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25 Must-Try Black-Owned Restaurants You Need to Visit

Tessa ZuluagaAuthor

Arrie Bernard and Carrisa AndersonLeaders of Pumpernickel and Rye

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Black-owned restaurants are creating incredibly meaningful and diverse culinary experiences. From a West African restaurant in Boston to a steakhouse in Birmingham to soul food in Los Angeles, Black-owned establishments around the country are pushing the American dining scene forward. 

These restaurants have a way of combining decades of history with innovation. To celebrate the richness of Black culinary culture, Toast has rounded up 25 must-try restaurants in 2025, showcasing the wide range of flavors these amazing establishments offer.

This list features Toast-powered restaurants that are Black-owned. We sourced recommendations from online reviews, food publications, and industry experts. This round-up highlights a diverse range of restaurant types, cuisines, and price points from across the United States. From fine dining to casual eateries, this list celebrates Black culinary excellence and the incredible restaurants shaping the industry in 2025. 

25 amazing back-owned restaurants to visit

In no particular order, here are 25 must-try Black-owned restaurants to visit, broken down by geographical region.  

Northeast 

1. Café Sauvage - Boston, MA

Cafe Sauvage is a Parisian-style café-restaurant that was cofounded by Anaïs Lambert and her husband Antoine Lambert. The restaurant fuses their cultures, creating a mix of Anaïs Lambert’s African heritage and Lambert’s roots in France.

Standout dishes 

  • The Croissant breakfast sandwich for brunch

  • Steak Frites for dinner

What makes it special

The unique combination of French and African food makes for an incredibly tasty menu. They offer both brunch and dinner, with a stylish interior to match. 

2. MIDA - Boston, MA

MIDA is an Italian restaurant with multiple locations in Massachusetts by Chef/Owner Douglass Williams. Here they offer both brunch and dinner and truly are a staple of the Boston restaurant scene. 

Standout dishes

  • Short rib lasagna 

  • Paccheri bolognese

  • Gnocchi cacio e pepe 

What makes it special

MIDA provides a warm atmosphere, incredible food, and great drinks. They pride themselves on using fresh locally sourced, seasonal ingredients – and it shows. 

3. The Coast Cafe -Cambridge, MA

The Coast Cafe brings a piece of the South to the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Owner Anthony Brooks started this special business with his family in 1997, and the doors officially opened in 1999. Today, Anthony and his family continue to serve healthy, savory soul food made with 100% pure love. 

Standout dishes 

  • Fried chicken boxes

  • Candied yams 

What makes it special

Every meal here is a comfort meal. The sweet potato pie is also good enough to go back for time and time again. 

4. Exodus Bagels - Roslindale, MA

A pop-up founded by Priscilla Andrade and Adam Hirsh in 2014 now produces over 6,000 bagels a week. Exodus Bagels is located in Roslindale, Massachusetts, and was recently featured in Boston Globe Magazine’s Best of the Best, a collection of curated lists about the publication’s favorite parts of the Boston area. 

Standout dishes 

  • G+G Classic - lox, plain cream cheese, tomato, capers and red onion

  • Everything bagel

What makes it special

Exodus is just as inviting as it is tasty. It’s a great representation of the local community and although they’ve experienced plenty of adversity, they remain one of the best bagel joints in Mass today.

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5. Suya Joint  - Boston, MA

Suya Joint serves authentic West African cuisine using only the freshest ingredients. They have two locations, one in Boston and the other in Providence. Chef and owner Cecelia Lizotte is a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist and her restaurant recently won Best West African Restaurant in Boston in Boston Magazine’s 50th anniversary issue. 

Standout dishes

  • Egusi - A stew thickened with African ground pumpkin seeds that contains spinach and small pieces of fish and chicken.

  • Taushe stew - A northern creamy peanut stew with vegetables and a blend of herbs and traditional Nigerian spices. 

What makes it special

Suya Joint is special as one of Boston's few authentic West African restaurants, serving bold flavors you won't find elsewhere. The bright, gorgeous interiors at both locations enhance the experience. 

6. Georgia Brown’s - Washington, D.C.

Georgia Brown’s has been serving low-country, Southern cuisine in D.C. since 1993 — making it one of the oldest Black-owned restaurants in the area. The food here has roots along the coastal plains, marshlands, swamps, and Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia. 

Owner Ayanna Brown started as a hostess at the restaurant and worked her way up. She originally learned the ins and outs of restaurants while working in a New York City restaurant under a group of experienced ethnic women. 

