Celebrate Juneteenth at One of These Beloved Black-Owned Restaurants in NYC
Cuisine as diverse as the city’s Black diaspora itself.
Black cuisine is as diverse and multi-faceted as Black culture itself. With influences from the Caribbean, the American South, and African countries, many of the beautiful and nuanced differences between the cultures within the diaspora come to the forefront through art, music, and, of course, food.
Across the five boroughs, there’s 2 million Black New Yorkers making up 23.4% of the city’s population—identifying as Black American, Trinidadian, West African, Jamaican, and more—who create a vibrant tapestry of Black culture.
So, when it comes to food, there’s no shortage of phenomenal options courtesy of the city’s Black-owned restaurants. Whether you’re exploring a new borough or headed to a celebrated enclave of Black culture like Harlem, Bed-Stuy, the South Bronx, and Crown Heights, the cuisine is as diverse as the city’s Black diaspora itself. Here are some of our favorite Black-owned restaurants in NYC.
Black-owned restaurants in Manhattan
Harlem
Named after owner Carl S. Redding’s grandmother, Amy Ruth’s is a Harlem classic that’s been serving the community since 1999. Known to its regulars as the “authentic soul of New York,” the restaurant offers a range of comfort food classics, which are named after famous patrons and historical Black figures. Signature dishes include smothered pork chops (The Gabrielle Union); baked catfish (The Ruby Dee); fried, smothered, baked, or barbecue chicken (The President Barack Obama); and a dedicated section of creative waffle combinations like The Jennifer Holliday with waffles and fried shrimp.
Upper West Side
Owned by the husband-and-wife singing duo Ashford and Simpson, Sugar Bar has brought decadent dishes and desserts to the Upper West Side for close to three decades. Located inside a converted brownstone, it just makes sense that the venue also has a reputation for its live music performances, which are held regularly during the summer months. Popular dinner items include the New Zealand Lamb Chops and the Crispy Fried Chicken, which come with classic sides like Collard Greens, Mac and Cheese, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. For vegan or plant-forward eaters, there are meat alternatives to burgers or tacos or additional menu items like Tofu Scramble or Vegetarian Chili.
Upper West Side
After closing his iconic Frederick Douglass Boulevard restaurant in Harlem in 2021, Gabriel Charles debuted his new Charles Pan-Fried Chicken storefront on the Upper West Side just one year later. Cooking since he was 14 and lauded for his style of pan-frying chicken, Gabriel’s signature items include fried chicken, collard greens, ribs, pulled pork, and cornbread. Devotees can now dine at any of the three Charles Pan-Fried Chicken locations—two in Harlem and one on the Upper West Side.
Pier 57
Lolo’s Seafood Shack is inspired by the seaside eateries in the British West Indies called lolos. Since 2014, chefs Raymond Mohan and Leticia Young-Mohan have been cooking up delicious flavors first in Harlem and now at Pier 57 with standouts such as the Jerk BBQ Ribs, Johnny Cakes with Honey Butter (a dense, slightly sweet bread that Lolo’s packs with flavor), and the signature Pom Pom Shrimp.
Lower East Side
After starting her culinary career at Superfine in DUMBO, owner-chef Sherry Grimes’ first NYC brick-and-mortar restaurant is all about breakfast-inspired dishes. Order dishes like the Pastrami Smoked Salmon Omelette, Creme Anglaise French Toast, and the signature Pig and Butter Bacon, Egg, and Cheese on Brioche available every day of the week. Then achieve a little more than a buzz with unlimited mimosas, Blood Marys, and sangria every day until 4 pm.
Harlem
Sylvia’s is arguably one of the best-known eateries both in Harlem and NYC. Known for its soul food, as well as being a hub of Black culture that regularly draws politicians, celebrities, and plenty of locals, the restaurant’s unwavering popularity is thanks to the excellent dishes first served by founder Sylvia Woods, aka “The Queen of Soul Food.” Opened in 1962, four generations of her descendants continue the legacy of this family-owned business today. Popular items include Fried Chicken, Barbecue Ribs, Macaroni and Cheese, Cornbread, Sweet Potato Pie, and more.
