Boston is a vibrant Massachusetts city with a ton of attractions for American and international tourists. It’s known for its exciting sports culture, great arts and theater offerings, and impressive culinary scene. Boston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, a fact evident in its wide variety of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world. Many of these eateries are Black-owned, welcoming foodies from across the African diaspora and beyond.
Black-Owned Restaurants In Boston Worth Checking Out
- Restaurante Cesaria
- Cafe Sauvage
- Jamaica Mi Hungry
- Mida
- Suya Joint
- Bred Gourmet
- M&M BBQ
- Boston Cookie Kitchen
- The Hut Island Vybes
- Breakfast Ninjas
- Rock City Pizza
- Grace By Nia
- Blue Nile
- Hunter‘s Kitchen & Bar
- Savvor Restaurant And Lounge
- Shea Butter Smoothies
- Auntie Vie’s Restaurant And Bakery
- D Coal Pot
- Comfort Kitchen
Restaurante Cesaria
This Cape Verdean eatery prides itself on serving high-quality, traditional food with impeccable service. The colorful ambiance features African wall art and bright murals. The setting provides a warm and welcoming complement to the food. Adding to the authentic ambiance, artists and musicians perform morna folk music. The whole experience makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the sunny African island nation.
- Location: 266 Bowdoin St, Dorchester, MA 02122
- Phone Number: (617) 282-1998
- Type of Cuisine: Cape Verdean Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Mandioca Frita
- Before You Go: Travelers can also enjoy live music and specially curated events at this Black-owned Boston spot.
Cafe Sauvage
From husband and wife Antoine and Anaïs Lambert comes this unique French bistro. Born and raised in France, the duo wanted to bring a taste of home to the States. Cafe Sauvage incorporates flavors from cuisines influenced by French food. You’ll notice influences from Moroccan, Italian, Tunisian, West African, Spanish, and Vietnamese cuisine. Cafe Sauvage is a brisk “bonjour” with a side of Boston realness.
- Location: 25 Massachusetts Ave, Boston, MA 02115
- Phone Number: (857) 226-4799
- Owners: Antoine and Anaïs Lambert
- Type of Cuisine: French
- Menu Spotlight: Ratatouille Lasagne
- Before You Go: If looking for a French twist on brunch, check out Cafe Sauvage’s special on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.
Jamaica Mi Hungry
Chef Ernie Campbell fell in love with food as a young boy in Jamaica watching his mother and sister cook. When he got older, he worked in resort and hotel kitchens in Negril. After moving to the United States in 2001, he longed for a taste of home but soon realized there wasn’t much Caribbean food in Boston. In 2012, he began offering private chef services that would eventually lead to him creating his own restaurant, food truck, and full-service catering business. Customers rave about the restaurant’s curry goat, coconut chicken and shrimp, and pulled jerk pork.
- Location: 225 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130, inside Southwest Corridor Park
- Phone Number: (617) 708-0465
- Owner & Chef: Chef Ernie Campbell
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Coconut shrimp
- Before You Go: Although Jamaica Mi Hungry has grown in popularity over the years, owner Chef Ernie is still in the back cooking up food like when the restaurant first opened.
Mida
Mida, which translates to “he gives me,” serves traditional Italian fare made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef Douglass Campbell has over 15 years of experience working around the world in places like Paris, New York, and Thailand. These experiences influence his culinary style and expertise in the kitchen. The restaurant has locations in South End, Newton, East Boston, and Fenway.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Phone Number: (617) 936-3490
- Owner & Chef: Douglass Campbell
- Type of Cuisine: Italian
- Menu Spotlight: Braised Pork Tagliatelle
- Before You Go: For a slice of Italian pizza greatness, check out Mida’s APizza location on Causeway Street.
Suya Joint
This sophisticated bar and lounge brings the exotic flavors of West Africa to Boston. The owner, Chef Cecelia Lizotte, comes from a Nigerian family of great cooks. Thus, she learned to create delicious meals as a youngster and further developed her skills over the years. Suya Joint prepares its food fresh from scratch and seasons it to perfection using authentic Nigerian spices and herbs. Try the popular Ayamase stew, suya kabobs, or dry-fried goat meat.
- Location: 185 Dudley St, Boston, MA 02119
- Phone Number: (617) 958-8574
- Owner & Chef: Cecelia Lizotte
- Type of Cuisine: West African
- Menu Spotlight: Beef suya
- Before You Go: Suya Joint also has gluten-free options for guests visiting with food allergies.
