Restaurants

20 Best Restaurants In Harlem NYC

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Let's step into the vibrant heart of New York City's cultural epicenter, where a symphony of flavors awaits your palate. From soulful soul food to avant-garde culinary creations, these eateries weave together a narrative of Harlem's dynamic culinary scene. 

Therefore, let's explore some best restaurants, where each dining experience is a testament to the rich tapestry of history in this iconic neighborhood. 

1. Harlem Public

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Harlem is the first spot you don't wanna miss – it's like a flavor fiesta for your taste buds. A mouthwatering Harlem Hot Honey Wings that'll make your taste buds do the happy dance, and the Mac & Cheese Balls feel pure cheesy bliss.

And oh, don't get me started on the loaded Harlem Burger – it's a party in a bun! Trust me, every bite is a taste of Harlem's soul, served up with a side of good vibes.

Address: 3612 Broadway

2. Rubirosa

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Alright, buckle up for a flavor rollercoaster at Rubirosa the ultimate foodie haven. It's a flavor revolution that deserves a front-row seat on your must-visit list.

Pizzas with a crunch that can be heard across town topped with the finest ingredients and pasta dishes that make you delighted. The vibe is equal parts chic and welcoming, making it the perfect backdrop for indulging in the art of eating well.

Address: 235 Mulberry St

3. COTE Korean Steakhouse

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COTE is an ideal place for those who love Korean barbecue and steak. The food is of high quality and delicious, with dishes like Korean "bacon" and jalapeno appetizer, Steak and Eggs, and the Butcher's feast.

The ambiance is upbeat, hip, and positive, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Address: 16 W 22nd St

4. Gramercy Tavern

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This place is like a culinary fairy tale where every dish is a work of art, and the vibe is just as enchanting. From its farm-to-table goodness to the warm, comfy aura, it's a harbor for foodies and vibe enthusiasts alike.

Their menu is a love letter to your taste buds, and the attention to detail is nothing short of perfection. Gramercy Tavern is the kind of place that turns an ordinary day into a memorable masterpiece.

Address: 42 E 20th St

5. Zia Maria Little Italy

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This is a family-owned restaurant and pizzeria that offers authentic, homemade Italian food, bringing the fresh flavors of Italy to New York. It is known for its fine Italian dining with authentic pasta and other Italian classics.

The chefs create all the entrees and pizzas with love, attention, and the freshest ingredients available to give guests a primo dining experience.  This restaurant in Harlem is a gem and is perfect for special occasions.

Address: 138 Mulberry S

6. The Honey Well

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If you haven't visited The Honey Well, you're seriously missing out because it's dishing out pure happiness on a plate. Picture this: brunch that's as Instagram-worthy as it is mouthwatering.

Think fluffy stacks of pancakes, avocado toasts, and sips of goodness that make you go "mmm." The vibes are cozy with a dash of chic – it's your dream brunch spot.

Address: 3604 Broadway

7. The Handpulled Noodle- West Harlem

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The diner is known for its hand-pulled noodles, which are made using just water and flour, and are rustic and imperfect by design.

The Hand-pulled Noodle serves delicious North Western Chinese soul food right in the heart of Harlem. All of their delicious noodle dishes are hand-pulled and made-to-order.

Address: 3600 Broadway

8. Sylvia's Restaurant

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Sylvia's is a community favorite, known as the world's kitchen serving authentic soul food for over 55 years. This icon remains a culinary must-visit for foodies where they showcase home-style cooking, in an at-home environment.

The restaurant serves delicious and top-notch soul food dishes ranging from oven-baked chicken, grilled catfish, garlic mashed potatoes, and baked corn bread and butter.

Address: 328 Malcolm X Blvd

9. East Harlem Bottling Co.

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Hey fabulous folks, listen up! you've got to check out East Harlem Bottling Co. in the heart of Harlem. They are always open and are willing to share a good meal and a cold pint.

It is a local joint serving craft beer and craftier food in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city. You can try their locally brewed beers with Bottling Co Burger or Steak Frites. 

Address: 1711 Lexington Ave

10. VeganHood

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VeganHood offers an array of vegan comfort food, specializing in vegan soul food. Aside from vegan cuisine, they also serve delicious plant-based food and a warm, comfortable atmosphere. 

