Cuisine as diverse as the city’s Black diaspora itself.
bootleg cuisine is as diverse and multi - faceted asBlack cultureitself . 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 cutting edge through art , euphony , and , of course , food .
Across the five borough , there ’s 2 million Black New Yorkers making up23.4%of the city ’s universe — identify as Black American , Trinidadian , West African , Jamaican , and more — who make a vibrant arras of smuggled culture .
So , when it make out to food , there ’s no dearth of phenomenal option courtesy of the urban center ’s Black - own restaurants . Whether you ’re exploring a novel borough or headed to a historied enclave of Black culture like Harlem , Bed - Stuy , the South Bronx , and Crown Heights , the cuisine is as various as the city ’s Black diaspora itself . Here are some of our favorite Black - owned eating place in NYC .
Aunts et Uncles|Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Black-owned restaurants in Manhattan
Amy Ruth’s
Ashton & Simpson’s Sugar Bar
Upper West SideOwned by the husband - and - wife vocalizing duo Ashford and Simpson , Sugar Bar has brought decadent dish antenna and desserts to the Upper West Side for close to three decades . Located inside a converted brownstone , it just get sensory faculty that the venue also has a reputation for its live euphony performances , which are held regularly during the summer months . Popular dinner party detail include the New Zealand Lamb Chops and the Crispy Fried Chicken , which come with classic slope like Collard Greens , Mac and Cheese , and Garlic Mashed Potatoes . For vegan or plant - forward eater , there are meat alternatives to hamburger or tacos or additional computer menu items like Tofu Scramble or Vegetarian Chili .
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken
Upper West SideAfter closing his iconic Frederick Douglass Boulevard eatery in Harlem in 2021 , Gabriel Charles debut his young Charles Pan - Fried Chicken storefront on the Upper West Side just one year later . Cooking since he was 14 and lauded for his panache of pan - fry poulet , Gabriel ’s signature items let in 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 .
LoLo’s On The Water
Pier 57Lolo ’s Seafood Shack is inspired by the seaside eatery in the British West Indies holler Yi . Since 2014 , chefs Raymond Mohan and Leticia Young - Mohan have been cooking up delicious look first in Harlem and now at Pier 57 with standouts such as the Jerk BBQ Ribs , Johnny Cakes with Honey Butter ( a obtuse , slightly mellifluous sugar that Lolo ’s mob with flavour ) , and the signature Pom Pom Shrimp .
Pig & Butter
Lower East SideAfter starting her culinary life history at Superfine in DUMBO , proprietor - chef Sherry Grimes ’ first NYC brick - and - mortar eating place is all about breakfast - inspired mantrap . Order dishes like the Pastrami Smoked Salmon Omelette , Creme Anglaise French Toast , and the signature Pig and Butter Bacon , Egg , and Cheese on Brioche useable every day of the week . Then achieve a small more than a buzz with unlimited mimosas , Blood Marys , and sangria every day until 4 pm .
Sylvia’s Restaurant
HarlemSylvia ’s is arguably one of the well - known eating house both in Harlem and NYC . Known for its soul solid food , as well as being a hub of Black culture that regularly draw politicians , celebrities , and raft of locals , the eating house ’s stiff popularity is thanks to the splendid dishes first serve by father Sylvia Woods , aka “ The queer of Soul Food . ” Opened in 1962 , four multiplication of her descendants continue the legacy of this family - possess clientele today . democratic detail include Fried Chicken , Barbecue Ribs , Macaroni and Cheese , Cornbread , Sweet Potato Pie , and more .
Tatiana
Lincoln SquareFor chef Kwame Onwuachi , this mulct - dining restaurant is personal . Consider it a love letter of the alphabet to both his culinary inspiration and sister , Tatiana , and New York City . These influences are manifest throughout the eclectic food programme with dishes like Egusi Dumplings ( Cancer the Crab , Nigerien red stew , pickled Allium cepa ) , Curried Goat Patties ( green seasoning aioli , mango chutney ) , and Short Rib Pastrami Suya ( boneless wagyu short rib , melted red kale ) . These cultural bass cuts on the card have sky - skyrocket Tatiana to the top of everyone ’s can’t - miss restaurant lists since it open up in 2022 .
