Meli Cafe
Meli Cafe — neighborhood mediterranean in River North. The kind of spot that earns loyalty, not hype, and solid veggie options. [$$, patio]
What 1,492 diners keep saying
What 1,492 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“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.”

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

“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.”

“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!”

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

“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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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”

“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.”
Sounds like your kind of place?
Star it — your hit list is where dinner decisions get made.
One email a month — new openings, hidden gems, and where locals are actually eating.
More Mediterranean in Downtown & River North
See the ranking →In the same lane · Mediterranean, mid-range
If it's packed, walk to…



More good rooms in River North, minutes away.





