I am so happy I came here. I decided to order the vegan option with four samples and all of them had their own little twist to them yet all were very delicious. I will definitely go back because the food here is super satisfying! read more

Mesob Cafe - First time trying out this place! Excited!! - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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We were in the mood of something new and spicy and I discovered this little place on Yelp. I liked my meal but it could have used some more salad, i got not more than a table spoon of it. The kitfo is just a little bowl of meat for 14.99 and it doesn't come with anything else. I also liked their traditional coffee. I'm going to give 4 stars as i try to encourage small family businesses but they could do better portion wise and service wise. Our waitress didn't offer water and didn't bring forks when the meal arrived. Probably you eat it with your hands with their traditional bread but she could have just directly bring 2 forks. Very non comunicative. read more

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I love this place. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but if you venture in you will be rewarded. I don't think many people have gotten this message, because I have taken my family here a half-dozen times and never seen more than two other tables full, which is disappointing. Wake up Hampton Roads, go eat here! The Ethiopian spiced tea (Shai) is delightful. I enjoy it with about a teaspoon of sugar per cup. When you order it you will receive a pot with about 3 cups worth in it, so you will have enough for the entire meal. My wife loves the Ethiopian coffee equally well (it also comes in its own little pot). If you have never eaten Ethiopian/Eritrean food it is a bit of a different experience, as you won't see any silverware. Instead you receive a soft flexible, sour sponge bread (injera - delicious by itself) which you rip into pieces and use to grab the food you want. Everything is served in a communal platter, so it is fun and family style. If you have you kids, especially fussy eaters, the opportunity to eat with their hands might excite them and get them to try some new things. My wife is vegetarian, my kids and I are not. If you want to keep food separate they are happy to oblige, but make sure to ask. The staff is exceptionally nice. Today we tried to order three dishes that could all be included in a single combo platter (4 different dishes for the cost of 2). The waiter urged us to save money by going the route of the combo. While there is a slight portion reduction on the combo verses the individual dishes, this was still a good deal. We fed 4 people (Veg combo and fish special), had tea and coffee, and left a 20% tip all for $40. It is hard to find value like that anywhere now. While not as refined as my favorite Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago or Washington, this place is very good, and I have never been disappointed with a dish. This place should be so much busier than it is. Put it on your visit soon list, you will be glad you did! read more

They don't answer their phone unless you call 3 times apparently...I tried to order over the phone, but the person who spoke with me wouldn't tell me what sides were available. She directed me to look online at the menu. I can't find any sides despite reading the entire menu, because the sides aren't listed there. I'm not going to beg them to tell me what the options are. I'm just going to eat somewhere else that has a normal friggin' menu where I can read what the food is that I'm about to eat... read more

I love the flavors of their food. Delicious. If I lived closer, this place would be a regular dining visit for me as well because of its quaint and very nice atmosphere. read more

Another 5/5 star dinner from Mesob. I've never been disappointed eating here. They are very friendly and treat you like family. Thank you!

I first off want to thank you Yelpers for sending me to this place ! I conveniently saw a groupon and bought it after reading the reviews. I'm going to try to make this simple, easy to follow and straight to the major points starting with the food. *** The FOOD *** The food was downright, mouth wateringly, amazingly, freshly made, delicious. Ok now that I got that out of the way, I really wanted to capitalize on the fact that the food is some of the best food south of DC I've had. I'm a fan of ethiopian food and this was no let down. I will say that you should expect to sit for 30 minutes before you receive your food, but all is fine and well as long as you know this up front, and understand that they make everything fresh ! ** The Servers *** I'd say the service was a little slow. Overall the smiles from the waitresses and the care they took to each individual table was great. It is frustrating though when you want to catch one of them on their way back to the kitchen so they don't have to make an extra stop and you can't. Maureen was my waitress and she was amazing ! I felt very cared about as a customer, and her recommendations based on what I told her I tended to like were spot on !!!! *** The appearance *** Overall the place is very simple and minimalist. Its a great family place with a few chairs and all. This is not elegant by any means, which was ok with me , as the food is the most important part. I had this feeling while sitting that I was in someone's personal living room, and I think that with the music and the ambiance worked together. ** FINAL SAY **** I will definitely be returning, and I'd recommend the big platter with the Lamb tibs and the chicken !!! It was amazing, fresh, vibrant, and delicious !!! I hope this helps read more

