- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Cafe Mereb - CLOSED
Categories: [Add]
1541 Clement St(between 16th Ave & 17th Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94118
Neighborhood: Outer Richmond
(415) 668-2988
80 reviews for Cafe Mereb
80 reviews in English
-
Review from Seth R.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2012
The waitress who served us was an amazing and friendly grandmotherly type. Our food was delicious and had that "made with love" touch. The location was small and cozy and really warmed my friend and I up on a cold autumn day.
-
Review from Marisa R.
10/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
nom nom nom.
I like the shawarma sandwhich. So tasty!! And I like the white mocha latte! Perfect foggy day lunch! -
Review from Ly T.
San Francisco, CA
10/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is not on the main drag, small neighborhood joint. I had high hopes for this place because of the rave reviews and its proximity to work, but was sorely disappointed.
I didn't receive the friendly service, even though I was the ONLY customer there. It felt like I burdened her while I was looking at the menu, trying to figure out what I wanted.
The lemon chicken sandwich was skimpy, the bread was really dry.
Falafel wrap was truly the disappointment, as I really like falafel and the pix looked so good on yelp. It was premade, reheated, soft falafel! Not the crunchy fresh one I was expecting. thumbs down!
The food wasn't awful but lackluster. This was my third attempt coming here too! First, they were closed on Weds, shame on me for not looking. Second, it was def NOT a Weds, but they were again, closed, left a note on the door.
Sorry, I pass! -
Review from Tiffany Y.
San Francisco, CA
Just moved back to the neighborhood (yay!) And am feet away from Cafe Mereb and couldnt be happier. I could not pick a better place to live so close to. I've tried many of the menu items and have not been disappointed yet!
Chicken cesar wrap, falafel, breakfast burrito, mozarella & pesto sandwich, lemon olive chicken sandwich....I LOVE IT ALL! And of course, the hot chocolate is to die for, and just tried the chai and it's one of the best ive ever had. The owner is pleasant and friendly, and really bakes love into every delicious item on the menu. Such a hidden gem in San Francisco!Listed in: Richmond District whaaaaaat!!!, My favorite restaurants, Places I frequent, Counting Calories
3 Previous Reviews: Show all »
-
3/18/2009
So, sad to say Cafe Mereb has changed their menu. No more yummy crepes, they now have sandwiches. I… Read more »
-
-
Review from Diane B.
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I *really* liked my shawerma wrap: the perfect proportional composition of greens (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers with yummy yogurt sauce) accompanying delicate and non-greasy lamb slices, all wrapped with a very tasty sun-dried tomato tortilla (other options are whole wheat or spinach).
My BF got the same thing in sandwich form meaning it was in a pita; it was supposed to come with a salad but it didn't, and he personally prefers his meat portions to come a bit chunkier.
The patroness was sooooo sweet - clearly Eritrean (the other form of fare offered here) and it was a mellow environment - but the cushions, throw pillows ...and stuffed animals....gave me a bit of a sketchy feeling that maybe it was a bit too "homey" ...and the price was a smidge high for all of that ($9/sandwich w/o side).
If I was in the 'hood more often I would, however, probably come back for one of the Eritrean plates - the one at the table next to us did look pretty yummy. And the woman there was super sweet :). -
Review from C J.
Napa, CA
8/21/2011
Good: food is very freshly made
Bad: it takes a long time to prepare
We stopped in to this little place thinking it was just a coffee shop, as we where getting ready to leave we hear another table ordering food. What!? There were no signs of food available. But I'm glad we overheard that, because the food was pretty good! It's a very small place, and not really cozy, but the food is good. Might be a good place to call ahead and order to pick up and take home. -
Review from Alan N.
Tacoma, WA
3/24/2011
It's about time I write a review for this place. I come here a good bit because it's got just about eveything I need/want in a cafe.
It's got fast wifi, which I use because I "work from home" which means I frequent a lot of cafes to stave off the monotony.
