From The Fairmont Palliser Best Nearby African (Restaurants) (10 Overall Closest) Metro: Calgary, AB Marathon (Restaurants - African) 130 10th St NW, Calgary  AB  T2N 1V3 • 403-283-6796 Distance: ~1.728 km         Description: For a dining outing that's a bit out of the ordinary, this Ethiopian restaurant fits the bill beautifully. Much of the menu depends on vegetables, legumes, and meat-based stews. Utensils aren't used, and the mounds of savory food are pinched and scooped up with injera, a spongy flatbread. Among the options you'll find are spiced lentils, wine-marinated lamb cubes, and beef stewed in a curry sauce. Many of the dishes are combined in platters, so that you can try a number of different options that complement each other's flavors. If you're unsure about what to order, the servers are more than happy to provide guidance. You'll be well rewarded with a spicy, satisfying meal. Samosa Garden (Restaurants - African) 3393 26th Ave NE, Calgary  AB  T1Y 6L4 • 403-250-2515 Distance: ~6.630 km User Rating: 10 / 10         Description: Fragrant spices fill the air with incredible aromas at this comfortable restaurant, which specializes in the cuisines of East India and East Africa. Everything is homemade using only the freshest ingredients, an effort that shows in the food. Although many diners may not be used to the dishes, it's worth their while to make the leap. The rewards are many. Tandoori chicken is juicy and succulent, and Zanzibara beef mishkaki features perfectly grilled and spiced morsels of beef. Even the saffron-steamed rice and the naan bread, staples of the cuisine, are well-prepared. If you want a selection of dishes, try the mixed thali, which combines several options and allows you to sample a range of exotic delicacies. Copyright ©2001 10Best Inc. All rights reserved.