Arif Cafe

This place had such a great atmosphere and the woman who owns the restaurant was super kind and sweet. Felt like having dinner with family.

Danielle Williams

Real deal, delicious Ethiopian food in an authentic environment. We got the veggie combo plate and could not have been happier. Would recommend to anyone coming to Dallas and looking for good Ethiopian food. Couldn't have had a better experience, and the woman cooking and running the place was so nice!

Craig C. Backus

We recently found this cafe and the food was amazing! We have been in the hunt looking for authentic Ethiopian food and this tasted great. The chef asked us how hot we wanted it and we went with medium as the wife isn’t too keen on spicy food. This was her special birthday dinner and we all enjoyed it. There were no leftovers and we left completely satisfied. We had beef tibs and veggie combos and sambusas.

Kevin Woody

Feels like I’m at grandmas house away from grandmas house lol, food feeds your soul and the lady that run the place is welcoming and sweet! 10 out of 10

CR J

Phenomenal Ethiopian food that is authentic and extremely well made. Pleasure meeting the cook and owner who welcomed us into her restaurant and made sure our questions were answered. The menu is very short but appears there are endless possibilities in combinations which can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking to try something fresh, new, and delicious and don’t know what to order: try the veggie Combo platter with added lamb or beef (that’s how I say it). The lamb is the most popular meat option since it is made FRESH and typically sells out midday. The first time I went, it was sold out so of course I went a second time and it was so worth it if you like lamb meat. Seasoned to perfection and flavorful with every bite. The beef was also good, I am more than happy with either choice! The veggie combo platter comes with injera bread that you use to eat the various sides and meats. Actually all of the food sits on top of injera bread, soaking up the mix of flavors. There are also several rolled up injera breads to use as well. The best part is eating the bottom injera bread that has all the soaked in flavors. If you want extra bread to eat with the meal, she will provide at no extra cost. I’m not sure what all the sides that come with the combo plate are, but they were all good! Collard greens, cabbage, and various sauces that are all veggie and may be vegan friendly as well. For gluten-free: typically injera is gluten free if they use teff 100%, I wasn’t able to confirm that so please check with the owner! But otherwise I’d definitely say it’s easy to eat vegan and vegetarian here. Also- no free water or refillable drinks here. There is a cooler with drinks that you can purchase per item. Both times I’ve come (veggie combo with beef and then another time veggie combo with lamb) were priced just around $45 for two people and it was MORE THAN ENOUGH FOOD. I went with two different people and they both really enjoyed the food with me and spoke of how they each wanted to return. The place is in a small shopping strip near north park mall. The parking is pretty scarce but I’ve always managed to find a place to park due to people coming and going constantly at the various stores. Arif cafe is very small, with seating for no more than 20 people. The whole place is outdated with old furniture but I don’t mind it one bit because I know I am supporting local and really enjoy the atmosphere. Unforgettable food! Support local and give them a try! @CRJetc

Lauren Yost

This was our first time trying Ethiopian food and the owner was so nice! It’s this small place tucked away in a shopping center that you wouldn’t expect to have great food but it does! We let the owner know we have never eaten there and she suggested the veggie combo and the beef or lamb tibbs. We got lamb and veggies and it was delicious! It comes presented with a rolled type of wrap on the sides which you tear off and grab the fillings with (no utensils) and everything tasted amazing. I will be back!

Leslie Fletcher

Tiny little place, but you can tell the lady that runs it loves making food and serving. The flavors were amazing, and having never tried Ethiopian food before we asked for her suggestion on ordering. What she picked for us exceeded our expectations. 10/10 will def try again. Super affordable too! She doesn’t upcharge for her specialty but she absolutely could because it was that good.

Bret Cantwell

Arif is a hole in the wall and my ratings and reviews are in that context. After seeing it on Google I wanted to go and drove into Dallas to try it out. It's a little hard to find as the entry doesn't face eastbound Park Lane, but well worth the trip. The dining area is small and functional. Tables are equipped with a napkin dispenser which will come in handy for any injira based dish. I ordered the veggie combo and it was amazing. Each component was tasty with just the right amount of savory or spicy. I ran out of injira and the owner brought me some more. The compact size of this establishment allows for more attentive service. Arif is an off the beaten path Ethiopian eatery that is well worth checking out.

Susan Bin

Hole-in-the-wall, supremely authentic, and run by a very sweet and welcoming woman. After passing by an upscale Ethiopian restaurant in San Francisco, finally having Ethiopian food has been a thought rattling in the back of my head for a while. Finally had a chance during a pit stop at the Half-Price Books nearby. Had the beef & veggie combo tibbs, the sambusa, and the pasty. The meat had a spicy level option, and we went for the max. The tibbs are obviously the star of the show, but the sambusas were nice and fresh, too! Finally got the Ethiopian experience I had been waiting for!

Addis Gonte

Another amazing experience at Arif Cafe today! It was the perfect place to have our small private graduation dinner. The customer service and food was excellent.

Yasa M

The best Ethiopian place I’ve been to. Taste just like home and amazing service. Very respectful & loving. Will definitely visit again.

Tyler Epps

This place had such a great atmosphere and the woman who owns the restaurant was super kind and sweet. Felt like having dinner with family.