Lincoln Square
For chef Kwame Onwuachi, this fine-dining restaurant is personal. Consider it a love letter to both his culinary inspiration and sister, Tatiana, and New York City. These influences are evident throughout the eclectic food program with dishes like Egusi Dumplings (crab, Nigerian red stew, pickled onion), Curried Goat Patties (green seasoning aioli, mango chutney), and Short Rib Pastrami Suya (boneless wagyu short rib, melted red cabbage). These cultural deep cuts on the menu have sky-rocketed Tatiana to the top of everyone’s can’t-miss restaurant lists since it opened in 2022.
Black-owned restaurants in Brooklyn
Little Caribbean
With no shortage of vegan/vegetarian restaurants popping up all over NYC, Aunts et Uncles continues to make its mark since opening early in the pandemic. The plant-forward spot from husband-and-wife duo Michael and Nicole Nicholas also operates as a shop selling goods like books and clothing. Popular food items include the Lobster Roll made with hearts of palm and fresh dill on a pretzel bun; the Au Burger with caramelized onions and spicy mayo; and the Mofongo with mashed green plantains. Additional offerings include pasta, links, soups, and alcoholic and non-booze beverages.
Crown Heights
This soul food and seafood restaurant dancing on the border between Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy offers unique and bold flavors. Operated by a husband-and-wife duo, Black Nile only serves halal meat and poultry prepared with signature herb seasonings and sauces (which are also available for purchase). Start off with the Crab Cornbread before choosing from a large selection of seafood served over Aged Cheddar Cheese Grits. There’s also the option to create your own grilled, fried, or baked meal from mains like Lobster Tail, Baked Turkey Wings, Catfish, and Jumbo Shrimp. Finish it all off with a piece of Blueberry Cornbread.
Bushwick
Founded in 2011, Bunna—which translates to coffee in Ethiopian—offers plant-based takes on Ethiopian fare. On the menu, the Cafe’s signature Feast meals include seven entrees (choose from Gomen, Keysir Selata, Misir Wot, Yater Kik Alicha, and more) served family-style with injera on the side. Guests can also attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony, which is held on-property at 5 pm on the weekends.
Prospect Heights
This Prospect Heights institution from owner and chef Cheryl Smith opened in 2016 with soul-enriching dishes from across the world. Enjoy Cuban Black Bean Soup, Country Fried Cajun Wings, a Roasted Jerk Pork Bowl, and Kenny Fried Fish Sandwich on any given night of the week.
Brooklyn Heights
Named after the neighborhoods’ original 1800s moniker, this 20-seat eatery has become one of NYC’s most celebrated restaurants since opening two years ago. Executive chef Charlie Mitchell—who has become a trailblazer as NYC’s first Black Michelin Star chef—focuses on elevated dishes of fish and shellfish for the seasonal menu. A standard or premium wine pairing is optional with your meal. The space is decorated with hanging ivy and vintage photographs that showcase scenes of Brooklyn’s past.
Crown Heights
Located on the border of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, The Islands is a top contender for Jamaican classics. Open since 2001, the restaurant’s menu includes Jerk Leg of Lamb, Curry Goat, Calypso Shrimp, and Okra Cod Fish. The eatery is also known for its signature long-simmered stews like Stewed Chicken in Brown Gravy, where the meat falls right off the bone. Homemade refreshments include sorrel and lemonade.
Williamsburg
Wife-and-husband duo Ria and Kevol Graham have created a tropical paradise of sorts near the Williamsburg waterfront with Kokomo, a restaurant focused on Pan-Caribbean flavors. With Ria’s industry background in Caribbean restaurants and Kevol’s event-planning experience, the culinary destination they’ve created continues to be a much needed (and appreciated) place of celebration for New Yorkers. Dine on Crispy Fish Tacos, signature wood-fired flatbreads in five varieties like Wild Roasted Mushroom, Braised Oxtail, and dedicated vegan selections like Lentil Meatballs.
