+61 418 399 391+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Tue
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 10:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Food and ambience
Ethiopian, Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Does this restaurants allow you to bring your own alcoholic beverages to drink?
Details
About
Cafe with artifacts.
PRICE RANGE
$10.00 – $25.00
CUISINES
Ethiopian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Private Dining, Non-smoking restaurants, Takeout, Gift Cards Available, Cash Only, BYOB
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
299 reviews
Excellent
227
Very good
60
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Jillian M
Doreen17 contributions
Jan 2021 • couples
We had a wonderful dinner at Cafe Merkama. We picked this restaurant based on the reviews, and were so glad we did. It is very inconspicuous from the outside, so much so, we possibly would have walked straight past it. Inside, the decor is homely and basic, and the food lovely. We were given a serve of traditional tea when we arrived. We ordered the shared tasting plate for two (2 meat and 6 vegetarian dishes and the traditional Ethiopian flat bread). It was all delicious. The serving size didnt look huge, but we were full once we had finished. We could've ordered rice if we needed - which we didn't. The restaurant is BYO or there are softdrinks, tea or coffee available. We finished our meal with dessert (a traditional persian cake) and more tea. The restaurant is run by a lovely man - who is the waiter and the chef. Its a quiet little place with amazing tasting food. Highly reccomended.
Written 16 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Medusa1126
Rockingham1 contribution
Feb 2020 • none
My partner and I went on our first booking fully ready for a long wait because we knew the owner worked all by himself, but we booked early and were the first ones to arrive, we were served promptly, we choose the tasting plate for two and were very surprise when our food came out very fast, the meat was cooked to perfection and the vegetarian dishes absolutely yummy. The tasting plate looked small but at the end it was just enough for two people.
Also very good price
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cafemerkama
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad you injoy my food.
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Velai P
58 contributions
June 2021 • none
We booked a table for dinner and on arrival, we realised it's a one-man show. As this was our first time we were not aware of the procedure and the owner I presume needs to work on his customer service. He was quite abrupt at the start, especially with our order. The meal was served in reasonable time and OMG it was delicious, everything on the plate was cooked to perfection with outstanding taste. The cost was reasonable for the quality of the food. Please be aware you need CASH in this cafe not card payment available.
Written 29 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bruceSydney
Sydney274 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
This unpretentious restaurant provides a special experience in dining.
It is a one person show, with the engaging owner doing the cooking and attending to patrons.
Being unaware of the cuisine, we chose the 2 meat and 6 vegetables option. The food was incredibly tasty, with just the right spice balance and the costs extremely reasonable. Being byo wine makes it even greater value.
Highly recommended.
Written 19 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you
Written 20 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
wwwt56
Victoria221 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
this small Ethiopian restaurent is still there and is still good. the shared meal is still enjpyable and well worth the very reasonable cost. Since opening back up after the lockdown it was only accepting cash so be prepared.
Written 4 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aubreydl99
Melbourne2 contributions
July 2021 • friends
Such lovely food and a great atmosphere. We went as a table of 10 and got shared platters, which was perfect for our group. Everyone loved all the dishes we were served and cleaned up the plates before they were collected.
Absolutely to die for Persian Love cake!!!
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it.
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Evei87
North Richmond404 contributions
June 2021 • family
Having not had African cuisine for several years we were excited to find one in Ballarat!
It is a basic looking restaurant with authentic decor and appears to be run by one passionate chef/server/cashier/owner?
The menu is straight forward and easy to share with a small or large group. Pick your favorites and go for it!
Very well priced for amount of food and the service was excellent. Wish we lived closer so we could go back again and again!!!
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
863jenniep
Melton31 contributions
July 2020 • couples
We really enjoyed our lunch at Merkama. We had the goat stew and red lentil stew, which were very tasty and all gluten free. The Ethiopian shai tea was a delicious accompaniment and we finished up with the excellent Persian live cake. Highly recommended.
Written 5 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cafemerkama
Thank you your beautiful coment.
Written 7 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shaun S
Ballarat86 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
Absolutely blown away by the flavour of the food. We had the shared menu that has two meat dishes and five vegetarian. The goat stew is so tender and the chicken stew has a nice kick to it. Must say though the silver beet was probably the best dish. The bread is light and fluffy and perfect for mopping up the delicious food. Bring your appetite it may look like smaller sized servings but they are jam packed with flavour and are very filling.
The tea upon arrival is a really nice way to kick start the meal. Can’t wait to go back.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ceilidh M
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • friends
A simple midweek lunch was elevated to birthday occasion level by the delicious food and great service, in spite of the busyness of the cafe and single staff member on duty at the time of our visit. The owner is clearly passionate about his food and service delivery.
We had the set menu for three, with goat stew, beef stew and the vegetarian options minus the less spicy lentils. The Persian Love Cake (vegan or not) was also perfectly moist and subtly sweet and spiced.
The birthday boy pronounced it a "flawless feed".
Written 10 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you very much Ceillidhtravels.
Written 15 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Herrdoug
Adelaide26 contributions
Oct 2022 • none
Four of us visiting Ballarat had a delicious lunch at Cafe Merkama based on the reviews on Trip Advisor. We had the set menu with advice from the very friendly and helpful owner and it was really tasty. I'd go again if it wasn't 550 km away!
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth P
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • friends
The food here is great, we've been a few times and have never had even an average meal. It's always fantastic, and I like the complimentary tea too
There are a lot of vegan and vegetarian options and the injera is delicious.
We visited on a Friday night and got a table with no problems, and the owner was very attentive and friendly
Written 19 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arnold1004
Melbourne81 contributions
Mar 2021 • friends
Wonderful Ethiopian restaurant in the heart of Ballarat. Try the tasting platter of two meat and 6 vegetarian dishes all eaten with Ethiopian sour dough flat bread. Finish off with the Persian Love cake. Great experience that won’t break the bank.
Written 16 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you
Written 20 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matthias W
16 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
Went here this afternoon with my partner after reading many of the great reviews. Oh boy it did not disappoint! Always open to try new stuff we vegans are especially fond of stews and currys, this was unlike anything I've ever tasted, all the spices and fragrances from the tasting platter. Wow. Host was lovely and we've got the Ethiopian tea which was really nice to start with! Definitely will come again when in Ballarat!
Written 17 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you
Written 20 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ballan66
Hampton6 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Don’t be out off by the pretty plain decor. The food here is outstanding and amazing value.
The two of us had the tasting plates for two (we chose goat and lamb as the meats along with 6 vegetable dishes). The goat was a a standout.
Finished off with Persian Love Cake for desert and a total spend of $58 for two people. A fantastic introduction to Ethiopian food for beginners like us.
Written 2 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Temam Akmel Hussen
Thank you for your kind words.
Written 3 April 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 298
Best cheap eats
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing