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Meli
Categories: Restaurants Greek Restaurants Mediterranean Greek, Mediterranean [Edit]
1636 Thames StBaltimore, MD 21231
Neighbourhood: Fell's Point
(410) 534-6354
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
65 reviews for Meli
Review Highlights
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"I ordered the goat cheese salad with chicken and it was..." In 6 reviews -
"Did I mention Bottomless Mimosas ($15." In 5 reviews -
"Great live jazz music - in the lower level." In 7 reviews
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65 reviews in English
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Review from Priscilla S.
MD
1/13/2012 3 photos
Service was alright. It kind of lacked that he did not check on us frequently. He brought our water and bread basket w/ honey butter. The honey butter was amazing. When we were ready to order. Our server also told us the specials the restaurant were having that night. I believe he came only once to check upon on us throughout the whole meal. We waited for a long time to get the bill after our meal was finished.
The restaurant itself was beautifully decorated. It was very cozy. I like how the bathrooms were set up with the sinks outside of the restrooms. They had a downstairs area with a stage. It looked kind of a nice lounge with large drapes and nice dim lighting.
My boyfriend and I decided to get 2 appetizers and share 1 entree from the restaurant special menu. For the appetizers we got beef carpaccio w/ truffle, bourbon sauce, capers, aged cheddar, and hard boil eggs. The carpaccio was good. It was my boyfriend first time trying carpaccio. It was $11.00 for beer carpaccio not bad for the price. Then my boyfriend got a crab dip w/ aged cheddar, old bay, crostin. It was $12.00 for the crab dip the portion of the dip was huge. I found the crab dip lacking crab meat and a bit bland. But my boyfriend seem to enjoy it. For our entree we got a filet w/ a special sauce. I believe the special was $45 itself. The filet was nicely grilled it had beautiful grilled marks. We asked for a medium rare filet and it was cooked perfectly. It was actually a good filet for a non steak restaurant. The sauce on the side was bit bitter. I can't remember what it was made of I am going to guess a cherry liquor.
Overall food was great. Service lacked a bit. But we will def try coming back here to try more food. I am looking forward to the next visit here.
I wish next time we will get a better server. =) -
Review from Rachel S.
11/29/2011
My girlfriends and I stopped by Meli for dinner after an evening of shopping in Fells for Small Business Saturday this past weekend. We were seated immediately, which was surprising for 8 PM on a Saturday. The table was lovely, nestled in the corner with large windows and a view of Thames Street (great for people-watching).
The waitress was polite, but neglected to engage us on any level: her advice on wine, delivery of the specials, and feedback on the dishes were lackluster, to say the least. Unfortunately, the food followed suit. Two of us started with the cream of mushroom, which was bland and uninspired. Despite my usual hesitance to request salt and pepper if they are not provided at the table, I had to cave. I had to place the request 3 times before she returned with the seasonings, which she did at the tail-end of the meal. Our third friend chose the sweet potato soup, garnished with blue cheese, walnuts, and arugula. I was relieved to note that her dish offered at least a modicum of flavor, but in comparison to other renditions, still ranked as sub-par in my book.
Disheartened by the first course, we decided to err on the side of safety, and ordered small plates as our entrees. We couldn't justify diving headfirst into the pricier main courses with the such an anticipation of disappointment. My first friend ordered a pasta dish with shrimp and yellow tomatoes, which was tasty, but something I could have whipped up in my kitchen with about 15 minutes turnaround time. The second ordered a crab dish that was fresh and generous, but doused in cilantro. Per my friend Shannon's review below, no chef in their right mind should EVER put that much cilantro in a crab-based dish. It completely overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the meat. It's the equivalent of smothering a filet in A1 sauce. What a waste. I went with the lobster mac-n-cheese, which was the one item on our table that did not disappoint. Creamy and rich, the cheese sauce had several layered nuances of flavor which made my tummy smile. With that said, it seems one would have to consciously TRY to sabotage a dish with that all-star list of ingredients.
Overall, I expected better from a restaurant group that has served as a pillar of Fells Point dining over the years. With all of the great restaurants in Charm City, I have to recommend you spend your money elsewhere. -
Review from Shannon P.
Chevy Chase, MD
11/27/2011
The Good: my pear and sweet potato soup was an interesting concept, and really quite delicious. The garnish of arugula, blue crumbles and candied walnuts really added a little extra pop of flavor that saved the dish from being a bit bland. My shrimp and tomato angel hair dish was also pretty tasty, even though the heirlooms were a bit mealy (expected with such a seasonal food, I suppose). My favorite dish was the lobster mac&cheese my one girlfriend had. While it was extraordinarily rich, the flavor was amazing and the noodles weren't at all over cooked.
I was also particularly partial to my "southern gentleman" cocktail, even though the mint could have been muddled a little more to cut the sting of Maker's in lemonade. Overall, the atmosphere was subdued and rather relaxing. The smooth jazz band and vocalist downstairs added a nice touch to the ambiance, and the woman's voice was certainly memorable.
