WizTheMC

Berlin

This spot is all about the well-roundedness. Hummus is beyond on point, and the menu has everything you want to come along for the ride. Try the Sabich! My boy Guy runs the place. Israeli legend that also runs a super well curated record label called Malka Tuti. Met him at OYE Records. Big shoutout to Markus Lindner aka Delfonic.

It’s easy to find good food on Sonnenallee, but finding great food is much harder. This one's a Lebanese take on hummus making, and they are doing the thing. The new white-tiled, highly-illuminated LED lit interior may not be the most inviting but the massive plates of mixed food + hummus will hit every spot possible.

Another Sonnenallee steal. This one for the shawarma lover. Tell them you want the Arabisch. All will be good in the world.

Once was a home-delivery hummus service, these guys knew how to keep the fridges looking sexy. What more can you ask for than freshly whipped hummus to your doorstep?

Not a hummus-specialty, but doing some of the best shawarma this side of the Spree. The Lebanese family who runs this spot are incredibly lovely, and if you smile there, they slip in a piece of fried halloumi just where you take your first bite.

The one and only best falafel wrap spot in town. Honestly. More salads than you can dream of. Killer hummus, as well as what-ever other sauces they put in there. The grumpy-but-happy old lady who seems to have never left this tiny hole in the earth will give you a sweet but tasty Syrian tea while you wait. You will wait but it will be worth it.

The craziness of Schlesi can drive anybody mad, but take a step away just here for a rejuvenating hummus bowl. Add a few falafels balls and you’re laughing. Shoutout my boy Anwar, for him the Kafta bowl is “a cathartic experience”.

For the finer diners. For the finer diners who are vegetarian. For the finer diners who appreciate the creativeness that comes along with vegetarian cuisine. Good spot to impress your crush while also fulfilling the reason you hopped out in the first place - to get that hummus.

Berlin’s Best Spots for Middle Eastern Food with WizTheMc

Mohammad Gorjestani

San Francisco 

Loquat explores the the flavours of Iraqi Jewish heritage and is the brainchild of my homie Tal Mor, who is behind Four Barrel Coffee and The Mill with Josey Baker Bread. Loquat is built from love and intentionally sourcing all of its ingredients, many of which are from Palestine. My favourite thing is the boureka plate with the house harissa and zhoug. Don’t sleep on the salted chocolate babka either.

I low-key think this is the best bar in America. The combination of community, food and drinks is unmatched. I get creatively inspired here with what Nicholas Torres and his team does. The cocktails span the imagination, and I especially appreciate the low ABV drinks. I would get the bartenders choice of cocktail and definitely get the hen of the woods mushrooms.

This is a special special place run by amazing people. You can’t beat the vibe – it is unequivocally San Francisco. 20 Spot is a restaurant inside the old Force of Habit record store, it’s run by Bodhi Freedom who is a Frisco OG. I recommend just sitting at the bar with a flatbread and anything else that looks good on Alejandro’s (the chef's) menu and letting Bodhi pour you a glass of what he’s feeling that night.

Isa and Kenzie used to work on farms before opening this spot that serves the most incredible tamales and bowls. Everything is amazing, but I go with the Hugo Street Retreat with a breakfast cookie to enjoy on a walk around one of the best neighbourhoods in the city.

24th Street is my favourite street in San Francisco and there’s nothing like it or La Palma in the world. I go with the Taco Sonora and I grab some queso and salsa for the fridge on my way out.

The best coffee in America is in San Francisco (sorry Portland) and Grand is one of my favourites. I love the two locations on Mission Street and I love everything this place and its owners represent as a community business. I love their espresso and usually go with an eight-ounce Americano or a Gibralatar (don’t call it a Cortado!).

When I first moved to San Francisco I lived in the Richmond, and I discovered this tiny spot that changed how I think about how food is made and that small is better. Pizetta makes a few pizzas a day based on what's at the farmer's market. I usually get whatever pizza is on the menu, a slice of flourless chocolate cake, and an espresso that takes me back to 2007 when I used to just sit at the bar and write.

Anybody telling you San Francisco is dead, just bring them here on the Friday or Saturday night. Probably the most fun place to dance in the city, and while I admittedly avoid the dancefloor, I do appreciate the natural wine, top shelf DJ and music curation that makes this place bump.

There’s a few great dive bars I was thinking of for this list, like Lone Palm and 500 Club, but I’m putting Wazema [down] because in addition to being around the block from me, and it being a historic San Francisco business, they also serve Ethiopian food every night 'til 10. I order the sampler plate and enjoy a little fernet after, and hit the pool table in the back.

I go to bat for Gallardo’s as the best brunch in the city. It’s only on the weekends, but it's worth the wait for their birria served with their tortillas and fixings.