The restaurant offers an array of vegan comfort food, specializing in vegan soul food. Aside from vegan, they also serve a wide-range of authentic Caribbean food that customers are served in an exceptional quality.

Address: 2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd

11. Tsion Cafe

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Tsion Cafe is a hidden gem known for its authentic Ethiopian cuisine, including dishes like eggs and lox on injera, a crepe-like flatbread, and Ethiopian vegetable stews.

It also offers live music events and poetry nights, adding to the overall dining experience. The cafe is a perfect spot to explore Ethiopian dishes and celebrate the rich culture of Harlem.

Address: 763 St Nicholas Ave

12. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que

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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que is the ultimate meat lover's paradise and a flavor celebration that'll have you hooked from the first bite.

Its ribs are so tender they practically melt in your mouth, pulled pork sandwiches that are a symphony of smokiness, and a practically legendary BBQ sauce. The vibe is pure Harlem charm – lively, friendly, and always buzzing with that unmistakable energy.

Address: 700 W 125th St

13. The Edge Harlem

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The Edge is a charming brick-faced diner and bar and the menu, influenced by the siblings' British and Jamaican roots, focuses on small bites and inventive dishes.

The brunch menu showcases flavors from Jamaica, New York, and England, featuring highlights like Jerk chicken and waffle, BLT on Texas toast, and fish and chips. For dinner, you can enjoy "small bites" such as jerk wings or codfish fritters, along with rotating savory specials and many noteworthy drinks.

Address: 101 Edgecombe Ave

14. Indian Summer Harlem

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Indian Summer serves Indian traditional food with mixture of Northern and Eastern part of Indian food, They serve Duck, lamb, seafood, chicken, and vegetarian dishes.

They also have vegan and gluten free options available for the guests. If you are willing to try something new then you can visit the restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience.

Address: 239 Malcolm X Blvd

15. Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

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Abyssinia Restaurant specializes in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine in a myriad of cultural styles, art, and food. It is the only source of Ethiopian African cuisine in Harlem.

Locals should not have to go away from home to eat delicious and healthy food. They put care into all the dishes they make as they prepare fresh injera daily with a little of East Africa to Harlem.

Address: 268 W 135th St

16. Vinateria

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Vinateria is a chic and contemporary restaurant that offers fresh, seasonal Italian and Spanish cuisine with a regional wine menu. It also offers an artisan cocktail and spirits program, adding to the overall dining experience.

The menu features a variety of dishes rooted in Spanish and Italian traditions, using local, seasonal ingredients to prepare inspired dishes. 

Address: 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd

17. SottoCasa Pizzeria

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SottoCasa Pizzeria serves state-of-the-art, flavorful, authentic Neapolitan pizza which means a century-old technique and the freshest ingredients.

They source the best flour and tomatoes from Italy and most of their fresh cheeses are from the United States, always fresh as possible. The restaurant further prepares everything in a traditional, Italian wood fired pizza oven.

Address: 227 Malcolm X Blvd

18. Levain Bakery – Harlem

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Levain Bakery has been a neighborhood favorite and a go-to destination for epicurious travelers from around the world.

The bakery bakes everything fresh on-site each day and donates the day's leftovers to charity each night, which they have been doing since 1995. Thie bakery is well known for the six-ounce cookies.

Address: 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd

19. Red Rooster Harlem

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Red Rooster Harlem serves comfort food that celebrates the roots of American cuisine and the neighborhood's diverse culinary traditions. 

They embrace today's Harlem with a spirit of inclusiveness and community by hiring family of staff and inspiring better eating through neighborhood cooking classes. It also offers a space that celebrates local artists, musicians, and culinary talents alike.

Address: 310 Lenox Ave

20. Amy Ruth's

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Amy Ruth's is the epitome of comfort on a plate. Just imagine a crispy fried chicken that's pure perfection, cornbread so buttery it melts in your mouth, and collard greens that redefine savory goodness.

Whether you're a local seeking a taste of home or a visitor eager for an unforgettable meal, Amy Ruth's is the ultimate destination for soul food bliss.

Address: 113 W 116th St