The Best Restaurants To Visit In Harlem, New York City

By Bretton Love

No other place reflects the diversity of the Big Apple than Harlem, which is reflected in Harlem’s diverse food scene. Visitors from all over the world travel here to experience Harlem’s delicious food which can be largely credited to its immigrant population. In this list, we name some of the best restaurants that you must visit next time you find yourself in Harlem.

Zoma

Location: 2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York City, NY 10026-3220

Zoma is an Ethiopian restaurant that honors both the old and the new. They use fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods such as slow cooking. The food served at Zoma varies from mildly spiced to very spicy food, and with their sleek, modern, and welcoming vibe, this hidden gem is a must if you have never tried Ethiopian food before. Just as some people have never tried online casinos not connected to Gamstop.

You should try:

Kategna – Toasted Injera, which is a traditional Ethiopian sour fermented flatbread with a spongy texture that is generously coated with berbere and kibe

Doro Wett – Doro Wett is a stew that is traditionally served on special occasions. It is made with Chicken that is gently simmered with vegetables and spices for hours.

ROKC

Location: 3452 Broadway, New York City, NY 10031-5631

Ramen, Oysters, and cocktails, oh my! At first, ROKC does not look like much, it’s a small and hidden place but it sure does attract a crowd. And rightfully so! Although ROKC is mostly known for its quirky and sometimes absurd looking cocktails, you should stick around for their Japanese inspired food. It is a great spot for a weekday date night without trying too hard.

You should try:

Truffle – This quirky cocktail is made with 14 citrus herb vodka, truffle honey, muscat, grapefruit, and Parmigiano-Reggiano (Yes, you heard that right!)

Melty Pork Bun – A soft steamed bun served with pork belly, lettuce, scallions, the house teriyaki sauce with Japanese mayo.

Sotto casa

Location: 227 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027

We cannot possibly talk about the best restaurants in Harlem and not mention pizza! Sotto casa is a classic Italian pizzeria that serves some of the best Neapolitan pizza in New York City as well as a broad selection of wine and beer. It is the perfect place for friends and family to come together and absorb the great atmosphere and excellent service.

You should try:

Barbabietole – This is part of their Antipasti menu. It comes with roasted beets, apple, whipped goat cheese, and an extra virgin olive oil dressing. A great appetizer to start off your experience at Sottocasa

Pizza Margherita – A classic! I always say – don’t mess with perfection, which is exactly what their Margherita is!

Seasoned Vegan

Location: 55 Saint Nicholas Ave, New York City, NY 10026-3420

Owner Brenda Beener’s roots go back to New Orleans, the home of soul food! She grew up with the typical cuisine of the south, think crayfish and mac & cheese. However, this did not stop her from opening Harlem’s first fully vegan restaurant which specializes in soul food! Each of the dishes are made with 100% organic ingredients and are 100% delicious!

You should try:

Po’ Boy Sandwich – You get to choose between fried yam protein shrimp or the fried burdock root crawfish. The sandwich is also served with greens, tomatoes, and a remoulade sauce. This is one of the Seasoned Vegans’ best most popular dishes! You will want to steal the recipe!

Stuffed Avocado – The avocado is sliced, pitted, and filled with almond meat then topped with cashew cheese and pico de gallo. This guilt-free dish is tasty and unique!

Cantina Taqueria & Tequila Bar

Location: 1838 7th Ave, New York City, NY 10026-3621

Craving somewhere with great homemade tacos and delicious margaritas? Then Cantina Taqueria & Tequila Bar is for you! Even though Cantina started off as nothing but a humble neighborhood bar that just happened to sell tacos it quickly grew to become one of the best Mexican places in Harlem. It now has an extensive menu filled with Mexican favorites.

You should try:

Beer Battered Fish – Fish tacos with cabbage, lime, chipotle cream sauce topped off with pico de gallo. They are both flavourful and satisfying.

Cantina Classic Margarita – The Margarita is possibly one of the most easy-drinking and enjoyable cocktails ever invented. The Cantina house margarita is served with fresh lime juice and 100% blue agave tequila. As a bonus, you get to add flavors if you want to.

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