Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Harlem

Top Things to Do in New York City for Foodies in Harlem

1. Sylvia's Restaurant
Harlem’s soul food legend since 1962, serving crowd-pleasing fried chicken, collards, mac and cheese, and cornbread in a lively dining room that feels like family.

✓ Why Go:

It’s the city’s most storied soul food table—come for comforting plates and a true slice of Harlem history.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Weekdays 11 am–2 pm for shorter waits; early dinner before the evening rush.

✓ Insider Tip:

Order chicken and waffles and ask for extra hot sauce; share sides so you can sample more.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Visitors praise warm hospitality and nostalgic flavors that live up to the hype.
2. Red Rooster Harlem
Marcus Samuelsson’s neighborhood hub blending Southern comfort with global flair, plus a buzzing bar and frequent live music.

✓ Why Go:

A modern Harlem staple where creative plates and community spirit meet.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Late lunch 2–4 pm for easier seating; evenings for a vibrant scene.

✓ Insider Tip:

Pair the fried yard bird with cornbread and ask about any off-menu specials.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Diners love the energy, cocktails, and inventive takes on comfort food.
3. Melba's
Neighborhood favorite for refined comfort classics and friendly service in a cozy corner space.

✓ Why Go:

Signature chicken and waffles and hearty sides make it a must for soul food fans.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Early weeknights or Sunday late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

✓ Insider Tip:

Add a side of candied yams and save room for the peach cobbler.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Guests rave about consistent flavors and the welcoming, homey vibe.
4. Lolo's Seafood Shack
Casual Caribbean–Coastal spot with steamed and fried seafood baskets and a backyard that channels beach-shack energy.

✓ Why Go:

For conch, shrimp, and bold island spices right in Central Harlem.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Warm-weather evenings for the patio; weekdays for quicker counter service.

✓ Insider Tip:

Get the coconut curry sauce for dipping and grab a picnic table out back.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Fans love the transportive flavors and fun, chill setting.
5. Harlem Shake
Retro-styled burger joint serving griddled patties, crinkle fries, and thick shakes with local flair.

✓ Why Go:

A quick, tasty pit stop between exploring 125th Street institutions.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Mid-afternoon 3–5 pm to skip lunch and dinner lines.

✓ Insider Tip:

Order the Harlem Classic and pair it with a red velvet shake.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Travelers applaud great value and speedy, satisfying comfort food.
6. Levain Bakery Harlem
Home of the ultra-thick, gooey cookies that sparked a citywide craze, baked fresh all day.

✓ Why Go:

An essential dessert pilgrimage for chocolate-chip devotees.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Mornings right after opening for the freshest bakes and shortest wait.

✓ Insider Tip:

Split the chocolate chip walnut and dark chocolate peanut butter chip to compare.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Sweet-toothed visitors call it a bucket-list cookie stop.
7. Lee Lee's Baked Goods
Beloved neighborhood bakery famous for tender, buttery rugelach from longtime baker Alvin Lee Smalls.

✓ Why Go:

A Harlem original where old-school technique meets small-batch comfort.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Late morning when trays of rugelach often come out warm.

✓ Insider Tip:

Ask which flavor just came out of the oven—apricot and raspberry go fast.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Visitors gush over the flaky pastry and friendly, personal service.
8. Patsy's Pizzeria
East Harlem’s historic coal-oven pizzeria turning out thin, blistered pies since 1933.

✓ Why Go:

Classic New York slice culture with serious pedigree and crackly crusts.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Late afternoon 3–5 pm for faster seating and oven-fresh pies.

✓ Insider Tip:

Keep it simple—try a plain pie with fresh basil to appreciate the crust and sauce.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Pizza lovers admire the old-school feel and time-tested flavors.
9. La Marqueta
Historic East Harlem market space under the Park Avenue tracks with rotating vendors, pop-ups, and seasonal community events.

✓ Why Go:

Taste El Barrio’s living food culture—from pastelitos to tamales—in one stop.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Saturdays late morning to early afternoon when more vendors are active.

✓ Insider Tip:

Bring cash for small vendors and browse adjacent stalls along 116th Street.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Travelers appreciate the local, community-driven feel and affordable bites.
10. Tsion Cafe
Cozy Sugar Hill cafe blending Ethiopian flavors with Mediterranean touches, plus a charming back garden.

✓ Why Go:

Share plates of injera, stews, and vibrant veggie sides in an intimate setting.

✓ Best Time to Visit:

Dinner on warm evenings for garden seating; early weeknights are relaxed.

✓ Insider Tip:

Order a sampler with injera to try multiple wats and sips of spiced tea.

✓ What Visitors Say:

Guests love the soulful cooking and neighborhood hideaway atmosphere.