15 Of The Best Soul Food Spots In Harlem New York Right Now
Harlem has long been the beating heart of soul food in New York City.
These restaurants serve up plates filled with history, culture, and flavors that warm both belly and spirit.
From crispy fried chicken to buttery cornbread and savory collard greens, these 15 spots showcase why Harlem remains the undisputed champion of comfort food that feeds the soul.
1. Sylvia’s Restaurant: The Queen of Soul Food
Founded in 1962, Sylvia’s has earned its crown as Harlem’s soul food royalty. The Woods family still runs this legendary establishment, serving classics that have attracted everyone from locals to presidents.
Their crispy fried chicken paired with waffles creates the perfect sweet-savory combo that keeps folks coming back. Don’t miss their velvety mac and cheese – it’s the definition of comfort on a plate!
2. Amy Ruth’s: Home of Heavenly Waffles
Named after the founder’s grandmother, Amy Ruth’s feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house. Their chicken and waffles, named after Rev. Al Sharpton, might be the most famous dish in Harlem.
The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere makes everyone feel like family. Regulars swear by their smothered pork chops that practically melt off the bone. Come hungry – portions here are generously sized to feed body and spirit!
3. Red Rooster Harlem: Marcus Samuelsson’s Masterpiece
Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson blends Ethiopian, Swedish, and soul food influences at this vibrant hotspot.
The yardbird fried chicken gets brined in coconut milk before frying, creating an unforgettable crispy crust with juicy meat inside.
Live music often fills the stylish space while diners enjoy cornbread with honey butter and shrimp & grits.
4. Blvd Bistro: Upscale Southern Charm
Housed in a charming brownstone, Blvd Bistro elevates soul food classics with chef Carlos Swepson’s refined touch. Their biscuits alone are worth the trip – buttery, flaky clouds that melt in your mouth.
The intimate space feels like dining in someone’s stylish home, complete with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors that echo Harlem’s architectural beauty.
5. Harlem Seafood Soul Truck: Street Food Excellence
This beloved food truck proves you don’t need a brick-and-mortar location to serve incredible soul food.
Their fish sandwich – perfectly fried whiting on soft white bread with hot sauce – has achieved legendary status among Harlemites.
6. Melba’s: Celebrity-Approved Comfort
Melba Wilson learned soul food secrets from her aunt – Sylvia of Sylvia’s fame – before opening her own spot that’s now a celebrity magnet.
Her eggnog waffles paired with fried chicken earned her a victory over Bobby Flay on Food Network!
The spring rolls stuffed with black-eyed peas and collard greens offer a creative twist on tradition. Melba’s welcoming vibe makes first-timers feel like regulars and regulars feel like family.
7. Empire Soul Food Restaurant: Hidden Gem
Locals try keeping Empire a secret, but word about their smoky oxtails and fall-off-the-bone turkey wings keeps spreading. This no-frills spot focuses on flavor rather than fancy atmosphere.
Their candied yams taste like thanksgiving year-round, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
8. Manna’s: Soul Food by the Pound
Manna’s cafeteria-style approach lets you build your perfect soul food plate by the pound. Their steam tables showcase a rainbow of options – from mac and cheese to stewed okra and tomatoes.
Budget-friendly prices make this a neighborhood staple for quick, satisfying meals. The smothered turkey wings fall apart with just a fork touch.
9. Charles’ Country Pan Fried Chicken: Crispy Perfection
Chef Charles Gabriel’s legendary pan-fried chicken uses an old-school cast iron technique that creates a distinctively crunchy, evenly golden crust.
His seasoning blend remains a closely guarded secret that keeps fried chicken aficionados making pilgrimages to Harlem.
10. Jacob Restaurant: Buffet of Soul
Jacob’s two Harlem locations offer a staggering selection of soul and Caribbean dishes that change daily.
Their buffet-by-weight approach means you can sample small portions of everything from curry goat to candied yams.
The oxtail stew, falling off the bone in rich gravy, consistently sells out early. Vegetarians love their collard greens and black-eyed peas seasoned without meat.
11. Sweet Mama’s Soul Food: Buffet Bonanza
Sweet Mama’s pay-by-weight buffet showcases soul food classics alongside Caribbean influences.
Their jerk chicken strikes the perfect balance between spicy and sweet, with crispy skin hiding tender meat underneath.
Banana pudding, layered with vanilla wafers and fresh sliced bananas, makes the perfect ending to any meal here.
12. Ponty Bistro: African-Influenced Soul
Senegalese chefs bring West African influences to soul food at this elegant spot. Their crispy fish with attieke (fermented cassava) shows how African culinary traditions influenced American soul food.
The jollof rice, vibrant with tomatoes and spices, pairs perfectly with their tender braised oxtails. Colorful artwork adorns walls in the stylish space where diners enjoy creative cocktails alongside fusion dishes.
13. Vinateria: Modern Soul with Italian Flair
Vinateria blends soul food influences with Italian cuisine in a sleek, contemporary space. Their fried chicken comes drizzled with Calabrian chile honey that perfectly balances heat and sweetness.
The wine list features excellent small producers, making this a favorite for date nights. Their collard greens get the Italian treatment with pancetta and balsamic vinegar.
14. Lolo’s Seafood Shack: Caribbean-Soul Fusion
Bright Caribbean colors welcome you to this casual spot serving soul food with island flair. Their signature snow crab legs come doused in garlic butter or fiery jerk sauce – plastic bibs provided!
The Johnny cakes, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, transport you straight to the Caribbean. Beachy decor with corrugated metal walls creates a laid-back vibe. Don’t miss their smoked chicken with pineapple-infused BBQ sauce that bridges Southern and island flavors perfectly.
15. The Edge Harlem: Jamaican-Southern Fusion
Sister-owners blend their Jamaican heritage with Harlem soul food traditions at this stylish corner spot. Their jerk chicken sandwich on coco bread combines island spice with soul food heartiness.
Banana pancakes topped with rum-infused maple syrup make breakfast feel like vacation. The bright, airy space with large windows creates a perfect people-watching perch. Their curry shrimp with coconut grits shows how seamlessly Caribbean and Southern flavors can merge.