It's got easily the best falafel I've had. I'm totally addicted to the falafel wrap. I'm a big, boy and frequently I can only eat 1/2 of it. I had falafel by CCSF a couple weeks ago and came to the glaring realization about how off the charts good Mereb's falafel is by the comparison.
It's got yummy coffee/espresso.
The lady who runs it and her daughter who sometimes works there are both extremely friendly/nice/helpful/attentive/everyothergoodadje ctivethatcoulddescribeapositivecafeworker.
I haven't gotten around to trying their eritrean food on the weekends but if it's as good as their falafel I'm really excited. -
Review from Pouria Y.
San Francisco, CA
11/3/2011
Want the best falafel sandwich in town? Then come here. The Richmond keeps proving to me that it has the best food around.
-
Review from Angeline L.
Burlingame, CA
3/3/2011 2 photos
Must get:
* Pesto Chicken Wrap ($7.75?)-- great flavor and so fresh!
* Falafel Wrap ($6.95)-- very filling and has a tiny spicy kick
* Great cup of coffee (americano $1.95)-- smooth
Peaceful and clean place to hang out. I love that they have a corner booth table along with other comfy seats. The owner is really kind and gentle. I spent a leisurely afternoon there with a friend today. I agree with the other yelpers that I hope more business rolls in, I'd hate for this place to disappear.
Totally a neighborhood and family-run small business. While we were there her daughter-in-law stopped in with the owners grandson. He ran in and gave her a big hug and asked for a cookie...which he of course did get. What else would you expect from grandma?;) -
Review from Cael G.
Napa, CA
12/26/2011
Two words: falafel wrap.
Delicious every time. Tried other things on the menu, they're all good, but the wrap is my 'go to'. All the people that work here are simply the best and nice as can be.
I believe they are closing soon. :-( -
Review from Robert K.
San Francisco, CA
3/21/2011
I like the vibe of the place: very homey
I like the service: super friendly but not in an in your face way.
I like the 3D glasses included World Atlas as reading material.
It's close to my house.
The falafel sandwich was pretty damn good (though a "half" was plenty of food for me). I'll be back for that, and maybe sample some other food.
The coffee's not bad either, but frankly there's so much tasty coffee around I probably wouldn't make a point to come grab a cup. -
Review from Daniel F.
Brooklyn, NY
11/13/2010
A surprisingly good falafel sandwich from this unassuming yet really charming neighborhood restaurant. The woman behind the counter was very polite. I assume she was the owner. Admittedly, the service was kind of slow, but that's because every bite was made with love. It's true. I tasted it with every mouthful. It was also very filling. My boyfriend had the falafel wrap and a soy latte. He said his soy latte was one of the best he had ever had. It was a little on the hot side, but it was very fresh and tasty.
After visiting their website, I realized that they have a weekend brunch menu, Eritrean food on the weekends, and a whole list of wraps and sandwiches. Who knew? It's all very affordable too. I can't wait to try the brunch. -
Review from Scott J.
Dublin, CA
8/18/2010
I stumbled upon here after walking up and down Geary looking for a cheap place to eat near the church that wasn't fast food. Thanks to Yelp on my iPhone, I found this quaint cafe on a quiet block on Clement St.
Cafe Mereb is one of those neighborhood places that I'd imagine I could stop in on a daily basis just to say hi. Azeb, the owner, has decorated the walls of the small cafe with various pieces of art, tools, and pictures from her home country of Eritrea, a small country in East Africa north of Ethiopia. While classified as Mediterranean on Yelp, the Eritrean food is the Azeb's specialty, but she only serves it during the weekends, much to my disappointment.
I settled for the more well-known falafel wrap. It was extremely tasty, breaded and fried perfectly with the right amount of spice. The wrap also contained a refreshing tomato and cucumber salad, yummy garlic hummus and tzatziki. A couple dolmas accompanied the wrap.
I really wanted to get some kind of taste of Eritrean cuisine, so after a closer look at Cafe Mereb's reviews on Yelp (there's free WiFi by the way), I found that the iced tea is a homemade specialty. It was very strong and dark, tasting somewhat like Indian chai, but with a stronger taste of cloves and cinnamon. Very refreshing after a long day of work!
