About Mela Bistro

“The philosophy of Mela’s Bistro is one of creating bold, mouthwatering flavors
by amplifying the essence of local, seasonal ingredients and herbs.”

Our Food

“Food is the ingredient that binds us together
no matter where we are from.”
Our chef Adiam Tsegaye

Scan QR code to order food online

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Feel The Real

Ethopian Taste

Our Story

Mela Bistro Modern Ethiopian Cuisine is an intimate restaurant in downtown Oakland where you can gather with colleagues, family and friends.Executive Chef Adiam Tsegaye incorporates modern and traditional techniques that highlight the rich essence of Ethiopian cuisine. Her menu creations are plated beautifully, offering patrons high quality meats and fish, fresh vegetables and traditional Ethiopian spices and herbs.

Mela Bistro
Mela Bistro
4.5
Based on 104 Reviews
Stephanie W.
Stephanie W.
2022-08-10 10:25:45
Was really excited to try this place. The decor is very cute and bright. Service was sweet but slow. They seemed pretty understaffed. Loved the bright... read more
Stephanie P.
Stephanie P.
2022-08-01 13:20:35
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... read more
Aziza B.
Aziza B.
2022-07-28 18:33:56
The spicy chicken and mushroom tibs, YUM! One of my favorite places. The ladies are so sweet and the food and ambiance is always a delight! read more
P c.
P c.
2022-07-22 19:31:35
Absolutely amazing! The veggie plate and mushrooms were so good. They have a vegan chocolate cake and it's so decadent and rich. They made us traditional... read more
Joe A.
Joe A.
2022-06-20 10:05:57
Like I said the 4 was tenuous. Close but no cigar, I cannot say Ill ever eat here again in good faith. read more
H N.
H N.
2022-05-28 13:01:40
Went to Mela Bistro yesterday with 4 other people. 5 stars is not enough! Beautiful setting, excellent service, delicious food. Clean. Great... read more
Joe A.
Joe A.
2022-05-15 08:37:02
Mela Bistro was what I feared it would be, an Americanized take on Ethiopian cuisine that isn't as satisfying as the real thing. I'll order delivery... read more
Soso B.
Soso B.
2022-05-12 19:20:49
The injera was super musty tasting, the veg combo was all undercooked and flavorless. The meats were ok but not good enough to make up for the injera & veg read more
Adina T.
Adina T.
2022-05-11 20:22:54
Was excited to try this place due to the good reviews but was really disappointed and will not be going back. I ordered the lamb tibs and shiro to go. The... read more
Semret T.
Semret T.
2022-04-28 22:11:40
What an experience today! Adiam the owner was very welcoming and we were seated right away! We ordered the tuna kitfo and veggie combo. The platter was... read more
John G.
John G.
2022-04-16 08:04:49
Ate here recently and had the vegetarian combo plus the chicken / mushroom dish, and sambusa for appetizer. All in all the food is good, but I wish they had... read more
Ruta N.
Ruta N.
2022-03-27 10:02:39
What an experience my sister and I had from the moment we walked in, the energy was welcoming the ambiance was beautiful but the food and drinks no... read more
Esak A.
Esak A.
2022-03-25 20:50:14
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
Nicole C.
Nicole C.
2022-03-23 18:58:07
Lamb tibs a bit overcooked but good quality lamb. Service was very slow and not so friendly. Cost $20, average. Would I stop by again? Probably not. I... read more
Mahdi T.
Mahdi T.
2022-02-28 23:19:38
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... read more
Bebe G.
Bebe G.
2022-01-30 14:55:47
stop by for brunch in Oakland and enjoy the food, coffee, cake. Open Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm read more
Amelewerk W.
Amelewerk W.
2021-11-24 23:02:58
Am amazing place, friendly owners and the most delicious food. If you eat plant based, you will love it here. read more
Dejen G.
Dejen G.
2021-11-24 16:28:20
My absolute favorite! The vegetarian combo is a sure shot, can't miss. Give it a try, you won't regret it read more
Huruy K.
Huruy K.
2021-11-24 13:34:04
Authentic Food with fresh ingredients & AMAZING quality!!The service was also amazing and ambience of the restaurant was comforting.Great for first... read more
Liya G.
Liya G.
2021-11-24 13:33:28
My go to place for Habesha food! I absolutely love the ambiance of this place + they have amazing cocktails and deserts! You have to try the tuna kitfo (tar... read more
Lula D.
Lula D.
2021-11-24 13:12:03
So glad I discovered this restaurant! They have some of the best Ethiopian food in the Bay Area. Great service and extremely kind staff. Cannot wait to return! read more
Parag S.
Parag S.
2021-07-14 15:04:42
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... read more
Jeanny W.
Jeanny W.
2021-07-11 11:32:54
This place is amazing! First off, I want to just mention how the staff here is so nice and helpful! My friend made the mistake of putting an entire bird's... read more
Matt B.
Matt B.
2021-06-15 23:05:34
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... read more
Craig G.
Craig G.
2021-06-04 11:25:58
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... read more