Emanu
Flavor: Many Cincinnatians might be unfamiliar with the slow-cooked, aromatically spiced delicacies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, like Kilwa Sega (strips of marinated beef sautéed with onions, green pepper and spices); Tsebhi Beghie (lamb simmered in red pepper sauce with onions and flavored with spices); and vegan Ahmelti (collard greens and lightly spiced cabbage cooked with onions and pepper). Our advice? Don’t sweat the pronunciation. Just eat.
Flair: This family-owned and -operated venture is a labor of love where customers are treated like family. In fact, breaking bread together is an important element in East African culture. For them, sharing food off a common plate (wrapped in pieces of traditional flat bread called “injera”) signifies loyalty and friendship.
6063 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge; 513-351-7686. Open Tuesday-Saturday. $12-$22.