Arif cafe

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The whole place is outdated with old furniture but I don’t mind it one bit because I know I am supporting local and really enjoy the atmosphere.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

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.

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.