Arif Cafe

4.7 (137 reviews)

InexpensiveEthiopian

Open • 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

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

Arif Cafe - Interior - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Arif Cafe - Beef & Veggie Combo Tibbs - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Arif Cafe - a bottle of orange juice and glasses on a table - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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ARIF CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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Casual

Quiet

Good for kids

Dogs allowed

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Amy B.

I've been coming to Arif for a decade now and it's hands down still the best Ethiopian in dallas. I crave this place often. The food is fresh, full of flavor, and made with love! If you're not sure what to get, ask for the veggie/tibs combo!

Veggie combo + Lamb (~$45 total) DELICIOUS!! Definitely getting again

CR J.

Phenomenal Ethiopian food that is authentic and extremely well made. Pleasure meeting the cook/owner/waitress all in one who welcomed us into her restaurant and made sure our questions were answered. The menu is very short but appears there are endless possibilities in combinations which can feel overwhelming. If you're looking to try something fresh, new, and delicious and don't know what to order: try the veggie Combo platter with added lamb or beef (that's how I say it). The lamb is the most popular meat option since it is made FRESH and typically sells out midday. The first time I went, it was sold out so of course I went a second time and it was so worth it if you like lamb meat. Seasoned to perfection and flavorful with every bite. The beef was also good, I am more than happy with either choice! The veggie combo platter comes with injera bread that you use to eat the various sides and meats. Actually all of the food sits on top of injera bread, soaking up the mix of flavors. There are also several rolled up injera breads to use as well. The best part is eating the bottom injera bread that has all the soaked in flavors. If you want extra bread to eat with the meal, she will provide at no extra cost. I'm not sure what all the sides that come with the combo plate are, but they were all good! Collard greens, cabbage, and various sauces that are all veggie and may be vegan friendly as well. For gluten-free: typically injera is gluten free if they use teff 100%, I wasn't able to confirm that so please check with the owner! But otherwise I'd definitely say it's easy to eat vegan and vegetarian here. Also- no free water or refillable drinks here. There is a cooler with drinks that you can purchase per item. Both times I've come (veggie combo with beef and then another time veggie combo with lamb) were priced just around $45 for two people and it was MORE THAN ENOUGH FOOD. I went with two different people and they both really enjoyed the food with me and spoke of how they each wanted to return. The place is in a small shopping strip near north park mall. The parking is pretty scarce but I've always managed to find a place to park due to people coming and going constantly at the various stores. Arif cafe is very small, with seating for no more than 20 people. The whole place is outdated with old furniture but I don't mind it one bit because I know I am supporting local and really enjoy the atmosphere. Unforgettable food! Support local and give them a try! @CRJetc

Helayna W.

This was my first time trying Ethiopian food. I gotta say, it was pretty tasty. I once again found proof that whole in the wall restaurants focus on their food and are way better than any fine dinning could offer. I shared the beef tibs and honey wine with my dad. By the end, the two of us were rolling out the door slightly tipsy (I might have been a little more than tipsy). The honey wine was homemade and served in these really cool flasks. The beef tibs plate was definitely something you wanted to share with someone despite it looking small in the picture. I had never tried injera before (the burrito looking things in the picture). It was sour and spongy. I love cracked sourdough bread and this satisfied my need for a slap in your face sour bread. I think at really helped cut the heat in the different sides (collard greens, couscous, 2 different lentils, and spiced meat). The owner told us to take some of the bread, dip it in the side of dry spices (if we like it spicy), use the bread to pick up the side we wanted, and then enjoy the complex flavors and aromas. It was finger food at it's finest. It was both fun and exciting to experience this small piece of culture from the other side of the globe. I will definitely be back to try some of their other items next time I am in Dallas and highly recommend anyone nearby to try it as well

Susan B.

Hole-in-the-wall, supremely authentic, and run by a very sweet and welcoming woman. After passing by an upscale Ethiopian restaurant in San Francisco, finally having Ethiopian food has been a thought rattling in the back of my head for a while. Finally had a chance during a pit stop at the Half-Price Books nearby. Had the beef & veggie combo tibbs, the sambusa, and the pasty. The meat had a spicy level option, and we went for the max. The tibbs are obviously the star of the show, but the sambusas were nice and fresh, too! Finally got the Ethiopian experience I had been waiting for! I believe this place is closed on Wednesdays as of this year.

