23 restaurants in Harlem. Part of our New York Cheap Eats guide.
This Harlem outpost serves up classic smashburgers that rival the city's best, offering a no-frills approach to mastering the basics. It's a spot where friendly faces like Xavier and Omar make every guest feel welcomed, whether you're dining solo or with family.
This casual Japanese grill offers a familiar taste of Americanized teriyaki and sushi, making it a reliable choice for a quick, affordable meal. The clean, quiet atmosphere and friendly staff contribute to a pleasant, no-fuss dining experience.
“Amazing food every time i eat here”
“The atmosphere was nice and quiet”
“I wait no more than 8 min”
This neighborhood spot serves up incredibly fresh, flavorful fried chicken and juicy burgers. The seasoning is always on point, and generous portions make it a satisfying stop.
“Food is always delicious and affordable”
“New spot just opened on 134th and Amsterdam Ave”
“Atmosphere there is really nice”
This Yemeni restaurant serves up authentic, flavorful dishes with generous portions, making it a standout in the neighborhood. The kitchen's mastery, drawing from Yemeni, Turkish, and Jordanian influences, is evident in every bite. It's a welcoming spot perfect for families and groups seeking a casual, delicious meal.
“Employee was so loud on his phone”
Mustard Indian Eatery serves authentic Bengali and Kolkata dishes, with a particular focus on flavorful curries and fresh naan. The family owners take immense pride in their food, offering a warm, casual atmosphere that welcomes everyone from families to date nights.
“Food always fresh and delicious”
“Prices very fair. Food prepared fresh”
“Warm hospitality and genuinely wants to know what you like”
Awaze offers a vibrant taste of Ethiopian cuisine, with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it suitable for everything from casual weeknight dinners to family gatherings. The menu thoughtfully includes options for various dietary needs, ensuring a satisfying meal for many.
“Have been consistently impressed by this spot since they opened up”
“The place is nice and cozy but not too small”
This cozy Harlem spot serves up authentic Peruvian flavors with a focus on fresh seafood and vibrant dishes. It's a welcoming neighborhood favorite, perfect for both intimate dates and lively group gatherings.
“Bathrooms are big and clean”
This Harlem pizzeria serves up a classic New York slice that transports diners back to childhood pizza parties. Their Grandma pizza is a standout, earning enthusiastic recognition for its perfect crust and sauce-to-cheese ratio. It's a casual, family-friendly spot that prioritizes fresh ingredients and friendly service.
“Genuinely the best pizza I've ever had”
“Ready quick and workers are very friendly”
“Every bite is consistently satisfying”
This is a classic, old-school breakfast joint known locally as the "Dirty Kitchen." It's a no-frills spot where the food is consistently good and the staff treats you like family.
This Harlem pizzeria transports diners straight to Italy with its authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas, featuring a thin, perfectly charred crust and high-quality, fresh ingredients. It's a cozy, casual spot that welcomes families, couples, and solo diners alike, making it a versatile neighborhood favorite.
“The crust is super thin and the char from the oven is chef's kiss”
“It's a little hard to see unless you're right in front”
“Well priced in my opinion too”
This Harlem spot is a neighborhood fixture for fresh, healthy juices and satisfying hot plates. Long-time patrons return for the consistently delicious smoothies made with real fruit and the filling, nutritious meals that offer a welcome change from typical fast food.
“Real mangos and sea moss in smoothie”
“Great people, great people. Plenty of privacy”
“Never had a bad smoothie from here”
This Harlem juice bar is a neighborhood staple, serving up fresh, flavorful smoothies and Caribbean-inspired patties. It's a welcoming spot where the owner's family often works the counter, making it feel like home.
“Fresh ingredients and if you don't know what you like he is more than happy to suggest”
“This place is Super Clean Super Friendly”
“Feels like I'm walking into a family members home”
This Harlem spot serves up soul-warming fried chicken and classic Southern sides. It's a casual, counter-service joint that feels like family, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
“Best fried chicken you will ever taste”
“Good music on a snowy night”
“Taste of the Harlem experience”
This Harlem spot is a go-to for authentic Jamaican takeout, specializing in flavorful jerk chicken and tender oxtails. While it lacks dine-in seating, the quick service and generous portions make it ideal for a satisfying meal on the go.
“Veggies in the pasta were uncooked”
“Easy access 5 minutes and you have your food”
“Staff was very attentive and polite”
This Harlem spot is a no-frills destination for seriously good fried seafood. Portions are generous, and the flavors, especially from the catfish and shrimp, are well-regarded.
Halal Flamez is a neighborhood go-to for authentic Halal cuisine, serving up flavorful dishes that consistently satisfy. The friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere make it a reliable spot for a quick bite or a full meal.
“Portions are now smaller, lamb now just rubbery doner meat”
“Fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time”
Alke Café is a vibrant neighborhood hub that seamlessly blends a cafe by day with a lively bar and event space by night. It's a place where community gathers for everything from coffee and work to live music, comedy shows, and poetry nights. The owner's pride in her well-seasoned dishes, especially the bowls, is evident.
“Perfect neighborhood bar with people studying/working”
“Comparably priced to every other coffee shop in NYC”
“Well-seasoned dishes, especially the bowls”
This casual taqueria serves up vibrant Mexican flavors with a full bar and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a go-to for flavorful tacos and well-balanced margaritas, offering a comfortable spot for friends or a casual date night.
“It is nice and bright and very clean”
“Right next to a nail salon”
“Service was ultra fast and friendly”
This Harlem spot serves up authentic Dominican flavors that feel like a warm hug from home. Generous portions of perfectly seasoned dishes, from fall-off-the-bone oxtail to flavorful plantain chips, make it a neighborhood favorite. Friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere add to the comforting, family-style feel.
“Food is delicious and authentic.”
“Conveniently located near the Apollo.”
“Warm and friendly, like you just walked into someone's home.”
This neighborhood spot serves up a fantastic grandma pizza with a perfect crust and vibrant sauce. Service here treats you like family, making it a welcoming place for a quick slice or a sit-down meal.
“Pizza was also delivered super fresh and hot”
“It's far away for me but I'll try to come back”
Lido Harlem is a neighborhood Italian spot that shines with its vibrant atmosphere and consistently excellent service. It's a place where friendly staff make you feel welcome, whether you're grabbing a casual lunch or celebrating a special occasion.
“$14 for a dish that is truly worth $100”
“Food is consistently on point”
This Chinatown staple has been a go-to for locals for decades, serving up familiar Chinese-American fare. It's a bustling, no-frills spot where the food is generally reliable and the service moves quickly.
This Harlem spot serves up soul food that feels like a warm hug, with a full bar and screens for live sports. It's a casual, welcoming place perfect for a solo bite or a gathering.
“Music was good as well”
“Like I'm at the crib”
“The price was a bargain”