The Bad: the other girls had the cream of mushroom soup, which was so lackluster that one didn't even bother to finish hers. Unfortunately for that same guest, her crab salad wasn't worth finishing either. Since when does cilantro take precedent over crab in the flavor profile of a dish? The taste was so overpowering that we had trouble identifying anything else in the dish, including the lump crab meat. The saving grace was the bed of friend green tomatoes and interesting-looking watermelon radishes on which the salad was perched.
As for my glass of sav blanc, it was everything I would expect in a $9 glass of wine... once it warmed up a little! The beverage was so overly chilled that, when the waitress put it on our table, my glass was frosty and all I could taste was the natural acid in my varietal.
And the ugly: upon entering, we requested a table for 3. The maitre d gave an unconvincing ponderous stare into space then said, "We could probably get you in right now." Yeah, no kidding, Bubba. The joint is practically empty at quarter-to-8 on a Saturday.
Then there was our waitress. While the girl was sweet and obviously trying to convey everything she could about the menu, there were some serious technical errors in her service. Beyond the fact that she didn't refill our water glasses once the entire meal or the oversight that no, in fact there weren't salt or pepper on the table and we had already asked for them once, she made a feeble and embarrassing attempt to dissuade us from having our check split. Her excuse was, "We have a really finicky computer system." We took our chances, and everything worked out beyond the fact that the entire "getting the check" endeavor lasted about 15 minutes.
Overall, I was reasonably pleased with what I ordered, and there were a few other dishes I would have liked to try. I would consider going back, as long as I could sit with a more experienced server and not feel like I may pass out of dehydration. -
Review from Corrie J.
Baltimore, MD
4/30/2012
Creative cocktail menu
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Review from Yaka H.
8/1/2011
Meli's Sunday Jazz Brunch is okay, but it doesn't entail the most creative brunch offerings I've seen. The brunch menu isn't particularly strong in offerings, however the nice ambiance might make up for it. I don't think I'll be back for brunch, but maybe for lunch or dinner.
They were out of the slow roasted pork entree and waffles were no were to be seen on the menu, so SX and I ended up getting the traditional egg breakfast ($10), which consists of 3 eggs, hashbrowns, 1 sausage patty, and a piece of toast).
The hashbrowns/home fries consisted of tri-colored baby new potatoes, however there wasn't anything nice about the way they were prepared. They didn't have any crispiness from roasting/frying in the pan or anything. So they were a bit mushy with no contrast in flavor or texture. I ordered my my eggs over easy, however, one of them was a tad overdone but was still somewhat runny yolky which was okay. The sausage patty was probably the only thing worth eating on my plate. Clearly made in house (judging by the clear difference in size from my plate and SX's plate), it had nice maple flavor running throughout. The one piece of toast was multigrain, served with some honey butter (nice homage to the restaurant's namesake).
We ended up waiting a decent amount of time to get our orders taken and waiting quite a bit for food to arrive.Listed in: Baltimore Eats and Drinks
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Review from Amy C.
Updated - 7/11/2011
Decided to give Meli another shot at their dinner menu and it was perfect timing because they had just switched into their summer menu. My cousin and I split the tuna and edamame guacamole appetizers; we loved both dishes. The guacamole was fresh and light, and the homemade plaintain and corn chips were delicious. For dinner, I ordered the crab cakes--3 perfectly portioned-size bites with a side of fries. My cousin ordered the porkchop which was larger than both of his hands put together--it was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The pork was so tender it melted in my mouth.
There was a live jazz singer in the basement. This is a great date spot (hilarious to me since I have only eaten here with relatives). Still haven't figured out why Meli is categorized as Mediterranean and Greek food when it's more American. However, I highly recommend Meli for dinner now!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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8/28/2010
I finally made it in for dinner. Although I was tempted to make a meal of just desserts, my cousin… Read more »
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Review from Melinda R.
Baltimore, MD
8/12/2011
I went to Meli for restaurant week with five other friends. When we arrived the place wasn't crowded yet, however the service was pretty slow. They had a pretty good selection for restaurant week. I ended up getting the crab dip for my appetizer. For an appetizer it was a good size! It was a personal portion, but still enough to share with others. The crab dip was good, but nothing that I haven't tasted before. I'm slowly learning that crab dip, is crab dip. My friend got the goat meat tacos which were actually really good! Different!
For my entre I ended up getting the rockfish with a choice of several sauces on the side. I ended up with this crab type sauce (hey I like crabs!). It was pretty good. Seasoned ok and filling. I ordered the garlic mashed potatoes as my side and they came out cold and salty. I sent it back and got hot and salty mashed potatoes. I hardly touched them.
Desert was interesting! It was labeled on the menu as "chef's selection". I ended up with two chocolate chip cookies with chocolate ice cream in the middle and a pastry with what I think was cream cheese filling with honey drizzled over top. My friends ended up with the same cookies, but they got the baklava. I sampled the baklava and it was really good! Better than my mystery pastry.