Keerthana C.

The food is SO good - if you're looking for an Ethiopian meal, you definitely have to check this out!! We got the veggie/meat combo alongside another side of lamb tibs, which we demolished almost immediately. Also, their coffee is a specialty and would recommend ordering if you're in the mood for it!

My colleagues and I had a wonderful time at this restaurant! The food was delicious and we felt like we were home. Highly recommend this gem!

Jacki P.

Love this local DFW bite! I have never had Ethiopian food before, but a friend recommended and boy did this place deliver. The bread that you use fo eat the food was so delish that I wound up nibbling on just it once I had gotten too full for the other helpings. The meat was so tender and was cooked in the sauce full of spice yet not too overbearing -- just enough flavor to bring out the delicious meat while also not suffocating it. There were four sides around the beef that were good and had such yummy accompanying spices that helped round out the meat and add on a different taste with every bite. Overall, give this place a try and you will be heavily rewarded and will leave with leftovers to fight over tom

Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and luncMixed Veggie PlateBeef Tibsh Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and lunch Great place to have breakfast and lunch

Katie S.

This place is amazing! It is one of the better spots in Dallas for authentic Ethiopian food. The owner is absolutely the sweetest woman and was extremely kind to me during my visit. I had the veggie combo and the beef tips and It was incredible. The best I've had in a while. I will definitely be back.

Sheng H.

Ethiopian food. First time ever trying it. I love it! It's so good! All so perfect and served so well! I love this little place. It's definitely a hole in the wall type. There's no menu. One waitress who prbl owns the place. They don't serve water, they sell bottles. A super tiny unisex restroom. I wouldn't recommend this place for large parties. I ordered the beef tibs & veggie platter. My friend and I shared it. At first, I was like I want a fork and spoon... but then realized it want needed. I think it's pretty authentic compared to other Ethiopian restaurants I found on Yelp. Authenticity is very important to me. Oh... and I ordered using pictures of Yelp. Food was good. It was a nice big portion. Total was only $23.99 for the two of us. I would go back.

Rahel T.

One of the best Ethiopian restaurants in DFW. I've tried several but Arif is by far the most authentic! We ordered the veggie combo, tibs and lamb. The food is flavorful and it reminds me of my mom's cooking. Love this place.

Jennifer V.

The beef and veggie plate was so delicious and the owner/chef was so welcoming! We will definitely be back!

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Foster C.

250

5 years ago

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

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Addis G.

5 years ago

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

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Sereena J.

Elite 24

815

580

973

9 years ago

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

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Lara W.

144

7 years ago

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

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Liz G.

606

9 years ago

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

Arif Cafe - My 1st Ethiopian food experience... delicious - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Arif Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Chris D.

7 years ago

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

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David8Magdalena E.

7 years ago

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

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Matthew S.

233

8 years ago

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

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Marlee P.

7 years ago

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

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James D.

9 years ago

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

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Samantha H.

Elite 26

174

390

10 years ago

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

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Hazel R.

139

8 years ago

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

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Steve S.

Elite 26

772

668

8 years ago

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

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Lily C.

Elite 19

130

103

6 years ago

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

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Kathy V.

Elite 23

126

8 years ago

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

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Carina Z.

210

5 years ago

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

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Sharad B.

Elite 21

114

276

262

8 years ago

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

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Grace K.

104

9 years ago

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

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Armando A.

4 years ago

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

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Susanna C.

204

9 years ago

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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Jazz Fine A.

4 years ago

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

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Nana J.

177

8 years ago

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

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Darcia M.

4 years ago

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.

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Balaji P.

8 years ago

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

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Kayla V.

9 years ago

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

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Kristina C.

9 years ago

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

Arif Cafe - Injera - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Jay B.

5 years ago

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

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Shiva G.

9 years ago

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

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Maya H.

101

5 years ago

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

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Betsy C.

9 years ago

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

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Rebecca A.

10 years ago

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

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Alex S.

Elite 16

282

144

11 years ago

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

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Simone T.

10 years ago

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

Arif Cafe - Veggie, chicken, and beef! - Ethiopian Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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Kyle P.

10 years ago

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

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Abhishek B.

10 years ago

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

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Edwin S.

Elite 24

614

285

430

10 years ago

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

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Kayla S.