Bred Gourmet
Deemed one of Boston’s favorite burgers by Good Morning America, Bred Gourmet is connecting guests through one of the country’s most beloved dishes. Everyone loves a good burger, and Bred Gourmet has been serving them the right way for over a decade. That said, it had to be on this list of Black-owned restaurants in Boston. They’ve perfected the smoked burger and a slew of other delicious sandwiches, sides, and beverages that inspire guests and fill bellies and hearts. The Best of Boston award-winning menu has burgers with everything from smoked bacon to plantains.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Phone Number: (617) 698-0103
- Owner: Tambo Barrow
- Type of Cuisine: Gourmet Burgers
- Menu Spotlight: Kobe Sando
- Before You Go: Check this spot out at its Dorchester or Cambridge locations.
M&M BBQ
For delicious, down-home barbecue, there’s no better place in Boston than M&M BBQ. The restaurant was opened by a couple, Marion and Maurice, back in 1982. Years later, their grandson Geo elevated the family-owned brand from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar location in Dorchester. Everyone in Boston knows M&M BBQ is the place to go for juicy, tender ribs. However, their menu has continued to blossom throughout the years, including an array of succulent meats, incredible sandwiches, and soul food-inspired sides. The restaurant partnered with the Dorchester Brewing Company and made its home there in 2020.
- Location: 1250 Massachusetts Ave, Dorchester, MA 02125
- Phone Number: (617) 307-7674
- Owner: Geo Lambert
- Type of Cuisine: Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Geneva Ave
- Before You Go: This is a Boston staple, so be sure to make a stop.
Boston Cookie Kitchen
For delicious pastries delivered right to your door, the Boston Cookie Kitchen has you covered. The online cookie vendor has all your favorite flavors and a few you’ve probably never heard of. They’re experts at creating new delicious cookie types, including their banana pudding, birthday, and coconut cream-inspired cookies. Every month, they switch it up and provide a new group of specialty cookies for customers to choose from.
- Location: 196 Quincy St, Boston, MA 02125, order online and have cookies shipped to your door
- Phone Number: (774) 993-4298
- Owner: Daniel Igbokwe
- Type of Cuisine: Gourmet cookies
- Menu Spotlight: Smores’ Cookie Box
- Before You Go: These Boston cookie-extraordinaires ship nationwide. If you find something you like while in town, they will send it to your house to greet you when you return home.
The Hut Island Vybes
The Hut Island Vybes has authentic Jamaican vibes and food when exploring Boston. The owner, Jermaine, handcrafted the menu and restaurant ambiance based on his experience growing up in Jamaica. Now, his restaurant is a local favorite. The menu sticks closely to the foundations of Caribbean cuisine. You’ll find your jerk and brown stew chicken, oxtails, and a few fish and seafood dishes. Travelers can also get a piece of coco bread, festival, beef patties, and more.
- Location: 34 SW Park Suite A, Westwood, MA 02090
- Phone Number: (845) 549-0851
- Owner: Jermaine …
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Oxtail
- Before You Go: This is a fan-favorite for Caribbean cuisine in Boston.
Breakfast Ninjas
Breakfast Ninjas are the nomads of the Boston food scene. You never know where this pop-up-style restaurant is going to be next. However, if you’re lucky enough to stumble upon one of their open days, you’re in for a real treat. These culinary ninjas have perfected breakfast. Merging traditional American morning classics with elevated ingredients, they’ve created a new twist on starting your day. If you can find them, Breakfast Ninjas is Boston’s go-to spot for breakfast and brunch.
- Location: Pop-up restaurant
- Phone Number: (617) 955-4002
- Co-Owner: Steeve Louis-Charles
- Type of Cuisine: Breakfast
- Menu Spotlight: Double Sammy
- Before You Go: Head over to the Breakfast Ninjas Instagram page and turn on your notifications to find out where the pop-up will be next.
Rock City Pizza
This Black-owned pizza parlor has everything a pizza lover could ask for. They have exceptional service, delicious calzones, and a variety of specialty pies. If you’re not in the mood for pizza, they also serve loaded wraps, wings, burgers, and more.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Phone Number: (617) 782-7625
- Owner: Joseph Charles
- Type of Cuisine: Pizza
- Menu Spotlight: Remix Pizza
- Before You Go: There’s one location on Cambridge St. in Boston and another in Randolph, about 40 minutes away.
Grace By Nia
This swanky spot offers a grown and sexy vibe, good food, and live entertainment. While dining here, you may experience R&B, jazz, and soul musicians on stage. This spot is known for its brunch, so be sure to have it on your weekend calendar.
- Location: 60 Seaport Blvd #325, Boston, MA 02210
- Owner: Nia Grace
- Phone Number: (617) 927-9411
- Type of Cuisine: Soul food
- Menu Spotlight: Oxtail and Grits, Maryland Hot Crab Dip, Cajun Jambalaya
- Before You Go: The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. An entertainment fee will be added to dinner reservations.
