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Inner North › Northcote › MESOB
MESOBA-Worth Trying
213 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia
· Ethiopian restaurant, African restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (656 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination-worthy Ethiopian platters with warm hospitality and generous portions; book ahead and expect lively acoustics and occasional seating hiccups.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
MESOB earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality anchored by standout injera and richly spiced stews, paired with warm, attentive service that makes diners feel genuinely welcomed. Strong repeat customer loyalty and destination appeal across Melbourne confirm its standing as a respected neighborhood favorite, though occasional service inconsistencies and variable execution prevent the higher distinction of grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
On High St in Northcote, MESOB hums with warm hospitality and the buzz of share platters landing at lively tables. Reviewers describe staff who are gentle and welcoming, giant round trays of stews over soft injera, and a room that can get pretty lively. One diner summed it up: "We left very full and very happy." The cooking leans traditional Ethiopian with richly spiced stews, crisp sambosa, and tangy teff injera. It is more comforting than flashy, the kind of place where variety and generosity carry the evening. Most praise the balance of value and flavor, though a few note saltiness here and there or debate how authentic a couple of dishes feel. Families fit right in. Groups often order big platters, and kids have done well with simple bites like sambosa or chicken nibbles; one celebration even saw chips reappear for the night. There is no sign of a dedicated kids menu, so picky eaters may prefer the milder veg stews; book ahead to avoid being seated outdoors.
At a Glance
- Generous share platters with standout injera and stews
- Friendly, patient staff who explain dishes and dietary details
- Noise and acoustics can make conversation difficult
- Reservation mix-ups and occasional long waits at peak times
- Book ahead on weekends; indoor seats fill quickly
What Sets It Apart
- generous_share_platters
- teff_injera_gluten_friendly
- strong_local_following
What People Love
- Feeling welcomed and cared for by staff
- Hearty platters that feed a crowd
- Soft, tangy injera that ties flavors together
- Discovering multiple stews in one meal
- Good value for the quantity
Points of Concern
- Noise levels can be high; acoustics make conversation hard for some
- Seating and reservation issues reported by a minority, including being placed outdoors despite booking
- Waits up to ~55 minutes for platters on busy nights without proactive updates
- Kitchen aromas can linger on clothes; ventilation feels limited near peak service
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$35-50 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Based on reviews, choose a share platter first, add sambosa if extra hungry, and consider honey wine to complement spices.
Perfect For
- Sharing-focused dinners with friends
- Trying Ethiopian cuisine for the first time
- Casual birthday gatherings
- Gluten-avoiding diners seeking teff injera
Location Insights
Area: Lively inner-north strip with bars, music venues, and casual eateries; popular with locals and students.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit main street with steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Near Northcote Social Club and retail along High St; strong nightlife and dining mix.
NorthcoteNorthcote features a dynamic dining scene with a variety of casual eateries, ethnic restaurants, and trendy cafes. The area is known for its relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere and a strong emphasis on local and multicultural food offerings.
High StreetHigh Street is the main commercial strip in Northcote, bustling with independent shops, bars, and diverse restaurants. It serves as a social hub for locals and visitors seeking casual dining and vibrant street life.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:30–21:30
Wednesday17:30–21:30
Thursday17:30–21:30
Friday17:30–21:30
Saturday17:30–21:30
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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