Madiba Restaurant, Fort Greene, Brooklyn

“Grab dinner at a funky Cheers-type South African restaurant that celebrates Nelson Mandela. This is one of the top hip spots—and I don’t ordinarily like using the word hip.” 195 Dekalb Ave., at S. Carlton Ave., (718) 855-9190, madibarestaurant.com.

As told to Linda Dyett. Photo by David Land. See all of Jason Lampkin’s favorite places in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. This story appeared in the July/August 2011 issue.