Standout dishes

  • Fried chicken

  • Jumbo lump crab cakes

  • Pork chop

What makes it special

The menu here rarely changes as the staple items are too high-quality to change. They also offer brunch with live jazz music every Sunday! 

7. Kokomo Caribbean Restaurant - Brooklyn, NY

Through visual art, architectural design, lavish cocktails, and sophisticated Caribbean-inspired cuisine, this is a must-try restaurant in NYC. Kokomo was the ambitious dream of Ria and Kevol Graham. As they welcomed their second child into the world, they committed fully to the idea of a restaurant that would bring the joys and flavors of the Caribbean to Brooklyn. Kokomo has also recently been recognized as one of the top 50 restaurants in NYC by Timeout.

Standout dishes

  • Jerk chicken

  • Oxtail Flatbread Pizza

  • Macaroni and cheese

What makes it special

Embracing the warmth and generosity of Caribbean culture, guests enjoy meals here and truly make memories that transcend cultural boundaries and connect the local Brooklyn community. Make sure to also check this stunning restaurant out for bottomless brunch!

Southeast

8. Michael’s Steaks & Seafood - Birmingham, AL

This steakhouse is owned by Dr. Bernadine Birdsong, who has over 30 years of experience in the industry. She purchased Michael’s in 2016 and has run it as a family business since. Located in Birmingham’s Parkside District, Michael’s Steaks & Seafood offers upscale dining and a welcoming atmosphere. 

Standout dishes 

  • Salmon Rockefeller

  • Chicken piccata 

What makes it special

Dr. Birdsong’s attention to detail and dedication to her restaurant make this spot special. She takes time to respond to online reviews and has curated the warm atmosphere of a family-run restaurant.  

9. Fiery Irie Jamaican Restaurant -Pembroke Pines FL

Fiery Irie is a casual Jamaican Restaurant located in Pembroke Pines, FL. Here they serve everything from jerk chicken to corned beef and cabbage.

Standout dishes

  • Fried ripe plantains

  • Oxtail

What makes it special

Fiery Irie stands out by delivering authentic Jamaican cuisine in a quick-service format, masterfully balancing convenience with genuine Caribbean flavors. 

10. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack South - Nashville, TN

There’s nothing better than Nashville hot chicken.

What Prince Thornton’s wife thought was a punishment for him, heavily spiced chicken during the Great Depression, turned into one of the greatest comfort foods to date. 

Today, his great niece Ms. Andre Prince Jeffries continues the family legacy at Prince's Hot Chicken, where the original recipe still draws devoted locals. While the hot chicken trend has exploded across the South in recent years, Prince's remains the undisputed pioneer and benchmark for this Nashville tradition. 

Standout dishes

  • Chicken tenders

  • Chicken sandwich

What makes it special

This original recipe will never change, and it never has to. This simple menu is all you need to try when visiting Tennessee.

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11. Toast On Lenox - Atlanta, GA

Toast On Lenox is a New American Southern brunch spot, with the greatest name of all time. With two Atlanta-based locations (Midtown and Buckhead), this restaurant knows how to serve up some good brunch, starting with Cajun seafood dip.

Standout dishes

  • Strawberry shortcake French toast

  • GA hot honey fried chicken

  • The corner store breakfast sandwich

What makes it special

This restaurant is both Black-owned and women-owned. When you’re here you feel like you’re family and you never leave hungry.

Midwest 

12. Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea - Chicago, Il

Afro Joe’s is a casual Southside Chicago coffee shop that offers sandwiches, pastries, and other brunch items.  Owners Kendall and Aisha Griffin opened up this spot in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all odds, Afro Joe’s was able to pivot to an online ordering focus and make it through this challenging time.  Today, the business is thriving and the owners are constantly finding ways to uplift their community, specifically around maternal health. 

Standout dishes 

  • Seasonal specialty lattes 

  • Big ‘ol breakfast burrito

What makes it special

The coffee is great but owners Kendall and Aisha Griffin’s impact on the community makes this place special. Afro Joe’s Coffee & Tea embodies all the best characteristics of an outstanding, local business. 

13. Bell Heir’s BBQ - Chicago - Il

Bell Heir’s is a restaurant owned by Tyris Bell, whose love of barbecue was nurtured by his rich family barbecue tradition and his wide travels in the South. Tyris understands how barbecue brings people together and believes guests bring his food home for delicious family-style meals. 