Flatbush
Just a few blocks from Prospect Park, Mangoseed is a neighborhood go-to for Caribbean classics and tropical drinks. Founded in 2009 by chef Paul Burrowes, the spot is a culmination of Caribbean and Brooklyn finesse along with wood-fired pizza and brunch. Some of the menu highlights include the Jerk Salmon and Braised Oxtail. Specialty cocktails include the Hennessy Sidecar (orange bitters, honey drizzle) and Sugarcane Lemonade (gold rum, housemade lemonade, cane juice).
Bed-Stuy
Peaches HotHouse’s menu showcases the best-of-the-best southern food. The Bed-Stuy eatery, founded by Craig Samuel and Ben Grossman, offers classics like the signature Fried Chicken, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Best Chicken Sandwich Anywhere, Fried Catfish, and more. And sure to hit up its three other sister spots spread across the borough.
Crown Heights
By mixing Kosher-certified culinary techniques with contemporary Brooklyn influences and ancient recipes owners Romeo and Milka Regalli learned from their grandparents, Ras Plant Based has become a Crown Heights favorite. Starters include Sambusa (pastry shell, mixed veggies, lentils) and Azifa (pureed green lentil, jalapeno, tomato, wasabi powder). For mains, there’s the Piassa or Mercato platters—both of which include a range of Ethiopian veggie classics that can be mixed and matched depending on preference.
Black-owned restaurants in Queens
Woodhaven
Neir’s Tavern in Woodhaven dates back to 1829. In its more than 190-year run, the establishment has operated as a saloon for unruly customers of a nearby racetrack, the location of Queen’s first bowling alley, and the infamous neighborhood bar in the movie Goodfellas. Current owner and FDNY veteran Loycent Gordon purchased Neir’s Tavern in 2009 to save it from closure. Along with pints of Guinness, enjoy bar bites like Neir’s Specialty Nachos Supreme and Neir’s Classic Burger Deluxe.
Astoria
Nneji is one of NYC’s most-talked-about destinations for authentic West African and Nigerian fare. The woman-owned spot from founder Beatrice Ajaero not only operates as a small takeout restaurant, but also as a shop featuring African goods. Popular menu items include Savory Meat Pies, Okra & Spinach, Egusi (melon seed, spinach, red bell pepper), West African Red Stew (beef, cow foot, cow skin in a Nigerian spice blend with spicy scotch bonnet pepper), and Mixed Meat Jollof Rice. For anyone looking to learn more about this global cuisine, Ajaero is known for her warm hospitality and knowledgeable nature.
Forest Hills
Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson (also the 2018 champion of the Food Network's Chopped) is behind Forest Hills’ gastropub Queens Bully. With a primary focus on American barbecue with global flavors, unique game-day starters include Butter Chicken Wings, BBQ Veggie Naan (smoked jackfruit, peppers, onion, mozzarella), and Samosas. Larger offerings range from Brisket and half or full racks of Baby Back Ribs to Bully Beer Fish Fry and Cajun Chicken Linguini.
Ozone Park
The motto at the Jamaican-American restaurant Vibes is “good food, good music, good people, and good times.” From an all-day breakfast menu and seafood dinners, to their signature Turkey Wing Dinner, the eatery is a popular destination for comfort food in Queens. For adventurous diners, the top-selling Jack Daniels and Hennessy-Flavored Wings are a must-try.
Black-owned restaurants in The Bronx
Edenwald
At Fish & Ting, guests will find owner Lurline Franklin behind the counter (who prefers to be called mom by her regulars) serving up top tier Caribbean classics. Can’t-misses on the menu include the Lobster Rasta Pasta, Curried Goat, and Brown Stew Chicken. Accompany your meal with a housemade Ginger Lemonade or Carrot Juice and a slice of Rum Cake.