SHC‘s Summer Eats: A Guide To Dining From All Over The World

Ilana Avrutin ’27, Assistant Editor-In-Chief • September 6, 2025

Whether traveling or relaxing at home, summer is a great time to explore the various cuisines from all over the world. If you are looking for places to dine for your future travels or just curious to see what SHC’s students have been up to this summer, these restaurants are just the thing for you. The Emerald asked SHC’s students about their favorite summer eats – here are the ten restaurants that students deemed to be visit-worthy!

Close To Home:

An exciting birthday evening spent eating a delicious dinner. (Sophie Montgomery ‘27)

Abaca (San Francisco, California)

2700 Jones St, San Francisco, CA 94133

A delicious restaurant enjoyed by Sophie Montgomery ‘27, Abacá is a phenomenal Filipino restaurant located in San Francisco, California. With a variety of dishes served all throughout the day, snacks, barbecue sticks, rice, and noodle dishes are just a few of the plates that are part of their expansive menu. The setting is fantastic and the food is even better.

A tasty and flavorful meal, enjoyed in every bite. (Katelin Lee ‘28)

Din Tai Fung (Santa Anita, California)

400 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007

Located in Santa Anita, California, Din Tai Fung is a Chinese restaurant visited by Katelin Lee ‘28. Serving a plethora of dishes, from xiao long bao to noodle soups and everything in between, this restaurant boasts quality and skill in each plate.

A flavorful plate of freshly made chicken curry! (Marquiel Castillo ‘27)

Champion’s Curry (Berkeley, California) 2506 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94704

Recommended by Marquiel Castillo ‘27, Champion’s Curry is a delicious Japanese curry restaurant located in Berkeley, California. Their menu includes a large variety of tasty curries from chicken katsu to fish. If you ever pass by, feel free to give it a try!

Two tasty açai bowls, one chai latte, and one hot chocolate, ready to be enjoyed! (Lucia Miyaki ‘26)

Bluey’s Kitchen (Los Angeles, California)

1814 Berkeley St, Santa Monica, CA

Visited by Lucia Miyaki ‘26, Bluey’s Kitchen is a lovely restaurant located in Los Angeles, California. Their menu is extremely extensive with a variety of options based within each their daytime menu and their dinner menu. If you plan on dining during the day, bowls, sandwiches, tartines, and an array of drinks are available.

Beyond California:

A classic Ford’s Garage burger, with a warm hamburger bun and delicious fillings. (Molly Cannon ‘27)

Ford’s Garage (Orlando, Florida)

4971 International Dr Suite 3D.09, Orlando, FL 32819

A delicious restaurant enjoyed by Molly Cannon ‘27, Ford’s Garage is located in Orlando, Florida. While famous for their burgers and comfort food, they also serve a variety of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. With their many locations and extensive menu, it is hard not to enjoy Ford’s Garage.

The stunningly furnished and decorated interior of Café Georgetown. (Gianna Bankovitch ‘27)

Café Georgetown (Washington, D.C.)

3141 N St NW, Washington, DC 20007

Located in Washington D.C., Café Georgetown is a chic café visited by Gianna Bankovitch ‘27. Their menu offers a plethora of coffee, tea, pastries, desserts, and breakfast items. Whether a morning meal or a quick coffee run, this place is a must-visit!

A freshly served Meze Plate on a delightful summer’s day. (Simone Cohen ‘27)

a/stir (Seattle, Washington)

818 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122

Visited by Simone Cohen ‘27, a/stir is a delicious restaurant with North Mediterranean influences located in Capital Hill, in Seattle, Washington. Its tavern-style provides a chic, yet comfortable atmosphere and its menu has tons of tasty dishes for dinner, along with gluten-free and dairy-free options. Definitely check it out if you are looking for a yummy dinner in Capital Hill.

Eats From Overseas:

A gorgeous plate of extremely flavorful rice that the restaurant is famous for! ( Lily Cardenas ‘27)

Fogon Ultramarinos (Paris, France)

38 Rue de Verneuil, 75007 Paris, France

Recommended by Lily Cardenas ‘27, Fogon Ultramarinos is a beautiful restaurant located in Paris, France. The dishes served include many vegetable recipes, meat, fish, paella, a special emphasis on Iberian ham, and many delicious desserts.

A well-plated dish of leg of lamb, served with flavorful vegetables. (Ilana Avrutin ‘27)

Cabana Fresca (Albufeira, Portugal)

Largo Cais Herculano, 8200-061 Albufeira, Portugal

Visited by Ilana Avrutin ‘27, Cabana Fresca is a lovely beach-side restaurant located in Albufeira, Portugal. Their menu boasts a variety of dishes, from stunning appetizers to enticing mains and decadent desserts. The service and cuisine were both exceptional and if you ever find yourself in the Algarve region, this restaurant should be at the top of your list!

The enticing Teddy Bear themed hot pot, specifically in the delicious soy milk flavor! (Ashley Wang ‘27)

Kumachan Onsen (Tokyo, Japan)

Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 32−12 Assorti Shibuya, ３Ｆ

Recommended by Ashley Wang ‘27, Kumachan Onsen is a remarkable Izakaya restaurant located in Shibuya, in Tokyo, Japan. This restaurant is renowned for its Teddy Bear theme and their hot pot, specifically, comes as a Teddy Bear that melts into a collagen-rich broth. If you ever find yourself in Shibuya, be sure to give this place a try.

All of these restaurants are unique and special in their own way. Moreover, they have all been tested and approved by members of the SHC community, so make sure to save these restaurants to your must-try list!

About the Contributors

Ilana Avrutin ‘27, Copy Editor

Ilana is very excited to be a part of the Emerald team in her sophomore year. In addition to the Emerald, she plays the violin in orchestra and is a part of Lasallian Vincentian Youth at SHC. She also enjoys cooking, reading, and listening to music in her free time.

Simone Cohen ‘27, Staff Writer

Simone is ecstatic to be a staff writer for the Emerald in her sophomore year. Along with the Emerald, Simone takes part in SHC’s numerous theatrical productions, is active in Drama Club, and is a member of Lasallian Vincentian Youth. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, volunteering, singing, and getting lost in her books.

Lily Cardenas ‘27, Staff Writer, Layout Editor

Lily is thrilled to be a staff writer and part of the layout team for The Emerald in her sophomore year. Outside of her work with the paper, she swims for SHC’s swim team, is involved in Tedx, and serves in a leadership role for SHC’s Irish-for-a-Day program. In her free time, Lily enjoys reading, cooking, and listening to music.