Overall, my dinner there was very enjoyable. It was cheap, unique, and tasty, but most of all it was prepared with a great deal of pride and care. This is shown through the Eritrean decor on the walls, which also include Azeb's personal explanations of each and every piece, as well as her story of coming to America. My only concern is that this cafe is kind of off the beaten path, even for Clement. The cafe was empty when I entered, with only a few patrons stepping in to order something to go throughout the duration of my meal. Yelpers mentioned the same thing, so I hope business picks up because this is definitely a Richmond gem. It's walking distance to the church for me, so I'll probably be stopping by here again sometime this summer! -
Review from Megan R.
Atlanta, GA
9/18/2010
My new neighborhood spot!
This less then a block away from my new apartment, and I love it. It has a cozy feel with great ownership. The food is most defiantly not top notch but none the less delicious. With free WIFI, cuddly stuffed animals and lots of cute books to read, comfy chairs and tables. The portions are big and the price is right. Soothing music playing with great artwork covering the walls and counter. I feel as if I'm walking right into this women's kitchen. My understanding is that she is also in the process of getting her liquor license.
I do however worry that she does not get enough service.
I highly suggest checking this place out. -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
5/22/2009 1 photo
It's a one woman show at Café Mereb and when you walk inside you feel like you're in her kitchen. Before I entered the café, I could smell spices and good home cooking. Azeb takes your order, cooks the food, cleans up and rings you up. She immigrated from Eritrea though you can't really tell that from the menu.
The menu features crepes, bagels, salads, breakfast items and Mediterranean items (falafel, hummus). Breakfast (French toast, pancakes, eggs, breakfast burrito) is served all day (yay). For drinks, choose from espresso drinks, smoothies, and other hot drinks. Cookies and brownie bites can satisfy your sweet tooth.
Since she cooks to order and has to do everything, you should call in your order if you're in a hurry. I had the frittata crepe ($6.75) with a side salad (you can choose potatoes if you prefer) and a single latte ($2.50). The prices are quite reasonable.
The large, soft crepe was generously stuffed with tender scrambled eggs, bell peppers, onions, tomato and garlic. The crepe itself was interesting - not as eggy, buttery and thin as I'm used to - it was white, thicker and spongier, mild in flavor, almost like the eggs and butter were left out? I didn't mind though. It tasted good especially when I used the Tapatio hot sauce on the table.
The side salad was very simple - mixed organic greens, chopped tomatoes, oil & vinegar. The latte barely had any foam and it was bitter.
It's a nice place - comfy. The décor is warm and cozy, with Eritrean instruments on warm colored walls, small tables, a bench with thick padding (comfy) and two plush looking chairs. There's one computer with free internet access and free wi-fi (with some power outlets). The connection was spotty during my visit. The windows don't have shades, so it can get sunny inside.Listed in: Free wi-fi + Food in SF
-
Review from Miika m.
3/2/2009
Clement = gastronomic adventure
I love where I live because it is quaint, safe and offers lots of free parking. What I miss in my little slice of suburbia are the numerous shops, eateries, and cafes that flank Geary and what the Richmond is known for: gastronomica. The fantastic variety of places to check out, even if I had a schedule to follow, were clamoring for my attention as I drove down Geary. My plan for this rainy Sunday afternoon was a movie marathon with a very nice fellow I've been seeing.
Parking here is easy, quick and painless (unlike Church and 24th) when I noticed the cute little sign and bench out front. I was unable to avoid it, especially since the rain was being hurled at me from every angle imaginable and I had yet to savor my latte for the day.
Warm, cozy and uplifting from the grey gloom outside with splashes of neutral hues padding the walls. In addition, there were some savory Mediterranean smells wafting from the hot foods area such as hot falafel and pita wraps. The seating area is small but is inevitable for the person next to you to make up a quick conversation, in addition to targeting the occasional patron to rest, take off the coat, lounge and read a book. My breve latte came exactly as ordered: extra hot, smooth and inexpensive.
