First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe image

First Cup | Ethiopian Restaurant & Cafe

Restaurant Ethiopian restaurant

Compact operation with a down-home ambiance offering a menu of classic African dishes. People often mention Ethiopian, experience, great, spicy, service, delicious, flavors,


Address

4432 N 19th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85015

Website

firstcuprestaurant.com

Contact

(602) 265-1049

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (376 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: 12:30 to 8 PM
  • Monday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Ethiopian (16) experience (9) great (9) spicy (9) service (7) delicious (6) flavors (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Elvia H. 2 years ago on Google
    My husband and I tried our First experience eating Authentic Ethiopian Food was very delicious and great customer service the lady server was friendly. The meal was so delicious and flavorful, we ordered ground beef and beef spicy meals with the veggie combo plate. The Injera bread was so good 🤤😊. They gave us big portions of food we needed to go boxes. Great place! Great service and Food 👍🏽😃
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samantha H. 2 years ago on Google
    If you're curious about Ethiopian food, definitely try this place. The food is fantastic! We ordered a the Veggie Combo (#6) and Awaze Tibs (#9) and it was more food than two people could finish. The food was made with great care and the flavors were complex and layered. One of those meals where you want to sit and really ponder the flavors of the food. I'll definitely return.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C F. 5 years ago on Google
    This was our FIRST Ethiopian food experience. It was exciting, vibrant, so tasty and flavorful! We were taught how to use the injera as the utensil (there are no forks or knives) and the service was top notch. We had the lamb that was tender and spicy, the Yetsom Beyaynetu was so colorful and tasty. My favorite was the yellow lentils with garlic. There was AMPLE injera available and the tang from the fermented tef (tortilla like crepe gluten-free bread) was a delightful compliment to the flavors and spiciness. We felt the warmth of the proprietors and the beautiful ethnicity of the food through their interactions with us. It was a beautiful, filling, flavorful, satisfying meal.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jessy M. 1 year ago on Google
    My husband has been wanting to try Ethopian food for forever. First Cup did not disappoint!! The flavors in every dish are amazing and layered. We got the #2 which is quite spicy (I LOVE spicy food), the #3 which was our favorite and the #14 which was great to try the veggies and another spicy beef dish. The service was great. Cute little place for a date night. We will be back!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ኢትዮጵያዊው 4 months ago on Google
    As a truck driver, I can fairly say I’ve been to many Ethiopian restaurants all over the US. probably this is the most yummy, mouthwatering and tasty Ethiopian dish ever. I had TIBS FIRFIR and LEGA TIBS. The service was also great. Love it. Thank you.❤️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayla N. 9 months ago on Google
    Ethiopian food my friend and I had at this place was so amazing. We got the veggie combo and I got the Yetibs firfir as well. Every single one of their dishes did not disappoint, and it was so flavorful in the and injera itself was so good as well. The portions were really huge and the price was on point for the quality and portion. The guy at the shop was super nice and sweet and everything was clean. The atmosphere inside is pretty simple and chill. Nothing fancy and it’s in a part of town that’s not necessarily the best but overall we still felt safe and if you’re looking for a fancy atmosphere this isn’t it, but the food is definitely worth it and I’ll be back!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mensur H. 6 months ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at First Cup, and it was an exceptional culinary experience. The vibrant and aromatic dishes, served on injera, a spongy flatbread, transported me to the heart of the country. The flavors were a delightful fusion of savory and spicy, with options to please both meat lovers and vegetarians.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abeal T. 6 months ago on Google
    My friend introduced to me to First Cup a few years back and I'm glad he did. As an Ethiopian myself, I'm always wondering how great each restaurant is in the Valley. As far as Ethiopian restaurants go, First Cup definitely ranks as one of the best. Ethiopian food is meant to be shared and ate together. As such, my friends and I ordered a huge plate of food with multiple entrees. From what I recall, we had Kikllile, Quanta firfir, and Dulet, Tibs, and Kitfo. Each had its unique flavor to it that will not disappoint. Being that it's customary to eat with your hands, Ethiopian food might not appeal to some but once you can get accustomed to it, you will open your taste buds to wonderful food. And if you're not a carnivore, they also have delicious vegetarian options that is sure to please. First Cup is an incredible restaurant and easily worth multiple visits either solo or with company.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Breauna M. 2 years ago on Google
    It is a small unassuming little place but don't judge a book by its cover. The food here was AMAZING!!! I have never been to Ethiopia but I am guessing this is as authentic as you can get. The spicy lamb dish was out of this world and their injera is nice. Our server was kind and beautiful with a genuine smile. She helped us decide what to order and we were not disappointed. Loved this experience, thank you!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J M. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing food and even better service! Took my folks and extended fam for their 1st Ethiopian food experience and it was great!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Liana P. 7 months ago on Google
    Pleasantly clean restaurant. I did not eat here yet but plan to eat next time I go here. I had a cappuccino the other day and it was the most amazing coffee I have ever had.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vanessa 1 year ago on Google
    It was our first time trying Ethiopian food. Wonderful experience. What a nice lady that helped us. Thank you so much!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lady R. 1 year ago on Google
    I decided I wanted to eat an Ethiopian meal for my birthday celebration. First Cup was recommended and it was the best recommendation ever. First, the decor and immaculately clean cafe was so warm and welcoming. I ordered a Latte that was better than Starbucks or Dutchman's. Any questions about the menu were quickly explained and they happily adjusted the receipe for my sister's sensitive palate. This place is truly one of the hidden dinning gems in Phoenix! It will not disappoint!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chris f. 7 months ago on Google
    I came stopped by just wanting some coffee and ended up getting a meal. i had a great experience. The staff was very friendly and the food was phenomenal. The portion size is great I could barely finish, and I eat a lot! Definitely will come back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Motmaach A. 1 year ago on Google
    The place is run by a very respectful family who put the needs of their clients first. The couple who own the business are very religious people and they conduct their business with pure hearts. I highly recommend anyone who wants to try authentic Ethiopian food in Arizona

  • 5/5 Alhasan O. 7 months ago on Google
    OMG I have you tried Ethiopian food in First cup restaurant? It’s really best food and delicious ever

  • 4/5 Collin B. 4 months ago on Google
    I liked a lot of the dishes but this food just wasn't my thing. Injera is too sour for me but the spices were delicious in everything I ate. I enjoyed trying it and the service was incredibly friendly and fast. They don't do free water here... You have to pay for a water bottle or bring your own. I find that to be odd especially in a state as hot as AZ. Food is spicy too so no choice but to be price gouged. It's on the more expensive side but if it's your thing, you get big portions. Fun to try, but it's a one time thing for me. I prefer Jamaican food or Thai if it's spicy food.

  • 5/5 Eternity H. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing food, authentic flavors, and a clean dining environment. The Restaurant offers a delightful experience with their delicious dishes and impeccable cleanliness. The staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable, and the ambiance is inviting. Highly recommended for an authentic Ethiopian dining experience.


Call (602) 265-1049 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Restaurants nearby

Last updated:
()