Madiba Restaurant

Inside the cool Nelson Mandela pop-art-adorned walls of Madiba, you'll be instantly transported to the "shebeen" (or informal dining halls) of a South African township some 7,000 miles away, instead of where your feet are firmly planted in Brooklyn. This is all part of the Madiba master plan. The restaurant has preserved the concept of the "shebeen" here by creating a lively, energetic atmosphere, complete with an enormous Coke bottle chandelier, a specialty imported South African goods shop at the entry, and live music nightly. Come with friends after work or dine a deux by mason jar candlelight; the vibe is inviting, and once you dive into the signature drinks and extensive appetizer menu, you'll be well on your way to becoming a local at this Fort Greene "township." Since Madiba is committed to presenting its clientele with authentic and beautifully prepared South African cuisine, all wines are imported straight from the Cape and the fare is an homage to the country from whence it came. Pair the farm-raised ostrich carpaccio with a glass of Man Vintners Pinotage; try the isopho (Cape Town-style seafood soup seasoned with saffron, mango, and peach juice) and a Fat Barrel Chenin Blanc; or live a little and order the chicken livers peri-peri, served on seven-grain toast with a glass of Indaba Chardonnay. Dare to be adventurous with your drink and starter choices and chances are, you'll feel compelled to stay for just one more round — it's what any local would do.