Ask anyone who’s been in the city pre-FasTrak about New Eritrea and they’ll likely wax on and on for a good five minutes about their flaky sambusas. Or that one time they met their ex’s entire extended family at the Eritrean spot over gored gored and injera. The longstanding Sunset restaurant is an SF staple that’s consistently packed each night with coworkers, families, and couples on low-key dates. Have one meal in their glowy red space and you’ll see why. For starters, the food never misses, and the menu has something for everyone—vegetarians, vegans, and the one friend who inhales meat like they’re doing their best impression of a ravenous hyena. You’ll spot the colorful house vegetable sampler (which is also all-vegan) on almost every table—the potatoes, okra, and split peas are well-spiced and comforting. Also hone in on the tumtumo, onion-y pureed lentils that pair perfectly with the tangy injera. Non-vegetable dishes, like the kitfo or saucy chicken and mushroom New Eritrea Special, are also worth your time. The space is another reason to come to this spot. A meal here feels like getting buried in a ball pit filled with stuffed animals and spiced beef. Stained glass lamps keep the lighting to a cozy dim. Service is always efficient and warm, whether you’re rolling deep with ten friends or sliding up to the long bar for that vegetarian combo, even if it’s just for one. And if it’s your first visit to this institution, it certainly won’t be your last.