Overall I'd say this place was ok. I think I'd like to try it on a non restaurant week, but I'm not rushing back. I'd like to see what else the Charm City has to offer. I left full, but $55 poorer. Ah well. -
Review from Reena M.
2/23/2011
Great place for brunch and loved the live Jazz band in our private-y room!! Noralyn organize a wonderful Yelp meet up here when I came to town and I was honoured to be the guest of honour!
The service was impeccable. Everything came out in good timing. Our bottomless mimosas kept filling. I ordered the french toast with berries and decided that it also needs maple syrup (being the good Canadian that I am) and they brought me some with no extra charge! The meal was perfect!
What more can you ask for? Good food, good company, good music--Meli's is where it's at!
I would have loved to sample some of the pastries in the case in the front though.Listed in: The Morning After...brunchity…, Charmed by Charm City
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Review from Kit H.
Professor Higgins & Colonel Pickering would be proud:
"Many mimosas in the Minoan Room mangled my mind. Many mimosas in the Minoan Room mangled my mind. Many mimosas in the Minoan Room mangled my mind."
Sure. It's a lot easier saying it three times fast now. But during the Live Jazz Brunch UYE in honor of Reena M of Yelp Vancouver at Meli my alcohol addled intellect could barely piece together a simple sentence as I jabbered incessantly to Rob N about everything. And nothing.
"Many mimosas in the Minoan Room mangled my mind."
Mrs H and I didn't meander through any labyrinths to reach Meli's Minoan Room. A simple staircase lead us down to a very relaxing space for leisurely drinking and dining with friends. A jumpin' jive live jazz trio was there kicking it out both smooth and hot. Our servers weren't markedly aggressive Minotaurs, but pleasant and attentive if mildly taken aback by our large, gregarious Yelpie grouping.
I liked my Vanilla Scented Waffles ($8.95) with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon, and enhanced by dreamy dollops of whipped cream. I also enjoyed my Maple Sausage ($3.95) very much. And there was no finer ending to my meal than their soothing cup of coffee & crema gratis.
"Many mimosas in the Minoan Room mangled my mind."
Oh. Did I mention Bottomless Mimosas ($15)? I think I enjoyed about seven of those VERY strong as I like 'em concoctions. Honestly, it's more accurate to say I lost count after about seven of those VERY strong as I like 'em concoctions ;-)
Mrs H and I had a wonderful time with wonderful Yelpers, congenial, hard working servers, engaging atmosphere, good food, and great drinks at a wonderful Sunday brunch in Fells Point. I'd be more than happy to return for a shot at Rob N's Crispy Duck Confit ($14.95) or the Riverbank Smoked Salmon Plate ($10.95).
"Many mimosas in the Minoan Room mangled my mind."
By Jove, I think I've got it!
This review brought to you by "Pygmalion" and the letter M.Listed in: Oh, Baltimore. Life is Hard?, Real Men Do Brunch, ROTD & Me
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Review from Victoria R.
Baltimore, MD
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
So, I've been to one of Meli's sister restaurants (Adela) so figured that Meli would probably be at least 3 stars based on my experience there. I was there with fellow yelpers and we were a pretty large group.
The Jazz brunch was WAY better than I hoped. What's better for a hangover than bottomless mimosas for $15? If you see someone stumbling and hiccuping down Thames St. on a Sunday, it's probably me, coming from Meli.
I ate the Classic Breakfast, and I mean, I ATE it. All. I'm a homefries snob and theirs were fancy and amazing. The seating for their jazz brunch is downstairs and it's very modular (ottomen and low tables), so it's a great spot for small or large crowds.
I think I'm still drunk from all the mimosas, though. -
Review from Rob N.
Updated - 4/10/2011
Is the ambiance still chill? Yes. Is the service still good? Definitely. Wine list is still very serviceable. I really like Meli as a dining location.
There's a new chef in the kitchen, and I'm not sure that's for the best.
All of the food was well-prepared, but in many cases under-seasoned. My beef carpaccio was nicely presented with ultra-thin slices of beef, a crisp crouton, olive oil, aioli, frisee salad, and caramelized onions. What it could have used was some acid or a sprinkle of sea salt, and a touch of fresh pepper.
Braised lamb shanks are a favorite of mine. The version at Meli was beautifully cooked, but a bit bland. The mashed sweet potatoes it was served with were the stronger flavor, which is a shame. Some rosemary, sage, fennel, red wine acidity, something, ANYTHING as an additional flavor element would have been fantastic. It was a good dish, but it could have been an eyes-roll-back-in-your-head dish, and it wasn't. It did come with Brussels sprouts, though, which is always a plus for me.
So, minus one star. Which makes me sad.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/16/2011
For Sunday brunch in Charm City, it'd be hard to find a better venue. Meli serves real food for… Read more »
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Review from Kristina K.
