Kare Ethiopian Restaurant

I'm a huge fan of Ethiopian food and have tried it everywhere I've lived in the US and abroad, when it's been available. This place is so far my favorite in the Phoenix area! We tried the vegetarian/vegan combo and foul, as well as the lentil sambusas. Everything was incredible, service was very friendly and welcoming, and we loved the decoration and music. Whether you love Ethiopian food and are craving shiro wot and zilzil tibs, or this is your first time, you owe it to yourself to try Kare!

The lady who served is was such an amazing soul. From preparing the food for us to telling us what everything was! She was so sweet and made sure we loved everything! And told us about the buffet they do as well! Definitely will be back!

Kare has the best Ethiopian food in the valley hands down. I love how chill the atmosphere inside with Ethiopian customers chatting and watching Ethiopian music videos. First I ordered meat sambusas. They are super crispy and the filling is delicious. The sauce is very spicy but delicious. We got the meat & vegetable combo and it was delicious. I love meat but the veggies were super good. Finally I got the traditional Ethiopian coffee and that was so earthy and delicious. It comes with a burning frankincense you can smell while drinking the coffee. We hung out there for a while after dinner and had a few glasses of Ethiopian wine. They also sell spices and coffee products I feel like I must return and buy some Berbere spices.

My friends and I had such a wonderful time here tonight. The atmosphere was relaxed, the service was great, and the food was delicious. We all enjoyed the coffee, meat and veggie combo and red wine tremendously. Absolutely recommend this establishment.

Kare is the real deal. The taste of love is in every morsel that exits the kitchen. My wife and I have been here numerous times now and it has always been consistently fantastic. The Ethiopian coffee set definitely creates an experience and enhances things beautifully before the main course is served. Both meat and veggie options are absolutely phenomenal. We have never left feeling anything other than completely stuffed and immensely satisfied. Enjoy!

We loved Kare! The owners were so warm and made us feel right at home. Every bite was flavorful and made with so much care. Highly recommend!

My absolute favorite Ethiopian spot in AZ. The food never misses and the owner is an absolute delight. If you have a chance to come here, do it! Your stomach will thank you later 🤏🏼🤏🏼🤏🏼

This is by far our favorite Ethiopian Restaurant.The flavors are incredible and the people who own it are so kind! This is the best in the valley no question.

I have eaten at Ethiopian restaurants from Boston to LA, and a lot of places in between. This is the best of them all. The food is perfection, the owners and staff are wonderful. The room is not fancy, but the atmosphere is laid back and friendly as can be. There are spices and spice mixtures for sale here too. I drive 100 miles each way from Tucson to eat here and take more food home. I have never done anything like that before. It's just that good.

I feel like this place is an absolute hidden gem! The food here is amazing. We had the vegan platter and some other dishes and finished off with a coffee ceremony. I honestly felt so satisfied and the owners are so kind. Don't let the location fool you, this place is amazing!!! The price was amazing, I was blown away by how affordable it was. I will be back soon for more!

We've wanted to try Ethiopian food for quite some time, and this place had some really good write ups, so let's give it a shot. The restaurant is not much to speak of as you pull up, but inside, it's clean, neat, well organized, and very pleasant. We were seated promptly. Other diners were a mix of US and Africans. We ordered the Ethiopian beer and it was pretty good. Since we had no idea what to order, we went with the meat combo for 3. I understand the protocols of eating without utensils or plates and that was not a problem. Overall, we found the food very flavorful and highly seasoned and quite filling. Alas, in truth, it's not our taste. But if you are an Ethiopian food fan, give it a try.

The food!! GO! Now!! I literally texted my friends, a picture of my dinner, and said buy your plane ticket. Don't be scared off by the outside. It's got a parking lot and once you get through the front door, you are transformed into a welcoming space. They offer beer wine, and it looks like hard liquor. I don't drink, but I had a lovely pot of hot cinnamon tea. The food was spectacular. Everything I had was delicious. Just go you won't be disappointed.

For the vegan sampler and it was so good. A little bit spicy but worth it! The restaurant has a nice ambiance. The service was good as well and very pleasant server. I definitely recommend!

Would not honor their coupons. She said the publisher of the coupon was not authorized to create it. She should have honored it.

Excited to try a new gluten free Ethiopian restaurant!? Well lucky for you, before you make a 30 min drive to a spot that's on the gluten free list, and their website advertises gluten free injera. They do not have it. I came by, no, you have to call. I called twice, no, we don't have gluten free injera. Take it off your website and save us the drive!! Jeez

I came when they first opened up for the day. As I entered there was a smoke screen of incense smoke all throughout. One of the owners quickly noticed and started opening up door for fresh air. I did not mind the incense as I do burn them myself but it was just a little much. The owners are super nice and accommodating. The food is good. I think I may have selected the wrong item for me personally. I ordered beef (don't remember the official name). Not my first but a first at this spot. I will definitely be back. It was a fun experience.

You know this is long and prolonged, like seriously I don't know why I haven't done this sooner. Kare Ethiopian restaurant is the best Ethiopian restaurant in Arizona. Hands down, I've been to all of them in Arizona and this place takes the lead. Things I love, Beautiful humble owners Amazing diverse food Beautiful scenery of culture An environment of openness and love Clean bathrooms The owners have been doing they're best to keep their business afloat and so I would highly insist on everyone in coming and trying they're beautiful food Btw the owners are willing to walk you through the whole menu if needed

I ordered to go and the bag must have weighed 10lbs! The lady on the phone was very nice and asked how long it would take me to get there so that she can prepare the special kitfo fresh. The beg tibbs was very tender and delicious. The portions for veggie combo, kitfo and tibbs were generous and tasty. I wish they were a little more spiced but you have to consider location and their customer type, so a little authenticity is lost so as not to scare off people who are not used to seasoned foods. Next time I'm in the area I will be dining in.

Went here for my friends birthday because she loves Ethiopian food and neither myself nor our other friends had ever tried it before. I could not say enough amazing things about this place. Our server was the sweetest woman who told us stories about the food while we ordered. We got both types of sambusas and they were honestly my favorite thing, served with this spicy chimichurri sauce 10/10. We also ordered the meat and vegan plate for the three of us. When it arrived it was so beautiful and smelled incredible. It's served traditionally with injera and everything was so flavorful. Our server was so nice to not mix our meat and vegan sides as well since the birthday girl doesn't eat meat. If you're looking for great food, and an even better experience by this beautiful family look no further.

This place is out of this world. The flavors are incredible and everything you taste takes you to flavor town. The service is excellent, very friendly and make you feel at home. The entire place has a calming ambiance. It feels like you're eating a lovely dinner at home. Will be back! Don't miss this spot!

We needed new great Ethiopian restaurants to introduce us to more variety. We were surprised to discover Kare opened a yea ago Jan 2023. The service was fantastic! The food was excellent.

Kare does an exceptional job at providing high quality meals while also doubling up as a bar and place for social functions. You'll have a great time trying out their delicious meat and/or veggie entrees!

What an absolute gem!! The food is beyond AMAZING! I kid you not. If you're ready for a food adventure-let the good people of Kare transport you. The flavors explode in your mouth. While it is not a vegan restaurant, It was one of the best vegan meals I have had in Phoenix. The textures are pillowy and inviting, calling you to eat more even though you may be full. The outside of the restaurant may be off putting but the inside is bright and inviting. When we got here they were having an Ethiopian Coffee ceremony. I only wish we drank coffee. Please spread the news. This place deserves to thrive.

This place was SO good. I think it's the best Ethiopian food in Phoenix. I can't wait to go back.

Incredibly welcoming, friendly, and clean establishment. The 3-person vegan combo and lentil veggie sambusa were excellently flavored. The sambusa wrapper was perfectly crispy and flaky on the outside, while warm and fluffy on the inside. There was just enough hot spice to bring you to life. The indoor Ethiopian decor is colorful and inviting. The restaurant is kid friendly with high chairs available. Highly recommend!

The best Ethiopian food I have had in Phoenix. Served in the traditional way - the meals are fresh and full of flavor. The spices are perfectly blended to make every dish as it should be. The atmosphere is clean and welcoming - you can feel the authenticity of the staff, the decor, the music - it's a 360 degree experience. Prices are very reasonable. I will be back - it's my new go to for Ethiopian food and wine!!!!

Delicious Ethiopian food served right here at Care Restaurant. I'm Ethiopian and the food tasted like home cooked meal. I hope they will remain consistently good.

