For a dining outing that's a bit out of the ordinary, this Ethiopian restaurant fits the bill beautifully. Much of the menu depends on vegetables, legumes, and meat-based stews. Utensils aren't used, and the mounds of savory food are pinched and scooped up with injera, a spongy flatbread. Among the options you'll find are spiced lentils, wine-marinated lamb cubes, and beef stewed in a curry sauce. Many of the dishes are combined in platters, so that you can try a number of different options that complement each other's flavors. If you're unsure about what to order, the servers are more than happy to provide guidance. You'll be well rewarded with a spicy, satisfying meal.

Fragrant spices fill the air with incredible aromas at this comfortable restaurant, which specializes in the cuisines of East India and East Africa. Everything is homemade using only the freshest ingredients, an effort that shows in the food. Although many diners may not be used to the dishes, it's worth their while to make the leap. The rewards are many. Tandoori chicken is juicy and succulent, and Zanzibara beef mishkaki features perfectly grilled and spiced morsels of beef. Even the saffron-steamed rice and the naan bread, staples of the cuisine, are well-prepared. If you want a selection of dishes, try the mixed thali, which combines several options and allows you to sample a range of exotic delicacies.

The lush comfort of this establishment is a far cry from the city streets. Fabrics and tapestries envelop diners in softness, apt preparation for a meal that's not at all western. The menu is Moroccan, which means that vegetables assume a prominent place and that diners tackle part of the meal with their hands. Seasonings are a fascinating combination of sweet and savory, coming together in an exotic alchemy that will have first-timers sold on the concept. Phyllo dishes wrap a host of ingredients in flaky pastry, and the tangines are hearty, slightly sweet stews full of good vegetables. You'll also find entrees centered around lamb, fish, and couscous. Depending on your preference, you can order a la carte or from the prix fixe menu. Delicious.