Mela Bistro

Amazing meal, we love Ethiopian and Oakland always has more offerings then our city (SF) so when we discovered this on Instagram we added this to the list. It did not disappoint. The hostess (owner?) was the nicest person and gave us advice on what to order and made the most flavorful cardamom coffee...perfect way to lunch on the cold windy day. We did the meat and veggie sampler with plenty of left overs. Coming back to enjoy some of their weekend specials and dessert soon!

Holy frickin moly. This is my new favorite Ethiopian place. The food was spectacular. I tried the chicken Tibs and the Asa Kifto (ahi tuna). If you can handle spice, I’d say go full spice. The spicy sauce is incredible and the flavors for the whole plate was amazingly unique. Lastly, the service was so good. Full credit goes to Favin ( I hope I spelled her name semi-right ) for her attentiveness for the dietary needs of my family-they are very anti spice. More specifically, she helped because I mentioned loving spicy food and brought out a small dish of just sauce. All in all, I couldn’t recommend Mela Bistro more to any person wanting to try delicious Ethiopian food.

Mela Bistro is something special. This is the kind of place that reminds you what a gift it is when food, hospitality, and tradition come together so effortlessly. The injera was absolutely perfect. Soft, tender, gently tangy, and clearly made with care. It had that ideal balance of structure and suppleness that holds the dishes beautifully without ever getting soggy or tearing. If you know injera, you know how much this matters. Every dish we tried was deeply flavorful and thoughtfully prepared. The textures were beautiful, the spices layered and balanced, and nothing felt rushed or careless. The food tasted like it came from a kitchen that understands both tradition and craft. Rich without being heavy. Comforting without being boring. The kind of meal where each bite makes you pause for

Had an incredible dinner at Mela Bistro. Every course stood out and the entire experience felt thoughtful and unforgettable. The staff and owner are genuinely warm, and the space has a character and beauty you don’t find often. I left feeling like I needed to be rolled to the car and already can’t wait to come back. If you’re anywhere nearby, this place belongs at the top of your list!

The shrimp taco was out of this world for appetizers. We also had the veggie platter and tuna kifo was so delicious. The pistachio cake for dessert was a cherry on the top. We Will definitely will come back.