Mesob Cafe - The big Platter (about 26.00 with lamb tibs & chicken) Easily fed 2 grown adults with some left over - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Their food is so rich in flavor . Their coffee is good too and you don't need sugar for it. I come here at least once a month read more

Mesob Cafe - Baked Tilapia - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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This Cafe is small but well worth it. He wait for food was a little long, but well worth it. We had the Siga Wot, shrimp and baked tilapia, green beans and carrots, cabbage and carrots, yellow split peas, lentil stew, and collard greens. The food was AMAZING! Spicy and flavorful, this was a great experience. Easily 5 stars. read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Love their food. Was around the area so we went in for a treat again. I wish I lived closer so I can have Ethiopian food more often! read more

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This was my first time having Ethiopian food and it was SO good. Big portions, really nice server, delicious food, and lots of great vegetarian/vegan options. Highly recommend getting the vegetable entree combo - good way to try a bit of everything! read more

This place is absolutely wonderful. It has that smell when you walk through the door, not a bad smell but a home-cooked smell. My one year-old son and I enjoyed it to the upmost. The staff was very helpful and pleasant. The food was awesome and filling. Sure to say I will be coming back soon. read more

Everything is order for takeout, so we had to wait to enjoy this delicious meal but the staff was very kind and helpful. We've never had Ethiopian food and asked the preferred way to eat it- we found out eating with the hands is the best way (just like Kamayan!) so that is how we did it. We ordered the Ye Fesig Beyaynatu and Bunna (just for me- so strong and delicious!) and thought it would be enough to share but my daughter and I ate it so fast! We will definitely return-we are excited to try their many vegetarian/vegan options! read more

The place is clean, the bathroom too... the food taste good. 1st time eat in here, definitely will be back again. The only downsize is the AC wasn't that cool... maybe it's too hot outside. read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Love this place!! I had never tried Ethiopian food before and it was SO good. Me and my dad got a platter with an assortment of food including beef, chicken, cabbage+carrots, collards, lentils, and the traditional bread, Injera. Everything had so much flavor and it was well worth the price! We also got the Ethiopian tea and coffee, which were both excellent as well. Definitely want to come back! read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian coffee and Shai - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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The food is DELICIOUS! The restaurant is located in a small suite with a few tables inside and there is no outside dining. This was the first time we visited this place, but have had Ethiopian food before and had a craving, so we decided to check this place out. The hospitality was awesome and and the food was so good and plentiful. Highly recommend! read more

Tsebhi Doroho is absolutely everything! Order it with extra eggs you can't go wrong. Actually I think I'll be heading that way today just because I got hungry thinking about it, lol. read more

The food is amazing! Service is always friendly and fast. I highly recommend eating here. You get A LOT for your money and it is a nice change from the normal everyday food you eat. It is alway fresh and hot too. read more

I wanted to get something before class, but I was craving some vegetarian/vegan food. I looked up some restaurants and this was one of the closer ones. The restaurant is small, but had a home-like feel to it. The counter where you get the food was straight ahead to the right next to the kitchen. I'm only saying this because I feel like I waited by the door far too long because I didn't know where I was gonna pay for my food haha. I got some Kik Alicha which has yellow split peas with garlic and onions. Ummmmm yeahhh, the food was really good. I couldn't even finish half of it because of the amount they give you, which is probably because of the injera and salad that came with it. Injera is kinda like a sourdough pancake, which sounds weird but trust me, it's really good. The salad was extremely delicious. I've honestly never tasted that salad's combination of flavors before. The Kik Alicha was extremely delicious as well with the injera. I feel like the injera made everything superb, but individually, they were just sooo good as well. I can't wait until I try the other items on the menu! read more

I absolutely love this place! The experience, the decor, the employees, and most importantly the food make it worth it!

