We came here after a World Cup match watch party and the food really hit the spot. I've had tofu tibs before but never like this. We LOVED them!! All the items on the veggie platter were really good. They leave their yellow lentils whole which adds a really nice texture. My husband got the injera tacos and the gored gored and he loved the spice on the tacos. The gored gored is usually beef, which he doesn't eat, and Mela had a seafood version so he was excited to try that. He really enjoyed the flavors! The staff was kind and you could tell she takes pride in her restaurant. It was a Monday evening and despite of that, there were a few other tables that were occupied and some takeout orders so they had a steady stream of customers. The decor is also super cute! We will be back to try more! read more

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I rarely do five stars, but this place is truly amazing. The owner is a very nice woman who also serves the food. Nice place for even a small group, clean and quiet. (Went during weekday lunch) the food was delicious. We had two types of the lamb, vegetarian platter with ahi tuna. Everything was great! read more

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Lovely ambiance, tasty food and good service. For three people we ordered a vegetarian platter, a meat platter and an order of wings for an appetizer. The platters were combined with generous helpings of bread to eat it with (utensils you use the bread to scoop up the other items). The space is filled with plants s as bd flowers and very lovely. Service was attentive. Overall we had a really nice memorable dinner. read more

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Super cute spot, great vibe. Honey wine was crisp and my perfect level of sweet. The meet combo was awesome, the lamb ribs were my favorite the sauce was sooo good. Lentils and greens were chill. Good place, but tbh didn't have that wow factor for me. read more

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Love the fact that I celebrated my belated bday dinner here. Food was good, and it was nice to have something exotic & different for a change. We had ordered the Veggie platter w/ shrimp & chicken tibs added onto it. So good. The flavors, & presentation were great. Service was just as great. She was very friendly, and helpful. Ambiance was nice too. Very cute. I would def come back. Keep it up Mela Bistro. read more

Mela Bistro - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Food is terrific and the service fine. It's a small place. Worth frequenting. The injera isn't quite the level as good as Ethiopian restaurant near 44th and San Pablo. But these are the two best Ethiopian restaurants I've been to. It's a wonderful, healthy cuisine. read more

The ambience was nice, and so was the service. The food was a 3/5 in terms of other Ethiopian food that I've had. Probably a more modern take? Unsure. read more

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Purely a take-out/takeaway review. I am obsessed with the Ethiopian food scene in Oakland, Admas is my go-to since I live closer but Mela was a happy find. Mela is located in the heart of downtown Oakland, so parking can be a headache. Street parking is the way to go if you're dining in, otherwise walk there. For takeout, you can call them right before you pull up and put your hazards on, but I got honked for blocking the busy street. I had to go for their veggie sampler and the acclaimed green lentil and berbere hummus which was FIRE. I've never had a green-colored hummus, and the berbere wasn't spicy at all, made for a great splash of color. The pita bread they pair with it is pillowy soft and I was literally WIPING my pita around ever corner of the container to get all of the hummus. Finger. Lickin'. Their veggie sampler is divine, although it doesn't look as pretty in a to-go container, I'm sure dining in would be gorgeous. They give AMPLE injera bread, so that's always something I look for. I think Mela also offers a more palatable dine-in experience, so if you have the chance I heard that's the way to go. Plus they offer cute cocktails from the photos. People are sweet and service is so kind, they answer their phones promptly too. Support ya local biz, and treat yourself to a feast of the rainbow. read more

Mela Bistro - Green lentil berbere hummus - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Top notch. High quality food, service and setting. Likely the cutest place around to visit by yourself, with a friend or loved one. Presentation, timeliness and professionalism define this business. The veggie platter was A+, and the mocktail was so dank I had 2... read more

Mela Bistro - Dank!!! - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

Not the best Ethiopian in the east bay, but it hits the spot if you're craving it Roasted pepper gimlet- will balanced drink, though I'd recommend checking the dehydrated fried fruit for mold (mine was dark when I flipped it and kind of smelled) Sambusa- well seasoned, good crispy texture Veggies platter - typically this is the shining star of Ethiopian restaurants, however me and my husband agreed we only liked one of of the 6 things there on there, typically at other places, the majority of the platter is good Service was spotty and slow, we didn't get initial injera for a while and we definitely didn't get a refill so we were literally picking juicy soggy bits from the plate with our bare hands The place is cute, with NOLA architectural vibes Overall, this place is just OK, and definitely not the best compared to the other Ethiopian joints in the bay area. read more

