The food at this place is to die for, highly recommend the Grouper and the Reuben, my favorites. Welcoming and attentive service, the cute manager stop by and was very charming. Worth the visit!
(5)
Kylie C.
I am a regular costumer and I love coming here because it feels so cozy and like home. And their food is amazing. I particularly like their chicken carbonara, and I get that almost every time. I love coming here and definitely recommend it to everyone else.
(5)
Raquel G.
I loved the vibe of this place! It was a cozy cafe, with ALCOHOL! I ordered the Fried Brussels Sprouts which were phenomenal!! They were crispy, sweet and a little spicy all in one! I ate just the appetizer as my meal and I left satisfied. I can't wait to go back again and get more!
(5)
Laura C.
I love Melissa. My husband loves Melissa. Even my kids love Melissa. The restaurant itself is a little odd (former pizza restaurant or something), but it's always very clean. Staff is always nice and food is quick. They have amazing specials, but everything down to the cheeseburger is outstanding. Matzo ball soup is wonderful, as is the Italian hoagie. Oh, and the risotto bowl is great too. You get the picture. Try it out.
(5)
Trucy N.
The waitress recommended the Caesar salad with blackened chicken and I expected boring...but I got super tasty chicken and a non standard Caesar salad with avocados and lots of flavor! Highly rec trying this special dish!
(4)
J. H.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday morning. Place was not very busy, but got busier during our meal. Service was good...although there were a couple lulls where we were waiting for the server to come back to our table, she did a good job of keeping our drinks re-filled. The food was decent, although my corned beef hash was not prepared the same way as when I had it at another location (on the east side). The scone and fresh fruit served to us before our meal was a nice touch, too. Considering the lack of quality breakfast spots in the area, I imagine we'll be back.
(3)
Jason B.
It was good, I got the fajita wrap. One daughter got the burger and the other a chicken wrap. Good food will certainly go back.
(4)
Jason V.
Small, cozy place (no more than 20 tables) serving similar food to Sweet Melissa in Rocky River--high quality diner food. One thing I didn't see on the menu that I really liked from Sweet Melissa (though I see it taken off their online menu as well) are the whole red baby potatoes served as a side with the meatloaf entree. And while Cafe Melissa has a small case with a couple of cakes and cupcakes for dessert, it didn't have the enormous cakes of its much larger, parent location. The meatloaf sandwich was very good and the spice from the siracha added a little kick that was simultaneously mellowed out by the fried egg and cheese. It is very filling: I ended up taking a nap after getting home. The Reuben with turkey substituted for corned beef was not as well received, with the turkey coming out overcooked and dry. This might be a warning for other diners to stay on script.
Enjoyed a lovely brunch on the patio this afternoon. It wasn't crowded at all for a beautiful Saturday. We ordered the Carolina (eggs, potatoes, cheese grits), buttermilk pancakes and biscuits and gravy. Everything was delicious and service was excellent and attentive. Will definitely return for brunch!
(5)
Ibchick L.
I won't make this long and drawn out-we frequent sweet Melissa's very often and food is always consistent, fresh and service always attentive and quick. Cafe melissa on the other hand, I have been here twice and ordered the same salad-salmon salad which I love. The first time and the way it's supposed to be had a nice crunchy jicama slaw on top-this time had red bell peppers which were wilted along with the jicama wilted on top-I honestly thought it was cheese at first because of the texture! My daughter had chocolate chip pancakes for brunch and we love sweet m's pancakes-the texture was off on hers and felt almost hour old and not fresh. Super disappointed. Service at cafe melissa was the same slow service we had before and the same waiter. We were checked on once, never asked for our waters to be refilled and we were siting outside in the hot sun, I finally asked when they came back and it then took 15 minutes to return with no water but my check and then I was asked if I wanted water!?!? Service needs to be on point which it isn't and my friends who prefer to go to sweet Melissa's instead have told me the downfalls of cafe's food being inconsistent along with service but we were in the area and I wanted the salad I love-which I didn't love at this visit. Work on service-it was dead in there and it shouldn't matter dead or busy be consistent! Food needs to be exactly the same every time you order it. And another side note, in order dressing on the side and as I'm drizzling it on with my fork I have chickpeas and random food floating in the dressing container...Uggg sloppy details people!
(3)
Cori N.
