Cafe Zella

I highly recommend this place, they have an amazing chicken pesto bowl that is consistently delicious. Came one morning and got a breakfast sandwich that was also amazing.

OMGGGGG this place did it for me! These are the best closest huevos rancheros aside from my grandmas home cooked ones. these were sooo spot on. Good sized portion as well. Good quality food, Im surprised that as a local who was born and raised here in Santa Monica, that im barely now just frequenting this little hole in the wall. It was just what I needed after my appointment across the street at UCLA. I also ordered a Chorizo burrito but my coworker literally devoured it before I can even snap a picture. Even she asked "Omg where did you get that from" . Im a happy camper and cannot wait to stop by again when im in the area. Their staff is very friendly and welcoming as well which always makes me feel better about spending money on food. Well done Cafe zella.

I used to love this place and this Chinese chicken salad, so sad. Unfortunately they recently increased the salad price to $17, decreased the amount of chicken, and today a large portion of my salad greens were slimy and not edible. If it were not for my having to run back to work, I would have asked for a refund.

Cute lunch cafe conveniently located on Wilshire. Great variety of menu options, friendly service and tasty food with both indoor and outdoor seating. Everything from breakfast burritos, salads, hot sandwiches, and paninis. They also have pastries and a coffee menu. I usually go for the breakfast burrito which is delicious and filling. Ive heard great things about their lunch options - looking forward to trying other menu options!

Nothing fancy but the food is delicious, 5 Star! There are a few tables inside and outside, but many folks order their food ToGo.

We chose to sit inside. You order and pay for your food and drink at the cashier. Then you find a table. Our food came promptly. Our drinks were left at the counter and after waiting for a long time, I walked back to theh counter and was told the drinks were "over there" on the otherside of the counter. I ordered the salmon pesto bowl which was very tasty and filling with grilled vegetables over brown rice and a nice salmon portion, however this dish is around $20. My friend ordered the Huevos Ranchero and she loved the black beans in this dish! At this time, there are no prices written on their menu which is written on the back wall.

Afterwards you have to "bus" your own dishes. This is not a full service restaurant but when you pre pay for your food and drink, there is a credit card option for a tip. My friend added a tip without knowing there would be no service. There are no refills for ice tea or coffee. Period.

Regardless, I always like to support women owned small businesses.

There is a parking lot in front of the restaurant as well as street parking. Please read the parking signs carefully though.

I was a new customer, coming because I had to wait my brother's prescription at VCS nearby. The place seems to be a popular places for UCLA healthworkers to have lunch.

It is small. Nothing fancy, but serves its purpose: being a dinner.

They have great selection of food.
I orderred regular burger. Fries are very tasty, burger is edible. Better places are out there if you fancy food.

I rarely leave negative reviews and I hate to do this, but I am very disappointed. The lady working at the front was very unkind. She rolled her eyes when taking my order, gave me a difficult time for kindly asking for additional oat milk, and practically threw the straw back at me. Maybe she was having a bad day, but this is no way to treat someone.

I order from Cafe Zella at least once weekly. The staff are friendly and the food is super tasty. There are not alot of places to eat near the Medical Center, but of all the choices, Cafe Zella is the best.

Service is always good, but do try to order a little ahead of the lunch crowd or after school crowd. It's a small mom & pop cafe and everything is cooked fresh so they can only make food and drinks as fast as can be.

Expect the food to be quite tasty and your order always correct. Please continue to support this Cafe and always be respectful and patient.

Great local deli! Fast, easy, and friendly. Love that it is Asian owned too! Has a small parking lot too.

I once stop here and I liked the coziness of the place.

I tried Pesto Bowl Chick which is brown rice and grilled veggie - everything about the fish was right except that I think that they have too much Pesto on the dish. Although I have to admit that I do not like too much sauce on my food, so I am sure many people won't mind that all.

The menu is vast and the dish are prepared fresh. Don't except extravagant atmosphere but you definitely get a great food.