As we honor and celebrate Black History Month, a genuine celebration wouldn't be complete without a deep dive into the realm of cuisine. Black-owned establishments have undoubtedly made a lasting impression on the global stage. From soulful classics to groundbreaking and inventive creations, these establishments have become instrumental in shaping the narrative of culinary excellence.
We delve into the intricate tapestry of how these talented chefs and owners intricately weave their cultural backgrounds into the very heart of their culinary creations. A journey that goes beyond the act of preparing food; it's a cultural expression, a testament to heritage, and a celebration of diversity that rightfully claims their seat at the table, infusing authenticity and passion into every dish. We spotlight a curated selection of time-tested favorites that have stood the test of generations alongside new additions that continue to push the boundaries of gastronomic innovation.
Atlanta, GA
Dating back to 1947, The Busy Bee, run by Tracy Gates, is a revered Atlanta establishment exuding charm with its intimate setting and walls adorned with wholesome framed photographs. Offering authentic Southern and soul food, Busy Bee has played host to a multitude of guests, including the iconic Martin Luther King Jr.
In Atlanta, Bomb Biscuit Co., under the helm of Chef-owner Erika Council, takes pride in delights like the SEC (sausage, egg, and American cheese) and the delectable Pimento Chick. This restaurant offers a flavorful tribute to heritage, drawing inspiration from Council's grandmother, Geraldine Dortch, a bake sale maven and Civil Rights movement advocate.
New York City:
Embodying the colorful spirit of Harlem, Melba's, owned by Harlemite Melba Wilson, is a charming spot for Southern classics. From Auntie B’s mini-burgers to a heavenly fruit cobbler, Melba's captures the essence of the neighborhood's flavor and culture, offering a perfect space for gathering over good food and drinks.
Nestled off Central Park West, Miss Mamie's Spoonbread Too is a tiny institution offering tried-and-true classics. From baked turkey wings to homemade meatloaf and Louisiana catfish, this spot delivers on comfort. Don't miss out on their creamy red velvet cake for dessert.
With a name meaning "friends" in Haitian Creole, Zanmi welcomes diners to a taste of the Caribbean. Located in "Little Caribbean," the artistic façade and simple interior set the stage for staples like squash-based soup joumou and inventive twists like pate kode with cod fish. Skip dessert for a tropical journey through non-alcoholic sips.
Chicago
At Demera in Chicago, a gastronomic symphony awaits, blending seamlessly between vegetarian and omnivorous offerings. The yesiga wot, a spicy masterpiece with tender beef, onions, and ginger in a rich berbere sauce, is a highlight of the diverse menu.
In Wicker Park, Chicago, Ina Mae's effortlessly captures the essence of NOLA classics. Chef-owner Brian Jupiter pays homage to his great-grandmother, offering treasures like packed seafood po’ boys and the Ya-Ya gumbo—a delectable blend of shrimp, crawfish, chicken, and okra.
Chef Erick Williams feeds a discerning crowd with well-executed Southern fare. The menu features skillet cornbread, dirty rice adorned with chicken gizzards, and a butcher’s snack—a curated selection of house-made charcuterie—with a perfect touch of pepper jelly.
Los Angeles
Soulful and comforting, Alta Adams in Los Angeles serves up golden-fried black-eyed pea fritters, decadent fried chicken, and a buttery coconut cake for dessert. The restaurant captures the essence of old-fashioned bliss, offering a plateful of comfort in every bite.
In Little Ethiopia, Los Angeles, Lalibela stands as a tranquil family affair, offering vibrant Ethiopian classics on oversized silver platters lined with injera.
Oakland
Barcote captivates with flavorful options like kitfo and vegetarian stews. Whether indulging in spicy misir wot or hearty atakilt wot, the layers of flavor in this Ethiopian gem will leave you captivated.
Cafe Romanat offers a taste of homegrown beer, honey wine, and sambusas. With combination platters perfect for sharing, this spot brings the flavors of Ethiopian cuisine to the vibrant Oakland scene.
