If you’re headed to the sparkly new Allianz Field on the light rail, especially if you don’t often get to University Avenue in St. Paul, you might want to check out some of the fabulous eateries that are on the avenue.

Here are our favorite restaurants with cuisine that spans the globe.

Bon Appetit!

WESTERN AVENUE STOP

Bangkok Thai Deli: (2 minute walk 1.5 blocks east) to 333 University Ave.

Bangkok Thai has some of the best green curry in town — reason alone to go out of your way to get to this always bustling restaurant in a former Burger King. The chicken larb salad, egg rolls and pretty much everything else is top-notch, too. 651-224-4300

Cheng Heng: (3 minute walk, 1.5 blocks west) to 448 University Ave.

On a street packed with Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese restaurants, Cheng Heng stands out as the only Cambodian eatery. There are definitely unique dishes here — chha than hung (slippery rice noodles in an earthy, spicy, pork and black mushroom sauce) and the bright orange curry noodle soup (with noodles, crunchy vegetables and positively drinkable coconut-y broth). The prices are incredibly low for the size of the entrees, too. 651-222-5577

DALE STREET STOP

Big Daddy’s Barbecue: 625 University Ave.

This little barbecue joint recently took over the space next door, so it’s now possible to bring a few folks for lunch and sit down for some finger-lickin’ smoked meats.

We prefer the cheaper rib tips, which have a nice grill char but have plenty of tender, smoky meat. For sides, we are big fans of the briny, earthy collard greens; the crumbly, not-sweet corn bread; and the spicy, smoky baked beans. 651-222-2516

Los Ocampo: 615 University Ave.

When you have a taco itch to scratch, Los Ocampo’s bright eatery on University is a great place to do that. Sopes, tortas and burritos are on point, too. If you’ve been to the other Los Ocampo, be aware that this location, which is full service, is a significant step up, both in service and in atmosphere. There’s a full bar, including margaritas, here, too. 651-340-5311

iPho by Saigon: (4 minute walk 1.5 blocks west) to 704 University Ave.

This something-for-everyone Vietnamese powerhouse is always jam-packed for good reason. Grab a fantastic and inexpensive banh mi for about $2 to $4.50 per sandwich and eat it on the train ride back if you’re in a hurry. Or sit down for a steaming bowl of pho or a fresh bun salad. You really can’t go wrong. 651-225-8751

VICTORIA STREET STOP

Homi: 864 University Ave.

Everything is made from scratch at this tiny Mexican restaurant, including the light and complex mole, a sauce that takes many hours of loving preparation to make.

The empanadas, chilaquiles, and pretty much everything else are fantastic, too. 651-222-0655

Ngon Bistro: (3 minute walk 1 block east) to 799 University Ave.

Ngon is known for its upscale and sustainable fusion cuisine, and it’s home of our favorite pho. The transcendently rich and unctuous broth is made from grass-fed beef. We prefer it topped with tender sliced rib-eye. The menu has lots of other winners, too, though, like the decadent, meaty pork belly, balanced with an herbaceous cilantro sauce and tart tomatoes. 651-222-3301

SNELLING AVENUE STOP

On’s Thai Kitchen: (2 minute walk a half block west) to 1613 University Ave.

This is the place for adventurous eaters. Lunch is a walk through Thai dishes that are hard to find in the area, including meing kum, an appetizer in which you add little bits of fresh ginger, toasted coconut, lime, jalapeno, dried shrimp and peanuts to a Chinese broccoli leaf and drizzle the whole thing with a sticky, sweet and salty sauce before fashioning it into a little purse and putting the whole thing in your mouth. Their hot pots and whole fish are also easy ways to dazzle a foodie friend. 651-644-1444

Fasika: (2 minute walk 1 block north) to 510 N. Snelling Ave.

Our favorite Ethiopian restaurant in the Twin Cities is a little on the dingy side, but you won’t mind after you try the food. Giant rounds of spongy, tart injera bread are topped with all manner of stews to be eaten with little bits of bread and your fingertips. It’s a great place for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. 651-646-4747

RAYMOND AVENUE STOP

Foxy Falafel: (2 minute walk 2 blocks north) to 767 Raymond Ave.

A perfectly healthy lunch, the sprouted chickpea falafel at this sweet little food truck-turned-restaurant is creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside and adorned with earthy, tongue-tingling harissa or creamy cucumber sauce. Our favorite is the curry falafel, but the beet version comes in a close second. 651-243-0813

Caffe Biaggio: 2356 University Ave.

The business lunch crowd will appreciate the subdued and pretty atmosphere at this upscale Italian cafe. Lunch consists of inventive salads, tasty sandwiches, soups and pasta dishes. The whole space is crawling with original artwork, so dining there is a feast for your eyes, too. 651-917-7997

Naughty Greek: (3 minute walk 2 blocks west) to 2400 University Ave.

Owner Angelo Giovanis has made it his mission to bring authentic Greek street food to the Twin Cities, and it’s been a delicious success. Pork and chicken gyros (you won’t find the typical American lamb version here), served on fresh, soft pita with plenty of messy tzatziki, lamb and beef kebabs, lemon chicken soup, and really everything here is wonderful and clearly made with love. This is the second location (the first is on Snelling and Selby avenues), and it is much bigger, but still retains the rustic/modern feel of the original. 651-219-4438