Cafe Desta

We finally got to try this little gem of a restaurant located in 5 points Tucson. Parking wasn't too bad, found a spot just down the street. Service was on point, we got a table right away and our server was very friendly and happy to answer our questions. The restaurant was nice and homey feel, music wasn't too loud and even though it got a bit busy we were still served rather quickly.The food! We each decided to get the lunch special which allows you to pick from the many options of meat dishes or vegan. So we picked different ones and got to sample each other's dishes. We loved everything we picked! The bread or rice are great options. The meat was very tasty and tender. We loved the cheese and the different vegan options. Oh and the Ethiopian Latte - was amazing, I can still taste its goodness!This place is a winner! We will be back! For sure!

UPDATE 23-JAN-2025:We've eaten here a couple dozen times since moving to Tucson in 2023, and never had a bad meal. Until last night. We ordered our go-to Combo for Two ($32.00, up from the $30.00 it cost in 2023). And when it came to the table it looked like it usually does. But it sure didn't taste the same. Our chosen five dishes and the Injera were all really bland. And the large piece of Injera it was all piled on was doughy and undercooked as well as bland. I'm hoping someone from Cafe Desta will respond and explain what went wrong last night, and why it won't happen again. Otherwise we'll have to go to Zenman's the next time we want Ethiopian food. :( ORIGINAL REVIEW:We love Cafe Desta. The food quality. The prices and portions. The friendly and attentive service. The atmosphere and locale. BYOB with no corkage fee. It's everything we look for in a casual non-American eatery.

Good is an understatement. Food was excellent, service was quick and friendly. Always come back when in Tucson. Cold lentils, spicy beef and lamb are top choices.

Everything tasted amazing! Even though they were busy, food was coming out quickly. The manager / owner was out helping the server. Coffee was strong with a little sweet. Every item on my combo plate was amazing. Definitely worth going

Cafe Desta is always a delicious experience. I've come with family and friends and always opt for a combo plate or the works. Each dish is flavorful and hearty. I love them all! The injera is bouncy and fresh. I enjoy mixing several entrees together with a piece of injera to get a bite that combines all the delicious spices and textures. The service is friendly, and the dining room is intimate and bright. I would love to come back to try the coffee soon!

This was my first introduction to Ethiopian food, and it was a great experience! My two dining companions and I shared a platter with a variety of meat and veggie choices, and everything was delicious and filling. I can't wait to take other people here to try more items

Always delicious options here! I went with vegans, and we tried most of the veggie options. Highly recommend the fish and the chicken or beef ribs if you eat meat, too! Service was fairly quick, and meal is affordable!

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 :)

I ate here Friday and was pleased and super full by the end. There was only 1 other table upon my friend and I getting there. We were told to pick a table and then we were brought menus. We both got lunch specials which allowed you to get 3 choices along with rice or injera. I chose rice. All 3 meat choices were good and I'm happy to say that spicy lamb one did have a bit of spice, but was not too much. The restaurant is on the corner of the 5 points area right by the 5 points restaurant. I missed driving and parking .All in all I would return.

It's been 10 years since I've been back and it was just as tasty! Definitely hit the spot. Quiet restaurant and fast service. Ordered 2 lunch specials and it was plenty of food. Would definitely return.