11 years ago

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

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Aswad K.

Elite 26

145

10 years ago

Authentic food.. beef tips and chicken both were delicious. Menu is limited but what you get is amazing.. You do not really need options when you have such food. Options are Veg/Chicken/beef/fish on most days. People are friendly! The best made injera! read more

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David T.

435

11 years ago

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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Alexandra H.

5 years ago

Best Ethiopian food I've tried! Staff was very friendly as well. Ordered a lot of food and sides and everything was perfect and delicious. Quick service and the quality is great. read more

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8367 Park Ln
Dallas, TX 75231
Lake Highlands
Directions
(469) 232-9977
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.arifcaferestaurant.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does Arif Cafe open?

Arif Cafe opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Arif Cafe close?

Arif Cafe closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.Arif Cafe is closed on Wednesday.Arif Cafe closes at 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 9:00 AM - 9:00 PMWed ClosedSun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Payment methods

Does Arif Cafe take credit cards?

Yes, Arif Cafe takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Arif Cafe have catering options?

Yes, Arif Cafe does have catering options.

Does Arif Cafe serve alcohol?

No, Arif Cafe does not serve alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Arif Cafe allow dogs?

Yes, Arif Cafe allows dogs.

Does Arif Cafe have TVs?

Yes, Arif Cafe has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Arif Cafe have bike parking?

Yes, Arif Cafe has bike parking.

Does Arif Cafe have outdoor seating?

No, Arif Cafe does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Arif Cafe have parking?

Yes, Arif Cafe has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Validated Parking

Other Amenities

Does Arif Cafe have free WiFi?

No, Arif Cafe does not have free WiFi.

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Are there gluten free options?

Injera can be gluten free if it's made with 100% teff flour, but the main option offered at this restaurant has some wheat. Sometimes she has the teff only option, but there's an Ethiopian market across the parking lot so you can always pick it up… Read more

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Yenat Guada Ethiopian Cuisine

4.5(225 reviews)

0.2 mi•Lake Highlands

•$$

Delicious Ethiopia food! If you are in the hunt for the best Ethiopian food in DFW you just found…read moreit! We stopped in and were seated immediately by the very kind server. We ordered the Zil Zil Tibs which were tender and had great flavor with just the right amount of spice. We also had the Vegetable Combo which was great with all of the options being excellent. The restaurant is very clean and inviting and with the trip no matter where you are in town. Highly Reccommended!

Yenat Guada Ethiopian Cuisine -- Dallas, TX with My Friend!…read more Yenat Guada is an authentic Ethiopian restaurant off Greenville Ave. in Dallas! We ordered the Vegetable Combo for two (My friend is very supportive of my vegan/ vegetarian journey! ) It's a combination of house vegetable dishes which included: Red Lentil Stew (which was my fave), Split Pea Yellow Stew, Chickpea Stew, Green Lentil Stew, Lightly cooked Collard Greens and Red Cabbage! We ate everything with Injera which is an Ethiopian Flatbread! We also had the Ethiopian style Rice with Marinara Sauce. When I say everything was soooo flavorful and seasoned to perfection!! I actually can't wait to go back lol We also tried their Ginger Tea and Herbal tea as well! #EthiopianFood #Injera #DallasTX #GirlsNight #Ethiopia

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Indoors

The bread appetizer is a MUST have!!!!

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Interiors

Desta Ethiopian Restaurant

4.2(409 reviews)

3.0 mi•Northeast Dallas

•$$

Love this place. Delicious Ethiopian food…read more On my trip to Dallas I brought relatives one night and a friend the second night. Neither had Ethiopian food before and loved it. We ordered the vegetarian combo both times. A great assortment of lentils and veggies. The spongy bread that they make is gluten-free by the way: Injera is a sour fermented pancake-like flatbread with a slightly spongy texture, traditionally made of teff flour. In Ethiopia, Eritrea, and some parts of Sudan, injera is the staple. Injera is central to the dining process, like bread or rice elsewhere. The presentation was lovely and the ambiance simple but nice. Our server PJ was great. Super friendly. And it was popular with Ethiopian locals which is a good sign.

