The Best Ethiopian Food in Phoenix
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The best Ethiopian food in Phoenix, according to the experts: the Phoenix New Times and AZ Central have both weighed in, and their honors are what rank this list. Cafe Lalibela comes out on top.
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Rank 1. Cafe Lalibela
Ethiopian
The injera arrives with every order, a spongy sourdough flatbread that doubles as plate and utensil, and first-timers get a menu with a glossary to help them figure out what they've just ordered. This Ethiopian restaurant has been an ASU rite of passage for what feels like forever, a family-run strip mall spot that leans hard into vegetarian dishes and fragrant stews. The dining room is cozy and carpeted, and the coffee ceremony is not decorative.
The awards
- Phoenix New Times Phoenix New Times: The top 50 restaurants in Phoenix right now
- AZ Central AZ Central: The 100 Best Metro Phoenix Restaurants
- Phoenix New Times Phoenix New Times: Our top 10 favorite restaurants in Tempe
- Phoenix New Times The top 50 restaurants in Phoenix right now
- AZ Central The 100 Best Metro Phoenix Restaurants
- Phoenix New Times Our top 10 favorite restaurants in Tempe
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Rank 2. Authentic EthioAfrican
Ethiopian
The wooden furniture and décor came over from Ethiopia, and the feel of the room followed. This kitchen and bar on McDowell Road serves Ethiopian combinations the right way, on a wide round plate loaded with stews, greens, and a scoop of homemade cheese that cools things down. The injera does its job as utensil and bread at once. Order for the table and let it fill up; solo dining works, but barely.
The awards
- Phoenix New Times Phoenix New Times: 2025 · Best Ethiopian Restaurant · Best of Phoenix
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Rank 3. Kare Ethiopian Restaurant
Ethiopian
The injera here is nearly chocolate-dark, made from pure teff with a sharp fermented tang that most Ethiopian spots in town don't bother chasing. This laid-back restaurant on a stretch of McDowell more famous for traffic than food serves bold, uncompromising classics, and the staff makes you feel like a regular on the first visit. End with the traditional coffee service, which is not optional.
The awards
- Phoenix New Times Phoenix New Times: 2024 · Best East African Restaurant · Best of Phoenix