The aroma of home-cooked food made with honey and cinnamon greets the senses upon entering Mella Café, a locally owned and run coffee house in Edgewater serving the flavors of East Africa. The vibrant red interior pays homage to the colors of Eritrea; its cuisine is heavily influenced by Italian and Ethiopian cuisine.
The owner, Yirgy Meles, known as Gigi by customers, opened Mella in June of 2023 with the help of her husband, Negus. Ever since coming to Chicago from Eritrea in 1995, she dreamed of having her own restaurant.
After 5 years of working hard toward this dream, it finally came true. Mella Café delights customers with Eritrean specialities such as egg frittata (scrambled eggs with spices), fuul (mashed fava beans in a spicy tomato sauce), and kicha fitfit (French bread cubes in a special sauce).
I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with all three dishes, and it comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
Mella also tempts with glass display cases featuring sweet pastries and assorted gelato flavors. “Just believe you can do it, and you will do it,” Meles says about going after your dreams. Despite the barriers along the journey, it was all worth it for Meles, whose favorite part of the job is interacting with her loyal customers and being her own boss.
Come to Mella Café for homemade African comfort foods, and stay a while for the loving atmosphere created by Gigi.
Explore Chicago like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Chicago guide.
The "Chicago Athletic Association" (CAA) is an elite, hidden, and multifaceted space in the heart of the Loop. The gem of this hotel is the drawing room...
By
Monk's Pub is a snug beer bar suitable for anyone looking for a pint or their next meal. It's smack in the middle of Chicago, but you really can't tell...
By
"Long Room" in Chicago is as the name suggests: a long gathering room. Or rather, a long tavern. I love the wooden bar, the lack of television & the menu!
By
"Four Moon Tavern" in Chicago may seem simple on the outside, but this neighborhood bar has a lot to offer. Make sure to come here hungry!
By
I'm not vegan but I do think that "Vegan Plate" in Lincoln Park is one of the best bang-for-your-buck restaurants in Chicago. Try the curry combo plate!
By
"Pasta Bowl" in Chicago boasts about being a laid-back restaurant with fresh dishes, but if you're not in the mood for a bite, they also act as a cool bar.
By
I am always stunned by their appetizers, including "the big salad," which includes seasonal vegetables topped with plenty of pepper and shredded cheese.
By
Side Street Saloon in Lakeview is the perfect no-frills dive bar with a cozy Italian vibe in back, great pizza, pool, and a quirky neighborhood charm.
By
Reggies Chicago is a grunge bar, concert venue, and shuttle hub with great eats, Sox game packages, a beach bar and unique events like a pancake art show.
By
KOVAL Distillery doesn't only produce delicious craft spirits, they're also a city landmark — the first fully operational distillery in Chicago in years.
By
The arcade-themed Catcade in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood has been a crucial stop for all cat lovers since 2017...
By
114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters