Tina's Ethiopian Cafe feels more like home than a restaurant. Despite its unassuming exterior, the inside glows with the warmth that Ethiopian-born Tina Tamrat Hildebrand brings to her labor-of-love operation. Since emigrating from Addis Ababa in 1981 to escape war and government oppression, Hildebrand has re-created the most vibrant parts of her native culture in this authentic eatery. Customers lounge amid a sea of red, yellow and green (the Ethiopian flag's colors), while native music hums in the background. Bide your time browsing the National Geographic-like posters lining the walls, or have a seat in the back couch and coffee table area to catch a video of native dancing or an Ethiopian soap opera. Many patrons forego American-style seating for the collection of messobs, or traditional straw tables, which add to the intimate experience of dining at Tina's. You won't be handed utensils, either. Rather, wrap your fingers around a slice of fresh injera – the spongy flatbread that is served with each meal and made from the native grain teff – and dig into Hildebrand's version of authentic Ethiopian soul food. The healthy cuisine consists primarily of vegetarian or meat stews, heavy in fresh lentils and chickpeas. The vegetarian, chicken and beef menus offer few options – and some items may not even be available, depending on how much time Tina has had to shop and cook that day – but quality supersedes quantity here. The house salad boasts diced tomatoes and onions accompanied by anything from jalapeños to cranberries to sunflower seeds. Spinach watt is flavored with onions and olive oil. And the beef tibbs entrée consists of hearty strips of beef, onion and green pepper in a perfect balance of flavor and spice. For dessert, there's freshly ground Ethiopian coffee, as is traditional in Hildebrand's native country. Voted Best Ethiopian Restaurant in the 2007 Phoenix magazine critics poll. Reservations not accepted. No alcohol available. BYOB. Serving lunch and dinner Mon–Sat. Closed Sun and between meals.