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This is a cute little spot and the staff were very kind and the food good, just nothing exceptional to wow me. We ordered a vegetable platter and a meat platter and much to our vegan's dismay, all the food came in the same platter! We ordered Sambusas but never got them; we didn't even notice until we got home and fortunately didn't get charged for them. The coffee was very fresh and their cocktail good, but again, not exceptional. There's nothing that would draw me back to this restaurant over the many other Ethiopian restaurants, and parking is a challenge. Again, the food was good, just not exceptional. But I could see how this could be a neighborhood favorite. read more

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When I tell you this Ethiopian cuisine is extraordinarily delectable.... I mean quick fast hurry ....go get you a plate!! We had it tonight and ....true story real life ... the best I've eaten in a really long time. It made me have a better attitude just by consuming Mela ... Listen .... Review over, make your way to 35 Grand Ave, Oakland .... You will not be disappointed!!!! read more

kind of old store but nice. staffs are attentive and owner is nice. service is quite fast and my first experience eating ethiopian foods and will say quite interesting. the salad is so fresh and vinaigrette dressing is so good!!! the chicken tibs tastes great and if you do not like spicy, make sure telling them. tiramisu and citrus pomegranate mocktail are perfect match for that night... read more

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Hummus is delicious. I enjoyed the spice tea here. Additionally the shiro wot is fantastic.

i've never tried Ethiopian cuisine before, and I feel like Mela bistro was a great place to start as they had an easy-to-read and understand menu. The food itself was delicious, the location was easy to find and locate. I also appreciate how patient the staff members were as we went in an hour before they were closing! they were also really generous with allowing us and a couple of patrons to sit around till we were finished with our dinner. 10/10 would recommend yall stopping by to try out their food!! my friends and i tried the beef tibs ($18) & roasted peppers and berebere hummus ($10) which was fireeeee and something i'd for sure reorder when i stop by again! tips: - unisex bathroom available with sink for handwashing outside - street parking available in the nearby area - public transportation like bart nearby (walking distance) - great for sharing/family style or individual plates/portions - perfect for dates/friends/family/kid friendly read more

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Walked in on a Friday at 6pm with a friend and was seated upon arrival. The restaurant was fairly empty but staff mentioned incoming reservations later in the evening as the balcony and front tables by the window were not available. Food: Green lentil and berber hummus - a pale green thin runny hummus topped with berber spices oil, really tasty served with warm pita bread, wish the hummus was a tad thicker but delicious flavor Veggie platter - ordered two servings and got a beautiful platter with two portions of the 5 vegetables dishes on a large shared injera with extra bread on the side Misir Wot- spicy red lentils were super flavorful with a nice kick, personal favorite Yellow split peas - warm and comforting nice creamy savory split peas Gomen - stewed collard greens that were earthy, with a slight bitterness very tasty and a nice contrast to the other veggies Carrot and green beans - veggies were cooked well with a crisp tender texture Beet and potatoes - this was okay, served cold, beets provided a nice sweetness and potatoes starchiness Salad - fresh contrast to the cooked items Injera - nice spongy texture with a tangy fermented flavor Service overall friendly but not super attentive, great recommendations and knowledge of the menu. Had to ask for water refills and had to walk to another table to get the servers attention for the check. Overall great spot in Oakland for Ethiopian food, great flavors and variety, would definitely recommend trying the veggies platter! read more

Mela Bistro - Green lentil and berber hummus - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Excellent food, drinks, and service! The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The setting is fair, as is the location in Oakland. read more

Ethiopian food is not a cuisine that I knew I liked until I came here. It was delicious! The dishes are flavorful and very balanced with a lot fresh vegetable sides featured. The meat is saucy with a nice heat to it and is extremely flavorful. The honey wine was also a special treat--not as sweet as a port but sweeter than your average white wine. And the make it in house! The service was excellent as they explained each dish. The inside is small so consider making a reservation. The portion sizes were large and I had leftovers the next day. Will definitely be back! read more

Great Ethiopian food. Great service. Easy to get a table. Food came out quick. Authentic Ethiopian cuisine right here. Great spot , plenty of street parking in the area. read more

Rated 10/10 for the excellent service, creative menu options, and warm, inviting ambiance! This is by far a must-visit restaurant.

