Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green is venturing into the culinary world with a new restaurant that brings Ethiopian flavors to the forefront. Partnering with chef Nelson German (of AlaMar Dominican Kitchen and Sobre Mesa) and Ethiopian restaurateur Guma Fassil (of Meskie’s Kitchen and Garden in Berkeley), the trio is set to open Meski in San Francisco’s Nob Hill on Friday, March 7. The restaurant, named after Fassil’s mother, promises to blend Ethiopian traditions with contemporary global influences.
Ethiopian Cuisine Meets the Diaspora
Meski aims to reimagine contemporary Afro-Latin cuisine through an Ethiopian lens. This means Ethiopian staples like berbere spice, injera, and mitmita will play a central role in the menu, infused with the adventurous spirit of Latin American cuisine.
Diners can expect a mix of dishes that highlight Ethiopian ingredients with a modern twist. The menu includes:
- Sambusas filled with berbere-spiced beef
- A fusion take on sancocho (a traditional Dominican stew) with Ethiopian spice infusions
- A cocktail program that combines Ethiopian and Caribbean flavors, balancing rich, earthy spices with tropical vibrancy
“This is about merging two diasporas,” Fassil told the San Francisco Chronicle. “We’re taking the heart of Ethiopian cuisine—its depth, tradition, and spice—and blending it with the seasonality and passion of Dominican flavors.”
Ethiopian Hospitality with a Modern Edge
The restaurant’s interior and atmosphere will reflect Ethiopian hospitality, with elements inspired by traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, communal dining, and warm, inviting aesthetics. Meski’s goal is to offer a modern yet authentic Ethiopian dining experience that welcomes guests into a vibrant, cross-cultural celebration.
Ethiopian Food’s Growing Influence in the U.S.
Meski’s arrival in San Francisco’s food scene is part of a broader trend of Ethiopian cuisine gaining recognition beyond traditional mom-and-pop spots. Cities like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and now San Francisco are embracing Ethiopian food’s bold flavors, unique spice blends, and communal dining style.
For Ethiopian food enthusiasts, Meski presents a chance to experience both authenticity and innovation—a nod to the past while embracing a global culinary future.
Meski opens March 7 at 1000 Larkin Street, San Francisco.
