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.
Categories: Lacto, Take-out, Ethiopian, African, Non-veg
8 Reviews
First Review by ranwe
Contributions +40
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.
Pros: clearly marked vegan options, delicious and healthful
Contributions +118
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.
Pros: Clearly marked vegan items on menu, Several vegan dishes , Friendly helpful service
Contributions +22
Delicious cultural experience in Tucson - Edit
Very yummy and very easy to order vegan here.
Pros: Vegan options on the menu
Cons: none
Contributions +223
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.
But!!! 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
Contributions +76
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.
Next door is the restaurant 5 Points, which was originally started by the same people and has an awesome vegan breakfast.
Contributions +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!
Pros: Great food, Nice atmosphere, Good drinks
Cons: Location, No vegan deserts, No vegan milky coffee options
Contributions +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!
Pros: yummy, great selection
Contributions +20
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.
Pros: excellent food, friendly staff, healthy
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