Lacto
Take-out
African
Ethiopian
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Offers some vegetarian though butter is used in many dishes - vegans should clarify whether vegetable oil is an option in preparation. Can be served family style. Has a coffee bar. Simple atmosphere. Open Mon-Sun 11:00am-9:00pm.
19 Reviews
First Review by ranwe
Sarahnh
Points +299
The Best(a) - Edit
So many vegan options and all of them excellent
Read morePros: Lots of options, Outdoor seating available
Guest
JAA21
Points +16
Lots of clearly marked vegan options - Edit
Delicious!! Cute spot.
Read moreGuest
JOBORK
Points +348
Authentic and delicious! - Edit
Best Ethiopian food in Tucson! So delicious!
Read moreGuest
JuanF
Points +30
Delicious and cheap - Edit
Small place and normally empty but the food is wonderful. I consider it my favorite place in Tucson for vegan food. The dishes are generous. There are around 7-8 vegan options. There is an option for vegan food with 3 choices and one where you can request a vegan sampler of all vegan options for 40 USD. The latter is enough food for 3-4 people. Food is well spiced. Injera is provided generously as well.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-04-27
Guest
summersolstice
Points +479
Greta vegan options - Edit
Staff is knowledgeable about vegan options! I love sharing a mixed plate with a friend. The collard greens are divine and I always feel nourished and full after eating here!
Read moreGuest
eatingeggplant
Points +720
Vegan Platter - Edit
The space itself was very calming and featured a lot of vegan options! You have to eat with your hands when you order a vegan platter *loved that*. I really favored the spicier options on the platter.
Read more*would probably rate 3.8*
Updated from previous review on 2021-08-10
Pros: Lots of vegan options , Great space and environment
Guest
wayfaring_lass
Points +46
Where My Love of Ethiopian Food Started - Edit
This place is absolutely amazing! Never had a dish I didn't like and the staff is so kind. Very vegan friendly and you definitely will leave feeling full and happy. Check this place out!! Wish I could give it 5 stars
Read moreGuest
SirSully13
Points +125
Vegan sampler - Edit
For my first visit the vegan sampler was a phenomenal idea, aside from its massive almost big enough for 3 people size!
Read moreI enjoyed the red lentils and the chicken peas the most, but ut was all soooo good!
Be sure to have an Ethiopian espresso to accompany your choices!
Pros: Price, Serving size, Quiet
Guest
AstynQuander
Points +35
Amazing with lots of options! - Edit
I ordered the vegan platter which had every vegan dish they serve. I loved every dish! From then on I’ve order the vegan combo. The portions are big and the food is very good
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options, Very filling, Large portions
Guest
Tellitlikeitis
Points +579
The best!!! - Edit
Food was incredible, vegan options clearly marked on menu. Ethiopian food heaven 😍😍
Read morePros: Vegan options right on menu, Delicious!
Cons: No vegan dessert:-(
Guest
kgautney
Points +542
Vegan fix in Tucson - Edit
In town for business, wanted solid vegan food (not some lame modification). The other highly rated Ethiopian restaurant in town was closed, so tried this one. Was very happy! Vegan options are clearly marked. Got the "Individual" vegan combo, which came with choice of three vegan dishes. I got the collards, yellow lentils, and green beans. All were delicious, as was the added lettuce-based salad. The enjera didn't strike me as fresh cooked, but the flavor was nice. I wouldn't hesitate to come here again.
Read morePros: Price, Good vegan options, Not crowded
Guest
petey_eff
Points +68
cafe desta forever! - Edit
this restaurant is never at the top of any vegan tucson lists, and i really don't know why. this is one of my favorite vegan-friendly places to eat. the restaurant has a great ambience and the server is always very sweet. the vegan options on the menu are clearly marked and everything i've tasted is sooo good. i usually go with a friend and we share the combination platter and choose 5 vegan dishes we'd like to try. if you split the cost of that meal, it comes out to $12 each before tip. they also have coffee and vegan milks/creamers.
Read morePros: clearly marked vegan options, delicious and healthful
Guest
VegFriends
Points +193
Vegan section on menu and other items listed as vegan - Edit
Delicious fresh vegan meals. Served with injera but you can substitute rice. Friendly and helpful service. Clean little cafe.
Read morePros: Clearly marked vegan items on menu, Several vegan dishes , Friendly helpful service
Guest
ChristinaCretella
Points +22
Delicious cultural experience in Tucson - Edit
Very yummy and very easy to order vegan here.
Read morePros: Vegan options on the menu
Cons: none
Guest
cottrellbentley
Points +235
Great all-around Ethiopian fare in Tucson - Edit
Vegan? Order the vegan plate. It'll give you a little taste of all the vegan meals. We've had it about 20 times, and only once was it ever made incorrectly. Emphasize that you are ordering it vegan, and it'll be perfect.
Read moreBut!!! Here's the most awesome thing they have on their menu: vegan soup with moist bread. My older daughter and I spent 6 months going out for lunch once a week in Tucson. Our goal was to try as many vegan soups as Tucson offered. This was the one we personally voted the best. We've been back for it a LOT of times. It's amazing.
This place is quaint and welcoming to all, vegan and non-vegan alike. I'd give it a 5-star rating, if that were allowed.
Pros: The vegan platter, Great place for all people, Service
Guest
MNTucson
Points +100
A Favorite! - Edit
This is our favorite restaurant in Tucson. We'd give it 5 stars if Happy Cow allowed it. The place is super cool inside and allows you to bring your own wine to drink. The vegan shiro and gomen are drool-worthy and the owners and staff are the sweetest.
Read moreNext door is the restaurant 5 Points, which was originally started by the same people and has an awesome vegan breakfast.
Guest
sarahtarah
Points +45
So good! - Edit
Cafe Desta is just great. The atmosphere is comfortable, food is great, and the servers are friendly. One other plus if that they can make gluten free injera if you give them notice a day in advance. Truly a gem!
Read morePros: Great food, Nice atmosphere, Good drinks
Cons: Location, No vegan deserts, No vegan milky coffee options
Guest
amarello
Points +200
Delicious! - Edit
Very good food at reasonable prices. As many vegan as meat options on the menu. My omnivore friends love this place too. And you can BYOB (or wine), with no corking fees!
Read morePros: yummy, great selection
Guest
ranwe
Points +52
Delicious! - Edit
This was my first taste of Ethiopian food and it was delicious! The lentils and the yellow split peas are may favorite. Bread is also very good. I was assured by one of the owners that the vegetable dishes and bread did not have butter in them but unfortunately the lentil soup does have butter. Vegetables are also prepared separately from the meat dishes. Can be ordered as sides, entrees or wraps. Can also be served family style on a platter. Prices were inexpensive. Sides from $4.95, entrees from $6.75 and platters with two vegetable options from $12.95.
Read morePros: excellent food, friendly staff, healthy
Guest
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