I sipped as I opened my umbrella and stepped out into the onslaught of the rain. I would not mind coming back and trying the falafel fare next time. In addition, WiFi exists so be prepared with a laptop if you are intent on spending time here. -
Review from Rada I.
11/8/2008
I've been wanting to try Eritrean cuisine for quite some time. Walking to our car today, we accidentally stumbled onto Cafe Mereb and were initially enticed by the crepes. When we sat down and saw that they offer Eritrean specialties, I knew I had to try.
The cafe is really small, set up like someone's kitchen/ dining room.
So friendly, the woman (I'm assuming the owner), put together a lovely (large) dish with sauteed lamb over some delicious crepe/bread ensemble. It was FANTASTIC...so good.
The nutella/ banana crepe hit the spot for desert.
A great value. I can't wait to come back to try more. -
Review from jane y.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2007
The spice-colored sign with curly letters announced the arrival of "Cafe Mereb" to me this past weekend, as I stepped outside the Brewcraft where Sascha purchased his grains for his next batch of beer. I'm not quite sure when this Eritrean cafe replaced "Petite" and "Melinda's" and before that the Chinese medicine store with its jars of roots, but I instantly felt a surge of promise that this might be a spot to fulfill some of my wants.
The menu offers an extensive selection of breakfast categories -- crepes, eggs-n-toast, juicebar, and look no further, just what I wanted-- falafels, tabouli, hummus! This place sported free wi-fi--including 15mins free with purchase at the cafe computer (just enough time to research how to say thank you in Tigrinya-- "yekanyeley"), and the living room atmosphere I want in my cafes (Blue Danube, Bazaar). To underscore the cozy factor, there were three engrossed coffee-sippers playing a game of cards in the corner. Cafe Mereb, yekanyeley for being there! I'll be back.
post script: I'm back. I'm on my way to Sascha's where he's making beer. That means his stove isn't free to make the coffee my head needs at this moment. Inside Mereb, my needs are being met. It's always an interesting subject to me, what people qualify as a need or a want. Right now the wonderful woman who owns Mereb is making me a vegetable crepe and a coffee. Well, that isn't entirely accurate. Her little stove is occupied too, not with large vats of grains, but the vegie crepe of another customer. The tantalizing aroma&sizzling of the colorful peppers, mushrooms and garlic in the frying pan grabbed my attention before I could peruse the menu. Everything is fresh. Breakfast served all day. & here playing at the cafe terminal:
http://www.teshamo.com/
And again: This place keeps getting better. So we stopped in for a coffee for the 3rd weekend in a row & were treated to the taste of Eritrea -- spicy dorjo tsebbe, yogurt & slow-cooked mustard greens on injera. Te'uum! Delicious! Every Saturday night from 6:30 to 9:30, traditional Eritrean food (a lot of vegetarian options) & musica & maybe some dance lessons can be enjoyed when Cafe Mereb becomes Cafe Eritrea. -
Review from Lorena G.
San Francisco, CA
10/18/2011
Clearly they do not know what is a lamb shawarma. What I got was a COLD flour tortilla cesar salad wrap! really? no lavash or pita? barely any lamb. no tabbouleh,hummus, tahini. nothing! Sorry but, service took forever and a cold tortilla wrap with lettuce is NEVER a shawarma. Do not order from the meditteranian section, perhaps the eritrian is better.
-
Review from Theresa T.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2009
A free Friday paired with a little persuasion led to a Zoo day adventure with Margit H. Needless to say we thought it would be best to start off with a hearty lunch and then spend the day with the animals.
Cafe Mereb was suggested and we rolled with it. I was pretty excited because I have not tried too many of the little cafes that sprinkle the streets of the Inner and Outer Richmond. Mereb is tiny, and I mean quaint, cute and cozy tiny establishment.
