Best Block for a Culinary Tour of the World

There are 15 restaurants on this block of the Mission, representing eight distinct cuisines: everything from the tasty Mexican fast food of La Cumbre, El Toro, or Mariachi to the upscale Vietnamese-meets-California-cuisine of the Slanted Door. If it's Indian food you crave, sit down to a meal at Scenic India or get some delectable curries and appetizers to go (don't forget the ice cream!) at Bombay Chaat and Ice Creamery. For Asian flair, try Yum-Yum House's Chinese dishes or Sunflower's traditional Vietnamese cooking. Or go for some sushi at We Be. For falafel or other Middle Eastern delicacies, try Cafe Istanbul or Amira, where you might even catch some belly dancing. If you want a traditional Mexican dinner and margaritas, try Puerto Alegre. Or aim for Spain and eat tapas at Ramblas. If you're in a hurry, grab a slice of pizza from Arinell or Cable Car, or rev yourself up with an espresso from Muddy Waters. If you want to slow down, stop for a drink at Casablanca or Blondie's. On each leg of your global tour, don't forget stopovers in the nearby shops to browse for books, clothes, or furniture, new or used.