Sylla

Sylla serves incredible West African food in an understated room below the Metro North tracks in East Harlem. Grab a stainless steel high top, drink some Vimto, and delve into the stews first—they're complex and layered, weaving together ingredients like hot chiles, black pepper, and smoked fish. We especially like the kedjenou, a guinea fowl stew, which is perfect for a cold day along with a gooey ball of plakali. Grilled dishes like a whole fish or dibi mouton make substantial, satisfying weeknight meals, and you should always get a side of alloco: sweet plantains, chopped small, and served with a spicy red sauce. If you find yourself needing more ordering advice, the Ivorian owner will happily help you out.