Black-owned restaurants in Brooklyn
Aunts et Uncles
short CaribbeanWith no shortage ofvegan / vegetarian restaurantspopping up all over NYC , Aunts et Uncles carry on to make its mark since opening early in the pandemic . The plant life - forward spot from married man - and - wife duo Michael and Nicole Nicholas also operates as a shop selling good like books and clothing . democratic nutrient items include the Lobster Roll made with hearts of ribbon and unfermented dill on a pretzel roll ; the Au Burger with caramelized onions and savory mayonnaise ; and the Mofongo with mashed green plantains . Additional offerings include alimentary paste , liaison , soup , and souse and non - booze beverages .
Black Nile
Crown HeightsThis person food and seafood restaurant dancing on the border between Crown Heights and Bed - Stuy put up singular and bold savor . operate by a husband - and - wife dyad , Black Nile only serves halal meat and domestic fowl prepared with signature herbaceous plant seasoner and sauce ( which are also available for purchase ) . commence off with the Crab Cornbread before choosing from a great pick of seafood serve over Aged Cheddar Cheese Grits . There ’s also the choice to create your own grill , fried , or baked repast from mains like Lobster Tail , Baked Turkey Wings , Catfish , and Jumbo Shrimp . Finish it all off with a musical composition of Blueberry Cornbread .
Bunna Cafe
BushwickFounded in 2011 , Bunna — which translates to coffee in Ethiopian — extend plant - found takes on Ethiopian transportation . On the menu , the Cafe ’s signature Feast meals admit seven entrance ( choose from Gomen , Keysir Selata , Misir Wot , Yater Kik Alicha , and more ) served fellowship - style with injera on the side . Edgar Guest can also attend a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony , which is hold on - property at 5 premier on the weekend .
Cheryl’s Global Soul
Prospect HeightsThis Prospect Heights institution from owner and chef Cheryl Smith opened in 2016 with mortal - enrich lulu 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 .
Clover Hill
Brooklyn HeightsNamed after the neighborhoods ’ original 1800s soubriquet , this 20 - seat eatery has become one of NYC ’s most celebrated eating place since opening two age ago . Executive chef Charlie Mitchell — who has become a trailblazer as NYC ’s first Black Michelin Star chef — focus on high-minded looker of fish and shellfish for the seasonal menu . A banner or premium wine mating is optional with your repast . The outer space is decorated with hang ivy and vintage photographs that showcase scenes of Brooklyn ’s yesteryear .
The Islands
Crown HeightsLocated on the border of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights , The Islands is a top contender for Jamaican classics . Open since 2001 , the eatery ’s menu includes Jerk Leg of Lamb , Curry Goat , Calypso Shrimp , and Okra Cod Fish . The eating place is also known for its signature long - simmer stew like Stewed Chicken in Brown Gravy , where the meat falls right off the bone . Homemade refreshment admit sorrel and lemonade .
Kokomo
WilliamsburgWife - and - hubby duo Ria and Kevol Graham have created a tropic Eden of sorts near the Williamsburg waterfront with Kokomo , a eating house concentre on Pan - Caribbean flavors . With Ria ’s industry background in Caribbean restaurants and Kevol ’s event - preparation experience , the culinary destination they ’ve created retain to be a much ask ( and appreciated ) place of festivity for New Yorkers . Dine on Crispy Fish Tacos , key signature Grant Wood - fired flatbreads in five varieties like Wild Roasted Mushroom , Braised Oxtail , and consecrated vegan selections like Lentil Meatballs .
MangoSeed Restaurant
FlatbushJust a few blocks from Prospect Park , Mangoseed is a neighborhood go - to for Caribbean classics and tropic beverage . establish in 2009 by chef Paul Burrowes , the spot is a mop up of Caribbean and Brooklyn finesse along with wood - fired pizza pie and brunch . Some of the menu highlights include the Jerk Salmon and Braised Oxtail . Specialty cocktails let in the Hennessy Sidecar ( orange bitter , love mizzle ) and Sugarcane Lemonade ( amber rum , housemade lemonade , cane succus ) .