Silver Spring, MD
12/8/2010
Oooh, Meli, my Meli! Even though we no longer live 1.5 blocks away, Meli's cuisine is special enough to warrant cross state--even international travel as a relative makes sure to visit upon each return.
Meli, meaning honey, is located in Fells Point's waterfront and sports a softly yellow, warmly glowing interior. With its honey-comb styled ornamentation covering the walls, ceiling, even staircase railings, Meli invites the body to bring along the soul.
While Meli's food is great all around, I particularly enjoy the duo of duck (braised confit leg alongside duck bread pudding on a bed of wine-poached pears)--a constant staple--though the lovely lamb shank is a close second.
Appetizers change rather frequently; last visit's tuna carpaccio won over the seared beef prepared in the same manner mainly due to thickness of the former relative to the latter. Served as a little sandwich, escargot was pleasing even though I prefer the in-shell presentation.
If one is not in the mood for fine dining, Meli also serves an impressive diversity of desserts--from baklava to American staple fruit tarts to delectable sorbet. For libations, Meli features a good selection of wines by the glass and in bottles as well as creative cocktails. I will leave the reader with one phrase: Meli...it's worth the drive! -
Review from Mara P.
Baltimore, MD
4/16/2011
The location is great - outdoor dining in a particularly scenic part of Fells Point. Even if the weather isn't great, the ambiance indoors is still relaxed and romantic.
Unfortunately, the food and service just didn't meet our expectations. The food was hit or miss - great scallops, awful bass - and the wait staff played favorites to a degree that it was actually offensive. The table next to us received a wealth of advice on wedding planning, but it took us 20 minutes (and THREE VISITS to the tables around us) before we were offered bread or asked for our drink order. We were then rushed through our meal
The food was passable, but the service was so bad that it ruined the entire experience. -
Review from Jessica F.
Columbia, MD
1/16/2011
Had a great time at the jazz brunch today. The unlimited mimosas helped our large group relax and have an even better time. I ordered the goat cheese salad with chicken and it was wonderful.
I look forward to going back and trying out the good in their bakery. Talk about enticing!Listed in: Around the world in 80…
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Review from Ellen B.
Baltimore, MD
5/6/2011
Ive been to Meli twice and had the same exact experience both times:
1. had a reservation
2. showed up on time for reservation
3. was told "feel free to grab a drink at the bar while we get your table ready"
4. 45 minutes later i get seated
5. my meal is delicious
its so unfortunate that such a good restaurant cant get their system down. if you couldnt seat me until 915, dont say i can have a reservation for 830 - give me a 915 reservation. it wouldnt stop me from going again because as i said the food was very good but perhaps i will try a less busy time. -
Review from Camille P.
Baltimore, MD
6/23/2011
It's a Tuesday. Around 2pm. Strolling through Fells Point with an old friend. What to do? What to do?
OMG! Let's go to Meli, I've had this place on my list of to do's for months now and just graze over it every time I'm in the area.
Well, Well, well. A pretty fabulous lunch if I might say so myself and my friend agreed. We decided to sit outside since it was a gorgeous day- Our waiter was extremely attentive, granted we were the only group sitting outside. Nonetheless his service deserves 5 and a half stars!!!
I ordered a Sun Tea (Evan Williams Honey, Limoncello & Tea), which was so delicious I wanted to meet the Bartender personally & hug him/her. For lunch I had the Grilled chicken on Ciabatta which was seasoned extremely well and the side salad which had a sweet , tangy homemade dressing that complimented the meal to a T.
My friend had the Oysters & Mushrooms Tagliatelle, which he said couldn't have been better- I asked for a desert menu but apparently the kitchen was already closed- Meli is definitely on my list of faves! -
Review from Melissa J.
Baltimore, MD
11/18/2011
Great atmosphere and nice music downstairs. Unique and delicious cocktails. The food here has been good every time I went. Nice service and when it's warm the outside seating is great! The lounge downstairs is also great for cocktails and apps.
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Review from Charlotte B.
Baltimore, MD
2/1/2009
When the bill came it was so low that we thought they'd made a mistake. Wonderful value for tasty and pleasant meal, (although not exactly the best service in town, but at those prices, I didn't really care). I honestly can't figure out how they're serving food of that quality in that kind of setting at those prices. For two of us at brunch, we both had the herb omelet (mmm--the roasted red peppers in it were a really nice touch), and then we shared two sides--a big order of mussels in white wine sauce, and a mesclun/frisee/goat cheese salad which turned out to be really large also. Per person the bill worked out to $13.78. Really? Yes.
I'll keep this in mind as a great brunch spot, but they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner also. -
Review from Rebecca S.
New York, NY
7/28/2010
Meli is my girlfriends and my FAVORITE place to go in Fells Point.
