All the Notable New Restaurants, Cafes and Bars That Have Opened in Harlem and Beyond
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 10
Looking to catch up on the latest restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Harlem, Washington Heights, and beyond?
Here's a running list, from a new sit-down cafe at The Africa Center to a stylish spot for house-made bread and pastries on Frederick Douglass Boulevard.
January
East Harlem The Africa Center, 1280 Fifth Ave and E 110th St
Co-founded by radio personality Angela Yee, Tony Forte, and LaRon Batchelor, this fair-trade coffee brand (CUP stands for Coffee Uplifts People) and Bed-Stuy cafe has expanded to the ground floor of The Africa Center. It takes over the space that used to be Teranga.
Central Harlem 2190 Frederick Douglass Blvd and W 118th St
This French pastry-shop-meets-Senegalese-fusion-restaurant has moved down the block to the former location of Harlem Burger.
2025
December
Central Harlem Davis Center at the Harlem Meer, Central Park near 110th St and Malcolm X Blvd
Harlem's Settepani is on a tear. The long-standing Italian restaurant, which opened a basement cafe in the new Studio Museum building in November, is now also running the concession stand at the Davis Center. The menu includes hot and cold drinks, pastries, soups, salads and small sandwiches.
Central Harlem 2118 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 114th and W 115th Sts
This stylish new bakery serving breakfast and lunch—there's a spacious seat-yourself area—makes its own croissants and desserts like ube cheesecake, plus sandwiches using its own sourdough bread, soup and even wine.
November
Central Harlem 300 W 135th St between Frederick Douglass Blvd and St. Nicholas Ave
Taking over the old Slutty Vegan space is this casual daytime spot specializing in breakfast tacos and burritos (think eggs, bacon and cheese wrapped in a tortilla), plus chicken caesar wraps, iced matcha lattes and more.
Central Harlem Lower level of The Studio Museum in Harlem, 144 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd and Lenox Ave
The Studio Museum in Harlem's new building happily includes a cafe on the lower level run by Harlem’s beloved Settepani. Stop by for coffee, baked goods (croissants, scones and more), plus fresh soups, salads, and small sandwiches.
West Harlem 132 Hamilton Pl and 143rd St
This new destination for craft beer, whiskey and arts has taken over the old Hogshead space.
Central Harlem 370 Malcolm X Blvd and W 129th St
Traditional Hawiian poke—raw fish served on rice—is just one of the options at this new corner spot. Think rice bowls topped with grilled salmon, grilled chicken and hanger steak.
October
West Harlem 132 Hamilton Pl and 143rd St
Traditional Colombian pandebono (cheese bread), pastries and much more can be matched with freshly-made coffee at the second location of this plant-filled cafe.
Washington Heights 808 W 187th St between Fort Washington and Pinehurst Aves
This new diner in Hudson Heights has everything from all-day pancakes to "Greek favorites" like moussaka and spinach pie on the menu.
September
East Harlem La Marqueta, 1590 Park Ave and E 115th St
Located within El Barrio's historic La Marqueta, this new stall serves up vegan soul-food dishes like chickpea waffles and voxtail dinner.
August
Central Harlem 317 W 141st St between Frederick Douglass Blvd and Edgecombe Ave
Freshly-made bagels—a rarity in Harlem—are at the heart of this new shop offering a range of cream cheese options as well as all-day breakfast sandwiches (think turkey bacon, egg and cheese).
West Harlem 3604 Broadway between W 148th and W 149th Sts
A bartender at the recently-shuttered Beer Run Harlem has teamed up with his wife to revamp the space with a menu featuring craft beer, natural wine and cocktails.
June
East Harlem 2309 Second Ave between E 118th and E 119th Sts
Bite-size donuts that come in choose-your-own glazes (including caramel, chocolate, and strawberry jam) and toppings (brownie bites, Oreos, Fruity Pebbles and more).
May
Central Harlem Morningside Park, Manhattan Ave and W 112th St
Crabman Mike, a longtime seafood vendor on 125th Street, has moved into the brand new kiosk in Morningside Park. The founder's son is now running the seasonal business, offering a menu that features Cajun seafood boil (your choice of blue crabs, snow crab legs or PEI mussels), plus burgers, hot dogs and ice cream.
East Harlem La Marqueta, 1590 Park Ave and E 115th St
A tribute to the owner's beloved Filipina grandmother, this homestyle cafe serves up "Amer-Asian treats" like strawberry dragonfruit krispy treats, ube cannoli, and savory bento boxes.
April
Central Harlem 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 124th and W 125th Sts, 2nd floor
With windows looking down on 125th Street, this upscape Nigerian spot offers both West African classics like jollof rice (served with chicken, fried snapper, goat or beef) and American favorites like Caesar salad and burgers, plus fruity cocktails.
West Harlem 3500 Broadway at W 143rd St
Smaller than the Washington Heights original, the "express" outpost of this Dominican eatery still has a few tables where you can enjoy the popular rotisserie chicken, plus daily specials like roast pork and goat stew.
March
West Harlem 405 W 145th St between St. Nicholas and Convent Aves
Teenage entreprenuer Nyla Reese has opened this tiny shop selling vegan donuts in flavors like strawberry, cookies 'n' cream, pina colada, and gluten-free maple cinnamon sugar.
Central Harlem 2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd between W 114th and W 115th Sts
A bright, simply-furnished new Indian spot from the owner of Mumbai Masala in West Harlem, with a menu that includes a full range of curries and tandoori dishes—vegan options included.
February
Central Harlem 27 W 125th St between Fifth and Lenox Aves
Founded a mere four years ago, this NYC-based smash burger chain is now open in Harlem with a simple menu offering three types of burgers: cheese, double and Impossible.
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