Mella Cafe – My new Cafe away from home….

While waiting for me to finish some laptop repair work, a friend stumbled upon Mella Cafe—a hidden gem in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood that had somehow escaped my notice despite being open for about two years. Founded in June 2023 by Yirgy Meles (affectionately known as Gigi) and her husband Negus, who immigrated from Eritrea to Chicago in 1995, this cozy spot embodies Gigi’s long-held dream of sharing authentic Eritrean cuisine with the community. After five years of dedicated effort, they transformed the space into a vibrant cafe reflecting Eritrean culture, complete with a red interior inspired by their homeland’s colors and influences from Italian and Ethiopian culinary traditions. Gigi’s philosophy of perseverance shines through in the warm, independent atmosphere she has created.

This has quickly become my go-to spot in the area for quality coffee, light meals, and productive laptop sessions. Beyond the staples, they offer an array of tempting options, including gelato in various flavors. Instead of opting for overpriced, unhealthy fast food, I’ll be heading here to save a bit of cash while enjoying fresher, more nutritious choices. The cafe is equipped with guest Wi-Fi and ample outlets, making it ideal for remote work or casual hangouts.

During my visit, I savored a flavorful lentil samosa paired with a creamy chutney, followed by a robust espresso and a slice of baklava for dessert (though not in that exact order). Everything was delicious and satisfying.

Mella Cafe is open most days except Mondays, staying late until 8 PM—perfect for those extended evenings. If you’re in Edgewater, it’s worth a stop to experience a slice of Eritrean hospitality in Chicago.