The cafe is small and quaint but don't let this fool you. The food is absolutely bomb!! So authentic and fresh. There's only one waitress and she is super nice and attentive. I have gotten the combination twice with beef and chicken (#2&3) because they were out of lamb. The prices are very reasonable. My husband also got their spiced tea and it was yummy. I would recommend this cafe to anyone who enjoys Ethiopian food. You will not regret it. read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Knowing I live nearby, my coworker encouraged I check out this Ethiopian restaurant. I was curious as I had never eaten at an Ethiopian restaurant before. My husband and I came here on a Friday night. It's nestled within a strip of various businesses. I would have to assume this place gets most of its business by word of mouth or by happenstance due to its poor location. We walked in a sat ourselves. There was one guy working the entire front house so there was a little wait but it wasn't that long at all. We ordered tea and coffee. The tea was similar to a hot chai flavored tea. It was good but not unique to what I've had at home. Our meal was served on one big platter to share. It's meant to be eaten with your hands which as a healthcare worker took a little mind coaxing to do haha! The "bread" it's served on can be used as the vessel to eat the proteins and vegetables. It's an interesting medium which closely resembles a very light and airy pancake. The food was very flavorful and delicious. I would have given it five stars with slightly better service and cleaner restaurant and facilities. It's an older establishment with wear and tear. However, I wouldn't let that deter me from returning. read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

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Glad I got a chance to try this restaurant. It was very good! I wanted the combination including the #1 and #2 but they were out of #1. :-/ But the siga wot was so flavorful! Definitely plan to come back as soon as I get a chance. read more

My first experiment with Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine and absolutely a success. I am loving this little restaurant. The staff is super friendly and ready to explain and accommodate. The food is great, very flavorful and freshly cooked. Not to mention that apparently Ethiopian bread is something that looks like a crepe; and I'm all about crepes :-) I had the lamb bits with cabbage and lentils and I took a chicken dish home for the wife. For my to-stay dish I had to select non-spicy menu entries, so the baby can have some of my food, but I wasn't disappointed at all. The lamb had a great texture and the lemony pepper sauce adds a very tender touch to it. We will be coming back for sure! read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

We were in town visiting family and before heading back home to Northern VA I decided to order food from here. I placed my order (3 veggie combos) over the phone and when I arrived, my order was ready. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of our meals but it was really good. My favorite Ethiopian restaurant is located in Arlington but the food from Mesob is a close tie for first. We will return when we are back in town. read more

Amazing. So friendly and the food is absolutely delicious. Take out is an awesome option on a Friday night in. read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

This review is for a pick up order experience. I called in 2 orders for pickup-an order of spicy lamb tibbs and kitfo-my two faves for Ethiopian cuisine. For sides, I had greens, a double side of salad, and cabbage. Everything was delicious-my meal came with extra injera so there was the perfect amount needed for my meal. I'm so glad to have good Ethiopian food in the Hampton Roads area! read more

If I ever had the option to go vegetarian (which probably would never happened tbh), I would eat Ethiopian food everyday. I took to-go one time here because I was really craving something really spicy and I didn't want Korean food since my experiences with Korean cuisine hasn't been pleasant since my pregnancy so I decided to look up a Ethiopian place! I haven't been here before so I took awhile to look at the menu and the lady basically just ordered for me haha I got the #5 and she warned me that it was really spicy and I was like "lol pfft I know" I've had Ethiopian food back in Houston and that shit was SPICY AF. Ordered the #5 with #6 and #9 w/ injera bread and to be honest, it wasn't as spicy as I thought it would be, maybe I've gotten used to spicy food who knows?! But it was still pretty tasty. Well I've got to warn you, ya use your hands to eat Ethiopian food so you gotta wash those hands good right after or you'll get it on your clothes. Overall, would still order to-go from here. read more

Doro wot was not available.. Sad face. We shared beef tips#3 with green beans and collard green. It was big enough to fill our belly. It is our second Ethiopian food experience and once again it was a success. Whatever spices they are using is just perfect. Sour dough utensils called Injera (no forks or knives, mind you) is my favorite. When you wrap meat (slightly salty), vege with Injera, it's goodness in your mouth. Will definitely go back. read more

Mesob Cafe - Ethiopian Near Me - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Delicioussssss. Got the spicy lentils. Got takeout, food was made in time. Amazingly delicious, perfectly spiced. So much bread! I got full and was surprised! Would definitely come and visit another time. Would recommend to anyone! read more

Amazing food that is full of flavor and healthy! Vegan and pescatarian options for those who need it.

