Savor the many flavors of Africa at a fabulous buffet. Breakfast is $24.23-$29.49 ($13.71-$19.84/kids) and dinner is $41.33-$47.59 ($21.10-$26.29/kids); tax included. At dinner, a dazzling array of unusual soups, stews, salads, veggies, and wood-grilled meats tempt both timid and adventuresome diners (including kids and vegetarians). The wood-burning grill and exhibit kitchen add extra flavor to the marketplace décor. And the dessert station is fabulous—be sure to try the Zebra Domes. Breakfast is equally wonderful but more down-to-earth. Diners are consistently amazed by the wide variety of pleasing new tastes, and even plain meat-and-potatoes lovers are delighted. Book ahead and arrive early, as even the line to check in can be long.

African flavorings meet Californian and Asian influences with grace and style at Jiko. Savory appetizers include grilled wild boar tenderloin, curried butternut-squash bisque, Za'atar spice beet salad, and flatbreads ($12–$19). Entrees include lamb tagine ($45), oak-grilled filet mignon ($49), Botswana beef short ribs ($52), and Peri Peri chicken ($34). Jiko boasts an AAA Four Diamond rating, among other honors. Fish and vegetarian items take the limelight, and you’ll also find a strong Afro-Mediterranean influence. For dessert, try the vanilla rooibos tea mousse ($12). Phenomenal South African wines. Kids have their own menu with appetizers ($3–$4) and entrees ($8–$12). Dress code is “business casual” (see page 228).

PassPorter friends
together on opening night
at Sanaa
by chezp

Sanaa’s menu is a mix of Indian and African flavors, including African sausage and onion salad ($10), lamb kefta sliders ($10), shellfish Tinashe ($13), and a good line-up of Indian breads ($13 for a service for two or more) as well as a salad sampler ($7.49). Entrees include lamb shank ($29), traditional sosatie (braii lamb, $24), butter chicken ($26), braaivleis sampler plate ($32), sustainable fish (market) and a New York Strip steak ($33). The dining room is very attractive, offering great views and a quieter, more intimate version of the rustic style seen at Boma. The wine service here is a big deal, but beer ($8.25 for imports) or a mango lassi smoothie ($5.50) would be more traditional. There’s even Kenyan press pot coffee here ($6.79). Lunch offers a similar menu at somewhat lower prices. Kid’s meals are $10–$12 and include fish, grilled chicken with basmati rice, shrimp with quinoa, cheese pizza with naan crust, and cheeseburger. Desserts ($6.00–$8.00) are never a big deal at Indian eateries but here you get Afrika Povu (Tanzanian chocolate mousse, $7), tapioca pudding ($7), and Ceylon-spiced cheesecake ($6), and seasonal kulfi ($6.00). There are also a dozen specialty hot teas ($6.29).You can also book reservations for this restaurant on OpenTable.com.