Tempe Restaurant Guide

Cafe Lalibela is a family dinning establishment which brings the delicious Ethiopian cuisine to the heart of Tempe, Arizona. It was opened in the northern area of Phoenix, Arizona in March 1996. After operating for a year and a half, Cafe Lalibela relocated to a small strip mall around the downtown area of Tempe in January 1998. It was expanded and beautifully remodeled in December of 2001.

We serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Delightfully different, we have received several awards for our unique and great tasting cuisine. We have been voted Best Vegetarian Restaurant of Phoenix by New Times and Best of Phoenix "One of a Kind Exotic Ethnic Restaurant" and Best Restaurant for a First date by the Arizona Republic.

Traditional Ethiopian cuisine consists of Injera and wat. Injera (pronounced in-jeer-ah) is a crepe like sourdough tasting bread. It is made from Teff, a grain indigenous to Ethiopia. Wat (pronounced what) is a stew like sauce, which can be made from vegetables or meat or both. The meal is eaten by tearing off a piece of injera with your hands, scooping up some wat with it and then enjoying. In Ethiopia (as here), the meal is served on a piece of Injera, which is laid on a platter. Various types of Wats are placed on top of the Injera. The platter is then placed in the middle of a group for all to share. Additional Injera is provided, although it is OK to eat the Injera on the platter. Traditional Ethiopian etiquette disapproves of licking fingers while eating (even though it may be tempting to do so!).

We always welcome any comments you have regarding how we can serve you better and look forward to seeing you!