Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re not cooking. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, restaurateur, or waiter to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there. This week, we interview Larisa Yanicak, bartender and mixologist at the buzzing bar and restaurant SouthBound and speakeasy BackStage Lounge.

Leah & Louise, Camp North End
A juke joint-inspired restaurant by a James Beard-nominated chef
Larisa’s order: Leah’s Cabbage

Leah’s Cabbage from Leah & Louise in Camp North End. Kristen Wile/UP

Moo & Brew, Plaza Midwood
A casual restaurant in Plaza Midwood specializing in burgers and beer
Larisa’s order: The Farmer’s Daughter (burger topped with egg, bacon, cheddar, tomato, lettuce, and Moo & Brew sauce)

Futo Buta, South End
A modern Asian eatery with Japanese dishes and a variety of ramen
Larisa’s order: Tonkotsu ramen
Pro tip: “Use the chili oil if you’re brave enough,” Yanicak says. “The spicier the better in my opinion.”

Futo Buta is the most popular restaurant in town among chefs. Kristen Wile/UP

Aqua e Vino, Cotswold
A traditional Italian restaurant with classic European accents and a Northern Italian atmosphere
Larisa’s order: Anything and everything

Mert’s Heart and Soul, Uptown
A family-owned spot specializing in soul food in a colorful atmosphere
Larisa’s order: The fried chicken with mac and cheese

More from this series:

Para’s Alex Verica
The Fig Tree’s Greg Zanitsch
Counter-‘s Sam Hart
Community Matters Cafe’s Ashley Anna Tuttle
Your Farms, Your Table’s Sam Diminich