Mawa's Kitchen

Mawa's Kitchen may not be the easiest to find with its tucked-away entrance, but stay the course because it's worth visiting this welcoming spot. Light colors, tasteful artwork and bare tables set with wildflower-filled vases create a mood-boosting vibe inside, while the outdoor terrace is a breezy perch. The food is equally appealing (think new-world meets old-world). Owner Mawa McQueen, who hails from the Côte d’Ivoire, delivers extraordinary quality with everyday value, such as black-eyed pea hummus served with pickled, charred and smoked vegetables and bread. The African chicken and seafood gumbo is boldly spiced and finger-licking good, but don't fill up because you'll want dessert—especially a wedge of that dreamy cheesecake.