Where to Eat in Harlem NY: 10 best restaurants

Harlem is the heart of African-American culture and one of the places to visit in New York, not only from an artistic and musical point of view, but also gastronomically. In the kitchens of this neighborhood located in Upper Manhattan are cooked some of the best dishes that you can taste during your stay in the city.

Do not hesitate to leave Manhattan to enjoy the soul of New York, the neighborhood of Harlem. If after attending a gospel service or after a tour of Harlem you feel like staying for a bite to eat in the neighborhood, here are 10 great finger-licking restaurants in Harlem.

Amy Ruth's is famous for serving some of the tastiest Chicken & Waffles in New York. If you want to try the best dishes of Southern cuisine, this restaurant located in downtown Harlem will give you a real treat.

Its most famous recipe is the fried chicken and waffles with maple syrup. A combination that at first may sound a little strange but when you take a bite you will be surprised to see that it works. In fact, Amy Ruth's Chicken & Waffles are a legend in the city.

But if this dish still doesn't convince you, there are many others on the menu, such as the hot chicken sandwich or the barbecued ribs with barbecue sauce. And as a side dish, a portion 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 a bit in line to get a free table (especially on Sundays) but the service is quite fast.

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The Red Rooster Harlem restaurant is an institution in Harlem. Located a few meters from the famous Apollo Theater, throughout its history artists such as James Baldwin or Nat King Cole have passed through here to taste the delicious dishes of traditional American cuisine prepared here.

The kitchen at Red Rooster Harlem is in charge of prestigious chef Marcus Samuelsson, who reinterprets Southern food with ingredients produced in the area to give it a unique and special touch, such as crab cake, chicken nuggets dipped in bbq sauce, chicken & waffles and a little cornbread. For dessert, the Strawberry Shortcake will take you to seventh heaven.

At Red Rooster Harlem you'll love the food and the bohemian spirit, as the restaurant is open to local musicians and artists who would like to showcase their work there.

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If during your visit to New York you feel like trying the famous American brunch, Ruby's Vintage is the place to go. A tiny place located in Central Harlem perfect for relaxing on the weekend or for having a drink and enjoying a good atmosphere in the evening.

In addition to the traditional Eggs Benedict, their popular Southern Breakfast (scrambled eggs with turkey sausage, bacon, potatoes, grits and cookies) or their Devil's Mess (scrambled eggs with pepper jack cheese, chorizo and cheese and caramelized onions) are a hit, although there are many others on the menu. You'll leave Ruby's Vintage with your batteries charged to enjoy the day to the fullest!

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If during your tour of Harlem you are looking for a restaurant where to eat Chicken & Waffles with a more discreet profile and that is not full of tourists like Amy Ruth's or Red Rooster Harlem, you should definitely note Melba's in your agenda.

It's a great place to eat on weekdays and although the restaurant tends to get crowded because the food is so good, the service is fast and attentive and they are quick to find you a table in the dining room.

Take a quick look at the menu at Melba's because you'll be drawn to all the dishes immediately. The Chicken & Waffles are the star dish, but I recommend you also order other dishes like Melba's Spring Rolls, Fish & Chips or the Southern Chicken.

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In case you prefer a quick bite to eat that won't take you too long to continue your sightseeing tour of Harlem, I recommend you try the bagels from Bo's Bagels. They're to die for!

There are more than a dozen varieties, from the more traditional options to the special ones, although you can also create your own bagels with the filling of your choice. If you don't know which one to choose, buy an egg and cheese sandwich (it's a sure hit!) or let the sales clerks advise you, but remember to accompany the bagels with a coffee because they prepare it very well here.

Bo's Bagels is a very popular place in Harlem and sometimes you can find queues at the entrance but the service is quite fast so you will be served quickly. You will want to come back!

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If you're in the mood for a little variation in your menu and want to move away from meat and give fish a chance, in Harlem you'll find restaurants like Famous Fish Market that prepare delicious fried fish and seafood.

Run by the same family for almost 50 years, it is one of the best places to eat fresh fish in New York, a real find! The menu is simple but the flavors are captivating. The dishes come out warm, 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 with tartar or spicy sauce.

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Harlem Biscuit Company is another one of those restaurants where you can grab a quick bite to eat if you don't have much time to sit at a table and tablecloth during a tour of this New York neighborhood. It is famous for its southern cookie sandwiches that are delicious!

There is quite a variety on their menu, so it won't be difficult to find the best one for you. I recommend the Langston sandwich (fried chicken, pickles, onions and chili with garlic honey) or the Bodega sandwich (bacon, egg and cheddar cheese). However, if you arrive at Harlem Biscuit Company with an empty stomach and a hankering for breakfast, you have to try the hearty Biscuit Breakfast with southern cookie, French omelet, grits, bacon and fried chicken - you'll leave with a smile from ear to ear!

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Everyone loves pizza and this list of restaurants where to eat in Harlem could not be missing. In the heart of the neighborhood you will find Pizza By Lucille's, a counter where you can order to go but it is quite appropriate if you want to eat something quick before going to see a baseball game, as it is located about 15 minutes from Yankee Stadium.

However, if you prefer to sit down for a break while you eat, its sister restaurant Lucille's coffee & cocktail bar is just two doors down. There you can try different dishes such as the roast beef sandwich, the salmon burger or the lobster mac & cheese. And to drink, a tasty cocktail! The Flamingo Coloured Punch or the Sup Mango are a marvel.

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

The interior is very nice and has a fantastic intimate atmosphere. However, there is also a terrace if you prefer to eat outdoors. On Sundays the Barawine is very lively because there is live music.

As for the food, I recommend ordering the French onion soup, the fried goat cheese with Portabello, the mussels a la marinara or the Barawine burger. For dessert, tiramisu, it's a marvel! They also have vegan and gluten-free options on their menu.

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For those travelers who have yet to try delicious Soul Food in New York, a visit to the Harlem neighborhood is the best time to check out BLVD Bistró restaurant, specialists in this style of dining associated with the Southern African-American community.

BLVD Bistró is one of those little gems tucked away in a historic brownstone in Harlem that you'll be glad you discovered. As you walk by you'll find a small dining room with a pleasant and lively atmosphere. Especially on weekend nights when there is DJ music.

I recommend you try the Southern potato salad, the BBQ pork sandwich or the BLVD cheeseburger. And to top it all off, a slice of banana pudding.