Standout dishes

  • Large rib tip dinner

  • Brisket burger

What makes it special

Aside from traditional barbeque favorites like buttermilk fried chicken wings, Bell Heir’s BBQ offers unique menu items like BBQ brisket pizza. This creation makes the joint stand out and attracts both old-time and newer barbeque lovers! 

14. Demera Ethiopian - Chicago, Il

Since 2007, Demera has been serving Ethiopian dishes to Chicago locals. This establishment has been listed in many noteworthy publications, such as OpenTable’s blog for Chicago’s 20 best restaurants. Demera has also consistently been included in the Michelin Guide Chicago since 2008. 

In 2021, Chef-Owner Tigist Reda also launched a non-profit program that uses her power and passion for culture and cuisine to help support a cause of great importance to her, Hope 4 Tigray Women.

Standout dishes

  • Gomen

  • Kik alicha 

  • Ethiopian style tiramisu 

What makes it special

This Ethiopian restaurant’s offerings are so authentic and high quality that it immediately was named a top restaurant in Chicago, a city renowned for its amazing eateries. Plus, the menu has a great combination of both vegetarian and omnivorous offerings. 

15. Taste 222 - Chicago, Il

Taste 222 is a stylish spot in the Fulton River District for events and dining, serving American Cuisine with a Southern twist. Managed by Christophé Banard, a mixologist and industry expert, the craft cocktail list here is also noteworthy. 

Sadly, the culinary lead, Chef Judson Allen, passed away in 2018. His legacy lives on in the Taste 222 kitchen each day. 

Standout dishes 

  • Southern fried catfish 

  • Deviled eggs

What makes it special

The interior design of this space stands out. It’s no wonder they host many events from dinner rehearsals to holiday parties. 

16. Bronzeville Winery - Chicago, Il

Founded by Eric Williams and Cecilia Cuff, Bronzeville Winery is a Black-owned and woman-owned business. These industry experts continue to spotlight and engage with partners and beverages that reflect their diverse and vibrant histories.

Standout dishes 

  • Little chicken +biscuit

  • Creole salmon tagliatelle

What makes it special

Bronzeville offers great specials like happy hour and Sunday brunch. This winery also has a great selection of wine flights and they even offer a “women in wine” flight. Their brunch menu is loaded with comfort meals like chicken and buttermilk waffles, shrimp & grits, and more.

Southwest 

17. Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles - Phoenix, AZ

With locations in Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, the Southwest is blessed with this amazing chain. The heart and soul behind Lo-Lo’s magic belongs to the founder, Larry “Lo-Lo” White. These days he now runs Lo-Lo’s as a family business. Larry White is a cook who never attended culinary arts school and makes it clear that he’s really good at one thing: chicken and waffles.

Standout dishes

  • Chicken and waffles

  • Waffle breakfast "samich"

What makes it special 

You’ve probably had chicken and waffles before, but not like this. These chicken and waffles are what makes this restaurant so special. The waffles are huge, warm, and soft. The chicken is crispy and savory. Top it all off with sweet syrup and you’ll understand the hype.

18. Café Lalibela - Tempe, AZ

Known for both its Ethiopian Café Lalibela is owned by Chef Atsade Desta. If you’re seeking a romantic evening out, a healthy and flavorful alternative to typical to-go options, or just a warm, inviting atmosphere in which to enjoy a cup of Joe, try Café Lalibela for a taste of authentic Ethiopia. This spot is simple on the outside and flavor-packed on the inside.

Standout dishes

  • Doro wat

  • Red lentils

What makes it special

According to Yelp reviews, the service at Café Lalibela is just as fantastic as the food. The staff here is very knowledgeable and more than happy to answer any questions.

19. Flava Wings - Houston, TX

Krishna Buford opened her restaurant right at the peak of COVID. So, what started as a pick-up-only business, now has two successful locations where guests can sit down and enjoy their favorite wings or turkey legs. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service here are designed to make you feel right at home.

Standout dishes

  • Chicken wings with 13 different flavors of sauce, 10 wet and 3 dry-rubs
  • Cajun corn

What makes it special

Everything here is made in-house, and you can taste the freshness in each bite.  

20. Rodo Nigerian Cuisine - Richmond, TX

Rodo Nigerian Cuisine has over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Their exquisite arrays of authentic Nigerian offerings are prepared by seasoned production staff in a highly regulated environment.

Standout dishes

  • Meat pie

  • Egusi

What makes it special

This restaurant serves affordable yet highly authentic Nigerian food, diversifying the Texas food scene.

