For a quieter meal surrounded by woven baskets, postcards, and Ethiopian flags, go to Cafe Ethiopia. The Mission spot is warm and homey, and feels like you’re in a friend’s apartment, if that friend had a sizable collection of Ethiopian paintings and art on display in their living room. Heavy pours of tej, or honey wine, are on deck, and the comforting food matches the relaxed space. This spot does a good job at executing classic Ethiopian dishes you’ll see on menus around town, including a milder chicken kitfo and a solid spicy ater. It's all just what you'll want to eat while going on and on with a friend about a recent breakup, or how you just entered your second midlife crisis.

photo credit: Julia Chen