fresh, and perfectly spiced. I was also a big fan of the injera. I am already itching to go back! read more

Great little place. I asked for a recommendation, and the food was delicious! Vegetable and beef served on/with nan in a traditional serving cover. read more

This was a great place considering this was my first time trying Ethiopian food. The service was phenomenal omg the customer service top tier. We tried this dish and it was very flavorful . The spices aroma was on point but she literally customized us our own dish when we told her we only wanted the bucket meat and the grains with onion and jalepenos. she said she was going to add it ti the menu! Must try pronounce it (Keeche) !!! read more

Really awesome food and even better service!! We got the chicken, beef, and veggie combo! read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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This is an amazing hole in the wall place for Ethiopian food. No menu so awesome. The best part about the place is the hostess, she was so amazing, smiling, and so nice. We tried veggie combo which was out of this world and I also got some fish. Let me just say that I have never had that amazing tasting fish ever before. The food is just amazing. A very different type of place. Must try. read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Overall (3 stars composite score): Tasty place, but needs to get their pricing and menu up to snuff. Lack of seating hurts their business. Food/Drink (80% 1.5 star total): Flavors of my beef and veggie combo were insane. I love Ethiopian food and this place does it very well. Got lots of injera to grab all that yummy goodness. Service (50% of 1.5 star total): The lady was a total sweetheart, but took a while to make the food. I'm a little off put by their not having a menu and pricing for you to look at. It makes ordering a lot more difficult. Value (50% of 1 star total): More expensive than other places for the same amount of food. They need to look at what the competition is charging and bring it up to par. Atmosphere (50% of 1 star total): Place is very sparsely set up. No seating at all due to insufficient parking in the lot from what I was told. I would have like at least some chairs or a bench to sit on while waiting for my take out. Standing the whole time was pretty uncomfortable. read more

Just deliciousssssss!!!! This place doesn't have much seating (may be 15 people max), but the food is very flavorful. Ordered robots with veggies, Awesome presentation and the host was extremely hospitable. Felt like eating grandmothers food. . Will definitely come back. read more

Arif Cafe - Authentic presentation - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

This is one of my favorite places in Dallas. I crave it about 5 days a week. The owner, Tabib, is so kind. I've never had a bad experience here, and the prices are excellent. My favorite things are tibs, veggie combo and misir wot. read more

Arif Cafe - Tibs and veggie combo - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Fair warning, the place is small and there's no menu. Beyond that the food is great and the woman who is the server, cook and probably owner is awesome. Let her suggest some dishes for you and take you for a ride through flavorville; you won't regret it. I went here with a group of friends for my birthday and took up the two tables they had. We brought our own bottles of wine and used their glasses. It was a great meal and perfectly quaint. Most people are probably going to take out, but there are a few spots to sit. If you're wondering if you should go, you should! read more

Love it! You want to take your friends someplace to challenge their preconceived notions of what dining out should be? This is the place. Once you eat the food...nothing else will matter. All I ever get is the vegetarian plate. Theirs is one of the best. I'm going to be eating here a lot. read more

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It's not a place you go to if you're looking for ambiance. It's a cozy little spot nestled in a multicultural shopping district. The owner is very sweet, and you're instantly comforted when you come. She's an one woman show, preforming all the duties. Nonetheless, the wait is not long. I have a spot I go to in Fort Worth, and I was a little apprehensive as the usual I get looked very different from my standard in cow town. To my surprise it was amazing. The food was absolutely delicious. It knocks my usual spot out of the water. I can't recommend enough. read more

For starters the restaurant was in a some what sketchy area so I was reluctant to walk inside and it's so small. So I just read the reviews and decided to try it any way and I'm so glad that I did. The owner was very nice and welcoming, she didn't have any menus but she did explain the items. I ordered the beef tibs and it came in a very huge plate but the presentation was very unique. We will for sure be coming back. We only ordered one plate and it was enough for me and my fiancé. read more

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas