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Café Lalibela

4.4 (774 reviews)
Updated 2 months ago

Order Café Lalibela Takeout or Delivery

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CAFÉ LALIBELA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Good for kids

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Recommended Reviews - Café Lalibela

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Mel Y.

Hearty ethiopian food in a casual atmosphere. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon and it was busier than we've seen before; they had their monthly Sunday vegan buffet going ($25) that offered some items not on their usual menu and looked tasty. We ended up getting platters off the menu instead, mostly ordering vegetarian. (But if you're hungry or want more food, the buffet is a good option.) The green beans and the collards are a solid combination because of the difference in texture and spice. Cabbage, fish and beef were also good. Everything came either on a bed of injeera (soft) or rice, or a combination. On weekdays they have lunch specials which are the best deals and very good and inevitably you'll have leftovers to enjoy later. Service has been better and more attentive in the past but it was busier than usual too. The actual decor and location is a bit dated but you probably wouldn't come here for the atmosphere. They also sell their coffee and other small things to go. I don't have ethiopian that often so this was a treat. Shared parking lot with other businesses.

Deb P.

For some reason, we enjoyed this visit even more than the last because we ordered properly! No meat. We are both "meated out". The Deluxe Vegetarian Platter was massive, enough for 3 people, served with fluffy teff bread (injera). They provide a small fresh (uncooked) vegetable salad on the round plate of cooked lentils, together with excellent greens which was a much needed reprieve. I had my collard greens (gomen) so I was happy! The diners were of diverse backgrounds and it was nice to see people from all backgrounds and ethnicities enjoying the taste of African spices and unique Ethiopian food preparation. Till next time, Lalibela! Highly recommended this business. We met the lady who does the cooking! Lalibela, long may you thrive!

16. Meat Combination
Heidi B.

Café Lalibela is a must try spot!!! Highly recommend. Very tasty and healthy food. Big portions and priced well. The injera was delicious. Service was great. Very beautiful restaurant inside with plenty of seating. Our meals were super flavorful and we were very impressed overall. If you've never tried Ethiopian food before, this is the perfect place!

26. Lalibela Deluxe
Christine N.

A great spot for Ethiopian cuisine. My friend and I shared the Lalibela deluxe platter and though it said it was for 2, it could definitely feed three easily. I had leftovers for another two days! The collard greens and the beef were some of my favorites. Scooping up the food with the injera was a delicious way to make sure you tasted a little bit of everything. The server was patient with us since we had a hard time deciding what to get. The cold chai was a refreshing accompaniment to our meal too. It's a clean, bright and well decorated restaurant. I'd go back again to try other dishes.

Menu
Alan B.

Been wanting to try Ethiopian food for a while now. My friend and I decided to finally give it a go! We decided to go with the lalibela deluxe (for 2), and it was surely overkill! When they say it's for 2, they mean 2 very large guys lol. We had extras for sure! I quite enjoyed eating the food their way, it reminded me of the Middle East, in a good way! The woman taking our order was very patient! We also got the cold chais, which I couldn't stop drinking! I'd come back to this place again for sure!

Vegetable Combination Platter
Jason F.

If you haven't experienced the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine, then Café Lalibela is the perfect place to embark on that culinary adventure. From the moment we walked in, the warm, welcoming atmosphere enveloped us. The service was stellar, with attentive staff who were excited to guide us through the menu. Their passion for Ethiopian food was evident, making us feel right at home. We started our meal with the Kitfo Sliders, a delightful appetizer that set the tone for the entire dining experience. These mini sandwiches featured perfectly seasoned minced beef, skillfully prepared so that it was juicy and rich in flavor. Each slider was paired with Ayib, a smooth and creamy Ethiopian cottage cheese that balanced the spices beautifully. Served on small, soft brioche bread, these sliders were an explosion of rich tastes in every bite, leaving us craving more. For the main course, I opted for the Manager's Choice, which is an excellent way to sample some of Café Lalibela's best offerings. The plate arrived brimming with a colorful combination of dishes. The Kye Wat, a spicy beef stew, was the highlight for me. It was tender and deeply flavored, with a gentle heat that didn't overpower the palate but left a pleasing warmth. Next to it was Saga Wat, a stunning spiced spinach dish that brought a freshness and earthiness to the plate. The Tikil Gomen, which is lightly spiced cabbage, was sautéed to perfection, tender yet still retaining a slight crunch. Each component was thoughtfully crafted and together, they created a wonderful medley of textures and tastes. My wife chose the Vegetable Combination, a colorful assortment reflecting the diversity of Ethiopian cuisine. The Fasolia, green beans sautéed with onions and spices, burst with flavor while maintaining their crispness. The Gomen, seasoned collard greens, provided a slightly bitter contrast that worked perfectly with the other dishes. The Misr Wat, richly spiced lentils, was hearty and oh-so-satisfying. Complemented with the beloved Tikil Gomen, my wife's dish was not only nourishing but a celebration of flavors. Both our meals were served with Injera, the spongy sourdough-like flatbread that is a staple in Ethiopian dining. Its delightful texture allowed us to scoop up the dishes with ease, and it was the perfect vessel for all the rich flavors on our plates. Garnished with a fresh salad, our meals felt wholesome and colorful. Inclusion and accessibility were evident in every aspect of Café Lalibela, and I couldn't recommend it highly enough. The friendly service, paired with the stunning array of dishes, turned our visit into a memorable evening. If you're looking to delight your taste buds and enjoy the communal experience synonymous with Ethiopian dining, Café Lalibela should be your next culinary destination!