Have you ever stepped into a space and felt like you met long lost family? Mela's inviting warm and welcoming environment is second only to the extraordinary meal we had! We're your vegan incredibly picky, not quite obnoxious friends that live to and love to eat. I was blown away by the quality of our experience. Truly a one of one experience! Do yourself a favor, take someone you really care about here because they will forever be grateful! The chef is a Genius! read more

Amazing food, great vibes and a very friendly restaurant staff. Mela Bistro is definitely in my rotation for restaurants to go to. Looking forward to going back very soon. read more

Loved the misir wot (comes on veggie platter) and the lamb tibs. Good injeera, accommodating service, and a normal Ethiopian restaurant ambiance. Simple place conveniently located on grand with relatively quick service. read more

Wonderful food. Love their veggie combo platter and hummus dip appetizer. Not a huge fan of the beef tibs. Nice ambience.

Bae' isn't that fond of Ethiopian food, I just found out. 30 plus years later! It's the injera, along with the perception of spicy entree's that turn her away. Some injera gives her big time stomach aches and the sour doughy texture and flavor isn't her thang. So why when we go to DC or NYC do we seek it out? Apparently "because you like it darling." Smack my forehead! Duh! Well she ordered the turmeric chicken skewers...a meal in itself. With 4-5 ample skewers with plump marinated chicken thighs. 2-3 yellowed by turmeric napkins later, she couldn't quite finish it all. I had the veggie platter which was a rainbow of rich colors textures and flavors. New to me at an Ethiopian restaurant, the purple cabbage, but this was no boiled and scooped out cabbage on injera by no means. This had a richness of subtle spices that, made that cabbage jump lively. The collard greens.... Darn it. Silky smooth with just enough bite without being bitter. Another new addition to the palette was a beet and potato combo. Served cold was a great contrast to the misir wat (red spicy lentils) which were so good! The Humble and warm owner, chef Adiam Tsegave, welcomed us checked on us frequently even replaced the honey based hibiscus drink with one not honey based for Bae. She Discussed how she constructed the dishes with vegan sensibilities, not born out of diet fads but based on traditional recipes because milk and dairy products were not readily accessible. Makes sense! Traditional ways of cooking without eggs, milk etc, provides for vegan, slow cooking friendly cuisine that happens to be darn tasty. Definitely come to Mela Bistro for the freshest Ethiopian food using time honored and perfected traditional methods with very fresh ingredients in a warm understated but elegant environment; and support black/ women owned business in the heart of Oaktown. . read more

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Named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Bay Area's Top 25 Restaurants in fall 2021, Mela Bistro is a feast for the senses and is a great kid-friendly option with high chairs and delicious eats for the littles. From their website: "Chef Adiam (Tsegaye) devotes her time innovating and creatively arranging potent and robust Ethiopian spices like a jazz player composing his next musical masterpiece." Their dinner menu look amazing, and their indoor space is warm and inviting. There are small bistro tables outside for those who'd rather enjoy their meal outdoors. read more

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My first time eating Ethiopian food and it was such an experience! This place is quaint and the staff is very friendly, they've only been open for about 6 weeks so it's not as packed. Luckily I came with a friend that has had Ethiopian food before so she did all the ordering. We ordered the veggie platter (purple cabbage, pickled cabbage, beet & potato, lentil, mushroom, corn and green beans) with the fish spiced at a medium and beef tibs spiced at mild. The injera (light spongey like bread) was too soft to my liking and easily tore when trying to up my food (not sure if this is how it's supposed to be). Everything was delicious and each side complemented each other so any combination tastes good. I love the fact that everything is served on one platter. You can't really put Ethiopian food into a category of food, it really has its own distinct flavor. I enjoyed my experience and the food here, but also do not have anything to compare it to. read more

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There is definitely a Mela to this madness! "Mela", as I recently found out, means "method" in Amharic (Ethiopia's language). Mela Bistro recently opened in downtown Oakland just a few months before the pandemic, so the restaurant is still gaining traction and a community following. It is truly a hidden gem, whose following will continue to grow as reviews & accolades spread by word-of-mouth / Yelp. It was recently highlighted as one of SF Chronicle's Top 25 restaurants in the Bay Area! (https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/best-sf-restaurants-bay-area/). Adiam is the owner and runs the completely remodeled restaurant. She is very personable and in conversation with her, I found out she is culinary-trained and sources only the highest quality ingredients to prepare dishes fresh on-demand. The injera is made of 100% teff flour (gluten-free; hard to find at any Ethiopian restaurant). Beef and lamb are organic. Tuna is high quality ahi. Their creative and unique offering is Teff cake which is gluten-free and oh-so delicious with Bavarian cream! We ordered Mela's Vegetarian Platter and the Veggie Tibs, along with the Teff Cake. Everything tasted so fresh and satisfying, and it came with delicious injera. The spices used in the Veggie Tibs definitely hit the spot (be sure to specify if you like spicy food to your server). Mela Bistro has a warm and inviting ambiance. They are located on a busy street and are in the process of building a loft bar with skylight. They currently offer upstairs seating as well. The owner and staff are super sweet and nice. They are hoping to expand soon to include a brunch menu as well. My wife and I stumbled last minute upon their restaurant last weekend because of the proximity to our friend's place in Oakland and the rave reviews we saw on Yelp and in SF Chronicle. We are so glad we did. Don't hesitate! Check out Mela Bistro to be treated very well in a warm and inviting restaurant. You won't regret it! Better than Walia or Zeni in my opinion! read more