Kare Ethiopian restaurant was a delightfully surprised us with a beautiful indoor area decorated with native pieces and and even an area dedicated to their coffee ceremony that usually happens on weekends (we need to go back for that!). The entrance is a bit easy to miss, but please don't miss on this restaurant! We ordered the veg sampler and nonveg sampler plates and both were delicious. The nonveg had some beef options that we usually don't find in other Ethiopian restaurants. The veg platter was just as good, with an only minor complaint that the rice felt out of place... The injera was a little more on the tangier side, but each place has its own fermenting times. It was really good nonetheless. If you love Ethiopian food, please don't hesitate to try this new gem!

Best Ethiopian food ever. It's my first time trying Ethiopian food and must I say ... it's the best . I got the vegan combo good for two people . The flavors where out of this world! The environment is very traditional too ! (That how you know the good is going to be smack) 10-10 highly recommend!!!!

I love Kare Ethiopian restaurant and their service is great. I had the meat combo for 1 person and the sambussas and it was a perfect amount for me and another person. Ambiance was pretty and restaurant was clean. Tea was served in beautiful cup. Thank you Kare Ethiopian

The food is delicious the hospitality is amazing the ambience feels like I am visiting their country. I eat here 3 times a week.

Spotted this place while driving to Old Town Scottsdale and stopped for impromptu lunch. I would highly recommend! We shared sambussas and a meat/veg dish for three. My ten year old is already asking when we can go back. Everyone was very friendly and accommodating. Will definitely come back.

Kare was an absolute delight. It was my first time exploring Ethiopian cuisine. The restaurant was spotless and quiet. The service provided was impeccable. Please do yourself a favor and make sure to order the Doro Wat - I'm still craving it. Looking forward to my next visit. 5/5 stars.

What a very neat restaurant to experience. The tea was beautiful in taste. As a starter we ordered sambussa for a starter. We got the meat and vegan combination plate for serving of 3. Food was so delicious. Recommend trying this place. Very good service. The lady was super sweet the price is very good.

Very authentic! You know when people say the "hole in the wall" places are the best, well it's true! Don't let the location or building appearance scare you. It used to be a dive bar and one you probably would not have patronized at that! My sister and I went just before noon on a Thursday and we were the only customers which would usually have me a bit concerned but after being warmly greeted by the owner, we decided to stay and try the food. The inside is modestly decorated with Ethiopian artwork and baskets and the restrooms were very clean which is also a great sign. We ordered the hot honey, ginger and lemon tea which came in a glass pot with lemon wedges and organic honey on the tray. It was intensely gingery which was so good! We knew we wanted the Vegan Combo platter as neither of us eat meat. The menu said it's a shared meal platter but handwritten on it said for 1 person for $16. A little confusing as the next option showed the vegan combo for 3 people for $37 which the owner pointed to. Not sure why we didn't each order 1 platter each but oh well! The owner's wife who cooks everything brought it out. We definitely had way too much food but that said, it was deliciously spicy and flavorful. If you've never tried Ethiopian food, you traditionally don't use utensils. Just tear off a piece of the rolled up spongy Injera bread and scoop up your food. It's a bit messy but oh so good. They did bring forks which we used when the injera the food is also served on got a little soft. After being sufficiently stuffed and ready to leave, the owner's wife showed us the start of the traditional Ethiopian coffee making ceremony which takes place next to the door. She had incense burning and a small saucepan of green coffee beans that she started roasting on a small gas burner. She explained that any time anyone orders coffee, even if just one person, she goes through this same process each time. I only wish we had ordered and stayed for this coffee experience. I am sure it's fantastic. Next time for sure. I love supporting small hardworking businesses like this. They've been open just over a year and I wish them much success. The food and hospitality are right up there

Just wow. Delicious. The injera (Ethiopian flat bread) is the best. One of those meals that made me sad when I was finished! Really friendly and accommodating.

We were visiting from out of town and enjoy Ethiopian food. This gem is above and beyond worth the visit. The service is personal and doting. The food is amazing, and the ambiance and decore is spot-on. We will be back when we come through Phoenix again. Try the Ethiopian beer and the vegan menu options. We are vegetarian and thoroughly enjoyed the unique flavors. We ordered food to go because it was so delicious. Mesay, the owner & cook treated us like family.