James Pike

Flavorful, authentic food and friendly people. We travel to Dallas infrequently (from Florida), but whenever possible we go out of our way to stop at Arif Cafe. The inside is simple and humble, but the service is so warm and the food, most recently beef tips with veggies and honey wine, its just amazing. So thankful for this place!

Food was incredible. I ordered the half veggie, half meat, spicy. Am tempted to come back again for dinner. If you like an authentic vibe and perfect flavors, just go.

Full disclosure I have never had Ethiopian food before but I was in the neighborhood for a professional development class and my friend recommended this place. We get the beef tibs to share and it was spectacular. The flavors and textures of the vegetables and meat were wonderful and the injera was so light and fluffy. The chef even gave my friend some extra seasoning for her half of the dish because she likes things a little spicier than I do. Great service and wonderful food. I will surely be back!

Food was wonderful, but what really made my experience was the owner. She was so kind to me and made sure I enjoyed my food, and also introduced my to new ones. Happy to be a new, and now returning, customer!

As a boy I lived in Ethiopia… So when we visit my daughter I take one of my grandsons here. It’s a little far for us but it’s worth it. The lady who serves us has served us for years! She is so sweet and kind! This time I shared with her photos of eating here from when my grandson was around 9… 13… And 17, this time! We will keep coming back, God willing!! (it’s a very small restaurant in Vickery… But that adds to the atmosphere… Reminded me of Ethiopia)

Great customer service and great food. Fresh, flavorful and large serving. This is the best honey wine I've had inside and outside of Ethiopia.

vivian cao

Food was wonderful, but what really made my experience was the owner. She was so kind to me and made sure I enjoyed my food, and also introduced my to new ones. Happy to be a new, and now returning, customer!

Felicia English

Full disclosure I have never had Ethiopian food before but I was in the neighborhood for a professional development class and my friend recommended this place. We get the beef tibs to share and it was spectacular. The flavors and textures of the vegetables and meat were wonderful and the injera was so light and fluffy. The chef even gave my friend some extra seasoning for her half of the dish because she likes things a little spicier than I do. Great service and wonderful food. I will surely be back!

Glen

As a boy I lived in Ethiopia… So when we visit my daughter I take one of my grandsons here. It’s a little far for us but it’s worth it. The lady who serves us has served us for years! She is so sweet and kind! This time I shared with her photos of eating here from when my grandson was around 9… 13… And 17, this time! We will keep coming back, God willing!! (it’s a very small restaurant in Vickery… But that adds to the atmosphere… Reminded me of Ethiopia)

Alexander Stevenson

Food was incredible. I ordered the half veggie, half meat, spicy. Am tempted to come back again for dinner. If you like an authentic vibe and perfect flavors, just go.

Popped in for dinner and liked that my food came quickly unlike some Ethiopian restaurants. It is very small inside with only 4 tables and some counter space, not much ambiance or privacy if that is what you are looking for. I had the vegetarian platter and the food did not disappoint. Everything was fresh and tasty. The price is on point for the serving size. The lady who prepares your food also takes your order and she was very sweet.

I went for lunch on a Sunday at 1:00pm. It’s a discreet location tucked in a small shopping area. The place was empty, and you seat yourself. There’s no menu, we just told her what we wanted. We’ve been to a couple places before and usually order the veggie combo and one or two meet portions. The lady recommended the beef tibs. Customer service wasn’t very communicative at first, but the food came out quickly and was delicious. The beef tibs were some of the best I’ve had and the veggies were also very gods especially the lentils. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

In a humble strip mall, you'll find a hearty owner, soothing music - and excellent Ethiopian-Eritrean cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

Alissa Christine

Popped in for dinner and liked that my food came quickly unlike some Ethiopian restaurants. It is very small inside with only 4 tables and some counter space, not much ambiance or privacy if that is what you are looking for. I had the vegetarian platter and the food did not disappoint. Everything was fresh and tasty. The price is on point for the serving size. The lady who prepares your food also takes your order and she was very sweet.

Kyle Adam

I went for lunch on a Sunday at 1:00pm. It’s a discreet location tucked in a small shopping area. The place was empty, and you seat yourself. There’s no menu, we just told her what we wanted. We’ve been to a couple places before and usually order the veggie combo and one or two meet portions. The lady recommended the beef tibs. Customer service wasn’t very communicative at first, but the food came out quickly and was delicious. The beef tibs were some of the best I’ve had and the veggies were also very gods especially the lentils. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

Viale M

In a humble strip mall, you'll find a hearty owner, soothing music - and excellent Ethiopian-Eritrean cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan choices.

If you ever or never have tried Ethiopian food, you are missing out! This is a great 1st experience for traditional family style meal! Wonderful prices and amazing staff! Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your taste buds! 👌 It was a little warm inside the restaurant but not uncomfortable, clean space! Highly recommend.

Ariel Roxanne Case

If you ever or never have tried Ethiopian food, you are missing out! This is a great 1st experience for traditional family style meal! Wonderful prices and amazing staff! Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your taste buds! 👌 It was a little warm inside the restaurant but not uncomfortable, clean space! Highly recommend.