Where to Eat in Harlem NY: 10 best restaurants

Harlem is the heart of African American culture and one of the must-see places in New York, not only for its art and music but also for its cuisine. The kitchens of this neighborhood in Upper Manhattan serve up some of the best dishes you’ll taste during your stay in the city.

Don’t hesitate to venture out of Manhattan to experience the soul of New York: the Harlem neighborhood. If, after attending a gospel service or taking a tour of Harlem, you’d like to stay for a meal in the neighborhood, here are 10 fantastic restaurants in Harlem where you can enjoy finger-licking good food.

Amy Ruth’s is famous for serving some of the tastiest Chicken & Waffles in New York. If you want to try the best Southern cuisine, you’ll be in for a treat at this restaurant located in the heart of Harlem.

Their most famous dish is fried chicken with waffles drizzled with maple syrup. A combination that might sound a bit strange at first, but once you take a bite, you’ll be surprised to find that it works. In fact, Amy Ruth’s Chicken & Waffles are legendary in the city.

But if this dish still doesn’t win you over, there are plenty of other options on the menu, like the hot chicken sandwich or grilled ribs with barbecue sauce. And as a side, a serving of battered shrimp or sweet potato. To drink, a super refreshing glass of sweet tea and lemonade called “Half & Half.”

Sometimes you have to wait in line a bit to get a free table (especially on Sundays), but the service is pretty fast.

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Red Rooster Harlem is a true institution in Harlem. Located just a few steps from the famous Apollo Theater, throughout its history, artists of the caliber of James Baldwin and Nat King Cole have stopped by to enjoy the delicious traditional American dishes prepared here.

The kitchen at Red Rooster Harlem is helmed by the renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson, who reinterprets Southern cuisine using locally sourced ingredients to give it a unique and special touch, such as the crab cake, BBQ-glazed chicken nuggets, chicken & waffles, and some cornbread. For dessert, the Strawberry Shortcake will take you to seventh heaven.

You’ll love Red Rooster Harlem’s food and bohemian spirit, as the restaurant welcomes local musicians and artists who’d like to showcase their work there.

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If you’re in the mood to try the famous American brunch during your visit to New York, Ruby’s Vintage is the place to go. A tiny spot in Central Harlem, it’s perfect for relaxing on the weekend or grabbing a drink and soaking up the great atmosphere at night.

In addition to the traditional Eggs Benedict, the popular Southern Breakfast (scrambled eggs with turkey sausage, bacon, potatoes, grits, and biscuits) and the Devil’s Mess (scrambled eggs with Pepper Jack cheese, chorizo, and caramelized onions) are crowd-pleasers, though there are many other options on the menu. You’ll leave Ruby’s Vintage feeling recharged and ready to make the most of your day!

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If, during your tour of Harlem, you’re looking for a restaurant to enjoy Chicken & Waffles that’s a bit more low-key and not packed with tourists like Amy Ruth’s or Red Rooster Harlem, you should definitely add Melba’s to your itinerary.

It’s a fantastic place to eat during the week, and although the restaurant tends to get crowded because the food is delicious, the service is fast and attentive, and they’ll quickly find you a free table in the dining room.

Take a quick look at Melba’s menu because you’ll be drawn to every dish immediately. The Chicken & Waffles are the star dish, but I recommend ordering other dishes as well, such as Melba’s spring rolls, Fish & Chips, or Southern-style chicken.

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If you’d rather grab a quick bite that won’t take up too much time so you can continue your sightseeing tour of Harlem, I recommend trying the bagels at Bo’s Bagels. They’re to die for!

There are more than a dozen varieties, ranging from traditional options to specialties, though you can also create your own bagels with whatever filling you like. If you’re not sure which one to choose, get an egg and cheese sandwich (it’s a surefire hit!) or ask the staff for recommendations, but remember to pair your bagels with a coffee —they make it really well here.

Bo’s Bagels is a very popular spot in Harlem, and you might sometimes find lines at the entrance, but the service is pretty fast, so you’ll be served quickly. You’ll want to come back!

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If you’re in the mood to mix things up a bit and take a break from meat to give fish a try, in Harlem you’ll find restaurants like Famous Fish Market that serve delicious fried fish and seafood.

Run by the same family for nearly 50 years, it’s one of the best places to eat fresh fish in New York. A real gem! The menu is simple but the flavors are irresistible. The dishes come out hot, crispy, and well-seasoned. Ready to eat and enjoy.

At Famous Fish Market, I recommend ordering the whiting sandwich, or if you prefer, they can also serve it in a basket with a side of potatoes topped with tartar sauce or hot sauce.

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Harlem Biscuit Company is another one of those spots where you can grab a quick bite if you don’t have much time to sit down for a proper meal while exploring this New York neighborhood. It’s famous for its Southern biscuit sandwiches, which are absolutely delicious!

The menu offers plenty of variety, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect one for you. I recommend the Langston sandwich (fried chicken, pickles, onion, and chili with garlic honey) or the Bodega sandwich (bacon, egg, and cheddar cheese). However, if you arrive at Harlem Biscuit Company on an empty stomach and really craving breakfast, you have to try the hearty Biscuit Breakfast with a Southern-style biscuit, French omelet, grits, bacon, and fried chicken. You’ll leave there with a smile from ear to ear!

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Everyone loves pizza, and it simply had to be on this list of restaurants to eat at in Harlem. In the heart of the neighborhood, you’ll find Pizza By Lucille’s, a counter-service spot for takeout—but it’s also perfect if you want a quick bite before heading to a baseball game, since it’s located about 15 minutes from Yankee Stadium.

However, if you’d rather sit down and relax for a bit while you eat, its sister restaurant, Lucille’s Coffee & Cocktail Bar, is just two doors down. There, you can try other dishes like the roast beef sandwich, the salmon burger, or the lobster mac & cheese. And to drink, a tasty cocktail! The Flamingo Colored Punch or the Sup Mango are absolutely wonderful.

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Located in Harlem’s historic Mt. Morris neighborhood, Barawine is a charming Parisian-inspired restaurant where you can sit at the bar and enjoy a glass of wine with a cheese plate, or head to the dining room to savor a hearty French-American-style meal. Whatever your heart desires!

The interior is very beautiful and has a fantastic, intimate atmosphere. However, it also has a terrace if you prefer to dine outdoors. On Sundays, Barawine really comes alive with live music.

As for the food, I recommend ordering the French onion soup, the fried goat cheese with Portobello mushrooms, the mussels marinara, or the Barawine burger. For dessert, tiramisu. It’s amazing! Plus, they have vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.

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For travelers who haven’t yet tried delicious Southern soul food in New York, a visit to Harlem is the perfect opportunity to discover BLVD Bistro, specialists in this culinary style associated with the Southern African American community.

BLVD Bistro is one of those hidden gems tucked away in a historic red-brick house in Harlem that you’ll be glad you discovered. As you walk in, you’ll find a small dining room with a pleasant and lively atmosphere. Especially on weekend nights when there’s music with a DJ.

I recommend trying the Southern potato salad, the barbecue pork sandwich, or the BLVD cheeseburger. And to top it off, a slice of banana pudding.