Draymond Green Opens Ethiopian-Dominican Restaurant Meski in San Francisco
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 21: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts to a call against the Sacramento Kings during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on February 21, 2025 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Draymond Green has added a new title to his impressive resume: restaurateur. Meski, a restaurant that fuses Ethiopian and Dominican cuisine, will be opened by the four-time NBA champion and Golden State Warriors star on March 7th in San Francisco. Guma Fassil, the chef-owner of Meskie’s Ethiopia Restaurant in Berkeley, and Nelson German are working together on this venture. A contestant on Top Chef Season 18 and the creator of Oakland’s celebrated Sobre Mesa and alaMar Kitchen and Bar
A Fusion of Flavors and Culture
Meski is a cultural experience that goes beyond just being a restaurant. Meski aims to create a new food experience in The Bay Area by combining Ethiopian and Dominican cuisine’s bold spices and rich traditions with Afro-Latino Caribbean influences.
“Yeah, Meski, a restaurant—it’s an Ethiopian-Dominican fusion restaurant, kind of with a bar-forward type concept,” Green told LandonBuford.com. “I just want to bring culture back to San Francisco. It’s not the same culture that it used to be, so it’s about bringing a space where we feel comfortable, where we have spots to go to. But not just us—spots for everybody to go, have a great time, have a great meal.”
Green emphasizes that Meski will be a lively gathering space with outstanding food and atmosphere, not just a place to eat.
“I think it’s always hard—you usually go to a spot that has a great vibe but not great food, or great food but not a great vibe. We’re trying to match the two and create a great spot in San Francisco.”
A Culinary Dream Team
The name Meski is a reworking of Meskie’s Ethiopia Restaurant, which has been a staple in Berkeley for over 33 years. Chef Guma Fassil has over a decade of experience in Ethiopian cuisine, which is known for its deep spiced stews, injera, and rich culinary heritage. Nelson German, a Dominican-American chef who has received national recognition for his blend of Latin and African flavors, will bring his unique touch to the restaurant’s menu. Together, the duo will create dishes that celebrate the shared culinary history of Africa and the Caribbean, creating bold, unexpected flavors that represent the depth of both cuisines.
Bringing Something New to San Francisco
Meski’s opening coincides with the evolution of San Francisco’s food scene. This restaurant is Green’s way of revitalizing the culture in the city and providing the community with a new and dynamic dining experience. The bar-forward concept suggests that Meski will not only be about food but also a social destination, likely featuring curated cocktails that complement the unique menu. Nelson German’s expertise at Sobre Mesa, known for their innovative drinks, will make Meski’s beverage program equally exciting as its food.
Meski is not just a business venture for Green. It’s about creating a space where food, culture, and community unite. His strong connection to The Bay Area makes this project a natural extension of his impact both on and off the court. Meski opened its doors on March 7, it’s evident that it’s not just another restaurant; it’s a celebration of identity, heritage, and flavors that have long deserved the spotlight in San Francisco’s dining scene.
Final Thoughts
Draymond Green’s dedication, Guma Fassil’s Ethiopian knowledge, and Nelson German’s Dominican and Afro-Caribbean culinary talent have created Meski, which is set to become one of the hottest restaurant openings of the year. Meski will provide an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a food lover, a fan of cultural fusion, or just looking for a new favorite spot in San Francisco. Meski opened earlier this month on March 7 in San Francisco.