They had breakfast and lunch items available since we arrived early at around 11:30am. I ordered a Greek salad and a hummus platter that came with dolma, tabbouleh, hummus and pita bread. It was good and the hummus was thick and garlicky. Margit had a chicken wrap that looked very fresh and healthy. The portions were great and there were many things I still wanted to try on the menu like their Eritrean specialties and their veggie wrap.
Mereb is solid in my opinion because their food was good, their prices were really good and the lady who was running the place was super nice.
You can grab coffee and surf the net for free, brunch, lunch, snack, or lounge and be very comfortable at Mereb. -
Review from Adam B.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Please go eat here.
I promise I am not affiliated with the restaurant in any way, but I'm worried that it will go out of business. I was here from 6 - 8pm on a Friday evening - which should be prime time for restaurants - and only one other person came in (for takeout).
On to why you should go here: the falafel is stunningly delicious, leaps and bounds ahead of others I've had in San Francisco. They don't skimp on it either - my sandwich was overstuffed with tons of the stuff. The downside was that it was very difficult to eat (I'm glad I was dining solo, it was not a pretty sight). The tzatziki-ish sauce and humus are great complements. The owner (I think) made it to order; it took a bit of time but it was well worth it.
I can't wait to go back and try the Eritrean food. Unfortunately Mereb is a bit out of the way for me, but I'll make the time as often as I can. You other yelpers need to do your part to keep this place in business! -
Review from Marz W.
San Francisco, CA
9/6/2007
We just happened upon this place on our way to find parking for an event. We got so hungry circling the endless blocks of parked cars, we decided that the next place there was a parking spot we were taking it and going to the nearest eatery.
I liked it as soon as I walked in. Its really nice looking inside and a very pleasant vibe. The lady who I assume owns the place, is really nice. She took our orders and had us take a seat. The food came after about 10 or 15 minutes. (She was also the chef) The place is very tiny. I'm not sure two people could fit behind the counter.
It has a small flat screen TV and WiFi. They have all kinds of stuff to eat and drink, its a coffee/tea place, a place to come and get juices and smoothies, salads, as well as great meals. I saw that they have game watching nights as well. If I lived out there I think I'd be there often. -
Review from Dan M.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2007
---update--- food poisoning lasted 4 days. Nice. -----
One star - for the nice lady behind the counter.
The 4 stars not remaining - for the $7 falafel sandwich. Uses pita bread, which you better like, because that is mostly what you get. It's cut in half, with a handful of fresh veggies spread between the two halves. ONE, count 'em, ONE falafel ball goes in each half, cut in fourths. The sauce comes from a can.
Now, it's my bad. Africa is not known for Falafel, but the only African thing served is only on Saturday nights... which I would have tried some days ago, but the advertisement outside tells how I won't know what it is, how could I, and don't worry about my ignorance, just come in and eat. Uhh... thanks?
To cap it all off, or rather to blow it wide open, I have been pissing out the @$$ for two days from the lunch I had here.
---- I hate to base a one star rating off one visit, but, I may not make it for a second -- I won't be surprised to see a new name (yet same quality) at this location soon.Listed in: San-"D"-Witches
-
Review from Julia H.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2008
I woke up on Sunday morning in a foul mood. The best cure I know for a foul mood is a hard pedaling bike ride and Sunday Brunch. So I set off into the cold fog and parked in front of a cafe I had passed by a few times.
It's nice and warm inside and I ordered an "au lait" and an Apple Cinnamon Crepe. The Au Lait was ok, but the Crepe was one of the best I have ever had. I sat and read a lovely Paul Auster novel and dug into the carmelized pieces of warm apple and soft crepe and just a tiny hint of whipped cream.
I can't wait to go back and try the Eritrean Specials.Listed in: My Neighborhood
-
Review from Kira B.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2009 2 Check-ins Here
OK. That's all I feel about the place. I'll stop by for a coffee if they're open, but I walk to work and pass by their place every morning between 8:45-9:30am and the amount of times they've been open for a morning cup over the last 3 months? Zero. I passed by her place at lunch and asked Azeb what's up with the posted hours and she said sometimes she doesn't open until 11 and she has very few customers and waved her hands in the air and made it seem like she doesn't feel like being there. Which is what I feel every time I walk in the place. When she first opened it she actually smiled, but I haven't seen her do that in a very long time.
I've eaten the Eritrean special Saturday night dinner (spicy but good with a spongy crepey thing) but I thought their sandwiches and salads were nothing to yelp about. The coffee is so-so, Peet's is a block away.
I live a block away and wish it was better than it is so I could have some neighborhood hangout to wifi in and have breakfast at 9am on the way to work. -
Review from John Z.
Dublin, CA
12/21/2009
What a lovely little cafe in a quaint residential and light commercial neighborhood. We went on a Monday evening and enjoyed a delicious latte, great jazz music, friendly service, and a fun round of poker/checkers.
Cafe Mereb isn't going to knock your socks off, but it is a cozy little hangout for the Inner Richmond locals and the handful of daytrippers from the East Bay.
One note is that they no longer offer crepes. -
Review from George J.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2007
Three words: Shurro, Shurro, Shurro. This is the most magnificent food Azeb has to offer. It is served on the weekends when Cafe Mereb offers authentic Eritrean cuisine and is perhaps the best tasting sauce/ingera combination on the planet.
I did not want to write anything about Shurro, because I wanted to hoard it all for myself, but realized that it is in the best interests of Cafe Mereb for me to promote the eats, since if I don't they may not be around long enough to get my fill of Shurro.
So luck you! Go to Cafe Mereb and enjoy some of Azeb's Shurro, though just not too much. Try some of the other wonderful food too!
[...]When Azeb took over this place, formerly called Petite Cafe, my wife and I noticed the difference right away. A nice warm feeling emanated from the constantly open doorway, so we wandered in. What a smart decision.
Offering Eritrean food all day, as well as coffee house staples such as bagels, hummus platters, and cookies (among myriad other things), Cafe Mereb is definitely a regular stop on our outings.
The coffee is great and Azeb (the owner, chef, regular attendant, mother) is one of the most pleasant people to chat with, always offering up a wealth of knowledge from her life of learning.
You should ask a few questions and listen to Azeb tell you her views, she is as magnificent as her little cafe. Whether we are playing backgammon or deuces or even go fish, the place rocks.
Oh, and they have some food for everyone; vegan, and unfortunately, non vegan as well. You should be vegan, though even if you are not you should still give Cafe Mereb a try. -
Review from Danielle Y.
San Francisco, CA
7/19/2009
Cafe Mereb is a fantastic little neighborhood place... a bit off the beaten path, as it's located in the residential area of Clement St. at 17th Ave.
It's not getting as much business as it deserves because of the location, but go there and support this place!
The owner is a hard-working, humorous woman from Eritrea (small country in Northeast Africa that borders Ethiopia) who makes all sorts of delicious wrap sandwiches filled with yummy fresh ingredients like house made falafel, house made hummus, organic baby spinach, tomatoes, and there's even an "American-style" turkey-bacon club wrap for people who aren't adventurous enough to try any kind of ethnic cuisine. She makes a soup from scratch every day. The restaurant is homey and comfy and Azeb, the owner, is very warm and nice.
On the weekends Cafe Mereb offers Eritrean specialties like a big platter of injera with chickpea stew, lentil stew, mustard greens and fresh romaine and tomato on top. Two people can share one platter, which is $11.95. (She also often comes around and tops off your stew with more.)
Azeb, the owner, explained to me that Eritrean cuisine is the same as Ethiopian cuisine, except "we don't like each other" she whispered, chuckling. You can get a vegetarian platter or try her special Eritrean chicken or lamb. She also makes all types of coffee drinks and the prices are ridiculously low (a mocha served in a tall glass is $2.25).
I like her food so much that I've asked her to do a large catering order for my office on several occasions. She does a combination of wraps, a large salad, falafel, hummus, a tomato & red onion garnish, tzaziki, dolmas and pita for about half what other caterers charge, and everyone at my work loves her food.
I also once special ordered a platter of dolmas to take to a dance performance potluck and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table!
Parking tip - you can park two blocks away at the Ross Dress for Less/Walgreen's/Domino's Pizza parking lot at 16th and Geary for .75 (yes, seventy-five cents!) and walk to Cafe Mereb easily. -
Review from Vicky L.
2/23/2009
My new favorite coffee shop.
I love Mediterranean food, and I love little coffee shops where I can sit and not feel like I'm in corporate America, so this was seriously the perfect blend of both. It's definitely a place that you'll easily miss if you don't look for it, so I'm lucky that I discovered it (it's halfway between work and home).
The grilled cheese sandwich looked delicious (my friend ordered it) and I ordered the falafal pita, which was stuffed with a tomato and cucumber salad, instead of lettuce like so many other places. It was wonderful, and I loved the half-sandwich option. The sauce was also very tasty - not too tangy.
It's small, but it has a good vibe. Hooray. -
Review from Emily S.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2009
Cafe Mereb is a gem in this neighborhood. If you are looking for a great Mediterranean option, this is it! The falafels are moist and the humus is full of garlic. The staff is very nice and the atmosphere is laid back and comfortable. I could definitely see myself spending hours lounging in a comfy chair with my laptop.
There are other decent lunch places around, but sadly little variation. I'm so glad I have found something different to balance out the Thai, Chinese, and Mexican that you can find everywhere else. Cafe Mereb will definitely become one of my staples. -
Review from Stacy J.
San Francisco, CA
11/30/2007
I had the hummus plate, Steve J. had the falafel wrap. Good! The falafel had a little bit of kick to it, which I like.
Very casual atmosphere. Our table had a chess table and a pack of cards stowed underneath. Also: a calculator? They want you to linger here with friends and coffee, and perhaps do your taxes here.
We didn't meet Azeb, it was a young man instead. Surely as friendly as Azeb, though. Also, his taste in music veers toward the modern rock (I remember Dinosaur Jr and Modest Mouse), so if that's your bucket, here's a good as place as any to use free WiFi.
Also, read the mission statement from their website:
Here at Cafe Mereb we try to provide an experience that brings personality and life to a cafe. We are no ordinary cafe; we provide more than just food. Community has become a buzz-word, simply implying more people; but at Cafe Mereb we believe that community really lies in one's attitude. Here you will find a space that embodies culture, diversity and holism, rejecting the hollow atmospheres of so many other cafes.
Isn't that nice? Did you ever consider the platonic ideal of a cafe and if your cafe was striving toward it?
You know what else was nice? Napkins in a napkin holder on the table. Not the industrial restaurant kind where the napkins pop out, but textured squares of napkins in a slot holder. Like you were at someone's house. Homey!Listed in: Eatin's in the Richmond!
-
Review from Casey U.
San Francisco, CA
9/9/2010
In the spirit of Rosh Hashanah (in which you are supposed to try something new on the new year), I stopped by here for lunch today. In short this is the definition of a "Neighborhood Place"; it's tiny, off the beaten path and serves good, distinctive food.
I ordered the Falafel sandwich and some Lemonade from the owner, who was very friendly, the total was around 10$ (plus a nice tip). The Falafel was outstanding, freshly made and very large. It was served over a crisp cucumber and tomato salad which was a nice contrast to the mealyness and slight spice of the falafel. The owner included a stuffed grape leaf on the side, which was a nice touch (and didn't last long).
Ambiance was very nice, with African art on the walls and be-bop in the background. This would be a very nice place to take a friend or a date.
I'll be coming back. -
Review from Jason B.
9/21/2008
I love hummus, spinach, tomatoes and wheat tortillas. And I really love them all together. For $6, Mereb serves up a fabulous one.
I also love parfaits, so a bit disappointed the yogurt option on their variation was whole, but that was remedied with some skim milk. Coffee was fine, nothing to yelp about.
So food is just a bit better than average, but service seals the fourth star. I lingered for a few hours in the Richmond fog, using the free Internet, not feeling rushed at all. I enjoyed the relaxed ambiance of this small spot. The owners clearly are putting their heart and soul into making it work. Go support. -
Review from Gabriel R.
San Francisco, CA
6/2/2008
You've got to just love the mom and pop style places in your neighborhood that take you away from the corporate cookie cutter world of today. Cafe Mereb is one of the places I look forward to going to each time. First, the owner is a lovely woman who greets you every time with a beautiful smile and hello. It is located in the central Richmond District and conveniently located a block from my house. Great for those morning-after meals after a night out when walking any more than a full block just can't happen.
The interior is comfortable and filled with gorgeous travel books mainly from Africa. The menu has a good amount of choices for a small eatery. My favorite thing on the menu to date is the Chicken Pesto crepe...so tasty.
If in the area, bring your laptop, order a meal or coffee, and relax in the very comfortable Cafe Mereb. -
Review from Paul Q.
Houston, TX
5/19/2009
Lovely little restaurant. The food is delicious. I had the soup du jour, (split pea), and a falafel, cucumber & tomato salad wrap. All yummy. As a vegetarian, I am used to, "making do", when I go out to lunch with friends. Not so today. I shall return.
The portions are large and the prices small. I had a large bowl of soup and expected when I ordered to be able to scarf it and the wrap up with no problem since I had only coffee for breakfast.
Not so again! I took half the wrap home and ate it that evening. (It tasted even better.)
They have no alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, so I am deleting one star just for that fact. I was really in the mood for a beer today and had so anticipated it that I walked over the the 7/11 on Geary and 15th and brought it back to the Cafe Mereb.
. . .But, when I began eating, I wished that I had simply ordered hot tea. Beer does not complement this cuisine. -
Review from Brandon M.
San Francisco, CA
9/30/2008
I eat at Cafe Mereb a few times a week and there are enough things on the menu for vegetarians/vegans that I don't get tired of eating the same thing every time. All though I do get the Foul Moudammas (warm Fava Bean Salad) almost every single time.... My other favorites are the falafel wrap and the tofu curry scramble crepe. If you are a vegetarian or vegan, just let them know and they can usually accommodate to your needs.
Other than being the best lunch spot in the neighborhood, they also serve breakfast all day. So if you are sick of eating at the same restaurants on the main strip of Clement street, just venture a few blocks across Park Presidio to Cafe Mereb. -
Review from Mandy L.
San Francisco, CA
8/30/2008
This is a cute little (seats around 10 people) cafe on a pretty quiet block. The food pretty cheap and not bad at all. If you are in a hurry, especially during rush hours, i wouldn't recommend you coming here, because there's literally one person cooking. Oh, yea, she does everything, from making your espresso down to scrambling your eggs. if you pay with your credit card, do expect a 25cent service fee.
haha, she does delivery...if you are within ONE block! -
Review from Pat M.
Burlingame, CA
10/14/2009
Decent food - very close to Ethiopian (I could not tell the difference, though the owner insisted it was Eritrean). The portions are big, my wife and I shared a veggie platter.
The coffee cake was really good, but they told me they just bought it, not bake it there. Service was really nice and the place is pretty cool. -
Review from Dareyn S.
San Francisco, CA
6/27/2011
Only found this place because it's down the block from SF Brewcraft, the brewing supply store I frequent - good to know that beer continues to bring new and continued joys to my life. Have been here twice and tried the falafel wrap and lamb shawarma sandwich. Both very tasty, and I dig that it's a small local cafe run by an Eritrean woman. I also like that they offer American breakfast/brunch items in case you aren't feeling "ethnic" on any given day. Intend to try some of the Eritrean specialties next time.
-
Review from Matt C.
Davis, CA
7/9/2008
I second Gabe R.'s review. The place is great! The food is filling, reasonable, and very tasty. The owner and her son are as nice as can be. The internet connection is rediculously, mysterously, fantastically fast.
I especially like the breakfast crepe and the falafal wrap and feel lucky that I can count Cafe Mereb within walking steps of my front door.
