307 E. Wisconsin Ave.

The food of Ethiopia can be fiery. Alem offers a gentler version though their hot pepper sauce still has richness and depth of flavor. Try the doro wot, chicken with a hardboiled egg, in this delicious sauce. There are also beef and lamb versions of this dish. Half of the menu is vegetarian items. Most tend to be mild, mostly greens and lentils. Every entrée is served on injera, a round flatbread with a spongy texture. This is also your dining utensil. Dig in and have fun! Prices are moderate. (J.B.) $-$$. CC: All major. Handicap access. 224-5324

Club Timbuktu

520 E. Center St.

East Africa meets West Africa at Club Timbuktu, which is as much a nightspot as a restaurant. It’s the place to find chicken and peanut stew and cassava cous cous while listening to live African world music. Lunches include American sandwiches. (J.B.) $$. CC: All major. FB, SB. Handicap access. 265-7000

Ethiopian Cottage

1824 N. Farwell Ave.

The restaurant’s name refers to the traditional dwellings of Ethiopia, where the delicious stews redolent of Africa and the Near East were prepared over open fires and arrayed on a crepe-like sourdough called injera. The hearty tradition is kept alive at Ethiopian Cottage, which features an assortment of meat and vegetarian options plus Ethiopian beer, coffee, tea and honey wine. (D.L.) $. CC: MC, VS. 224-5226