This is my favorite restaurant. I probably order from them twice a month. The owners are friendly and they are very sanitary amid the pandemic. I highly recommend them! read more

Absolutely delicious establishment. Family run. Great vegan options. Will definitely be back.

Hidden gem. Really wonderful meal. We tried a platter with all veggie dishes and each was yummy -- the cabbage and carrots, the collards, green beans and carrots, a few kinds of lentils ( Yay spicy lentils!). Great hot tea. Warm service. Happy to find Ethiopian in the area. read more

Pretty tasty and well worth a return later. Allow the wait staff to guide your selections for your table!

This little gem, has apparently been here for 2 years with a new owner/management. As mentioned in other reviews it was a different Ethiopian restaurant under different management. It's in a strip mall facing away from PRincess ANne Rd. It's a fairly small, clean modest restaurant. But what makes it special are the people and the food. The young lady greeted me with a sincere smile and was very helpful and kind in answering my numerous questions. I honestly was expecting regular plain unsweetened iced tea, but I was pleasantly surprised with a flavorful concoction steeped with spices of loveliness. My food was served in a timely fashion- Siga Wot. Soo delicious! I had asked if it was super spicy prior to ordering it. It was forewarned it was spicy but not to the point where you can't enjoy it. I would say it was a level 4 or 5 of spicy. The kind of spicy that makes your nose run. You have the option of rice or injera. I chose the rice to be on the safe side due to my gluten sensitivity. Afterwards I did inquire if their injera contained wheat or barley with the teff. They actually just use straight up Teff, but sometimes they get their injera that does contain wheat. But if you need gluten free injera- just call ahead and they can prepare some for you! I know there is some debate as to whether teff is truly gluten free or not. I hear it is gluten free and then I have read for the celiacs to avoid Teff. I'm not completely positive on this so do your own further investigation to be on the safe side. This was a solo experience for me today, but I will gladly come back and bring my husband and any willing friends to accompany me on my next visit! Definitely warm welcomes and comforting food! In my honest opinion- of the three places I've had Ethiopian food, two of them being in DC/NOVA I really liked this restaurant the best! To boot I'm in love with their unsweetened iced tea- this IS my happy drink!! read more

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Ever since my good friend introduced me to mesob I have been addicted. The food is always made to order, fresh and has never disappointed. One of the things I love about this place is that the service and food is always consistently superb. There is a very intimate vibe here and I recommend this as a spot for family and close friends to just get together and fellowship and enjoy each other's company. read more

Mesob Cafe is the Legitimate Place for Excellent Ethiopian food. If you enjoy Ethiopian cuisine This is the PLACE to satisfy your cravings. I have had to wait for a dish or two because it wasn't readily prepared, but I make it a habit to go to Mesob when I am in the area. It is worth the wait. read more

Just a few tables inside this tiny little home cooked style restaurant. Opening the door brought on a flood of delicious fragrant spices. We were greeted by a pleasant welcoming smile and promptly seated. The dish arrived and we started our work... where's the forks? There is none! Yeah, we were first timers and knew this coming in. Using the sponge like bread torn into squares we picked up bite by bite tasting each corner of the platter in between us. The food was good, but not quite amazing, but that's from a first timer and sometimes it takes a couple times to better understand and acquire a taste for some ethnic foods, so I wouldn't take that too deeply. Overall a fun and tasty experience. read more

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Definitely the place to go if you like a spicy food. Very authentic food served family style. Be prepared to get your hands dirty and your belly full. Will definitely be back when we are back in town! read more