WHY Hearty stews made from chickpeas and lentils accompany plenty of vegetable side dishes, like greens with garlic or tomatoes with green pepper, while the fluffy injera bread adds healthy touches like flax, sunflower seeds and sesame. Flaxseed and barley also make appearances in smoothie-like drinks.

WHAT Most of the Ethiopian restaurants on Fairfax serve meat dishes, but this one is all vegan, with dishes cooked in olive oil instead of butter. The simple, colorful room is decorated with messob tables, and a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony finishes the meal.