Sunset Squares Foodhall is where you can go watch a game and choose between Sunset Squares Pizza (sourdough pizza), Namu Stonepot (Korean-inspired fare), Filipino food (Uncle Tito’s) and a really amazing curation of beer and wine. I go for the Pub pizza, and I add olives and gardiniere for the first half of the game.

The Palestinian diaspora in San Francisco is one of the most special things about the city. Biet Rima is a family business that makes you feel at home every time you eat at either of their two locations. I usually go with their chicken shish tawook plate, the mezze platter – and don’t sleep on Samir’s bread.

Few places in San Francisco have the room feeling that Zuni does. I always go back and forth between Bix and Zuni as my favourite old-school vibes. But Zuni takes it for me because when I first moved to the city it was the late-night meals I had here after my shifts that shaped my love for food. The move here is to grab a seat by the bar, get a martini, order the chicken, and patiently wait for it enjoying their Caesar salad. Classic and perfect.

Where to Eat and Drink in San Francisco, According to Mohammad Gorjestani

Benji B

London

If I could move in here and (afford to) eat lunch and dinner every day I would. Italian-based food with locally sourced ingredients in a great setting - tastefully done and a special night out but not overly fancy. If it's nice weather sit in the small garden. Food is absolutely banging. I’ve always liked this neighbourhood too.
Who to ask for: Johnny
What to order: Everything on the menu.

One of my favourite local West Indian spots in North London.
What to order: fish stew or curry chicken w/ rice and peas & a veg pattie 
Who to ask for: Don’t ask for anyone, just get in line. Talking of which, if you are in a rush and it's lunchtime this ain't the place for you. Just know that all good things come to those who… wait in a long queue.

Sometimes only Ranoush Juice will do. More of a takeaway snack spot than a sit down place, although there are a few tables if you want to eat and go. Sometimes I realise it's on route to somewhere I’m headed and I’ll divert to make a stop, sometimes I’ll just make the trip especially. I go there for one specific item: the Ranoush Juice Shawarma wrap: one is never enough and two is too much.
What to order: Chicken Shawarma wrap and a fresh carrot juice

Just off Shaftesbury Avenue near Chinatown, serving a Middle Eastern menu inspired by Israeli cooking, Southern Spain and North Africa, the food here is fresh and good for lunch or dinner and is made in the open kitchen, right in front of you.
Who to ask for: Well, if you remember Layo and Bushwaka - The DJ duo closely associated with The End Nightclub in London, this is Layo’s place! So you could ask for him, or shake his hand and say good job.
What to order: Fattoush Salad, Persian Lemon Chicken, Tomato Labneh and plenty of Baharat Farmhouse Bread.

Low-key cafe breakfast spot that keeps it simple and gets it right. Breakfast also might be my favourite meal of the day to be honest.
Who to ask for: Elliot.
What to order: Scrambled eggs on 2 toast with parmesan shaving on top, hash browns and a cup of tea (I don’t eat red meat but if you like your bacon and all that theres plenty of that too).

Had to put a Japanese spot in this list and there are loads I could have chosen but I’m going with Dinings because it is top level Japanese food in an understated place. Was originally started by ex-Nobu chefs in 2006. I’ve eaten there from time to time over the years and it has maintained its quality.
What to order: Hamachi Tar Tar Chips, Unagi Nigiri, Miso Aubergine, Black Cod.

Top floor of the Standard in Kings Cross in London. Mexican and Spanish influenced menu. Environment posh but city vibe, feels like you’re in New York, lighting and design on point, definitely good for a night out. With the location being in Kings Cross, it gives a good mix of people -- and views. Food and drinks top level. Definitely not cheap tho.
Who to ask for: Thomas is the boss.
What to order: Cauliflower Tacos, Spanish Tortilla, Day Boot Fish. A Negroni before or an Old Fashioned after, depending on which way round you do it. Bartenders know what they are doing.

Feels like it would be rude not to include this classic. The OG Arcola street Mangal 1. What is there to say other than that I’ve ended up in here more than few times over the years. I respect this place a lot, the environment in the neighbourhood around this place has changed so much but this place has remained. There are undoubtedly loads of amazing Turkish places in London but this place is a classic.
What to order: Cacik, Tavuk Sis or Moussaka.

Classic Italian family run vibe not tryna be a cool spot but with a classic traditional feel. In a way this is the random one on the list - not sure why I like it so much but I do. Has a casual family feel to it, even if it ends up feeling a bit posh because of where it's located (Marylebone) and who goes there. I think I went in by chance once and I ended up going back. Not on the foodie cool list, you might go there and think “huh?” - but I like it for a secret straight up traditional Italian.
What to order: Cacio e Pepe, followed by Sea Bass.

This place been open for years and years but its hard to tell sometimes which nights it opens. Very simple environment - not a “night out” but good if you want a simple home cooking feel. Low key and casual, sometimes with shared tables. 
What to order: Fresh Bread, Banjon Borani, Lavand-e-murgh.

