When it comes to Black-owned experiences, Brooklyn is abundant.
We narrowed down some of our favorite restaurants offering American, Southern, Caribbean and African cuisine. These eateries celebrate culture, food and individuality and do NOT lack in flavor.
Here are some Black-owned restaurants to visit in Brooklyn!
1. Bamboo Walk, East Flatbush
Bamboo Walk is a versatile eatery that offers a range of services including fine dining, cabanas, a robust take-out menu, and the first-ever drive-thru Caribbean restaurant in America. The restaurant’s menu is a beautiful fusion of Jamaican and Haitian cuisine, reflecting the roots of the owner Paula Mercure and her husband. The menu features Jamaican classics such as Oxtail and Curry Chicken, as well as Haitian staples like Griot and Tassot.
1343 Utica Ave
2. Footprints Cafe, Multiple Locations
Footprints Cafe has been a staple in the community for 22 years! When they opened their first location on Clarendon Road in Brooklyn, they introduced us to Rasta Pasta, a dish that has since become world renowned. Footprints offers a wide range of Jamaican specialties, including appetizers, entrees, salads, and drinks. The restaurant has become very popular and has expanded to other locations, such as Coney Island, Bed Stuy, Flatbush, and Long Island City.
3. Zanmi NYC, Little Caribbean
Zanmi is a restaurant situated in Prospect Lefferts Gardens which offering a blend of traditional Haitian cuisine with modern embellishments. It is the only place where you can get Soup Joumou all year round! Zanmi also offers other cultural classics such as Kreyol Shrimp Scampi (shrimp sautéed in a signature sauce), Cana Creole (a roasted half duck marinated for two days in a savory creole sauce), numerous sandwiches, and Kremas.
1206 Nostrand Ave.
4. Imani Caribbean Kitchen & Bar, Clinton Hill
If you’re in Fort Greene and craving some delightful Jamaican cuisine, Imani’s is the place to be. Their menu features a variety of appetizing dishes, including the Imani Cajun Fried Fish & Bammy, which consists of Cajun flash-fried sole fish, pickled cherry peppers, and cassava bammy served with tartar sauce and escabeche sauce. Additionally, their Jerk Chicken Ceasar Salad, made with iceberg lettuce, corn, red onions, tomatoes, pineapple, jalapenos, jerk chicken breast, caesar dressing and parmesan cheese, is a must-try. Imani’s is known for having one of the best brunches in Brooklyn, so if you are around, make sure to add them to your itinerary this weekend!
271 Adelphi St.
5. BunNan, Flatbush
BunNan is a unique restaurant that focuses on serving plantains in creative ways. Their menu includes delicious options such as plantain sandwiches, plantain nachos, plantain fries, and sweet plantain boats. You can choose to load your sweet plantain boats with griot pork, jerk chicken, red snapper, or mushrooms.
2123 Caton Ave
6. The Taco Mami’s, Little Caribbean
Indulge yourself with a variety of appetizers, tacos, and nachos at The Taco Mami’s. You can satisfy your cravings with their delicious curry goat tacos, street corn, and dirty nachos. Also, don’t forget to order a refreshing cocktail to complement your meal!
706 Rogers Ave.
7. De Hot Pot, Crown Heights
Nothing is as comforting as the Caribbean classics served at De Hot Pot. From their doubles to their roti stuffed with potatoes, channa (chickpeas) and your choice of protein, you’ll find something here for everybody.
1127 Washington Ave.
8. Peppas, Flatbush
Sink your teeth into delicious jerk chicken at Peppas! Since 1995 this restaurant continues to serve some of the best Jamaican cuisine in the borough 25+ years later. They have numerous locations all over NYC but their first location on Flatbush still stands strong and is open late!
738 Flatbush Ave.
9. Island Express, Flatbush
Island Express is a noteworthy Caribbean bakery and grill across the five boroughs. It was inspired by the story of Sybil Bernard, a Guyanese mother of nine, who sold bread and pastries out of her home when she moved to NYC to ensure her children had a better future. Try any of their curries, pastries or cakes—you won’t regret it!
998 Flatbush Ave.
10. Kokomo NYC, Williamsburg
Kokomo is a beautiful restaurant with food just as good as its aesthetics. The restaurant has become a staple in the neighborhood between its unique flatbread offerings and jam-packed block parties. Kokomo prides itself on being a multisensory dining experience and offers some of the most sophisticated spins on classic Caribbean cuisine.
📍 65 Kent Ave.
11. The Crabby Shack, Crown Heights
The Crabby Shack is a well known and renowned restaurant in Crown Heights. This seafood spot is dishing up crab in full plates with sides, as well as in rolls, tacos & sliders.
📍 535 Nostrand Ave.
12. Brown Butter NYC, Bed Stuy
Brown Butter provides delicious craft specialty drinks as well as cozy yet inventive cafe fare. Their chicken biscuit sandwiches are so good and perfectly seasoned. You cant go wrong with their all day brunch selections.
📍 413 Tompkins Ave.
13. Buka, Clinton Hill
Buka is a well known Nigerian restaurant in Clinton Hill. Head to Buka for flavorful traditional cuisine accompanied by their candlelit dining room & lively bar.
📍 946 Fulton St.
14. Sisters, Clinton Hill
📍 900 Fulton St.
15. Essence Restaurant and Bar, Crown Heights
This hidden gem has some really good pasta! Essence regularly hosts karaoke and comedy nights, so head to Crown Heights if you are looking for dinner and a show. Pick-up or order online here.
📍 1662 Atlantic Ave.
16. Ras Plant-Based, Crown Heights
It’s in the title but we cant help but emphasize how iconic this plant-based gem is! Try this Ethiopian eatery for your next brunch. Pick-up or order online here.
📍 739 Franklin Ave.
17. Gloria’s Caribbean Cuisine, Crown Heights
Gloria’s is home to some of the most flavorful curry you’ll find in Brooklyn! Pick-up or order online here.
📍987 Nostrand Ave.
18. Lips Cafe, Little Caribbean
This mother-and-son-owned cafe is so much more than meets the eye. Aside from having an amazing assortment of hot drinks and fresh juices, their food is amazing!
📍 1412 Nostrand Ave
19. Healthy As A Motha, Williamsburg
After operating as a ghost kitchen and popping up at NYC night markets, the plant-based eatery opened its first permanent restaurant in Williamsburg in 2023. Their creative blend of Trinidadian and Dominican dishes is something you NEED to experience.
📍 1412 Nostrand Ave.