We dined yesterday evening at Mesob Cafe; I was the only member of my family who could not finish my dinner this time—but I tried!
I am very happy that Mesob Cafe is here, although it is something of a project for us to get to. But it is is always a great dining pleasure, and we feel very festive when we are able to go!
Ethiopian coffee is one of the finest coffees in the world, but if you are a coffee lover you already know that. Mesob Cafe will not disappoint you, its coffee served literally steaming hot in a traditional iron pot and a delicate handle-less cup that enables you to sense when it is actually cool enough to drink! The pot contains about three cups of the fine coffee!
Close reading of the menu is advised, as the names of dishes may not be readily familiar to Americans, but the descriptions of each dish are quite precise, and to my taste all I have had so far have been delicious.
The novelty of the traditional dining, consuming your “bread” plate as you consume the dish itself, quickly becomes fun; skill at this I suppose comes later. You certainly focus on the wonderful combinations of flavors that characterize Ethiopian cuisine!
We dine with the knowledge that the Mesob Cafe has become very popular, despite being difficult to find because of its modest sign. The menu often mentions a choice of lamb as the protein in a dish, but as of our fourth visit we have only found very good steak or chicken available—along with a variety of wholly vegetarian dishes. The two excellent cakes, alas, have often been consumed before our arrival—definitely, should you have a piece of either, it will be fresh!
Parking: Directions provided by Google Maps are spot-on and will take you straight to the front door. The restaurant sign is small and a bit difficult to see in the evening. There is, fortunately, an illuminated “OPEN” sign near the entrance.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS, Cabbage and Carrots, Lemon Cake, Spicy Shrimp, Spicy Lentil Stew with Berbere and Garlic, Tiramisu, TIBS Fitfit
Re Ab
This place is amazing and the service is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Noah J.
The staff was friendly and helpful. And the food came quickly and was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Star Gibbs
The quantity and quality of the food is amazing! My husband and I got a vegan plate and everything was incredibly flavorful with complimentary flavors. Ethiopian food is one of my favorite cuisines and this was one of the best fully vegan Ethiopian meals I've had. The service was amazing as well. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
ava booky
Went there today super excited for the reviews. The place was closed , no note nothing. Online hours show open too
Grant Fahrenkrog
I absolutely always love the coffee and the food here, with great service this place is a must go to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
AማN
It's sad , this is the only place where you can eat injera in Virginia Beach. There's a huge potential and they could've killed it but they have no chance with how it is now.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
helen fikre
This is it, this is my place, the food is so therapeutical to the mouth, can’t help but enjoy every bite, the service is outstanding, they are passionate about what they do, I usually go with my husband and my daughter, we enjoy every bit of time we spend there, we do take outs and delivery too it never disappoints, we went there for lunch today, and am already craving it for dinner, Ya!it’s that kinda place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS, Veggie Combo
Dre
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mesob Restaurant in Hampton Roads, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home.
The decor beautifully reflects Ethiopian culture, with vibrant colors and traditional artwork that transport you to another place. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, eager to explain the dishes and make recommendations.
The food was simply outstanding. Every dish was bursting with flavor, and the spices were perfectly balanced. The injera, a traditional Ethiopian bread, was the perfect accompaniment to the rich and savory stews. The vegetarian options were particularly impressive. The Misir Wat (spiced lentils) was hearty and delicious, while the Gomen (collard greens) were cooked to perfection with a delightful blend of spices. The Shiro (chickpea stew) was another highlight—smooth, flavorful, and comforting.
What truly set Mesob apart was the attention to detail and the passion evident in every aspect of the dining experience. It’s clear that the owners and staff take great pride in sharing their culture and cuisine with the community. I left not only satisfied but also with a deeper appreciation for Ethiopian food and culture.
If you're looking for an authentic and delightful culinary adventure, Mesob Restaurant is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their menu. Thank you, Mesob, for a memorable evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS, Veggie Combo, Mesir Wot
Jesita Arzola
They have terrible customer service. Last time I ate here I got sick. Against my better judgement, I decided to give it a try months later because I have family from Ethiopia and sadly there aren’t a lot of Ethiopian restaurants around. They messed my order up, took no accountability and then wanted me to pay again instead of re-making my food. The menus online do not match the menus in the restaurant and they’re ALWAYS out of doro wot. I definitely will not be returning.
We go here about once every other month. REALLY yummy and authentic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cassandra White
This is a hidden gem. The food and coffee is very fresh and delicious! This has got to be the cleanest eatery I've ever been to. Very quiet and private. The lady that served us was so sweet. I will be coming back. If you're in the mood to try something new, this is the spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maizie Jane
Everything was delicious! Not a single thing disappointed! The food was amazing and the coffee was perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shiro Wot
Brad B.
Excellent Ethiopian cuisine. Delicious and affordable. I would definitely recommend but warn that they keep it very warm inside the restaurant even in summer.