Fair warning, in any other location I would be giving Cafe Melissa a four star review, but because they are located in Lorain--a definite quality food desert, I'm going with a five star review. Location -does- matter. Cafe Melissa is a cute, unassuming looking place off the side of a busy road and somewhat in a shopping mall. Inside though, it is really well decorated and a pretty, calm, and fun place to be. The service has always been good, the food has always been yummy, and the beer specials are super cool. (They have a selection of $2 beers all the time--awesome!) My one real beef with this place is that it is an a la carte style menu, which I generally hate. Unlike most places that use it though, I really think that at Cafe Melissa you are getting what you pay for. Yeah, it can sometimes feel like you're overpaying by a couple bucks, but then you eat your food and you decide you're okay with it. Over the times that I've been here I've probably sampled about 40% of the menu because I'm generally always there with family and I try everything on the table. I love the fried green tomatoes and the goat cheese gnocchi. The stuffed artichoke hearts are a great idea but the filling needs a bit more 'punch' to it. The Portuguese stew is very yummy and exceedingly generous in its portions of fish. The steak on top of mashed potatoes are -amazing-. And the garlicky spinach is basically manna from heaven. The only thing I really dislike about this place is that the booths are done with a completely straight back. If you have any back or shoulder issues at all, it will be torture to sit in one of those. I have no idea why anyone would put that kind of booth in--it might look ascetically pleasing, but it's physical torture.
(5)
Cara L.
The only difference I found between here and Sweet Melissa's in Rocky River is this location does not have a bar but they do serve beer and wine! Our waitress Samantha was awesome! She was very nice and made good food suggestions. I ordered the Burger and a side of Sweet Potato Fries which were great! I don't know if they make their own pickles or where they get them but I think they are my absolute favorite restaurant pickles! They go great on the burger! My boyfriend ordered the Scallop Risotto (recommended by our waitress) and the scallops were cooked perfectly! We will be back to check out brunch!
(4)
Lina T.
On a family road trip from Vermont to California and back. We have eaten at A LOT of restaurants but this is the first time we have ever written a review. This place has by far THE BEST kids menu choices of anywhere we have EVER been. As well as some incredible and tasty Gluten Free choices for all. What a find! If your looking for good food take the time to get off the highway. The only complaints the family has are the air conditioning was pretty chilly and there is a TV playing in the dining area which is a drag.
(4)
Donald M.
Awesome food in a great neighborhood. Fresh , farm to table with nice menu options. Salads are excellent, light and tasty. It was so good I went back the next day for the same lunch salad.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Manuel V.
The food at this place is to die for, highly recommend the Grouper and the Reuben, my favorites. Welcoming and attentive service, the cute manager stop by and was very charming. Worth the visit!
(5)Kylie C.
I am a regular costumer and I love coming here because it feels so cozy and like home. And their food is amazing. I particularly like their chicken carbonara, and I get that almost every time. I love coming here and definitely recommend it to everyone else.
(5)Raquel G.
I loved the vibe of this place! It was a cozy cafe, with ALCOHOL! I ordered the Fried Brussels Sprouts which were phenomenal!! They were crispy, sweet and a little spicy all in one! I ate just the appetizer as my meal and I left satisfied. I can't wait to go back again and get more!
(5)Laura C.
I love Melissa. My husband loves Melissa. Even my kids love Melissa. The restaurant itself is a little odd (former pizza restaurant or something), but it's always very clean. Staff is always nice and food is quick. They have amazing specials, but everything down to the cheeseburger is outstanding. Matzo ball soup is wonderful, as is the Italian hoagie. Oh, and the risotto bowl is great too. You get the picture. Try it out.
(5)Trucy N.
The waitress recommended the Caesar salad with blackened chicken and I expected boring...but I got super tasty chicken and a non standard Caesar salad with avocados and lots of flavor! Highly rec trying this special dish!
(4)J. H.
Came here for brunch on a Sunday morning. Place was not very busy, but got busier during our meal. Service was good...although there were a couple lulls where we were waiting for the server to come back to our table, she did a good job of keeping our drinks re-filled. The food was decent, although my corned beef hash was not prepared the same way as when I had it at another location (on the east side). The scone and fresh fruit served to us before our meal was a nice touch, too. Considering the lack of quality breakfast spots in the area, I imagine we'll be back.
(3)Jason B.
It was good, I got the fajita wrap. One daughter got the burger and the other a chicken wrap. Good food will certainly go back.
(4)Jason V.
Small, cozy place (no more than 20 tables) serving similar food to Sweet Melissa in Rocky River--high quality diner food. One thing I didn't see on the menu that I really liked from Sweet Melissa (though I see it taken off their online menu as well) are the whole red baby potatoes served as a side with the meatloaf entree. And while Cafe Melissa has a small case with a couple of cakes and cupcakes for dessert, it didn't have the enormous cakes of its much larger, parent location. The meatloaf sandwich was very good and the spice from the siracha added a little kick that was simultaneously mellowed out by the fried egg and cheese. It is very filling: I ended up taking a nap after getting home. The Reuben with turkey substituted for corned beef was not as well received, with the turkey coming out overcooked and dry. This might be a warning for other diners to stay on script.
