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312 Eats
River North · Mediterranean · $$

Meli Cafe

4.31,492 reviews ·Opens at 7AM tomorrow
We went here for a trip during the 4th of July we were in town for 7 days we traveled 1 mi everyday in the morning to go there and have breakfast their bacon is amazing no sausages amazing their eggs are amazing the staff is amazing we never had been to Chicago before but the first time we ate there we knew we were going to eat breakfast there for the rest of our trip it was so good we didn't even try one other place for breakfast the whole time it was terrific the price you couldn't beat extremely cheap in my opinion if you want to try something good get the eggs your way, bacon and sausage it comes with hash browns also the sourdough bread is terrific like I said we stayed there for over a week we didn't try one other place for breakfast it was so good I crave it right now if you're looking for a good portion of food that's going to get you full and taste amazing I would stop in here immediately because it is worth every single penny
Nick GarrisonNick Garrison · 208 Google reviews
Read the reviews on Google →

Meli Cafe — neighborhood mediterranean in River North. The kind of spot that earns loyalty, not hype, and solid veggie options. [$$, patio]

🌱Vegan & vegetarian friendly — real options, not one sad pasta.
☀️Patio — a River North classic in summer.

What 1,492 diners keep saying

Great valueFast serviceCozyOld schoolOutdoor diningQuick bite
Plan your visit
540 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
River North
Today7AM-3PM
Sun–Sat7AM-3PM
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What 1,492 diners keep saying

verbatim, from Google
Review photo by Humam Hawara
Jul 2026

I want to start by saying our server Amparo was phenomenal. Sweet, very delightful and super nice. Just like the pancakes we ordered. Pistachio pancakes were incredible. So happy we went to a now certified humamelin star restaurant for Bisher’s birthday. Thanks again Amparo.

Humam Hawara

Humam Hawara

72 reviews on Google

Review photo by Lydia Guerrero
Apr 2026

Excelente lugar y servicio al cliente. Buen ambiente. Muy amable los empleados. Lo recomiendo 100%

Lydia Guerrero

Lydia Guerrero

9 reviews on Google

Review photo by Eva B
Mar 2026

This was a great place for brunch. The ranch style cafe is calm and neat and the staff are very quick at serving and helpful. The food is delicious, just very big quatities. I would reccomend adding salty crepes with spinage or mushrooms and chicken or something. The music is not too loud, so you can easily hear other people talking to you. There is a lot of sunlight in the cafe. The food is pricey though, but it was a delicious experience overall.

Eva B

Eva B

34 reviews on Google

Review photo by Isabelle Crespo
Dec 2025

Jennifer was the best server! The food was delicious. You get a huge portion size for your $$. I definitely recommend coming here for breakfast, or lunch! We got the limited edition crème brulle French toast, it was so good, and not overly sweet. I also love the portion size on the breakfast bowl! It’s almost as if you’re getting two servings!

Isabelle Crespo

Isabelle Crespo

24 reviews on Google

Review photo by Jennifer Hodgson
Nov 2025

Perfect place for breakfast. I had the salmon benedict and the creme brule French toast. Lovely staff and atmosphere 👌

Jennifer Hodgson

Jennifer Hodgson

119 reviews on Google

Review photo by Leslie White
Oct 2025

My son and I came to Meli's for breakfast during a weekend trip to the city. I discovered the restaurant because I'd Google searched for breakfast spots near our hotel, and I'm so glad we chose it! The staff were all very friendly, service was fast and the food was great. I got a chicken chorizo bowl that was delicious with a pepper Mary to drink and my son really enjoyed his chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream and chocolate syrup. I would absolutely choose Meli again for a meal!

Leslie White

Leslie White

82 reviews on Google

Review photo by Venuta
Oct 2025

We went there for brunch and the menu was really great, they have a lot of options and the food tastes amazing! Portions are very large thought, you have to keep that in mind when ordering.

Venuta

Venuta

62 reviews on Google

Review photo by Skyy Strike
Oct 2025

The pancakes were fragrant and fluffy, coffee gets refilled quickly, and the veggie omelette I had came packed with the right mix of veggies and eggs and it was really good. Atmosphere has a nice bistro bustle to it, and overall a great choice for breakfast or brunch.

Skyy Strike

Skyy Strike

172 reviews on Google

Review photo by luis arevalo navarro
Sep 2025

Llevo un mes en Chicago y este es mi sitio preferido para desayunar. Todo está bueno, rico y bien servido, además del servicio de sala que es encantador. Siempre voy a volver.

luis arevalo navarro

luis arevalo navarro

20 reviews on Google

Review photo by Gretchell Herman
Sep 2025

I got a coffee, the skin hydrating juice, and the Shashuka bowl! All were delish. The meal had great spices and the perfect poached eggs! The juice tasted very fresh. The staff was friendly and welcoming. I’d come here again.

Gretchell Herman

Gretchell Herman

112 reviews on Google

Review photo by James Young
Sep 2025

Visited earlier today and have to put this review in to say it's amazing. My wife had porridge and a smoothie which she loved. My sister in law had omelette and I had the chicken and waffles. Really loved this place and will definitely be coming back before we head home

James Young

James Young

8 reviews on Google

Review photo by Caleb Kramer
Sep 2025

This spot is a go-to for a fresh and filling breakfast or brunch. The menu is full of tasty options, from egg dishes and waffles to lighter plates with plenty of flavor. The atmosphere feels bright and welcoming, and the service is attentive without being rushed. It’s an easy place to enjoy a relaxed meal any time of day.

Caleb Kramer

Caleb Kramer

5 reviews on Google

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