West

21. Alamar Dominican Kitchen - Oakland, CA

Bravo TV’s Top Chef Nelson German (Season 18) opened AlaMar Dominican Kitchen in Oakland, CA to represent his Dominican Republic lineage by offering an authentic regional food menu paying tribute to his roots. The menu here spotlights German’s upbringing in Washington Heights, Manhattan, the foods he ate with his family at home, and the local street fare in the neighborhood.

Standout dishes

  • Braised Angus Oxtail “Encendido”

  • Dominican Slow Roasted Pork Ribs

What makes it special 

This is a bright gem that stands out in the Oakland restaurant scene. From its flavorful food to craft cocktails, Alamar consistently delivers quality to its customers.

22. OnPointttt - Los Angeles, CA

OnPointttt brings the heart and soul of the Caribbean to Los Angeles with their vibrant and celebrated food truck. Specializing in authentic Jerk Chicken, tantalizing Jerk Chicken Tacos with Mango Cilantro Salsa, and a variety of vegan options, they offer a unique blend of traditional Caribbean flavors and modern culinary artistry.

Standout dishes

  • Jerk chicken

  • Combo chicken and rice entrees

What makes it special

The owners here pack a lot of flavor into a small truck. Follow along on Instagram to try their jerk chicken today.

23. Louisiana Purchase - San Diego, CA

Bringing New Orleans to North Park, Louisiana Purchase is an intimate restaurant, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community, and fun. Chef Quinnton Austin relocated to San Diego from NOLA, bringing with him experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisine. Amongst his noteworthy creations thus far are his savory Alligator Andouille Cheesecake.

Standout dishes

  • Crawfish Monica Ribeye

  • Uptown Kitchen Sink Gumbo

  • Collard greens

  • Cajun fries

What makes it special

The restaurant also yields a must-visit cocktail bar encompassing all the flair of New Orleans, while avoiding the sugary drinks found on Bourbon Street. Instead, they focus on quality and craftsmanship, with modern plays on classics like our house Voo Doo Carre and Praline Old Fashion, in addition to a rotating cocktail menu and seasonal potions.

24. Somerville - Los Angeles, CA

The multi-talented entrepreneur Issa Rae recently introduced a dining experience that honors the cultural roots of her community. Somerville provides a progressive American dining experience that highlights contemporary cuisine while honoring the rich roots of South Central Los Angeles.

Standout dishes:

  • Collard greens lasagna 

  • Fried chicken and caviar sliders

  • Black goddess salad 

What makes it special

The restaurant has only been open for a few weeks and already has raving reviews on Yelp. Guests love the cozy ambiance just as much as the food and are raving about the chicken caviar sliders and the overall elegance of the new concept. 

25. Communion Restaurant & Bar - Seattle, WA

Chef Kristi Brown has spooned her way through the culinary industry for the past 28 years. Starting at a small café in downtown Seattle, Kristi has played just about every role in the industry. Today, her dining room at Communion is filled with soul food, craft cocktails, and happy guests.

Standout dishes

  • Hood sushi

  • Fried chicken

  • Fried catfish

What makes it special

Communion’s mission is to provide the food, the familiarity, and the intimacy that make you feel at home. They achieve this goal and bring Southern hospitality to the West Coast.

How to support these establishments further

Supporting the Black community goes beyond dining at these restaurants. One of the most powerful ways to help these businesses is by leaving positive online reviews. According to a recent survey by Toast, Google reviews (46%) are the most popular place for users to check restaurant ratings online. Honest feedback and glowing reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp can make a significant difference, encouraging new customers to discover these incredible spots.

Social media is another essential tool for spreading the word. By sharing your dining experiences and tagging the restaurant, you can help increase visibility. Word of mouth remains one of the most effective ways to build a loyal customer base, as 24% of diners claim word of mouth is a better way to discover a new restaurant as opposed to digital channels. Telling friends and family about your favorite places can have a big impact. 

Additionally, buying gift cards is an easy and thoughtful way to support these businesses—whether for yourself or as a gift to someone else. It provides immediate revenue while also encouraging future visits.

Continued support, both in-person and online, can help these Black-owned businesses thrive. By sharing their stories, celebrating their food, and actively promoting their businesses, we can all play a role in helping them flourish and succeed for years to come.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only, and publication does not constitute an endorsement. Toast does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, graphics, links, or other items contained within this content. Toast does not guarantee you will achieve any specific results if you follow any advice herein. It may be advisable for you to consult with a professional such as a lawyer, accountant, or business advisor for advice specific to your situation.