The food is AMAZING here!!! The best I've ever had! And it doesn't stop there! I just had to start…read morewith that because that what's important to note! This place has such a beautiful decor. It's aesthetically pleasing and very clean! Coming here first is the best decision whenever I come to Dallas-- it sets the tone for the rest of the trip! To top it all off, the people here are so kind and loving! It makes our experience much meaningful! EVERYTHING HERE 10/10!!!

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Smoke'N Ash BBQ

4.3(407 reviews)

26.6 mi

•$$

Texas barbecue meets Ethiopian cuisine...? It's brilliant and absolutely delicious. I recommend the…read moreTex-Ethiopian platter for a thorough sampling of all the best things this restaurant offers! It includes: Smoked Doro Wat (Spicy Chicken Stew), Awaze Rib Tip Tibs, Awaze Brisket, Awaze Pork Ribs, your choice of 2 sides, Texas Toast, gluten-free teff injera, and rice pilaf! The hardest part is choosing the sides because they're all amazing, from classic BBQ sides like potato salad, fried okra, baked beans, corn, collard greens, and mac and cheese to Ethiopian sides like shiro wat (chickpea stew), misir wat (red lentil stew), tikil gomen (cabbage and carrots), and more. Even berbere-spiced mac and cheese! Berbere is an incredible blend of Ethiopian spices that is amazing on everything, savory or sweet. If it's just me eating with no one to share, I like to get the Big Ash loaded baked potato. Your choice of meat on a perfectly fluffy hot potato with plenty of butter and sour cream -- it's soooo comforting and delicious!

We drove 40 minutes from north Dallas to try this highly reviewed Ethiopian BBQ fusion restaurant…read more I guess my expectations were set too high. I expected "knock your socks off" but got very good food instead. I expected a packed dining room but at 12:30 it was almost empty. We ordered the sample plate for 2 which included ribs, brisket, rib tips, and doro wat (chicken stew) with rice, injera and we got beefy collard greens and cabbage with carrots sides. The ribs were excellent. I also really liked the chicken stew. I was surprised by the sour flavor of the injera. The thin bbq sauce was tasty while it was not sweet or full of vinegar. It was a nice alternative to traditional sauces. While we enjoyed our meal, and I would order the ribs and chicken stew again, this place is a bit too far for a repeat. But it introduced me to Ethiopian food which I can find closer to home. I love the creativity of the owners.

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Rice pilaf, beefy greens, awaze brisket and lamb

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Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

4.3(158 reviews)

2.8 mi•Northeast Dallas

•$$

I've eaten a lot of Ethiopian food and I imagine this to be the best in Dallas. Awards bestowers…read moreagree! Thanks, Yelp, for leading us to this spot. The lunch Veggie Combo came with Shiro which is generous. The beets, lentils (Misir Wot) and yellow split peas (Kik Alicha) were so deliciously spiced and balanced. Something special is going on here. They brought out a beautiful floral milk cake surrounded by rose petals and played Happy Birthday for the birthday girl on their sound system. So sweet! If I found myself in Dallas again I'd come back for the warming spices and warmer welcome. Ooh, and order the coffee service!

Lalibela Restaurant & Bar was a great find. The Ethiopian dishes were rich and full of flavor, and…read moresharing them with injera made the meal feel warm and authentic. The staff were welcoming and added to the cozy vibe.

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Veggie Combo, circa 2024

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Sheba's Ethiopian Kitchen

4.1(74 reviews)

2.7 mi•Northeast Dallas

•$$

First time trying this place. I was CRAVING Ethiopian food and have been for a while. I got the…read morevegetable combination. Be warned!! The yellow stuff on this platter is SPICY!! There were quite a few things that were a little spicy on this plate but that yellow stuff had my eyes and nose running. The flavors are pretty good and the injera was really good. They give you a lot of it. I'd say for the price, it is absolutely worth it. That one plate could have easily fed two people. I wanted to try this place because of the raving reviews and it's close to my house. While it did not disappoint, there are other places in DFW that are better.

I asked for three meats and two veggies plate. They put…read moretogether some chicken, beef, lamb and delicious lentils and cabbage with a hard boiled egg. Ordered take out. It was delicious, I would go back.

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Vegetarian Platter

Queen of Sheba Restaurant

4.1(317 reviews)

6.8 mi

•$$

Wonderful food & Exceptional Service Very grateful for their…read morevery friendly service and personable attendance to our request. Their amazing Ethiopian dishes and sauces are deliscious!!!

