Welcome to Mela Bistro
Mela Bistro, located in the heart of Oakland, California, brings the vibrant flavors of Ethiopian cuisine to life. Founded by Chef Adiam Tsegaye, the bistro offers an innovative twist on traditional dishes, expertly blending robust spices with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Renowned for its inviting atmosphere, Mela Bistro delights both families and foodies, with standout offerings like the Green Lentil & Berbere Hummus and beautifully arranged meat and vegetarian platters. Named one of the Bay Area's Top 25 Restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle, it promises a culinary experience that is as joyful as it is flavorful, making each meal a delightful adventure.
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35 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94612, United States Hotline: +1 510-844-4886
Mela Bistro, located at 35 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA, has quickly risen to prominence as a beloved destination for Ethiopian cuisine. Renowned for its unique blend of traditional flavors and modern twists, Mela Bistro was hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Bay Area’s Top 25 Restaurants in fall 2021. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere, complete with small bistro tables for outdoor dining, is matched only by the vibrant and flavorful dishes crafted by Chef Adiam Tsegaye.
As you step inside, the warm and welcoming ambiance envelops you, making it an ideal spot for any occasion—family gatherings, casual dates, or simply a delightful meal with friends. The menu features a wide array of options designed to satisfy both seasoned enthusiasts of Ethiopian cuisine and newcomers alike.
- Starters: Begin your culinary journey with the Green Lentil & Berbere Hummus or the delightful Sambusa. The Shrimp Injera Taco promises a refreshing twist!
- Salads & Bowls: Consider the Tomatoes & Cucumbers salad for a light and zesty side.
- Soups: The Lentil Turmeric soup, fragrant and comforting, is a must-try.
Several customer reviews highlight the richness of Mela Bistro's offerings. Diners rave about the meat and veggie platters, emphasizing the freshness and innovative spices that elevate each dish. The housemade fermented injera is particularly noted for being both fluffy and light, providing the perfect accompaniment to the robust stews.
One reviewer described the Mela Plate as a duo of flavors so compelling that it disappeared in mere minutes—an affirmation of the kitchen’s dedication to quality and taste. From vegetarian selections that burst with color and flavor to superb meat dishes that showcase Ethiopian culinary artistry, Mela Bistro caters to every palate.
Moreover, patrons often mention the attentive and friendly service, making the dining experience at Mela Bistro not just a meal but a joyful occasion. The restaurant is highly recommended for its diverse menu and kid-friendly environment, making it a fantastic option for families.
In conclusion, if you are eager to explore Ethiopian cuisine or find a new favorite restaurant in Oakland, Mela Bistro is the destination that promises deliciousness and comfort in every bite. Don’t miss out on their signature drinks, like the refreshing ginger lemonade, perfect for cleansing your palate after a hearty meal. Whether you are a long-time lover of Ethiopian food or experiencing it for the first time, Mela Bistro will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
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.
We are staunch Ethiopian food eaters, and this is my new favorite Ethiopian restaurant in the bay area, and perhaps in the US. We shared a meat platter, which was absolutely incredible. Food is fresh, well spiced, and generous. We will most definitely be back! Thank you!
Went here for an anniversary & my boyfriend & I weren’t disappointed. We ordered the Meal Plate (for two) and ate it within 15 minutes. The flavors are amazing and you’re provided with so much injera. 10/10! The ginger lemonade is a great palate cleanser as well.
A cute atmosphere with a good variety of tables that could seat large parties. I got the vegetarian platter and was blown away by the quality and brightness of the dish. I don't usually get dessert but the citrus cake looked too good to pass up. It was very much worth it, just as amazing as the main meal. If you ever feel like you need a healthy home cooked meal than visit Mela!
First time coming here and was so pleasantly impressed. Amazing food and nice atmosphere. Service was great too. Veggie platter and shiro were delicious! Can’t wait to come back!
Offering a slight update on Ethiopian classics, Mela Bistro is an excellent option for healthy and flavor-forward meat and vegetable based stews. The housemade fermented injera unique in its fluffy airiness, leaving one still feeling light by the end of a meal. A tasteful interior and very friendly service make for a great date spot.
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
Wonderful experience! Delicious food and great service. We got the vegetarian platter for two, the veggie tibs (no bell peppers), and shiro wot (which was a few of our favourite) between 4 people because we were all pretty hungry. The server was super helpful with our questions and providing us with recommendations.