Lunch Perfection
Paul S.

I had the Lunch Special Sampler. I got Doro Wat (spicy chicken stew), Fosolia (green beans & carrots), and Tikl Gomen (cabbage, potatoes & carrots). I had half rice and half injera (bread). This was so delicious, healthy, and filling. I couldn't have enjoyed anything more!!! It is perfection.

14. Chef's Favorite Combination
Ed G.

Our group was new to Ethiopian food, so our server suggested a chef's combination of meat and veggies. The stews were rich and flavorful. You eat it by tearing off pieces of Ethiopian bread. Comfortable booths, handmade bowls decorated the walls for authentic atmosphere.

3. Doro Wat (Spicy Chicken Stew)
Pat M.

I really struggled to write this review. I've never had Ethiopian food, so I really have nothing to compare it to. I imagine this is some of the better Ethiopian food you'll find in Arizona. However, it wasn't my favorite. It was cool to try something new and the restaurant interior was very unique. The food kind of reminded me of Indian cuisine, the biggest difference being the injera instead of naan. Probably wouldn't come back, but if you're looking for something new, I would definitely recommend this place.

Several selections on several pages
Jeff B.

First time at Lalibela, on recommendation form my kids. We arrived at 12:45 on a Sunday afternoon and there were four other tables full, of the available 21 seating areas. We ordered the Vegan deluxe, the beef deluxe and a meat platter. We added a side of rice and an iced tea. Everyone enjoyed their choices, with the exception of very cold injera. Sadly, my gut reacted very violently over the next 12 hours, which was unpleasant for myself and those around me. My gut just didn't feel right for a full 24 hours. It wasn't food poisoning (which I've had once, years ago), just gut wrenching food. Sorry, but no return visit in my future.

Bernadette M.

We came for my husband's bday dinner. I made reservations a day in advance for 6pm on a Saturday night. I'm glad I did because by 6:30 Lalibela was full. Plenty of parking in the lot out front and the inside is a good size with a nice Ethiopian decor. I was surprised to see carpet since I never see that in restaurants and it was clean! We were greeted when we we walked in and went straight to our table since my brother was there before us. Our waitress was nice and took our drink and food order right away. For our party of 6, we ordered the Lalibela Exclusive platter that feeds 4 plus an extra mild beef stew and spicy chicken stew since we weren't sure if the platter would be enough but it was more than enough. Everything was good except my son and I don't like the taste of goat so we didn't like that dish. But personal preference. Lols My fault for not asking if I could switch that out. Flavor wise pretty good though if I compare it to my fave Ethiopian restaurant in San Diego, that one is a lil more flavorful.

26. Lalibela Deluxe
Alexandra V.

First time trying ethiopian food (and i am a typically picky eater) and i LOVED IT! We split a big platter and it was a delightful mix of everything where everyone could find something they liked. I also got an iced chai tea and wow was it yummy. The decor is super cool and there is fun music playing as well which makes it an awesome eating experience. The service was quick and nice, making sure we had everything we needed including refills. I will totally be coming back here again!

Emily C.

We ordered the Lalibela Exclusive and the chocolate dessert and shared everything. It was definitely plenty of food for four people! I think it could have easily served 5, maybe even 6. But that just means there was leftovers to take home! The service was pretty good and the ambiance is nice. There's some cool decor and it doesn't feel too casual or too fancy. They also have a lot of vegan options so it's a good place if you're looking for that. It's a great place if you want to try something different!

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3 months ago

Quaint, affordably priced and... Delicious!!!! I will definitely be back!!! Simply delicious!

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5 months ago

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3 months ago

Good food, great customer service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Will definitely go again!

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