Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants Near Me businesses is a genuine investment in diverse communities, a way to celebrate cultural heritage and, of course, an opportunity to eat some amazing food. There are countless Black-owned restaurants across the country serving it all, from Southern soul food and comfort dishes to Caribbean flavors and vegan fare. For those wondering where to dive in, here’s a selection of standout Black-owned restaurants to try.
Finding Black-Owned Restaurants with Apps Like EatOkra
One of the easiest ways to discover Black-owned restaurants in your area is by using apps like EatOkra. Founded in 2016 by Anthony and Janique Edwards, EatOkra is a curated guide to Black-owned restaurants, cafes, food trucks, and more across the U.S.
Why Use EatOkra?
- Easy Search & Filters – Find restaurants based on location and cuisine type.
- Bookmark Your Favorites – Save places you love for future visits.
- Share Discoveries – Recommend your favorite spots to friends and family.
- Over 1,700 Listings – Access a wide variety of Black-owned eateries nationwide.
Download the EatOkra app here and start supporting Black-owned food businesses in your area!
Top Black-Owned Restaurants to Visit
1. Town Fare Café – Oakland, CA
About Town Fare Café
Town Fare Café, led by the renowned Chef Michele McQueen, is an incredible Black-owned restaurant near me located inside the Oakland Museum. The menu pays homage to Michele’s Southern roots and Oakland’s diverse culinary culture.
What to Try
- Southern Fried Chicken & Sweet Potato Waffles – A signature dish that blends classic flavors with a twist.
- Craft Cocktails & Local Wines – Featuring Black-owned and women-owned beverage brands.
- Sunday Brunch Experience – Includes special guests and music by DJ Mark DiVita.
Special Offerings
- Catering services
- Event planning
- Custom menu planning
Hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM (Friday open until 8 PM)
- Closed on Monday & Tuesday
2. Down North Pizza – Philadelphia, PA
About Down North Pizza
Located in North Philadelphia, Down North Pizza is more than just a pizza joint. Founder Muhammad Abdul-Hadi created this for-profit mission-driven restaurant to provide second chances for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Must-Try Menu Items
The “No Betta Love” and “Break You Off” pizzas are permanent fixtures on the menu if you’re looking for something really unique and rich in flavor. The “No Betta Love” Pizza is a decadent four-cheese creation that’s inexplicably kicked up to another level by the restaurant’s special “Norf” sauce, which is so good it remains on my tongue after the fact.
For something more adventurous, the “Break You Off” Pizza combines salty lamb sausage with rich lemon ricotta and a sprinkling of za’atar, tied together with a sweet and tangy garlic honey drizzle. From the moment the intoxicating aroma fills the air as your dish arrives, to when you take your first taste and the explosion of flavors hits your taste buds, it is an experience that is sure to make this one of your go to spots. Here are some of the menu highlights not to be missed!
Community Impact
This restaurant is more than just a vehicle for fabulous food — it’s a part of the fabric of raising the community up. And by hiring formerly incarcerated individuals, it provides second chances and real jobs for people seeking to get their life back on track. Through the Down North Foundation, the restaurant also helps provide critical resources and assistance, which continues the work it started to uplift underserved communities. He said “Protect Your Crib,” among other initiatives, showed its commitment to the systemic challenges, guiding residents through property tax challenges so they can stay in their homes. Your every spicy meal you savor for here is a general sense of social affect in the making and a true meal for the soul.
Black-Owned Restaurants Near Me & Food in Northern Virginia
Fairfax County and the surrounding area offer a fantastic selection of Black-owned restaurants that represent the region’s diverse flavors. Here are some top spots:
3. Caribbean Plate – Falls Church, VA
If you’re craving Jamaican and Caribbean flavors, Caribbean Plate is a must-visit!
Recommended Dishes
- Jerk Chicken – Spiced to perfection and served with rice and peas.
- Oxtail Stew – Slow-cooked, rich, and full of Caribbean warmth.
- Curry Goat – Tender and packed with flavor.
4. Della J’s Delectables – Springfield, VA
This Black-owned gem brings Southern comfort food to Northern Virginia.
Fan-Favorite Menu Items
- Fried Catfish & Grits – A Southern staple that never disappoints.
- Braised Short Ribs – Tender and full of deep, hearty flavors.
- Homemade Peach Cobbler – The perfect way to end your meal.
Why Supporting Black-Owned Restaurants Matters
Dining at Black-owned restaurants isn’t just about the food—it’s about:
- Preserving Cultural Heritage – Many Black-owned businesses keep generations-old recipes alive.
- Strengthening Local Economies – Supporting these restaurants helps communities thrive.
- Creating Inclusive Spaces – Many of these restaurants focus on cultural expression and representation.
Conclusion
Finding and supporting Black-owned restaurants is a simple yet impactful way to celebrate diverse culinary traditions and uplift communities. Whether you’re dining at Town Fare Café, enjoying a Down North Pizza slice, or exploring Fairfax County’s Caribbean Plate, every meal is an opportunity to support Black entrepreneurship and savor delicious, soulful cuisine.
Want more Black-owned restaurant recommendations? Try EatOkra and start exploring today!
