Palikao (CLOSED)

Downtown's fast-casual scene has a whole new lease on bowl-based life thanks to Palikao, a bright, cheerful, French and Middle Eastern couscous spot. Trust that neon pink sign on the wall—"miam miam," French for "yum yum"—because yes, these couscous bowls are delicious. Choose your base of wheat couscous, whole wheat couscous or a rotating selection of gluten-free couscous, then pick your protein (pro tip: go for the meatballs, made from the owner's French family recipe, or the chicken tagine) and pile on the veggies: roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and onion jam, to name a few. Finish with broth and a sprinkling of fresh herbs. If you're looking to eat like the French at home, snag some of Palikao's meats, veggies, pickled goods and house-made spreads from the to-go section—if they can make it all the way home before getting devoured, that is.