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    International Cafe

    4.5 (74 reviews)
    Open 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Order International Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    International Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    INTERNATIONAL CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - International Cafe

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    So I was a Creighton student when I found this place in my sophomore year and I wish I frequented it more before I graduated in 2024. Yes, the prices are high when you look at them, but you also get a fck ton of food that's good for 2 meals, so a plate of injera with doro wat or goat or whatever for $17 isn't bad at all. I've only ever gotten take out, not sit down, but the time it takes to order is on the longer side. Still I don't think the food prep time being long is enough to knock off a star. Ambiance is whatever, just your normal small owned restaurant vibe. Not sure if the owners are Ethiopian (I'm sure they are) but either way the food is good so I can't complain.

    The entrance on 24th and Farnam
    Jen M.

    This is easily one of my favorite restaurants in Omaha. I am glad to see that other reviewers love it as well. This is fantastic Ethiopian food. I have eaten here dozens of times over the past 15 years or so. The vegetarian injera platter is amazing! The meat entrees are great too, but keep in mind that the goat and lamb is chopped bone-in and might not be what you're accustomed to. Injera is amazing, it's a soft pancake made from teff, you tear it and use it to eat with. Utensils are provided if you want to use them. There isn't anything else that tastes like this, it is SO GOOD. My husband always gets the chicken gyro plate, which is rice, chicken meat, gyro meat, sauce, and salad. The rice is delicious, with a gentle, aromatic spice. The hot tea is similar to a chai, there's not milk in it but that's made up with a ton of sugar. I love it. The decor and signage - well, it's perfect for here. It might seem run down. It's fine. Once you get the food you will only be looking at your food. Portions are huge. TIP: the injera is a high-histamine food, like a lot of restaurant food is. I have to take a Benadryl after eating this (and other kinds of) food. Otherwise, sometimes I will have a headache, itch, stomachache if my overall histamine load is high. I'm pointing it out because a lot of the time when people go out to eat, they have a stomachache later and think it might have been something wrong with the food. I think this is why Chinese restaurants were criticized. It's not the food. Look up "histamine intolerance" for more info. There is a chess club/tournament that meets here on Thursdays and Saturdays. They seemed very welcoming. They enthusiastically invited me to join them but I don't play chess. Check out RCTO.us for more info. Parking is not great. There are meters out front, but there is free parking on the west side of the building, there is usually space available. You can enter through the door there as well.

    Rice with Goat Plate

    The food was decent. The salad looks really old, I personally did not like the red sauces, the should've put it in a little cup so people can decide wether or not to put it on the rice. The meat was cooked really well, very tender, the rice was decent.

    Rice with Lamb Plate
    Candy B.

    This hole-in-the-wall is an absolute gem for authentic, home-cooked Ethiopian meals. I was greeted the moment I walked in. I had some questions and the woman working the cashier was very friendly and helpful! I ordered the Lamb Rice plate and it was delicious! Real lamb, cooked and seasoned very well. The stew on the side was very honey and I've never even had it before! So yummy. The side salad came with sauces and was a nice refreshing touch to the combo plate. I'd come back here in a heartbeat!

    Lianna N.

    There are pros and cons here, so depending on what matters to you and what day you come, you might feel differently from time to time. In general, this place has great food. I like the rice platters and the anjera platters. The service is usually ok, but the pace and attitude of the ladies are pretty chill...which means it might take a few minutes for them to address you standing awkwardly there and take your order. I have never had any issues with the food taking a long time though- dine in or take out. Recently on a few visits, the whole menu was not available (bummer since they didnt have My #1 and #2 choices available) and there were flies buzzing around inside. Everyone has that thing that grosses them out and for me it is flies. I would eat off an unwiped table and use a less than par bathroom but flies-they really weird me out and make me do this spastic flinching movement as they go by. The dining area was also quite warm and kind of humid. Overall it is super hit and miss here-I have had 5 star days and more recently 3 star days. I would still recommend it to people to try it, but please manage your expectations appropriately!

    Ben T.

    The International Cafe is a small, hole-in-the-wall type restaurant, located on the corner of Harney and 25th street. There is a good amount of parking out front, but you can only turn in from 25th. The outside is a little run down (because of construction), but they definitely make up for it with the food. I ordered the Rice Gyro Plate as recommended by one of the workers. The food took about 5 to 10 minutes. Included in the plate was a small salad, a kind of short grain rice with a tomato-based sauce on top, and finally some thinly sliced beef. The whole plate was topped with a creamy, savory sauce. The meat was tender, moist and tasty, while the sauce and salad added a nice complement. It was definitely worth the price ($10) for some delicious Ethiopian food. If you are in the mood for some ethnic food, this is the place to be. As one of the only Ethiopian food places in the area, I was really excited to visit because of the excellent reviews- and I was not disappointed.

    Gyro Sandwich
    Saif S.

    International Cafe is a hidden gem that is absolutely fantastic. Such great authentic food that is reasonably priced! I highly recommend the gyro sandwich, very fulfilling and delicious too. Definitely will be back!

    Gyro and lamb plate
    Katarina R.

    After seeing pictures online, I gave International Cafe a chance despite the run-down look of it. The staff messed up my order but was very friendly and gave me an additional entree free of charge. I took off two stars because of the quality of the food. The meat was mostly bones and fat. The vegetable dips and bread were delicious. If the prices were cheaper (less than $10.50) I wouldn't mind as much. The portions were mostly rice however with the sparse meat.

    Lamb injera.

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    2 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    5 months ago

    If you can make it just in time for them to pull the warm pastries out of the oven, you are in for the biggest treat

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    Momo made the best shwarmas ever and offered great service will definitely order again

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Fast and friendly service as well as a delicious gyro plate packed with great flavor! I will definitely be back!

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Best Chicken Gyro I've ever had! At a great price too. Friendly staff. Will be coming here every time I'm in Omaha!

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    6 years ago

    We had. 2 amazing Gyros today...I give 5 stars but wont let me? I will be back for sure!

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    7 years ago

    The meat has a distinctive flavor . The resturant is full of Ethiopian people which is a good indication of the authenticity of the food.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - International Cafe

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