Welcome to Cafe Desta
Cafe Desta, located in Tucson, AZ, is a delightful culinary gem specializing in Ethiopian cuisine. With a menu that seamlessly blends flavors, patrons can enjoy vibrant dishes like their House Salad, hearty Shorba Vegan soup, and an array of meat and vegan entrees served with traditional Injera. Reviewers praise the restaurant for its reasonable prices and welcoming atmosphere, making dining here a delightful experience. Vegan offerings stand out, with many guests remarking on their rich taste and satisfying textures. The exceptional customer service adds to the overall enjoyment, inviting diners to explore the diverse and flavorful selections at Cafe Desta.
- 758 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States758 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, United States Hotline: +1 520-370-7000
Nestled in the heart of Tucson at 758 S Stone Ave, Cafe Desta is an enchanting eatery that brings the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine to life. If you're looking for an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, this café will exceed your expectations. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee fills the air, setting the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure.
Cafe Desta's coffee menu is a standout feature, showcasing expertly sourced Ethiopian coffee beans. Whether you opt for the robust Black Eye ($3.95) or the velvety Ethio Latte ($4.75), each cup promises to deliver a taste experience that warms the soul. Their diverse offering also includes classics such as espresso and Americanos, catering to every coffee aficionado.
One of the highlights of dining at Cafe Desta is their specialty dishes, particularly the Lamb Tibs and Beef Tibs. Both dishes are expertly pan-seared in kibe and infused with vibrant flavors from awaze onions, jalapenos, and fresh rosemary. The succulent lamb or beef is served alongside a refreshing salad and traditional Fosolia for $21 and $20 respectively. Such dishes exemplify authentic Ethiopian culinary techniques that captivate the palate.
For those leaning towards a plant-based diet, the vegan entrée selection offers a plethora of delightful options. Priced at just $13.50, these dishes are not only nourishing but also bursting with flavor. Patrons rave about their experiences, with one customer noting that the lentils taste so delightful they could easily convert anyone to vegetarianism.
Customer reviews echo a common theme of satisfaction—from the deliciousness of the food to the friendly service. Victoria Kabakian's experience reflects the café's generous portion sizes, especially with the "works" platter that caters to both vegan and meat lovers. Meanwhile, Liz L was thoroughly impressed by the atmosphere and the incredible desserts, highlighting the perfect balance of flavor in the whipped cream.
The overall ambiance of Cafe Desta exudes a cozy feel, making it an ideal spot to unwind, whether you're dining solo or with a group. As Werner MB aptly puts it, the combination of delightful food and attentive service creates a truly memorable experience. And if you're new to Ethiopian cuisine, Kristina Cross offers a relatable sentiment of joy and satisfaction upon trying her recommended dishes, even describing the medium spice level as perfectly exhilarating.
Cafe Desta isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination that invites you to savor delicious and vibrant culinary creations. Whether you're a lifelong fan of Ethiopian food or a curious newcomer, this café should undoubtedly be on your culinary radar. Plus, the convenience of reaching them at +1 520-370-7000 makes indulging in their exquisite offerings even easier. Discover the taste of Ethiopia, right here in Tucson!

Food was delicious and really reasonably priced. We got "the works" which includes all the vegan and meat dishes along with salad and injera. It was more than enough for the four of us (we couldn't finish it all). Service was friendly and quick. We arrived rather early around 5pm and the restaurant was fairly quiet but it picked up and got busier as time went on. Definitely recommend :)

absolutely loved it here! the food was tasty and flavorful, and the environment is so comfortable and relaxing. the vegan signature plate was good so i’m excited to try the meat options my next visit. the dessert was absolutely INCREDIBLE one of the best desserts i have ever had. the whipped cream was perfectly light and not too sweet, but still rich and flavorful. service was amazing as well!

It was a wonderful experience. The food was such a flavorite. I'm happy, so is my wife. delightful with the service and the fool, wow

This was AMAZING!! I’ve never had Ethiopian food before but wanted something that looked healthier than my typical. Mango drink was delicious. I ordered the plate for 2 with my choices being #1,2,5,10 and 11. I would recommend each of these. The lentils and chicken are a medium spice level that did have my nose running but that’s perfect for me.

It's easy to go vegetarian when the lentils taste this good. Fresh quick healthy what's not to like. The meat options are equally as tasty. Recommend

The food was delicious. We had a party of 4 and didn't know how to articulate the combo of items we wanted and our server kindly and accurately interpreted what we wanted. And it was a much more affordable route than our original plan.

Love this place! Ordered the individual veggie combination for take out. In town visiting for the weekend and passed this spot on the way to the hotel. So glad I stopped and will definitely return on my next visit.

This is an awesome place to eat. The food is great, always very tasty. The music is just the right volume so I can stop here and do some work while I'm eating. The waitress, Sham, is always very friendly and so professional. Always such a pleasant experience!