We dined yesterday evening at Mesob Cafe; I was the only member of my family who could not finish my dinner this time—but I tried!
I am very happy that Mesob Cafe is here, although it is something of a project for us to get to. But it is is always a great dining pleasure, and we feel very festive when we are able to go!
Ethiopian coffee is one of the finest coffees in the world, but if you are a coffee lover you already know that. Mesob Cafe will not disappoint you, its coffee served literally steaming hot in a traditional iron pot and a delicate handle-less cup that enables you to sense when it is actually cool enough to drink! The pot contains about three cups of the fine coffee!
Close reading of the menu is advised, as the names of dishes may not be readily familiar to Americans, but the descriptions of each dish are quite precise, and to my taste all I have had so far have been delicious.
The novelty of the traditional dining, consuming your “bread” plate as you consume the dish itself, quickly becomes fun; skill at this I suppose comes later. You certainly focus on the wonderful combinations of flavors that characterize Ethiopian cuisine!
We dine with the knowledge that the Mesob Cafe has become very popular, despite being difficult to find because of its modest sign. The menu often mentions a choice of lamb as the protein in a dish, but as of our fourth visit we have only found very good steak or chicken available—along with a variety of wholly vegetarian dishes. The two excellent cakes, alas, have often been consumed before our arrival—definitely, should you have a piece of either, it will be fresh!
Parking: Directions provided by Google Maps are spot-on and will take you straight to the front door. The restaurant sign is small and a bit difficult to see in the evening. There is, fortunately, an illuminated “OPEN” sign near the entrance.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS, Cabbage and Carrots, Lemon Cake, Spicy Shrimp, Spicy Lentil Stew with Berbere and Garlic, Tiramisu, TIBS Fitfit
This place is amazing and the service is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The staff was friendly and helpful. And the food came quickly and was delicious!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The quantity and quality of the food is amazing! My husband and I got a vegan plate and everything was incredibly flavorful with complimentary flavors. Ethiopian food is one of my favorite cuisines and this was one of the best fully vegan Ethiopian meals I've had. The service was amazing as well. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Went there today super excited for the reviews. The place was closed , no note nothing. Online hours show open too
I absolutely always love the coffee and the food here, with great service this place is a must go to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It's sad , this is the only place where you can eat injera in Virginia Beach. There's a huge potential and they could've killed it but they have no chance with how it is now.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
This is it, this is my place, the food is so therapeutical to the mouth, can’t help but enjoy every bite, the service is outstanding, they are passionate about what they do, I usually go with my husband and my daughter, we enjoy every bit of time we spend there, we do take outs and delivery too it never disappoints, we went there for lunch today, and am already craving it for dinner, Ya!it’s that kinda place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS, Veggie Combo
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Mesob Restaurant in Hampton Roads, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home.
The decor beautifully reflects Ethiopian culture, with vibrant colors and traditional artwork that transport you to another place. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, eager to explain the dishes and make recommendations.
The food was simply outstanding. Every dish was bursting with flavor, and the spices were perfectly balanced. The injera, a traditional Ethiopian bread, was the perfect accompaniment to the rich and savory stews. The vegetarian options were particularly impressive. The Misir Wat (spiced lentils) was hearty and delicious, while the Gomen (collard greens) were cooked to perfection with a delightful blend of spices. The Shiro (chickpea stew) was another highlight—smooth, flavorful, and comforting.
What truly set Mesob apart was the attention to detail and the passion evident in every aspect of the dining experience. It’s clear that the owners and staff take great pride in sharing their culture and cuisine with the community. I left not only satisfied but also with a deeper appreciation for Ethiopian food and culture.
If you're looking for an authentic and delightful culinary adventure, Mesob Restaurant is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their menu. Thank you, Mesob, for a memorable evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS, Veggie Combo, Mesir Wot
They have terrible customer service. Last time I ate here I got sick. Against my better judgement, I decided to give it a try months later because I have family from Ethiopia and sadly there aren’t a lot of Ethiopian restaurants around. They messed my order up, took no accountability and then wanted me to pay again instead of re-making my food. The menus online do not match the menus in the restaurant and they’re ALWAYS out of doro wot. I definitely will not be returning.
Restaurantji Recommends
We go here about once every other month. REALLY yummy and authentic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is a hidden gem. The food and coffee is very fresh and delicious! This has got to be the cleanest eatery I've ever been to. Very quiet and private. The lady that served us was so sweet. I will be coming back. If you're in the mood to try something new, this is the spot!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Everything was delicious! Not a single thing disappointed! The food was amazing and the coffee was perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shiro Wot
Excellent Ethiopian cuisine. Delicious and affordable. I would definitely recommend but warn that they keep it very warm inside the restaurant even in summer.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Veggie Combo
Wheelchair accessibility: Needs more space
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mesob Special TIBS
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