Though I love Olive Garden and Panda Express, sometimes I want something a little more local and original. Chain restaurants are nice when you’re in a new city and are scared of trying something new, but after being here for a year and a half, I was ready to try something new. Here are my favorite locally owned and operated restaurants.

Café Aladdin: Greek and Middle Eastern

Last time I was here I got the gyro and had the staff add potatoes to the inside. The man behind the counter was eager to serve and didn’t mind making this adjustment. There was so much meat, potatoes and salad crammed into a pita bread shell, I had to pull half of it out and save it for later.

The restaurant is located at 530 6th Ave. N., Fargo.

Izumi: Japanese

This all-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi restaurant is to die for. I am a sushi aficionado, and eating as much as I want for one price is amazing. The portions are small, but you will get charged a 25 percent fee if you leave sushi rolls or hibachi meat left on your plate. What I like to do is order an appetizer of calamari or edamame and a soup. Then after eating that I will order some sushi, which is usually five or six bite-sized rolls. Then I keep ordering sushi or hibachi one at a time until I am past the point of full.

The wait staff here is helpful and always return to the table to make sure everything is up to par and if you need more food. They understand you will be making multiple small orders and seek to attend to these needs.

The food fest begins at 5675 26th Ave. S., Fargo.

Spitfire: American Bar and Grill

From wings to steak and pasta, this restaurant has something for everyone. My favorite is the slowly smoked ribs. The raspberry glaze is sweet and unique. I recommend going on a weeknight to avoid the crowds.

Spitfire is at 1660 13th Ave. E., West Fargo.

Mango’s Mexican and American Grill

Just a few miles south of campus this authentic Mexican restaurant gives a broke college student like me the most food per dollar. The store’s menu lists 10 of “Mexico’s Best” meals. Anything on this list you are sure to love and have leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Check Mango’s out at 2901 Main Ave, Fargo.

Passage To India

This is one of the best Indian restaurants in North Dakota. and my Indian friends agree. The lamb in the lamb biryani is cooked to perfection. The meat is tender and the spices in the dish are almost overwhelming. The staff is helpful and more than willing to make a recommendation to a novice foodie like myself.

Passage to India is at 855 45th St. S., Fargo.