Attended a friend's birthday dinner and was immediately greeted by Joe. He asked if guests had…read moretried Ethiopian food before and I shared that this was my 3rd time. I ordered beef tibs and beef wot with beets and gomen. My food arrived and was lukewarm which was really disappointing as I prefer my food to be piping hot unless it's supposed to be served cold. The beets were canned but seasoned. The gomen was the best I've had out of the three different restaurants I've tried. Because of food temperature , canned beets and the meat not being as tender as I've had at other places, I'm giving 3 stars. I was hoping to try honey wine but it was sold out. Unfortunately, I don't see myself returning due to the distance from me and the food not being worth the drive.

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Great ambience!

Come try our Ye'assa Tuna Tibs -- chopped tuna pan-sautéed with Ethiopian spices, jalapeños, and cardamom.

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Ethiopian Fried Chicken! Crispy, bold, and marinated in our signature spices--this is comfort food with a cultural twist.

Banna Restaurant and Bar

4.8(10 reviews)

3.8 mi

Hidden around the corner of a little strip mall is Banna Restaurant and Bar (Google Maps will get…read moreyou confused) . We rolled in around 7 and were met with disco lights and semi-awkward stares. After figuring out we could sit anywhere, a very nice server came to make us feel welcome and take our orders. Ambiance is nice. It feels like a cross between a night club and a restaurant. There are big tvs on the walls showing soccer and football games, there's a patio outside. The important thing is the food. Daaaaang, it's delicious! We ordered the meat and vegetable combo for my date and I. Whether it was a communication error or because my date and I pass as pale, we asked for spicy but it wasn't as hot as other Ethiopian places we'd been to. Still, the meal was great, and they even brought us extra injera when they noticed we were running low. Overall a good experience and would certainly recommend.

Authentic Habesha food! We had beef tibs, I would have liked some veggies and appetizers but we got…read morethere duing a holiday and the kitchen did not have the full menu.

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Chicken Rice

Lamb Derek Tibsi

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Meat and vegetable combo

Park Lane Abeba & Grocery

4.3(13 reviews)

0.1 mi•Lake Highlands

•$$

Abeba Foods has been our go to for over a decade now! The service is great because anyone that…read moreanswers the phone is friendly. The owner and her son are so friendly to talk with as well as Abu. It's not the best for looks but the food is great and it is also a small grocery store.

My fiancé brought me here for dinner and my first ever experience with Ethiopian food, and we agree…read morethat there is just nothing quite like this in Dallas. The food was absolutely delicious: spongy, tasty injera and the most flavorful and exciting veggies I've had since moving here. The lamb stew was rich and deep with a subtle, sneaky spice. Jonas was so welcoming, friendly, and informative: he gave great recommendations and was so kind to talk us through the different dishes, treat us to sambsas, and make us feel so welcome. In short: come here!!!

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Counter

Got lost coming here but the outside looks like this

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Tea

Exotic Grill African Cuisine

4.3(90 reviews)

18.8 mi

•$$

I had oxtail with fufu an a side of plantains. Let me tellll…read moreyou the oxtail an fufu combination was so delicious!!!!! The plantains were very good as welll good amount for 5$ The service was fast an very nice! The ambiance was very chill felt very nice inside I would love to sit down an eat next time I go...an I will be going again!! Definitely a try out spot' never know it could be your next spot!!!!

Recently, I located Exotic Grill while in search of some jollof rice while working nearby. Just off…read morethe highway in Euless, Exotic Grill is a small establishment with some fairly good flavors. Ordering to-go was smooth. As far as the jollof itself, it was just okay in my opinion. It gave off the spice level, however was missing other flavor profiles which make jollof, jollof. The meat kabob was flavorful. Overall, I'd be willing to give Exotic Grill another opportunity in the future.