The location is amazing, right in the heart of Fells Point on Thames Street. The outdoor seating is incredible and plentiful, puts you right in the action of this "bustling with life," cobblestone, waterfront part of Baltimore. You can also sit inside at the bar which we love, and the seating downstairs is very lounge-ish with a live band most nights. The bathrooms in this place are SENSATIONAL! You have to see it for yourself.
Anyway- Service is top notch, but not pretentious.
Food is AMAZING. Scallops, fried goat cheese, charcuterie, oh and for Brunch? The Chesapeake Omelet. UNREAL. HUGE chunks of crab in a king size omelet ...with this sweet buttery beurre blanc sauce that is just wow. and $11.00! Get it.
Cocktails are always perfect... bloody mary's done the way they should be- with a thick Old Bay rim.. and as spicy as you want it.
Anyway, I'm sure you can tell I love this place and you will too! -
Review from S C.
Milton, MA
10/16/2011
If you like your dinner cold this is the place for you. To start ceasar salad was ok but they don't know what shaved Parmesan is, tasted more like Monterey jack. Scallops were a tad undercooked and cold. Same for dessert tasted like it was prepared too far in advance and warmed. I would not go again.
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Review from John H.
Baltimore, MD
7/29/2010
This place was a huge turn off.
Pompous ass host greets us, tells us to sit at the bar and "get a drink, please"
Uh, no. There are 25+ empty tables, we'd like to be seated. If we wanted a drink at the bar, we'd be at the bar.
Next, awkward host #2 appears. We are seated at a table with a DEAD AND WILTED FLOWER at the table right in front of us. The restaurant feels kind of dirty and off-putting. Waiter comes to the table and mumbles some marbles-in-the-mouth nonsense about the soup of the day.
We just had to get the hell out of there. On the way out, I visited the filthy, unclean restroom. -
Review from Asina G.
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
First, let's be clear, I'm giving this place 4 stars because of Paul, the bartender. He is absolutely wonderful! He made my drink perfectly, and was a joy to talk to. I ordered the mussels to snack on, and they were decent -- not the best I've had, but not the worst I've had. The Fells Point neighborhood is a must-see if you're in Baltimore! The cobblestone streets and cute shops and restaurants give it a nice feel.
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Review from Sal G.
1/11/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Greek? No.
Patisserie? Yes
Techno-ambiant music in a trendy interior -- Pompous.
Tea
So ends my melodramatic attempt at a poem. The schizoid nature of this review should enlighten you to the full nature of this establishment. -
Review from jamie g.
Baltimore, MD
7/23/2011
My girlfriend and I decided to visit Meli for 6pm walk-in dinner after reading a few decent reviews. At this time there was no one dining and the staff was hanging out at the bar talking. The entrance has a different feel from the rest of the restaurant and isn't very inviting.
The hostess was very nice but extremely awkward. I compared her to a puppet who was controlled by a marionette. She asked if I had reservation, I said no, she looked at me strangely, I asked if that was okay, she said yes, then looked over her books to make sure there was a table available....in the empty restaurant. After a few more awkward exchanges she seated us, stared at us for a minute and then left.
Our waitress was being shadowed by a new employee. She was very nice but tried much too hard to be elegant and "high-class." I'd prefer someone to be genuine as well as professional and attentive. But no points off for her forced efforts. I had to keep in mind that she had this creepy dude following her around all night so I can't blame her for acting strangely. In some way I enjoyed watching him follow right behind her everywhere she went....I think she was trying to lose him a few times.
The guy who filled my water glass in the middle of the meal spilled some on me. But he was nice about it and took care of wiping off the table without much commotion.
Onto the food: The edamame guacamole was great served with plantain and tortilla chips. The bread and butter was also tasty (the butter, more so). I had the crab cakes which were just okay...a little overcooked. It came with fries and a small side of marinated zucchini. My date had a tomato/shrimp pasta dish. We didn't care for the shrimp (too fishy, maybe they were not fresh) but I love the tomatoes which I believe were smoked. It was just alright...nothing special. I think they need a few other items on the menu and I've read that they changed due to a new chef.
Not sure if I will go back...maybe. I would love to see some live jazz there and I've read their brunch is good so maybe I'll check it out. I think these people just need to relax a little and keep it real, haha. The service just seemed forced, awkward, and uninviting. -
Review from D W.
Severn, MD
1/26/2012
You will eat here for the food, not the service.
it's restaurant week in Baltimore, which means reservations were necessary. However on a Wednesday the restaurant was packed like a Friday or Saturday. So much so that we were seated in the lounge area. The decore in the lounge area was awesome but it was not made to accommodate people actually attempting to enjoy meals.. at a table. The tables are regular height but the seats were either too low, to far away from the table (my cousin had to use pillows to prop up her back), or backless. This is only a problem because most patrons were not aware of this type of seating. I am sure had they known they were going to be eating pseudo Japanese steakhouse (low to the ground seating) there would have been less complaints. The tables were too close for intimate conversation ( in my opinion) but we made it work. Our waitress was not very attentive. IDK if that can be contributed to her inexperience, large volume of customers, or just not being on top of it. We never received bread and wound up asking for it, no big deal. Our experience was decent but as the hour rolled by the other patrons who were seated after us did not have the best of experiences.