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This place served amongst the best Ethiopian food I've ever had. We stopped in for dinner on a Tuesday evening and were seated immediately. Nicely manicured interior, fancier and more hipster-ish than most Ethiopian places I've been to. They have lots of vegetarian/vegan options, as do most Ethiopian places. We ordered the lentil turmeric soup ($6) and sambusa (spinach tortilla with black lentils and other spices; $7), and the veggie platter for 2 ($15 per person). Both appies were delicious. The soup had a wonderful texture, was adequately spiced, and had a great flavour depth. The spinach tortillas were lovely too, served with a green dipping sauce of some sort -- delicious. The platters were simply divine -- so many different dishes, all executed impeccably. The highlight for us was definitely the mushroom tibs (in the middle of the photo), as well as the misir wot, gomen, and yellow split peas, but everything was really high quality, even the salad. The server was extremely friendly, helpful and prompt, capping off a wonderful dining experience. I can't say enough good things about this place -- simply some of the best Ethiopian food I've had. Highly recommended if in Oakland. read more

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Mela Bistro is a great neighborhood spot! Not only is the food delicious, it's nutritious and doesn't make you feel bloated and weighed down after you gobble it up. Ambiance is casual, cute and service was good! read more

The stir fry beef was very tough. Rice was dry. Not a fan of the seasoning. Had a good kick to it

It is the spot worthy of your time and money. Please go enjoy, my favorite one is Goregored, Tibsi and their breakfast menu. Go Mela! read more

Taste the rainbow. Ethiopian food is one of my favorite cuisines and Oakland is known for some great spots, Mela Bistro being one of them. They opened right before the pandemic and quickly gained traction, with SF Chronicle even naming it one of their top 25 restaurants in the Bay Area. They have a cozy vibe and we had no issues getting seated as two people early Friday evening. I recommend sharing the vegetarian platter and adding an additional entree if you're extra hungry (we got the shrimp tibs). Grab some injera and dig in with your hands! read more

Mela Bistro - Vegetarian platter with shrimp tibs added IG: @sherryeatworld - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

I went with friends and ordered the shrimp thibs and a cocktail. The vibe and the service was immaculate for a Tuesday evening and the food!!! The food tasted fresh and flavorful and my cocktail was an added cherry on top. read more

Mela Bistro - Shrimp Tibs - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

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Everything is warm - the food, the people, the ambiance. Love, love, love this small business and it's now a ritual to head to brunch after my farmer's market run. The flavors, grains, beans and vibe is great for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores. I often visit solo and enjoy people watching and could be great for a date nas well. read more

Mela Bistro - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

I love this restaurant. They serve the highest quality of food with sustainably sourced meat, rich spices & 100% pure teff for their injera. You can see the quality of the food in the vibrant colors on your plate - rich reds, yellows, purples & greens - with a beautiful color & texture for the injera. We usually get the vegetarian combo, but I also recommend the chicken skewers for an appetizer & the chicken & mushrooms for a meat dish. Woman owned & run; the chef is warm & cares about her food -- & the staff is friendly & attentive. Also important: her takeout food is delivered in compostable packaging, which I value greatly. I haven't found that in other Ethiopian restaurants in the area, & am not a fan of hot food in plastic containers. Highly recommend!! read more

Mela Bistro - This is a view of the interior - they have just opened up to in-person dining. - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California

How can one not like Ethiopian food? This restaurant has a modern ambiance and their food is simply outstanding! We enjoyed the delicious fish stew, hearty chicken and mushrooms and veggie sampler beautifully arranged on the injera. The additional injera basket is a must. Service was friendly and welcoming. read more

