Romantic Restaurants in Harlem

You haven’t had soul food until you’ve had it prepared for you by the “Queen of Soulfood” at Harlem’s iconic Sylvia's Restaurant. Treat yourself to unbelievable dishes like Stewed Chicken & Dumplings, Sylvia’s Down Home Fried Chicken, Grilled Atlantic Barbeque Salmon, or Sylvia’s World Famous Talked About BBQ Ribs.

Or stop in for the Sunday Gospel Breakfast and try the hotcakes. Sylvia Pressley Woods opened the restaurant in 1962 and ran it for many years with her late husband Herbert. Frequented by a number of celebrities, Sylvia’s is located in the heart of Harlem close to Marcus Garvey Park.

Address: Sylvia's, 328 Malcom X Boulevard, NY, Phone: 212-996-0660

Located on the historic stretch in Harlem, Vinateria is an upscale neighborhood restaurant with cozy vibe created by soothing slate tones with darker edges, a large chalkboard wall with daily specials, and rows of tiny bistro tables. There is also a spacious outdoor space on the sidewalk, filled to capacity on warm evenings when watching passers-by is such fun while enjoying an after-work cocktail with friends. The cuisine is Italian-Spanish inspired, with Executive Chef Carmen Gonzales creating her own interpretation. People keep coming back for her Provolone-stuffed meatballs served with Manchego polenta, or her grilled octopus with crispy potatoes. Guests can enjoy watching their dishes being prepared in the semi-open kitchen. Vinateria has extensive wine selection and a large range of interesting cocktails made with house-made syrups, fresh produce, and herbs grown on the restaurant windowsills.

Address: Vinateria, 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Harlem, NY 10026, Phone: 212-662-8462

If you’re in the mood for some out-of-this-world, Southern-inspired, crafted American soul food, you will want to check out Harlem’s Boulevard Bistro. Savor unbelievable comfort foods like the Cajun T-Bone Steak, Catfish Po’Boy, or Barbeque Babyback Ribs. Or stop in for brunch and try the Pan Fried Chicken & Biscuit Basket! Cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine are also available.

Owner and Executive Chef Carlos Swepson brought his intense passion for good food and his Mississippi roots to the kitchen when he opened Boulevard Bistro in 2014. It is located inside a historic brownstone building just a block from Marcus Garvey Park.

Address: Boulevard Bistro, 2149 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, Phone: 212-678-6200

The charming Harlem Tavern is a superb New American restaurant and beer garden with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere. Dive into creative dishes like the Fried Green Tomato Flatbread, Frederick’s Steak Frites, or Cedar Plank Salmon. Or stop in for their weekend jazz brunch and try the Cornflake-Crusted French Toast.

Craft cocktails, refreshing microbrews, and delicious wines are also available. Don’t miss the fantastic weekly live music! Owners Gareth Fagan and husband-and-wife team Stephen and Sheri Wilson Daly opened the Harlem Tavern in 2011. Enjoy a scrumptious, relaxed meal at this fun eatery located just blocks from Central Park.

Address: Harlem Tavern, 2153 Frederick Douglass Boulevard, New York, Phone: 212-866-4500

Settepani specializes in fresh, innovative Italian-Mediterranean cuisine. Treat yourself to fantastic dishes such as the Pollo in Padella con Mellazane Trifolate, Gnocchi di Patate con Crema di Noci, or Bistecca al Rosmarino. Stop in early for brunch and try the Spinach & Goat Cheese Quiche.

Enjoy something from their lovely wine list or a tasty Bellini. Renowned, Italian-born restaurateur, Executive Chef and Master Baker Antonio Settepani and his beautiful, Ethiopian-born wife Leah Abraham, a powerful businesswoman own Settepani, which means “seven breads.” A local favorite since 2000, Settepani is located just one block from Marcus Garvey Park.

Address: Settepani, 196 Lenox Avenue, New York, Phone: 917-492-4806

Harlem Shake is a shake and burger spot that serves some of the tastiest, juiciest burgers in New York City. Dive into a Harlem Classic with Cheese, a Snoop Dog, or the Vermont Cheddar Cheez Bliss. Don’t miss their famous signature Harlem Shake milkshake. Croatian-born principal owner Jelena Pasic opened Harlem Shake in 2013, coincidently around the time the dance move by the same name was going viral in online videos.

Pasic swears she chose the name for her burger joint before the craze. Visit this fun eatery in the Marcus Garvey neighborhood located a block from the famous Apollo Theater.

Address: Harlem Shake, 100 West 124th Street, New York, Phone: 212-222-8300