(3)Jen V.
Café Melissa has a wide variety of food options, I have tried a lot of things on the menu and have not been disappointed! This location is pretty much identical to the Rocky River location far as the menu goes although the actual restaurant is a little smaller and does not have as many dessert options. Brunch is one of the best things to come for especially since Avon Lake does not have that many options for unique, delicious brunch. They have a lot of interesting menu options and everything comes with a little scone and fruit, yum! Try anything with the potatoes...they are so so good!
(4)Gaelle N.
Enjoyed a lovely brunch on the patio this afternoon. It wasn't crowded at all for a beautiful Saturday. We ordered the Carolina (eggs, potatoes, cheese grits), buttermilk pancakes and biscuits and gravy. Everything was delicious and service was excellent and attentive. Will definitely return for brunch!
(5)Ibchick L.
I won't make this long and drawn out-we frequent sweet Melissa's very often and food is always consistent, fresh and service always attentive and quick. Cafe melissa on the other hand, I have been here twice and ordered the same salad-salmon salad which I love. The first time and the way it's supposed to be had a nice crunchy jicama slaw on top-this time had red bell peppers which were wilted along with the jicama wilted on top-I honestly thought it was cheese at first because of the texture! My daughter had chocolate chip pancakes for brunch and we love sweet m's pancakes-the texture was off on hers and felt almost hour old and not fresh. Super disappointed. Service at cafe melissa was the same slow service we had before and the same waiter. We were checked on once, never asked for our waters to be refilled and we were siting outside in the hot sun, I finally asked when they came back and it then took 15 minutes to return with no water but my check and then I was asked if I wanted water!?!? Service needs to be on point which it isn't and my friends who prefer to go to sweet Melissa's instead have told me the downfalls of cafe's food being inconsistent along with service but we were in the area and I wanted the salad I love-which I didn't love at this visit. Work on service-it was dead in there and it shouldn't matter dead or busy be consistent! Food needs to be exactly the same every time you order it. And another side note, in order dressing on the side and as I'm drizzling it on with my fork I have chickpeas and random food floating in the dressing container...Uggg sloppy details people!
(3)Cori N.
Fair warning, in any other location I would be giving Cafe Melissa a four star review, but because they are located in Lorain--a definite quality food desert, I'm going with a five star review. Location -does- matter. Cafe Melissa is a cute, unassuming looking place off the side of a busy road and somewhat in a shopping mall. Inside though, it is really well decorated and a pretty, calm, and fun place to be. The service has always been good, the food has always been yummy, and the beer specials are super cool. (They have a selection of $2 beers all the time--awesome!) My one real beef with this place is that it is an a la carte style menu, which I generally hate. Unlike most places that use it though, I really think that at Cafe Melissa you are getting what you pay for. Yeah, it can sometimes feel like you're overpaying by a couple bucks, but then you eat your food and you decide you're okay with it. Over the times that I've been here I've probably sampled about 40% of the menu because I'm generally always there with family and I try everything on the table. I love the fried green tomatoes and the goat cheese gnocchi. The stuffed artichoke hearts are a great idea but the filling needs a bit more 'punch' to it. The Portuguese stew is very yummy and exceedingly generous in its portions of fish. The steak on top of mashed potatoes are -amazing-. And the garlicky spinach is basically manna from heaven. The only thing I really dislike about this place is that the booths are done with a completely straight back. If you have any back or shoulder issues at all, it will be torture to sit in one of those. I have no idea why anyone would put that kind of booth in--it might look ascetically pleasing, but it's physical torture.
(5)Cara L.
The only difference I found between here and Sweet Melissa's in Rocky River is this location does not have a bar but they do serve beer and wine! Our waitress Samantha was awesome! She was very nice and made good food suggestions. I ordered the Burger and a side of Sweet Potato Fries which were great! I don't know if they make their own pickles or where they get them but I think they are my absolute favorite restaurant pickles! They go great on the burger! My boyfriend ordered the Scallop Risotto (recommended by our waitress) and the scallops were cooked perfectly! We will be back to check out brunch!
(4)Lina T.
On a family road trip from Vermont to California and back. We have eaten at A LOT of restaurants but this is the first time we have ever written a review. This place has by far THE BEST kids menu choices of anywhere we have EVER been. As well as some incredible and tasty Gluten Free choices for all. What a find! If your looking for good food take the time to get off the highway. The only complaints the family has are the air conditioning was pretty chilly and there is a TV playing in the dining area which is a drag.
(4)Donald M.
Awesome food in a great neighborhood. Fresh , farm to table with nice menu options. Salads are excellent, light and tasty. It was so good I went back the next day for the same lunch salad.
(5)