Benji B's Favourite Restaurants in London

Ysa Pérez

New York City 

More Williamsburg shit. Five Leaves is one of my FAVORITE restaurants, mmm truffle fries, good for dinner but sick for brunch. It's in a prime spot so can get busy

Cheap ass falafel right off the Bedford L stop, Oasis, Williamsburg staple, not the fanciest, but solid for price and just on the go when you tryna eat quick

Definitely check out The Lot. Opened a few summers ago in this abandoned lot no one was using. Now it's a place to chill outside grab drinks, think that weird park ting in Shoreditch, same vibes... there are DJs playing all day

All your vintage needs, this Japanese place plays tight ass music and has hella gear

Best Southern food + cheap, chill ass, dive, Williamsburg, hipster bar

Sweets! Milkshake that tastes exactly like cereal, next door to The Commodore

Ysa Pérez's Guide to NYC 

CXLOE

Sydney

Icebergs is Sydney's most instagrammed location! Its located at Bondi Beach and overlooks the infamous Bondi lap pool. You can have a sit down meal overlooking the beach or enjoy a cocktail down below by the pool. There are often beach parties thrown here so definitely have a look for any upcoming shows before you head down!

The Arms is a beautiful outdoor venue right by the water in Sydneys Northern Beaches. The view is an amazing feature about this place but you can also bring your DOG which is the selling point for me. You're not allowed pets in many dining areas in Australia so this is a go to spot for me and my pup.

If you're feeling fancy, Opera Bar is a must as it overlooks the beautiful Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. I grew up playing gigs here until I had enough to move over to the states to start my own career :)

This is one of my favourite places to go in Sydney when I'm needing some puppy love. This is a no kill shelter and all the animals are free to be walked and played with!

Mediterranean is one of my favourite types of food so if you're also a lover of this you HAVE to go to Emma's Snackbar. It's located just outside Sydney CBD and this is where the hub of bars, music venues and shopping is located. They have the best food, it's fast and inexpensive!

A perfect place to go for pre drinks in Sydney's city is The Winery. The name speaks for itself! If you're a lover of good wine and atmosphere this is the place to go. Any and every wine you could ask for and the best homemade pita bread with pumpkin hummus on the planet. It's also located in Surry Hills which is a vibey place to go if you're looking for a cool underground bar or opp shop!

Sydney with CXLOE

AZADI.mp3

If you know you know. This spot is infamous in North West for some of the best Thai food you can get for real cheap. The spicy flat noodles are amazing, the curries slap (especially the creamy red curry) and it doesn’t break the bank. What more could you ask for?

This Afghani restaurant is an absolute banger and club classic. You know when the food is so delicious you have to just point your fork repeatedly at your dish while you chew in pure disbelief? Fragrant and fluffy rice, tender and juicy kebabs, and the portion sizes are banquet sized and make my heart sing. A feast for the senses.

With an amazing selection of traditional and regional kebabs, stews and side dishes, as well as the fun individual portions of tahdig - that’s the crispy rice if you don’t already know - this place is a great time. It’s a bit more on the expensive side, but if you want great quality Irani food that feels like it’s been cooked at home by your auntie and then jazzed up to look cute and fancy, this is your place.

Not only are the couple who run this little spot absolutely lovely, but the food they serve is delicious and hits the spot every time. With a mix of Japanese and Korean dishes on the menu, so far everything I’ve tried has been and incredible as well as being very reasonably priced. Amazing value and a lovely wholesome atmosphere.

This place is one of my favourite restaurants on Edgware Road and that’s really saying something. The food always comes with a complimentary lentil soup and some salty pink pickled veg, and the food itself is outstanding, fresh and always delivers. The kebabs here chargrilled to perfection and remind me of eating those banging roadside skewers in Tehran that you don’t really get over here. 10/10.

What can I say about this restaurant without my mouth watering? This Korean BBQ delivers time and time again. The BBQ itself is delicious and great fun to cook at your own table, the side dishes compliment perfectly, the soups are hearty and flavoursome, the tteokbokki is spicy and moreish, and the Korean fried chicken is crispy and flavoursome. This is a great spot to go with a group.

North London is home to many sick Turkish restaurants and Lezziz is no exception. Amazing bread, juicy and flavourful kebabs and always buzzing with locals. A classic.

AZADI.mp3 Gives Us Her Guide To North London

No Shade Collective

They have a cool selection of books and magazines.



They're based here and Mexico. For us, it’s the best post-internet contemporary gallery.

Two English guys run it - arcade vibes.



A bar full of good beer and food. Queer-friendly crowd.



Found in Kreuzberg, Berlin, HAU is an international theatre showcasing dance performances, concerts, dialogue and visual arts across three venues. 

Germany's national centre for the presentation and discussion of international contemporary arts, with a special focus on non-European cultures and societies.

They host some cool parties and also, have a great outdoors area for summer chill.

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