San Jose
LeYou pays homage to contemporary Ethiopia with a dining room filled with greenery, burlap coffee bags, and artwork. Chef Aida Taye's lighter approach to Ethiopian cuisine includes unique dishes like tuna kifto and a vegetable platter with gomen and atakilt.
Orlando
Selam graciously introduces diners to the Horn of Africa, serving up Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. The incense-scented space, adorned with woven fabrics and turquoise seating, creates a sensory experience. Boldly flavored stews, accompanied by spongy injera, showcase Selam's commitment to both meat-focused and plant-based options, offering a combination platter for a taste of everything.
Toronto, ON
Although not Black-owned, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen in Toronto, conceptualized by Black chef Angela Lawrence, offers an authentic taste of Jamaica with an ambiance and culinary excellence that provides a delightful escape to the Caribbean.
Vancouver, Canada
Arike invites diners on a culinary journey inspired by Chef Sam Olayinka's Nigerian grandmother. Evolving into a singular tasting menu, Arike weaves local ingredients into global flavors. Grilled leeks with crayfish ginger chili sauce, grilled pineapple carpaccio, and exquisite boar seared to perfection showcase Arike's depth, personal touch, and inventive spirit.
Washington, D.C.
Visionary Keem Hughley transports diners to an imaginary world at Bronze, where creative inspiration draws from a fictional character's travels across Africa. The stunning space, with individualized settings by floor, showcases chic styling with leopard-print booths and black brick walls. Chef Toya Henry's culinary prowess shines in dishes like charred yuzu squid skewers and grilled Japanese eggplant with a West African stew over couscous, offering Afro-Caribbean fusion at its finest.
In the heart of D.C., Cane, curated by Jeanine Prime, elevates Trinidadian street food to a culinary art. From rich stews to perfect doubles and channa, each dish resonates with the redolence of spices and heat. The perfectly braised brisket in spicy brown sauce, paired with tender root vegetables and scooped into a fresh coconut shell, is a testament to the culinary prowess.
A haven for classic Southern cooking, Georgia Brown's in D.C. draws everyone in with nostalgic memories on the menu. Fried chicken livers, Carolina gumbo, and a thick wedge of red velvet cake take diners on a journey into the heart of Southern culinary tradition.
Jeanine Prime's newest venture, St. James, is a modern Caribbean concept that pays homage to Trinidad's Port of Spain. The contemporary space, adorned with industrial touches and vivid pops of color, evokes a convivial spirit. The shared plates-style menu, paired with Trinidadian rum-focused cocktails, offers an eclectic journey. Don't miss the depth of flavor in the Callaloo soup or the tantalizing jerk brisket, marinated for 12 hours and smoked to perfection.
Das takes diners on a gastronomic journey, offering traditional Ethiopian cuisine alongside surprising delights. The bottomless basket of injera, a spongy and sour bread, sets the stage for a meal that won't disappoint. The chicken and beef combination sampler exemplifies the menu's potential to captivate even the most ambitious palate.
Elfegne's exquisite kitchen in D.C. artfully mirrors the fascinating nuances of Ethiopian cuisine. Injera becomes the vessel for savoring dishes like awaze tibs, featuring tender lamb cubes simmered to perfection in a smoky, brick-red berbere. Crowned with greens, spicy lentils, and potatoes, each dish at Elfegne is a celebration of Ethiopian culinary mastery.
Family Ethiopian presents a family platter with a delightful array of vegetarian and meat dishes. The beloved sour and spongy injera provides the perfect canvas for savoring collard greens, yellow split pea stew, and other flavorful offerings. Herbivores can indulge in the herbaceous Tikil gomen, while carnivores flock to the tender quanta fir fir.
Eritrean gem Keren celebrates breakfast all day long with staple dishes like ful, showcasing favas, jalapeño, tomato, and onion. The "five Eritrean" items offer a veg-focused combo that defies picking favorites. Keren's commitment to morning delights ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
D.C. residents flock to Tsehay for its compact menu, which encompasses Ethiopian classics that cater to all tastes. Served with spongy injera, each dish, from vegetarian options to tibs, captivates diners with authenticity and flavor. Tear strips of injera to dip into fragrant delights like yebeg we't or shiro we't, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
Hero image: Alta Adams