Peaches HotHouse
Bed - StuyPeaches HotHouse ’s menu showcases the well - of - the - best southerly food . TheBed - Stuyeatery , founded by Craig Samuel and Ben Grossman , offers classics like the touch Fried Chicken , Fried Green Tomatoes , The Best Chicken Sandwich Anywhere , Fried Catfish , and more . And sure to strike up its three other sister spot spread across the borough .
Ras Plant Based
Crown HeightsBy mixing Kosher - certified culinary techniques with contemporaneous Brooklyn influences and ancient recipes owners Romeo and Milka Regalli learned from their grandparent , Ras Plant Based has become a Crown Heights favorite . Starters let in Sambusa ( pastry dough casing , mixed veggies , lentils ) and Azifa ( pureed green lentil , jalapeno , tomato , wasabi powder ) . For main , there ’s the Piassa or Mercato platters — both of which include a range of mountains of Ethiopian vegetable classic that can be motley and mate calculate on preference .
Black-owned restaurants in Queens
Neir’s Tavern
WoodhavenNeir ’s Tavern in Woodhaven dates back to 1829 . In its more than 190 - year runnel , the establishment has operated as a gin mill for unruly customers of a nearby track , the localization of Queen ’s first bowling bowling alley , and the infamous neck of the woods legal community in the movieGoodfellas . Current possessor and FDNY veteran Loycent Gordon buy Neir ’s tap house in 2009 to salvage it from closure . Along with pint of Guinness , savor bar bites like Neir ’s Specialty Nachos Supreme and Neir ’s Classic Burger Deluxe .
Nneji
AstoriaNneji is one of NYC ’s most - talked - about destinations for authentic West African and Nigerien fare . Thewoman - ownedspot from beginner Beatrice Ajaero not only operates as a small takeaway restaurant , but also as a workshop featuring African goods . pop fare items include Savory Meat Pies , Okra & Spinach , Egusi ( melon vine germ , spinach , ruddy bell pepper ) , West African Red Stew ( beef , moo-cow base , cow skin in a Nigerien spice blend with blue scotch bonnet pepper ) , and Mixed Meat Jollof Rice . For anyone looking to learn more about this global culinary art , Ajaero is jazz for her strong hospitality and knowledgeable nature .
Queens Bully
Forest HillsChef Melvin “ Boots ” Johnson ( also the 2018 champion of the Food internet’sChopped ) is behind Forest Hills ’ gastropub Queens Bully . With a main focus on American barbecue with global smell , unequaled game - day starter include Butter Chicken Wings , BBQ Veggie Naan ( fume jackfruit , Madagascar pepper , onion , mozzarella ) , and Samosas . Larger offerings crop from Brisket and half or full wheel of Baby Back Ribs to Bully Beer Fish Fry and Cajun Chicken Linguini .
Vibes
Ozone ParkThe motto at the Jamaican - American eating house Vibes is “ good intellectual nourishment , good music , serious people , and good times . ” From an all - day breakfast card and seafood dinners , to their key signature Turkey Wing Dinner , the eating place is a popular destination for comfort food in Queens . For adventurous diners , the top - selling Jack Daniels and Hennessy - flavour Wings are a must - essay .
Black-owned restaurants in The Bronx
Fish & Ting
EdenwaldAt Fish & Ting , guests will discover possessor Lurline Franklin behind the counter ( who prefer to be called mom by her regular ) answer up top grade Caribbean classics . Can’t - misses on the carte du jour let in the Lobster Rasta Pasta , Curried Goat , and Brown Stew Chicken . Accompany your repast with a housemade Ginger Lemonade or Carrot Juice and a slice of Rum Cake .
Sylvia’s Restaurant|Photo by Cole Saladino for Thrillist
Clover Hill|Photo by Ezra Pollard
Queens Bully|Photo courtesy of Queens Bully