On to the good stuff. The drinks were great, the bartender was nice and personable. Only downside is the bar is near the large front door and its winter time lol! We were seated very promptly once everyone in my party arrived. Meli opened their ENTIRE menu for restaurant week. This is different from most places who give you small plates or a select group of items. My cousin had shrimp and grits which were good. shrimp was very fresh. I had the crab dip, it was meh. But I never expect to be wowed by crab dip. I ordered braised short rib and she ate the pork chops. I loved it tender flavorful. she loved her pork chops. Desert was awesome too; I would go back. Just won't sit in the lounge unless I am watching a performer! -
Review from Steve S.
Baltimore, MD
8/21/2011
Sunday brunch was lacking. The service was indifferent. They were out of the edamame guacamole, despite having just opened a dew minutes before and the tuna burger was cold and bland. Maybe an off day for this usually reliable place.
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Review from Allison K.
San Diego, CA
2/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I pray that this place has fired Becky the hostess. I've never had my evening near ruined because of a hostess. If Becky is gone then this place definitely deserves 5 stars. The saving grace was the most tender, succulent ribs I've ever eaten, the awesome bartenders and my martini.
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Review from Mike N.
Mountain View, CA
8/1/2009 1 photo
Meli in Fells Point served up an outstanding brunch. It has a new age bistro atmosphere with friendly service, but has a limited menu combining breakfast and lunch items from 10am until 2:30. An array of alcoholic beverages are offered. Omelettes are only $7, which includes toast and homefries.
I ordered the chesapeake omelette, which came out pretty quickly and had a generous portion of crab meat in it. The hollandaise sauce and goat cheese were perfect additions to the omellette and the homefries were unconventional, but good.
My only complaint (and the reason why Meli lost a star) is that the coffee was $3. This is a big drawback for me since Im a believer that a cup of coffee should be included with any brunch, so I was a bit taken back by a $3 cup of coffee. -
Review from M E.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2010
Holy crap - their Petite Filet was so gosh darn good; I wish i had some now.
I was talking too much to finish it, but it was amazing. I had a side of Asparagus with it; which was great!
The bathroom was kind of tricky but fun to find. The downstairs seating was cute with throw back couches. Everyone seemed to be having a great time there. The front bartender was hilarious and very chatty (Loved him!).
I would love to go back and try this place again. YUM YUM YUM. -
Review from Angelica G.
Washington, DC
Updated - 1/23/2010
I couldn't wait to share Meli with my friends, so I headed there on Friday for some girl time. Needless to say, given the 5 stars review, we had the best time! Here is what we have to add:
+s
Scallops are still the #1 dish. Orgasmic!
Shrimps, mussels & Halloumi salad were perfect...
so is pretty much everything in their appetizer list!
Great live jazz music - in the lower level
Really cute and friendly waiters
Good wine selection
Tip: for dessert, everything there I highly recommend. Or, if you are in the mood for gelato, you are only a couple of blocks away from Pitango. Yum!Listed in: Girl Time, Beau Time
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/1/2010
How can you not love a place with honey based everything?!
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Must get the scallops... unless you have… Read more »
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Review from Jamie S.
Baltimore, MD
1/19/2011
Oh...My...Goodness.
I came here for brunch with fellow Yelpers and was very glad I did. This was my very long overdue first visit to Meli. Maybe I was waiting for the perfect time. Here it is. We were situated downstairs in the Minoan Room complete with jazz band and common restrooms. By common I mean the sink area was co-ed with men's and lady's rooms off to the sides. I thought this was a nice communal touch to an already friendly and mixing vibe.
Bottomless mimosas? How can I say no?
I ordered the braised lamb hash. Now, before this day my idea of hash was a can of dog food made for human consumption by Hormel. Open can, slide beef and potato congealment into fry pan and wait till crispy.
After this brunch I will never look at hash the same way again. I was given a bowl of braised lamb and a mixture of potatoes, green onions, oxtail reduction & 2 of the most beautiful poached eggs all served up with yet another mimosa (keep 'em coming!). One bite and I was in another realm of taste sensation. This was a brand new flavor to my palate that got me so excited I spent as much time talking about it as I did actually eating it.
Service was professional and accurate. Separating many bills was no problem and the staff genuinely enjoyed what they did. I appreciate that. I could certainly recommend this spot for anyone who wants a real culinary delight. Thank you, Meli. I'm a fan. -
Review from Chad W.
Ellicott City, MD
4/11/2011
I can't give 5 stars, but here is a time where I wish I could give 4.5. I've been to meli a few times. Most notable was when I went on a first date with my girlfriend about a year ago. We made a reso on a slow Tuesday night. I asked for a private table and they hooked it up. A friend of mine set me up with a bottle of wine right when we arrived.
