West 125th Street

1 M & G Grab a stool at the L-shaped counter and dig into a stack of pancakes ($4.25), three fluffy pillows bound to ease your way into the day. 383 W 125th St at Morningside Ave (212-864-7326)

Lunch

2 House of Seafood The staff here makes a tasty fish sandwich ($4) with three crunchy pieces of breaded whiting (option: the heftier fish-and-chips special, $6.50). Add some tartar or hot sauce and take it to go. 2349 Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) at 126th St (212-531-0405)

3 Roti Plus Boasting one of the most sumptuous Caribbean roti sandwiches in town, Roti Plus rolls its version in chickpeas or potatoes, then stuffs it with your choice of eight curried fillings. Goat is $8; chicken is $6. 2345 Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) between 125th and 126th Sts (212-749-8758)

4 Strictly Roots One of the area’s few organic spots, this small buffet-style eatery offers a modest array of wholesome dishes. Try a veggie burger ($4) or a combo of mac and cheese, fried plantains and broccoli for just $6. 2058 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (Seventh Ave) between 122nd and 123rd Sts (212-864-8699)

Dinner

5 La Marmite In contrast to the size of this Senegalese restaurant, the portions are immense. Gorge on dibi—grilled lamb chops—with a side of sweet plantains for a ten-spot. 2264 Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) between 121st and 122nd Sts (212-666-0653)
—Richard Koss

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