Blue Nile
This Jamaica Plain gem dishes out signature Ethiopian dishes, including doro wat, misir wat, tibs, injera, and more. Be sure to enjoy those spiced and sizable servings with traditional honey wine. This is an excellent food option for vegetarians and vegans as there are many flavorful plant-based dishes to nosh on.
- Location: 389 Centre St, Boston, MA 02130
- Owner: Rob Eugene, formerly Yosef Haile
- Phone Number: (617) 522-6453
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Menu Spotlight: Honey wine, lentil sambosas, veggie combo
- Before You Go: This establishment is closed on Mondays.
Hunter’s Kitchen & Bar
This spot, helmed by Food Network star Lambert Givens, offers Southern-inspired soul food that’ll stick to your ribs. Chicken and waffles are served for brunch and dinner. Other classics on the menu include country-fried steak and shrimp and grits. If you partake in alcohol, the cocktail menu offers many refreshing combinations with familiar flavors.
- Location: 110 Dorchester St, Boston, MA 02127
- Owner: Chef Lambert Givens
- Phone Number: (617) 221-4200
- Type of Cuisine: Soul food
- Menu Spotlight: Lambo’s Gumbo
- Before You Go: Check this place out for the live music.
Savvor Restaurant And Lounge
Savvor Restaurant And Lounge blend flavors of the Caribbean and American South. Enjoy well-portioned, flavorful bites in an atmosphere perfect for a night out. Diners love the lounge/nightclub atmosphere, particularly during the weekends.
- Location: 180 Lincoln St, Boston, MA 02111
- Owner: Francois Eddy Firmin
- Phone Number: (857) 250-2165
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Wings (jerk spice, lemon pepper, mango jerk, lemon pepper jerk honey BBQ, jerk, or spicy tamarind)
- Before You Go: Check this establishment’s Instagram account for details on its forthcoming events.
Shea Butter Smoothies
When you’re craving a healthy treat, this smoothie spot is sure to get you right. On the menu are vibrant and nutritious fruit and protein smoothies, as well as smoothie bowls, refreshers, fresh pressed juices, and more.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Owner: Shary Browne
- Phone Number: (617) 922-7919 for the Jamaican Plain location, (617) 922-2181 for the Dorchester location
- Type of Cuisine: Smoothies/Healthy
- Menu Spotlight: The Brownestone smoothie
- Before You Go: Both locations are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., except for Sundays when doors close at 6 p.m.
Auntie Vie’s Restaurant And Bakery
This family-run establishment is the namesake of the matriarch who formerly helmed it. On the menu are cakes of all kinds with Caribbean inspiration, flavors, and flair. You’ll find something here whether you’re hoping to score a sweet treat or savory bite.
- Location: 554 Dudley St, Dorchester, MA 02125
- Owner: The family of Violet Francis
- Phone Number: (617) 708-0013
- Type of Cuisine: Caribbean
- Menu Spotlight: Lemon cake
- Before You Go: Try something new – this establishment offers “a taste of Montserrat cuisine.”
D Coal Pot
This is arguably the best spot in Boston for Trinidadian food. From flavorful roti to mouthwatering doubles, every bite transports you straight to Trinidad. The authentic flavors are unforgettable, making this a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
- Location: 984 Hyde Park Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136
- Owner: Allan Ramdial
- Phone Number: (857) 345-9512
- Type of Cuisine: Trinidadian
- Menu Spotlight: Roti, doubles
- Before You Go: This is more of a take-out spot than a sit-in restaurant.
Comfort Kitchen
A list of Black-owned restaurants in Boston would not be completed without mentioning Comfort Kitchen, which is also one of the best restaurants in the city. Since opening in 2023, the establishment has quickly built a reputation for its mouthwatering fusion of global flavors, including those from across the African Diaspora, Asia, and the Americas.
- Location: 611 Columbia Rd, Dorchester, MA 02125
- Co-owners: Biplaw Rai, Chef Kwasi Kwaa, and their wives Nyacko Pearl Perry and Rita Ferreira
- Phone Number: (617) 329-6910
- Type of Cuisine: Global
- Menu Spotlight: Plantain pancakes, okra
- Before You Go: This establishment is only open for dinner and weekend brunch.
Boston is home to much more than historic tea parties. With your support, the Black-owned restaurant community in this historic Northeastern city will continue to blossom. The Black-owned restaurants in Boston offer Caribbean fare, in addition to a sizable variety of other cuisines. Including some of the best bites in the city, these establishments are charting a new history and legacy in Beantown.