Service was on point and knew the food front and back.
Our order
Scallops, beef carpaccio, and the lady had the strip steak.
Scallops were dusted perfectly with pancetta which added just enough fat and salt to compliment the perfectly sweetened polinta. The scallops were executed flawlessly. The beef carpaccio was to my amazement, perfect. Machengo, capers, and the percicley pounded filet melted when nibbled on. This was maybe the most well balanced and well seasoned dishes I've had the pleasure of eating.
On to the steak. As a chef I taste everything. Seasoning was on point however we ordered medium rare and it was medium (that's the loss of the half star). The peppercorn sauce was spot on and the grilled asparagus was crisp, just right on the char, and well seasoned.
I will make a point to recommend this restaurant to everyone I know. Great place, awesome service. -
Review from Myrtle M.
Baltimore, MD
1/18/2010
Took off 1 star for slow lunch service. Everything else was perfect!
Great location in Fell's Point. I came here for lunch around 1 and the place was bustling with life. I was a little annoyed by the business meeting going on beside us. I hope that was apparition and usually the business mtgs are placed in a separate room.
I tried the mussels for an appetizer then had the Tuna Burger. The Tuna Burger was fantastic! I could not believe I was eating fish. It was flavorful and juicy. The sweet potato fries were an excellent side for the dish.
We finished our meal with a creme brulee which was delish as well. Perfect custard consistency with a thick sugar shell, just the way I like it! -
Review from Noralyn T.
Columbia, MD
1/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Meli Patisserie & Bistro is unique in every way. Settle down into soft cushioned sofas with bright accent pillows and fix your eyes on some Greek historic paintings on the wall. Bruch was well presented and everyone's eggs came out perfect, healthy wheat toast, sausages browned to perfection, sweet waffles, French toast with a dusting of sugar powder were brought in. Baltimore's Yelp event was a success due mainly for the superb customer service offered by Meli's staff which was led by their dedicated General Manager, Kenneth Petty. Mr. Petty took the time to tell us a bit of information about the Kalismeli's Franchise and Meli's success being recently named "Best New Restaurant," by Baltimore Magazine.
I believe we had a little over twenty guest that attended the live Jazz and Brunch event at Meli, but every plate was served hot, orders were exact, and bottomless mimosas, and other favorite refreshments kept flowing leaving smiles, and feeling of contentment from our guest. The Minoan Room was reserved privately for our group and the staff ready to welcome us, with candle lights lit as guest after guest made their way down the art deco curvy stairway. The Jazz stage was transferred from the upper floor to the first floor (Minoan Room) with much ease for better viewing. Each song played by the Ryan Diehl Jazz Trio warmed hearts and uplifted the overall mood in the room, inspiring everyone to socialize a bit more in such friendly charm as they sip their morning cocktails. This is how dining should be for a restaurant named as Best in Baltimore City. Expect elegance that is worth every dollar you paid, professional and speedy service, great cuisines that are served with care with such appetizing presentation, a bit of dining entertainment that will sweeten the entire experience like Meli (honey) and Milk, leaving a smooth after taste with every visit.Listed in: Old Port Balmer with New Charm, Fusion Passion
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Review from Suzanne J.
Baltimore, MD
10/4/2008 3 photos
I've visited Meli twice for lunch since it opened and I've loved the meal and service during both visits. Most recently, I had the Acorn Squash Bisque w/Wild Boar sausage and the Mixed Greens salad with Baked Goat Cheese. Their lunch menu features simple, yet tasty dishes between $8 and $15. Meli also features a wide variety of small desserts (and pastries to go). I've had the Chocolate Framboise (a fabulous, petite and silky chocolate mousse with raspberries and a thin layer of dark chocolate).
Lunch service is typically not crowded and the service is timely and friendly. The interior is light and bright and the location at Thames & S. Broadway is very picturesque Fell's Point. I consider Meli to be a great value for the money! -
Review from Alissa L.
Washington, DC
10/5/2008
My mom and I stopped by Meli for breakfast, and I will definitely be back for lunch or dinner. We had yogurt parfait with fruit and honey, and it was absolutely delicious. My mom also had one of the yummy looking pastries from the display. The decor inside is swanky and cool, and they have a really cool lounge/dining area downstairs. Prices are all under 20$, so it's mid-range expensive for dinner.
***Addition***
i went back to Meli for dinner with my boyfriend. We made it in without reservations, I guess Monday nights aren't as crazy for them. I was totally in love with both the dishes I ordered, a baked goat cheese salad, and butternut squash ravioli in a brown butter sauce. Sometimes squash based pasta dishes are too rich for me, but these raviolis were light and delicious. My boyfriend got the cornish hen, which was amazing as well, it had a real meaty, gamey taste to it, it was nothing like chicken. I would definitely go back to Meli, it's a smaller menu but I was drooling over all the options! -
Review from SK K.
