Smitty's Kitchen, Phoenix

To say that the chefs at Smitty's Kitchen specialize in international cuisine is to tell only part of the story. Yes, these culinary masterminds draw liberally on African and Caribbean traditions, but they only use those as a springboard for their own creations. Take, for example, their most famous dish, which pairs West African jollof rice—basmati rice cooked with tomatoes and spices—with a spicy goat curry. Other styles of African rice can be found in dishes such as the chicken stew and curry chicken. Each of these can be paired with a side of black-eyed peas, fried plantains, or fried sweet potatoes for a meal that's as satisfying as a good, long scream.