Harlem Food Guide

Harlem is a fantastic foodie destination. If you’re visiting New York City and you love food, make sure Harlem is a priority for your itinerary. Harlem is full of hidden gem restaurants that only the true locals know about. We are here to uncover them for you.

Before we begin, where is Harlem? Harlem is a neighborhood in Manhattan. Contrary to popular belief, it is not its own borough. Harlem is located between 110th St and 160th Street between the Hudson and East Rivers. Because Harlem is so large, there are lots of little neighborhoods within Harlem. Each neighborhood has its own personality and food treasure. Where to eat in Harlem? Here are some of our favorite Harlem restaurants.

Sylvia’s (328 Malcolm X Boulevard)

When it comes to soul food, Sylvia’s is queen. For over 55 years Sylvia’s has been serving up the best fried chicken in NYC. Presidents, celebrities and locals have been flocking to Sylvia’s for its homey feel. Even though Sylvia Woods passed away, the Woods family still owns and operated the business and continues to give back to the community. They even have a scholarship fund to help local students go to college. If you want a special culinary treat, attend a Sunday Gospel brunch.

The Red Rooster (310 Lenox Ave.)

With nearly 8000 5-star reviews on Google, you know The Red Rooster will be good. This is celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant. He gives classic soul food a twist, drawing on his Africa and European roots. Come experience why Marcus Samuelsson has won 8 James Beard Foundation Awards. If you’re looking for a more budget experience, check out their lunch prix-fixe menu.

Edge

Edge Harlem is one of those special “in-the-know” restaurants. Founded by two sisters, Edge serves up soul food with a Jamaican twist. Their jerk chicken and seafood is pure magic, and the true wizardly comes out with the jerk alfredo pastas. Their soups are made fresh in house every day.

Harlem Biscuit Company (2308 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd)

Did you know there is a Harlem restaurant dedicated entirely to biscuits? Biscuits are the ultimate hearty breakfast, and when combined with fried chicken or gravy, you have a soul food masterpiece. Open daily between 8am and 2pm, we suggest you try three different biscuit flavors, or one of their sandwiches named for Harlem icons, such as Zora Neale Hurston or Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

Charles Pan Fried Chicken

Charles Pan Fried Chicken can make grown men weep with its deliciousness. Made fresh for each order, the salty crisp exterior with the juicy succulent interior is out of this world. They have several locations throughout NYC. Their flagship is on 145th St.

Tsion Cafe (736 St. Nicholas Avenue)

Harlem has rich African roots, so we suggest while you visit you check out authentic African food. Among the best African restaurants in Harlem is Tsion Cafe. They serve vegan Kosher Ethiopian food daily, as well as offer live music and poetry nights.

Melba’s

If you’re seeking the Harlem staple of chicken and waffles, check out Melba’s. They offer fluffy waffles with succulent fried chicken. This is one of the best brunches in NYC, let alone in Harlem. This is a great Harlem “hidden gem” to impress your friends and family!

Harlem is just twenty minutes from Times Square by subway. Come to Harlem, create memories, and then share them with the world. You can put a photo on a Times Square billboard for $150 a day. You choose the photo. You choose the date. You create amazing memories. Visit welomcetotimessquare.com to learn more.