Ras Plant Based

Founded by husband and wife Romeo and Milka, Ras cooks entirely without animal products — which, in Ethiopian food, is less a modern twist than an old tradition. Orthodox fasting days have shaped a deep repertoire of vegetable and legume stews, and Ras builds a whole restaurant on it, earning James Beard semifinalist recognition along the way.

Order the mixed platter: ground-chickpea shiro, misir wat of red lentils in berbere, gomen collards, and crispy green beans, all laid out on injera. It is a good first Ethiopian meal for anyone, vegan or not, and a strong case that the cuisine's meatless half is its best.