Cafe Colucci, Oakland

If you ask Cafe Colucci founder Fetlework Tefferi, the secret to Ethiopian cooking is in the spices. In fact, they're such an integral part of the cooking that the cafe's sister company, Brundo Ethiopian Spices, manages all of the cafe's imports and the kitchen staff of acclaimed Ethiopian chefs manages the onsite spice blending. With that dedication to quality, freshness, and authenticity, the result is a menu of explosively flavorful takes on Ethiopian food—with vegetarian and meat options—that ranges from fiery to mild. Most people learn something new on a visit to Cafe Colucci, too: the back of the menu lists a glossary of Ethiopian culinary terms and accessible Ethiopian cooking classes are available to the public.