Mela Cafe — Restaurant in Mechanicsville

Real-deal Sichuan cuisine. I tasted the Beef Noodle Soup (I got the spicy version--it's quite spicy and intensely flavorful, with some of the most tender chunks of beef I've ever had in a soup), Mung Bean Jelly Noodles, Sichuan-style Dumplings, and Cold Sesame Noodles. Everything was perfectly seasoned and delicious. I recommend sharing several small dishes so you can see what this cuisine is all about. Well worth the short drive from downtown Richmond. The menu is very straightforward and well-rounded. There were plenty of tables available when we came in on a Saturday afternoon, though I anticipate they will begin to fill up soon as more people discover this delicious food. The people there are very kind and friendly. Looking forward to...

This was hands down the BEST savory Asian food I’ve ever had. I had the Mung Bean Jelly Noodles, which arrived and did NOT look like something I would enjoy….. THEY WERE AMAZING!!! I could’ve sat there and ordered bowl after bowl of them of them. My wife had the Cold Sesame Noodles and loved them, so did our toddler.

The lady running the restaurant was the sweetest ever! She played with our little girl and took great care of us. We couldn’t have asked for better service. We might file to adopt her, she was awesome.

We had the restaurant to ourselves, so it was as quiet as it could be with our toddler. I’ll definitely be back! Do not let the low key look and understated atmosphere throw you off, the food is fantastic! This lady NEEDS to start...

We decided to try this place. The sesame noodles are dynamite. The sauce, they do a very good job of creating a powerfully delicious flavor. I was impressed. The beef soup had a great flavor and adding the kick they give you as a sauce created more layers to the flavor. They use a stew type of beef. You get more of it probably because of the cut. Solid meal in a bowl. I'd get it again. The only bummer was the scallion pancakes. People's taste vary and what one of us wants is not what everybody wants. I was hoping for a scallion filled flavorful something. It was more a deep fried doughy something. Not my cup of tea but some people like that. I think that overall it is a decent place to pick up but some things are better...