Fried fish plate at a Black-owned restaurant in New York City
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Black-Owned Restaurants & Businesses in New York City (2026 Guide)

By Online African Shop Team · Updated September 2026

New York City's Black-owned food and business scene is centered in Harlem and Brooklyn, from Lenox Avenue and Sugar Hill to Bed-Stuy and Crown Heights. This guide rounds up Black-owned soul food restaurants, fish fries, barbershops, nail studios, bakeries and bookstores across the city, so you know exactly where your money goes.

Every business here was named as Black-owned by a trusted local source (listed at the bottom). Hours and locations change, so call or check the website before you go.

Pick a category below to see every spot, with must-try picks, addresses and directions.

  • Black-owned soul food restaurants in New York City

    Soul food, brunch spots and Southern classics · 11 places

    Top picks: Melba's, Red Rooster Harlem, Sylvia's Restaurant

    See all 11

  • Black-owned hair salons, braiders, nail salons and spas in New York City

    Braiders, silk presses, nails, waxing and spa days · 6 places

    See all 6

  • Black-owned bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and small businesses in New York City

    Bookstores, bakeries, coffee shops and gifts · 7 places

    See all 7

  • Black-owned tax preparers and bookkeepers in New York City

    Tax prep, bookkeeping and small-business help · 3 places

    See all 3

Top picks in New York City

Our favorites across every category

FAQ

Where can I find the best soul food in New York City?

Sylvia's on Malcolm X Boulevard is Harlem's best-known soul food landmark. Melba's is famous for chicken and eggnog waffles, and Red Rooster on Lenox Avenue serves hot honey fried chicken and shrimp and grits. In Brooklyn, Peaches in Bed-Stuy is the go-to.

Which New York City neighborhoods have the most Black-owned businesses on this list?

Harlem (including Sugar Hill) and Bed-Stuy have the most. Crown Heights, Morningside Heights, Washington Heights and the Bronx also have spots in this guide.

How was this list made?

We only include businesses named as Black-owned by trusted local sources, such as city tourism boards, local news and food writers. The sources are listed below. We check the guide regularly, but always confirm hours before you go.

Can I suggest a business?

Yes. Email youronlineafricanshop@gmail.com with the business name, address and a link.

More city guides

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Black-owned restaurants and businesses in US citiesChicago guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in ChicagoHouston guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in HoustonAtlanta guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in AtlantaPhiladelphia guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in PhiladelphiaLos Angeles guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Los AngelesDallas guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in DallasNew Orleans guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in New OrleansDetroit guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in DetroitBaltimore guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in BaltimoreWashington DC guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Washington DCMemphis guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in MemphisCharlotte guide
Black-owned restaurants and businesses in Charlotte

Sources

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