Duck into this unpretentious new Somali restaurant in Lakeview, and you'll enter a different world. The purple drapes over the windows shield you from any view of the neighborhood bars. Instead, the reddish clay-colored interior and illuminated wall hanging of Mecca transport you to Muslim North Africa, where sweet tea and modest hospitality charm you. No liquor is served here, and don’t try to bring your own.

The cuisine will be mostly Somali with a touch of Ethiopia — both African countries were colonized by Italy, and it's apparent in their rich cuisine. Look for chicken or beef stew on a bed of rice or pasta with spicy sauce and sweet chopped bananas on top.

Muqdisho features a large flat-screen TV, which is usually tuned to sports, especially European football.

Average cost: <$10

Centerstage Reviewer: Jacob Wheeler