Harlem has several restaurants with diverse menus influenced by soul food, Caribbean flavors, and classic American cuisine. The dishes are flavorful and authentic. Not sure what to try first, try our recommendations at these must-visit places. They are a great spot for both locals and tourists seeking a perfect backdrop for a good time over brunch.
Sylvia’s Restaurant
As a frequent traveler to Harlem, you know that no visit is complete without savoring some authentic soul food from their day menu.
While Sylvia’s Restaurant, founded by the legendary Sylvia Woods in 1962, is famous for its fried chicken, your go-to spot has become Harlem’s treasure of Southern-inspired seafood and vegetable dishes.
Their crispy catfish, perfectly seasoned collard greens, and mouthwatering sweet potatoes have become my personal favorites. On the last visit, I tried the BBQ-shrimp. It was sweet and tangy with the right amount of flavor.
Notes from my visit:
- Visited on weekday for lunch.
- No reservations available (fully booked); 30-minute wait.
- Server gave complimentary lemonade and homemade cornbread for the delay.
If you don’t mind waiting for next available seating, I highly recommend making a reservation online.
Red Rooster Harlem
I discovered a special NY Restaurant Week menu at Red Rooster, a steal at $30 for two courses and settled on a starter of sweet potato and coconut soup. When it arrived, the vibrant orange hue was a feast for the eyes. That first spoonful was a rollercoaster of flavors with the sweetness of the potato melding with the creamy coconut.
For the main course, I tried fried catfish paired with black-eyed peas and a pickled onion salad. The fish arrived golden and crispy. The black-eyed peas were infused with traditional Southern seasonings.
Red Rooster elevates soul food while maintaining its comforting essence in a gourmet makeover. Through the efforts of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and his role in making Harlem a top brunch destination.
Notes from my visit:
- Visited on weekday for late lunch, no waiting.
- Service was quick and attentive.
- A welcoming setting with innovative twists in ingredients
Next time, I’m determined to save room for dessert – I hear their sweet potato pie is legendary.
Melba’s
I can’t believe it took me this long to discover Melba’s! I’d explored many of Harlem’s culinary gems before, but Melba’s had somehow slipped under my radar. When I finally caught wind of the buzz surrounding this place, I knew I had to make a special trip back to Harlem to see what all the fuss was about.
Now, I’ve had my fair share of catfish, but Melba’s version? It’s in a league of its own. The batter was so light and crispy, it almost defied physics. Each bite was a perfect balance of flaky fish and golden crust. But the real game-changer was the hot sauce. As someone who loves exploring different cuisines, I was intrigued by its similarity to Thai chili sauce.
And don’t even get me started on the butter! I don’t know what kind of culinary magic Ms. Melba works, but that butter was so good, I briefly considered asking if they sold it by the tub. It was the perfect accompaniment to the star of the show – the eggnog waffle.
Now, I’ve eaten my way through many a brunch menu in my travels, but this eggnog waffle? It’s ruined all other waffles for me. The subtle notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, the crisp exterior giving way to a fluffy interior – it was a masterpiece. I found myself savoring each bite, trying to commit the flavor to memory.
It’s easy to understand why Ms. Melba emerged victorious in her showdown with Bobby Flay. This wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. A celebration of flavors, textures, and the rich culinary traditions of Harlem.
Notes from my visit:
- Visited on weekday around 1:00 PM; not crowded
- Enclosed patio seating available
- Excellent and attentive service; food arrived within 10 minutes piping hot
I left Melba’s with a full stomach and a fuller heart, already planning my next visit.
Bottomless Brunch Options
If you are looking for spots with bottomless mimosas or hours of bottomless rum punch, these are our recommendations. The bottomless offers are limited to 90 minutes with purchase of entree if you want to linger over conversation.
Lido
Their innovative brunch menu features twists on classics, like lavender-infused French toast or smoked salmon Benedict with a Creole hollandaise. You’ll love Lido if you’re a food enthusiast who appreciates a refined atmosphere but still wants that unmistakable Harlem energy. The outdoor seating has views of Morningside Park. It’s a great spot to enjoy crisp baked French toast, blueberry pancakes, or braised short rib hash.
Angel of Harlem
This restaurant serves bottomless mimosas, rum punch, and sangria that’ll transport you straight to another destination of origin. This spot is for those who believe brunch should come with a soundtrack – think neo-soul and hip-hop classics spinning all day. It’s the perfect spot for birthday gatherings or for solo diners looking to make new friends at the lively bar. Try the kale salad, tropical French toast with your bottomless drink.
Harlem Tavern
This brunch spot has a spacious outdoor area that is family-friendly and great for corporate events or a good idea for weekend brunch with kids or friends. The brunch menu is a love letter to my personal favorites like fried egg omelets and chicken & waffles. You’ll fall for Harlem Tavern if you prefer a laid-back vibe where you can catch the game on TV while indulging in comfort food and day drinking.
Santiago’s Beer Garden
Santiago’s is a brunch experience that’s as much about atmosphere as it is about bottomless mimosas or bellinis. The sun-drenched Mediterranean courtyard has lush greenery and strings of twinkling lights overhead that create a cool a neighborhood bar vibe.
The menu is a fusion of Spanish and Latin American flavors like chorizo-laden omelets or dulce de leche-drizzled waffles. It’s ideal for romantic brunch dates or solo diners looking to lose themselves in a good book and great ambiance.
New on the scene is The Terrace cocktail bar on 116th St between 1st and 2nd Avenue. It sounds like a cool place to hang out for happy hour.
Map of Best Brunch Spots in Harlem
Final Thoughts on Harlem Brunch Spots NYC
All restaurants mentioned have bar drinks including sparkling wine, sangria, rum punch, mojito, margarita flight, and other tasty combinations.
These restaurants have my nod on their soul food dishes and innovative culinary creations. It’s what makes upper Manhattan the place to be for great food and rich history.
Among the many things to do in Harlem, I hope you explore the neighborhood’s diverse culinary traditions, ranging from Southern comfort food to innovative takes on brunch classics. You won’t regret it.
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