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Great beer options from West Africa

Flame Grilled Ribs with Jollof Rice

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Suyastop

4.2(41 reviews)

18.0 mi

•$

When I go to Nigerian restaurants, I'm often worried about long waits and not-so-great service,…read moreeven though I'm Nigerian American myself. During my last visit, I ordered ahead and it took me about 25 minutes drive, which wasn't too bad. The person who took my order was nice, which was a pleasant surprise compared to what I expected. I ordered two portions of suya and two shawarmas, costing a bit over $40. The shawarma was okay in size, but it didn't really stand out. It satisfied my cravings, but nothing more. Now, the suya was a letdown. It had too much oil and lacked that real suya flavor. The taste of curry was too strong, overshadowing the authentic suya taste. Plus, there were way too many onions compared to the meat. I'd rate the suya a 4 out of 10 for the effort. On the other hand, the shawarma, though of an average size, was pretty tasty. It was spicy, so you'll need a drink to handle the heat. I'm giving a three-star rating for both the food and the service, also appreciating that they're open on Sundays. I've tried suya and shawarma in many places around the DFW area, and I think this place can do better. If they work on improving the spice mix for the suya and balance out the meat and onions, it would make a big difference and bring them up to the level of other spots in the area.

Over priced for the portion and they have a minimum $20 they make you spend. It is Not worth the…read moreflavor or texture of the meat. Would rather to go kemis or suya university up the road if kemis is out!

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Miah O.

12 years ago

I love this place. We went during a World Cup match and the cafe was filled with people watching the game and drinking coffee, but I don't think it's usually that busy. We had the platter with vegetables and meat - I don't know what you call it, but there are vegetables on a large flat bread with other pieces of bread that you can use to scoop up the food with your hands. The staff was really nice. Don't be turned off by the chaotic parking. The last time I had Ethiopian food I cried because it was so spicy. I don't know if they make it mild for us, but it was an enjoyable level of heat. I'm definitely coming back! read more

Fanny L.

9 years ago

My boyfriend and I wanted to try something new. Based on the reviews, we went ahead and tried this Ethiopian gem. The place , as mentioned by another reviewer, is rough around the edges, however, possess a home like and traditional ambiance. The lady was very sweet and the food was amazing!! we ordered the half veggies and half beef. The price is very reasonable as well. Will highly reccommend! read more

Jeraldin R.

7 months ago

Simple yet Cool Ethiopian spot. My group of 5 had the big Veggie combo, and Beef tibs which was very flavorful and a bit spicy. The sauce was tangy awaze infused with very flavorful seasoning. What we like the most was the Service- kind, respectful and helpful! Even this place looks very simple, the service was much better than a 4-star restaurant. Were impressed! read more

Alexa S.

139

5 years ago

This was the best food I've had in a long time! I crave it all the time now. The staff was extremely friendly as well. Perfect experience! I got like 4-5 orders for carry out and everything was correct. read more

Bruce J.

2 years ago

Arif Caffe truly has it all - exceptional food, outstanding service, and a top-notch overall experience. I'm thoroughly impressed with the quality and consistency they deliver. Highly recommended!" read more

Erica B.

4 years ago

we love this place!!! Great food, great people! The owner is so friendly and personable. Her food is amazing!!! we always go here . You'll become a regular! read more

Jenny H.

5 years ago

Out of this world food and service. I will definitely be coming here more often. The food was delicious and authentic and I couldn't be more pleased! A++ read more

Ila I.

9 months ago

Phenomenal experience. Absolutely should be more expensive. Delicious food and the kindest host. Feels like home.

Ok O.

9 years ago

Great food. Excellent service. Our group enjoyed the food which they were trying for the first time.

Sam B.

7 years ago

This one of the best restaurants I have been in Dallas, it is very good good & clean!!!

Paul M.

3 years ago

lovely food and i great customer service

Arif Cafe - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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Yenat Guada Ethiopian Cuisine

Desta Ethiopian Restaurant

Smoke'N Ash BBQ

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Sheba's Ethiopian Kitchen

Queen of Sheba Restaurant

Banna Restaurant and Bar

Park Lane Abeba & Grocery

Exotic Grill African Cuisine

Suyastop

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

Arif Cafe - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

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More businesses like Arif Cafe

Yenat Guada Ethiopian Cuisine

Desta Ethiopian Restaurant

Smoke'N Ash BBQ

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Sheba's Ethiopian Kitchen

Queen of Sheba Restaurant

Banna Restaurant and Bar

Park Lane Abeba & Grocery

Exotic Grill African Cuisine

Suyastop

11 Arif Cafe reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

11 reviews that are not currently recommended

Arif Cafe - ethiopian - Updated May 2026

Best of Dallas

People found Arif Cafe by searching for…

Trending Searches in Dallas, TX

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