8 most favorite restaurants in Harlem New York City
Harlem, a historic neighborhood in New York City, is known for its vibrant cultural scene and delicious food. Restaurants in Harlem offer a diverse range of cuisines, from soul food and barbecue to Caribbean and Mexican. Whether you're a local looking for a new spot or a tourist exploring the city, the restaurants in Harlem are a must-visit. With their warm atmospheres and mouth-watering dishes, these eateries are sure to leave a lasting impression.
1. Red Rooster Harlem
Celebrating Harlem's rich culinary and cultural heritage.

The Red Rooster in Harlem has lived up to its reputation for providing excellent service and delicious food. During a weekday visit, customers were quickly seated and provided with attentive service and a satisfying chicken sandwich. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made for an enjoyable dining experience.
A visit to the Red Rooster on a Sunday for brunch proved to be an unforgettable experience. The sounds of gospel music filled the streets of Harlem, setting a joyful tone for the meal. The Harlem Sing performed live, providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere while customers dined on delicious food and drinks. The restaurant's decor was stylish and comfortable, creating a welcoming environment for all. The staff went above and beyond, even singing happy birthday to a customer's son who is studying to become a chef. Overall, the Red Rooster provided a transformative dining experience that brought people together through food and music. It is highly recommended to make a reservation for a memorable meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Celebrations
- Downtown Spots
2. Sylvia's
The Queen of Soul Food in Harlem

Sylvia's Restaurant, situated in Harlem, is renowned for its exceptional southern comfort food in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The fried chicken, mac and cheese, delectable seafood options, and tender BBQ ribs are highly recommended and consistently satisfy customers' cravings.
At 328 Malcolm X Boulevard in New York, Sylvia's Restaurant offers an array of mouth-watering dishes, such as their popular chicken and waffles, flavorful BBQ salmon, and perfectly crispy fried whiting. The energetic ambiance and accommodating service provided by the staff make for an enjoyable dining experience, keeping guests returning for more of what Sylvia's has to offer.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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3. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Best smoked meats & award-winning sauces in Harlem.

The restaurant's food has received mixed reviews regarding the quality of its barbecue dishes. Some diners have raved about the falling-off-the-bone texture and smoky, delicious flavor of the ribs, as well as the juicy and well-cooked pulled pork. However, other reviewers have found the ribs to be a bit dry, although opinions on this matter seem to vary.
Overall, the barbecue at this establishment can be described as good and satisfying. The ribs are a tad skinny and some customers have found the brisket to be a bit dry. However, these shortcomings are easily made up for by the presence of sauce bottles on the tables, allowing diners to add moisture and flavor to their meals as desired. Despite the occasional dryness of certain dishes, the restaurant's barbecue has received largely positive reviews, with many patrons praising the smoky, mouth-watering flavor of the meats.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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4. Sottocasa
Neapolitan pizza baked with love in Harlem

The establishment's pizza has received high praise from customers, who commend its delicious and authentic flavor. The menu keeps it simple by mainly focusing on pizza, allowing them to perfect their craft. In addition to their excellent pizza selection, they also offer a range of wines that complement the meals perfectly.
Customers have raved about the taste and authenticity of the pizzas, with some highlighting the gluten-free option as being particularly noteworthy. This indicates that the establishment goes the extra mile to cater to all dietary requirements while still maintaining the quality of their pizza. With a focus on simplicity and quality, this establishment is a must-visit for any pizza lover.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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5. Vinatería
Black-owned, women-led, Harlem community gem

The delivery process is efficient and the package arrives in a timely manner, ensuring freshness of the food. However, there have been isolated incidents of incorrect delivery, where customers received the wrong order. This aspect of the delivery service requires improvement to enhance customer satisfaction.
The pasta dishes are highly rated, with numerous reviewers praising the generous amount of seafood in the pasta. This adds value to the dish and satisfies customers who enjoy seafood. Furthermore, the restaurant offers gluten-free options, catering to a wider range of dietary preferences and needs. This thoughtful addition is appreciated by customers with gluten intolerance and demonstrates the restaurant's commitment to inclusivity.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Mexican Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
6. Melba's Restaurant
Southern comfort food with a twist

Melba's restaurant, located in the heart of Southern hospitality, provides a unique and enjoyable dining experience for all. With its casual atmosphere and excellent service, Melba's invites locals and travelers alike to savor the flavors of comfort food with a contemporary twist.
For those seeking delicious and satisfying dishes, Melba's menu offers a range of options, such as their signature fried catfish strips and mouth-watering barbecue short rib sliders. Each dish is prepared with great care and attention to detail, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for all.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
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7. Settepani
First authentic Italian-style restaurant in Harlem

Pasta offerings at this establishment have received considerable acclaim from guests, with some highlighting it as a must-try. The pasta is reportedly served hot and fresh, suggesting that it is made in-house.
The premises are characterized by a bright and pristine atmosphere, further enhanced by the presence of eye-catching artwork on the walls. The service is described as efficient and courteous. However, some diners have expressed minor disappointment with the food, suggesting that there is room for improvement. Among the dishes tried were the octopus, spinach ravioli, and spaghetti with clams. The chef is encouraged to continue honing their culinary skills in order to fully realize the establishment's potential.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
- Vegetarian Options
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8. Lido
A taste of Italy in the heart of Harlem.

Prepare to be blown away by the exquisite culinary experience that awaits you. The food surpasses all expectations, offering a range of dishes that are sure to delight. For starters, the fried calamari and brussel sprouts are simply divine. The brussel sprouts, tossed with bacon and ricotta, offer a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
The main course options are equally impressive. Take for instance the Filet Mignon - it is expertly prepared and served with a creamy mushroom sauce that is truly delectable. The staff is friendly, adding to the overall warm and inviting atmosphere. The bartender, despite being busy, was attentive and ensured that drinks were promptly served. The overall experience is so satisfying that one cannot help but plan a return visit to sample even more of the delicious offerings.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Personal Celebrations
- Dinner