Cafe Lalibela Ethiopian Cuisine was founded in 1996 at the corner of 19th Ave and Dunlap in Phoenix, AZ. In its early days, the restaurant was a labor of love created by nine close friends and family members. In 1997, Café Lalibela moved to Tempe, AZ, where it remains a beloved local establishment.

At the heart of Café Lalibela’s story is Ms. Atsade Desta, an Ethiopian immigrant and dedicated mother of four. From the very beginning, Atsade played a crucial role in Cafe Lalibela’s success, responsible for the cooking and preparation of all spices—a vital aspect of Ethiopian cuisine. As one of the original founders, she poured her heart and soul into the restaurant, often working long hours to provide for her children and her customers. Her guiding principle has always been, “You can never cook and feed a stranger if you are not willing to feed them as if they were your own children.”

Even as some of the original members pursued further education and careers—as a lawyer, university teacher, and computer programmer—their love for Cafe Lalibela and their immigrant journey in the United States remained deeply rooted in the restaurant mission. While they explored new opportunities, Atsade continued to focus her efforts on expanding Cafe Lalibela, ensuring it remained a cornerstone of Ethiopian cuisine in Arizona.

Cafe Lalibela proudly holds the distinction of being the first Ethiopian/African restaurant in Arizona. Over the years, under Atsade’s leadership, the restaurant has grown significantly. In 2014, Café Lalibela partnered with mainstream markets to bring its unique Ethiopian flavors to a wider audience. This growth was further recognized in 2019 when the founder and management team of Whole Foods Market sampled the café’s offerings, leading to an invitation to expand into the California, Nevada & Hawaii market.

Under Atsade Desta’s steadfast leadership, Cafe Lalibela continues to serve some of the best Ethiopian food in the Valley and is on its way to becoming a celebrated superfood brand in the United States and beyond.

Cafe Lalibela has received several awards and recognition for its outstanding Ethiopian cuisine. It has been featured in publications like Phoenix New Times, which named it the “Best Ethiopian Eatery,” and it has been praised by AZ Central and Phoenix Magazine for its authentic and flavorful dishes. The restaurant is also well-regarded for its vegan options and commitment to quality ingredients, earning it a loyal customer base and acclaim as a top dining destination in the Phoenix area

Café Lalibela’s reputation for quality has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, it was honored with a Double Gold Medal at the Devour Culinary Classic, recognizing its exceptional contributions to the culinary arts. other praises from local media outlets for its delicious vegan options and authentic Ethiopian flavors.