Wilton, CT
A taste of Honey in everything you try! That is their motto and sweet as honey is how I would describe this place.
The restaurant itself has a great location, right in the heart of Fell's point with brick and cobblestone streets all around. The restaurant itself has four sections, a dessert section, a Bar section, a formal dinning area, and then there is a whole downstairs area where they have live music and the coolest restroom you would experience anywhere in Baltimore.
The dessert area is small with various desserts on display and a beehive decor on one wall with products displayed in the hive :-) We tried the baklava and the vanilla creme bruele and both were amazing.
The dinning area is more formal, and since it was new year night, it was packed with a lot of people on dates so it was a merry atmosphere.
I ordered the Monk fish and my daughter ordered the chicken pasta, and both were very good with very generous portions. I was extremely impressed by the service and the hostess, who were professional and explained the menu clearly and gave recommendations on their favorites.
Overall for the price, the food and the experience, this is a great place to visit. Just don't miss the restroom on the lower floor! -
Review from Amanda M.
San Francisco, CA
12/6/2009
Stopped here for brunch back in August (yes, I know, not the promptest of reviewers) and it really was fantastic. For breakfast/brunch, I like being able to have some of each of your standard breakfast items (eggs, toast, bacon, etc.) for not a lot of money. I was delighted to find that they had a meal made seemingly just for me that had eggs your way, a choice of breakfast meat, toast with their delicious honey lavender butter and it even included coffee! All this for $7/$8? Why yes, thank you!
The atmosphere was very cozy and mod. The interior reflected the name (Meli means "honeybee") with its beehive-like design. Honeycomb patterns danced across the walls and ceiling. Upon exploring the downstairs level, I discovered a main room with smaller nooks that also held more private tables. While this section wasn't in use during brunch, I would imagine it would be a terrifically intimate place for a romantic dinner or drinks.
Worth noting, also true to its name, a good deal of the menu items include honey as an ingredient. I wasn't bothered by this at all, but some may be. -
Review from Lauren G.
6/8/2010
We decided to eat here during the Pirate Day this week, and I was actually excited. I ordered the Fresh Herb Omelet, with a side of bacon, and it was for the most part good. We had a good lunch, and it wasn't the worst thing ever. The chocolate mousse bomb was the best thing I've ever experienced in my life.
Now, these next two things are going to be pretty gross, so be warned.
The bathroom for the women's room was GROSS. Both stalls were flooded with dirty poop water and you know, I wanted to vomit from it. However the men's bathroom was really clean! And yes, I do judge a place by it's bathroom.
Then we left, and went home. A few hours later all of my lunch decided to take revenge on me. I was pretty sick for the remainder of the weekend, as well as early Monday. I will not go back to this place, since I never want to be sick like that again. -
Review from Catherine F.
11/4/2010 3 photos
The lovely clerk at Poppy & Stella recommended Meli... which means 'honey' in Greek (I read this in the restaurant review posted in a corner of the deli area). It was just around the corner; happy and bouncy with my new purchase (boots!), I set off across the quiet cobblestone streets in the clear autumn sunlight, looking forward to the first meal of the day.
Meli was warm and inviting, with a honeycomb decor theme; an extremely swank dining room, complete with sexy sunken performance lounge below street level, led off from the bright, contemporary bistro/bar. (Did I mention that the performance room on the lower level was Minoan-themed? How freakin' cool!) I sat at the bar table in the open French doors, flooded with warm sun, and contemplated the simple menu of appealing lunch items and creative, honey-themed cocktails. I opted for the grilled portobello mushroom panino (and they used the correct term, panino, for the singular, even if they misspelled the mushroom), with roasted red pepper, arugula pesto, and Halloumi cheese -- which was mild, melty, and had enough protein in it that it retained some structural integrity (it was chewy, rather than a big greasy smear). The Meli-Tini, comprised of Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur, and Stoli Vanilla, was sweet without being cloying (surprisingly), and came with a piece of honeycomb on a skewer... it went down smooth as the balmy ocean air, and complemented the marinated mushroom sandwich nicely. His Goatness had the crab cake, which impressed the hell out of me: a giant pile of crabmeat chunks, held together with barely anything (just enough to season the crab and keep it cohesive). His 'Sun Tea', a mixed drink with Wild Turkey, Honey, Limoncello, and Brewed Tea, was refreshing and light, as well. Service was friendly, personable, and fast.
I liked Meli so much I brought back friends from the conference for lunch the next day. There was no way I was going to miss out on the crab cake (which was as good as it looked); I also shared the mussels (White Wine, Tomato, Basil, Garlic, Shallots, Crispy Leeks), which were so fresh and delicate and delicious I could have cried. Our server even called a cab for us, toward the end of lunch, so that we were able to return in time for the next seminar. All in all, two wholly satisfying experiences, and highly recommended.
