Cafe Ibex is a charming, intimate Ethiopian spot on MLK Way, a strong date-night destination where spiced beans, seasoned rice, and tender morsels of meat merge in a lavishly rewarding food experience. The injera is spongy and soft, as it should be, affording a perfect base for mammoth combo plates.

Arguably some of the best tacos in Seattle come from this gem of a food bus. Tacos El Asadero keeps things simple by not overdoing the cheese, focusing instead on choice cuts of sizzling asada and carnitas that will make your head spin.

La Medusa offers substantially higher quality pasta dishes than your average mom-and-pop shop. Classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs become your favorite meal all over again when they’re made from scratch here.

Finding a solid breakfast spot in Seattle isn’t the challenge, it’s finding the perfect one. Fortunately for Columbia City, it doesn’t get much better than Geraldine’s Counter, a solid brick-and-mortar that serves all-day breakfast made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The now-infamous French Toast is crisped with warm melted butter, a seasonal topping, and a semi-sweet maple syrup. Ask any local, and they’ll vouch for this charismatic cafe.

One drawback to living in the upper left is the greater distance from the cultural influences from across the Atlantic. Luckily, Senegalese hotspot La Teranga offers specialties of the region such as the delicately piquant goat curry over seasoned rice. Space is not abundant, so consider ordering takeout for an amazing meal at home.

Ethiopian fare is represented well here, as simmered meat dishes meet rich spices for a nice balance of flavor and texture. To maximize your experience, order the special combo platter (or veggie combo), a stomach-grumbling medley of two veggie dishes of your choice plus marinated meat morsels. It’s all presented atop a bed of injera, the cuisine’s tender, tangy fermented flatbread that also takes the place of silverware, compelling you to wipe up every last drop of sauce.

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming exterior of this casual East African spot, which belies the beautiful food within. Fried fish, mashed peas, and pilau rice are highlights of the cuisine, and the tender chunks of fried tilapia will have you yearning for a return visit.

Bibliophiles gravitate toward this charming cafe on the inside of Third Place Books, providing them with little reason to wander elsewhere. More than your average bookstore cafe, Raconteur serves up surprisingly satisfying dishes for a rainy-day meal. Try any of the soup bowls or the crisply battered fried chicken sandwich.