Mixed experience. Will definitely return to try again, but for now, here's our summary: --Atmosphere, lovely! Definitely more love put into this place to make it homier than most Ethiopian and Eritrean places locally. --Service: Slow. The owner does a LOT include running the kitchen, bar, and food, and she is all smiles. Our server seemed very uninvested in giving fast service or a good experience. Many dishes are offered as sides, and she flat-out refused to offer Misir Wot as a side, which is just odd, frankly. Also took 20 minutes from giving us menus to taking our order. Food: Mixed. Amazing injera that's very...what's the right word? Malty almost? Tasty and fresh. We had veggie tibs (not spicy at all), misir wot (not spicy at all), and a side of the carrot/string beans. Our absolute favorite things about the food was how "clean" it tasted--not oily as with lots of other local places, very fresh. REALLY appreciated the lack of oil. But it also lacked spice and much depth of flavor. I had some stomach cramps about an hour later that felt very connected, so it made me curious if less clean than tasted. But all in all, it felt promising, like worthy of going back, especially because they have some unique dishes and desserts. --Did not try cocktails or desserts. Cocktails looked terrible and low brow; desserts looked amazing and made with love. read more

Mela Bistro - "The New Way To Brunch" Just when I thought I "Brunched It Up" in every way possible, Executive Chef Adiam Tsegaye, the owner of Mela Bistro in Oakland, California, served up a whole new path to eating traditional Tigrayan cuisines. Mela Bistro's atmosphere sets the stage where food takes the spotlight. The guests become the audience surrounded by music, lighting, artwork, and spacing to create a cozy, intimate, and inviting ambiance. Adiam's techniques of incorporating an ancient grain, Teff, and traditional recipes from Tigray with modern-forward eating took me on a food journey I didn't know I was yearning for. 1) Tej Mimosa: Yes! You read that correctly! Tej (Mead) Mimosa from Mela Bistro is an absolute must. For those who don't know, mead is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey. The perfect proportion of sweet Tej to champagne is guaranteed to prepare you for a delicious experience. 2) Teff Banana Pancakes: 3 fluffy pieces of Teff Pancake served with homemade special raspberry syrup with a side of strawberries and sliced banana. (You have the option to have your pancakes stuffed with banana and topped with vegan whipped cream or regular whipped cream.) 3) Selsi Egg: Let's talk about bursting with flavor! You know how much I love my seasoned eggs in the morning if you know me. In the first bite, berbere sauce (Selsi) with organic free-range egg served on a cast-iron skillet with warm pita and sour cream silenced all my savory cravings, and I highly recommend it! 4) Avacado Hash Browns: Fresh avocado sandwiched between two crispy hash browns drizzled with unique house garnishes will have you dancing in your seat - don't tell my mom I was dancing at the table. 5) Spicy Roasted/Crisp Potatoes: If this post doesn't tell you, then I don't know what will, but I love potatoes, so naturally, I order more potatoes. The spicy roasted crispy potatoes were served warm on a cast-iron skillet. This dish reminded me of one of my favorite dishes my mother would cook when eating with injera. Also, eating from a cast-iron skillet comes to show Adima is looking out for your iron intake too. Thanks for looking out! 6) Spiced Tea: What better way to relax and settle into the pillows in my seat than to have a hot cup of spiced tea. The spices used in the tea were made in-house; let's say I was relaxed and made room for one more treat. 7) Tef Chocolate Cake: Rich multi-layered tef chocolate cake with airy Bavarian cream, topped with vegan whipped cream and cocoa powder. Spoon-licking good! Chef Adiam genuinely enjoys the whole process of procuring, preparing, cooking, and serving each unique dish. I enjoyed sitting and talking with her between each meal and asking about her favorite part about having her bistro. She responded by telling me she loves designing her menus and engaging with her Oakland community. So, next time you are in Oakland, CA, be sure to visit and support Mela Bistro. Black, Tigrayan, Female Chef who actively makes a positive impact within her Oakland community one meal at a time. I look forward to my next trip to Oakland! read more

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This was my second time trying Ethiopian food and I'm glad I tried it again while dining here! My first time eating Ethiopian food wasn't a good experience; the food we got was greasy and the injera was way too sour. My experience at Mela was totally different though. The food wasn't heavy at all and the injera was not very sour, which I prefer. I got the vegetarian platter and it was delicious!! The staff was very friendly and gave us recommendations when we were ordering. No complaints about the service! I love how they mark stuff that's vegan. And the items under the vegetarian/vegan section are all vegan! This was a good spot for our party of 8 people, since there were options for everybody. read more

Mela Bistro - Mela's Vegetarian Platter - Ethiopian Near Me - Oakland, California