Cafe Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine

We had lunch here and it was nice. The place is clean and comfortable, and the service is friendly, helpful, and attentive. Our server was very kind. The food was flavorful and plentiful, and the prices are very fair. We ordered the Lalibela Deluxe for 2 and it was more than enough for us. The Chocolate Taff cake was the star of the show, and we are so glad we saved room for dessert. Don't skip the coffee here as it is very nice and strong. This is in a strip mall and depending on the time of day, parking can be challenging. We had a late lunch and had no wait to be seated. We recommend this place.

Been coming to this Ethiopian spot in Tempe for almost 10 years now and honestly, that’s the best part. The food hasn’t changed, the quality is still great, and that consistency is rare these days. I love their food and especially the injera bread. Always fresh, soft, and perfect with the dishes. Everything tastes comforting and authentic, the kind of place you keep coming back to without even thinking twice. Tried their house special coffee this time and it was excellent. Proper Ethiopian coffee, rich and smooth, and a great way to end the meal. If you’re looking for solid Ethiopian food that’s been doing it right for years, I’d definitely recommend this place. One of those reliable, no-nonsense favorites that never disappoints.

We love Ethiopian food! We are spoiled by our favorite place for it in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and so when we found Cafe Lalibela here in the desert, we were so excited! We have been several times, and each visit has been consistently good. The special herbal tea they have is definitely something to experience, and the Ethiopian coffee is deliciously strong. We always get the vegetarian feast for 4 (even if there are only 2 of us) and the mix of flavors on that giant tray is marvelous. The service is always friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is quiet and unique, with many Ethiopian antiquities covering the walls for you to wonder about. We enjoy each visit and we are looking forward to the next one!

Be cautious about mold on the bread. Three baskets of bread that were brought to our table had visible mold. We informed the staff, but they did not apologize. They did remove the charge, which we appreciated. We were told the bread was from overnight and that this was likely the reason for the mold. Serving overnight bread with mold can be unsafe, and this explanation was concerning. We were also told we could return another day to speak with the manager. Aside from this issue, the platter itself was good. However, I would not return.

Cafe Laibela is an absolute gem for anyone craving authentic Ethiopian cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the warm and inviting atmosphere sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience. The restaurant has a cozy, family-style feel with welcoming staff. The food is nothing short of amazing. Each dish is rich in flavor, perfectly spiced, and beautifully presented on traditional bread. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Ethiopian food or trying it for the first time, Cafe Laibela delivers an unforgettable experience with both its cuisine and atmosphere.