We ordered carry out of meat and vegan combo; one of their most popular dish. They packed all that food in one container which was cramped and our food was squashed and packed down. They need to learn "one eats with his eyes first" and it would've been much better if they used multiple containers. With all that squashed and packed food, I immediately lost appetite. Their injera bread was much sour than I had in Washington DC area. Overall not so good experience.

Delicious vegan friendly restaurant with delicious unique flavors. Will be coming back!

Food is spicy but good and the owners/servers are really nice and have unique Ethiopian dishes and events with a nice atmosphere. Will come back to try the coffee ceremony there is a cute little area where they serve Ethiopian coffee

Amazing food, amazing coffee! We will be back over and over. Service was great, tons of options!

The food is always awesome. Specially, the vegetarian options and the Curry. Fresh, authentic dishes with a warm hospitality service. Such a welcoming environment for the Ethiopian Christmas, restaurant culture is very welcoming the owner invited us to coffee ceremony for the holiday - Melkum Gena.

Delicious! Authentic! This place is a treasure; A complete sensory experience with amazing food, cool ambiance and wafting incense!

Excellent highly recommend! Great food, friendly owners, love the beer. Def check it out!

Very warm and inviting atmosphere. The food was fresh and delicious. The people there are friendly. I was even invited to their new year celebration later that day. We will be back.

The service was fast even though there was only one server and a few tables of people. It was our first time eating Ethiopian food so tried the vegan sampler. All the items were good but not sure what they all were as our server spoke broken English. One item was Lentels, another was yellow split beans (seemed like Garbanzos), something like Collard Greens, Pickled Beets? and there was a red/orange mixture that was slightly too spicy for me. A big draw back was that they didn't seem to have utemails. So it appeared that you have to pick up the food with a piece of the big pancake that everything was served on. I felt like I was getting full on the pancake and ended up eating the other food with my fingers. Not something that I'm used to. I liked the flavors and would try Ethiopian again if I can get a fork.

The food was amazing! Best Ethiopian I've ever had. The location was in kinda a weird spot, but don't let that stop you. The food is worth it!

Welcome to a great dinner in Addis Ababa. Simple decor, lovely people providing adequate service and excellent classic Ethiopian food as prepared in the small kitchen by the single cook. The couple serving and cooking in the restaurant were charming and attentive enough. The combination meat and vegan platter is highly recommended. Be aware that no fish dishes are in the menu. A great place to get your Ethiopian Fox anytime you're in the vicinity of Sky Harbor Airport. We will return with regularity.

The BEST Ethiopian food in AZ. Friendly service and the owner came out to welcome us and checked on us several time. So nice!

Excellent food! Restaurant is comfortable. Love the culture and food. Bonus, they have beer and drinks too!

This place is a gem and I'd definitely recommend giving it a try. The owner was so kind. Great service even though the place was pretty busy and he was by himself. The food was delicious.

When you walk into to the place it's pretty empty which is nice (the food seems to come out faster). The ambiance of the place is nice, clean, and open. The service there is good as well, they are kind and well mannered. The food is good, I like to add a tiny bit of salt and the berbere to some of the entrees.

They are so kind & welcoming, the atmosphere is very chill & the food is AMAZING!!! 100% recommend! Bring your friends and order a lot for family style, you wanna try it all!

Absolutely incredible food and owners! The food is so delicious and the owners are such kind and amazing people. I went for my birthday and I deeply thank the owners for making it one of the most special birthdays. They are so friendly and welcoming, you'll feel like you're a part of the family while experiencing Ethiopia's beautiful culture and food. I highly highly recommend.

No need to wait for Thanksgiving for a food coma. Just found another great ethopian restaurant. Ordered the vegan platter and it did not disappoint. The beets were amazing. Will for sure be going back.

The best Ethiopian food. Everything was fresh and authentic. The service was amazing, the staff is so welcoming! The ambiance was lovely. Cant wait to come back. 10/10 recommend.

Location is close to the airport. Went to a late lunch. My mother and I received the most courteous and prompt service. We had many questions regarding the dishes. Our server was patient and kind while we decided what to order. We shared the Vegan combination plate, shared meat and vegan starter. Everything was delicious! Restaurant has amazing feel and clean. Food presentation was beautiful! Will be back!

Food is incredible and service is wonderful! Got the meat and vegan combos, lots of different flavors and textures. Just be ready to eat.