It’s no secret that Los Angeles is a hub for creativity and culture and a melting pot for cuisine, as evident by what you will stumble upon in LA. But what LA uniquely has on its dining scene is a celebration of passion and resiliency among Black restaurants. Many cities nationwide are experiencing a revolution among Black restaurateurs who are breaking barriers and occupying restaurants, food trucks, and cafes in neighborhoods that historically haven’t seen them.
But then there’s LA, a city where some Black-owned restaurants date as far back as 1939 — a time when Black people in America barely had the right to vote. Some of these restaurants are still standing today. There’s also a beautiful mix of new restaurants popping up that celebrate the intersection of the African Diaspora from the Caribbean to the Motherland, the American South, and even the West.
Travel Noire has curated a list of some of the best Black-owned restaurants in LA. From mouth-watering barbecue to the finest vegan goodness, LA has it all.
Bludso’s BBQ
Kevin Bludso is an award-winning chef whose road to iconic barbecue in Southern California and Australia is a product of his parents keeping him busy and out of trouble in the summer. Chef Bludso was born and raised in Compton, California, by a Black Panther–supporting mother and a police officer father. His parents sent him to his grandmother’s in Corsicana, Texas, during the summer months, where he learned the art of Texas barbecue by working in his grandmother’s pits at her barbecue stand. In 2008, he opened Bludso’s BBQ, a small walk-up stand in the heart of Compton. His parents’ mission paid off. He has multiple locations in California, Texas, and Australia.
- Locations: La Brea, Santa Monica, Van Nuys
- Owner: Chef Kevin Bludso
- Type of Cuisine: Texan Cuisine
- Menu Spotlight: Dinosaur Beef Rib, Brisket, Fried Okra
- Before you go: Vegetarian options are available.
Earle’s on Crenshaw
Brothers Cary and Duane Earle brought their New York City roots to California by opening Earle’s Weiners, a hot dog restaurant on Crenshaw Blvd, in May 1992. They remained there for 16 years. In 2017, they moved to their current location in Crenshaw Square, where it’s now known as Earle’s on Crenshaw. The brothers have a beautiful story that details the evolution from a hot dog cart to a full-scale catering company and restaurant over the course of 30-plus years.
- Location: Crenshaw Square
- Owners: Cary and Duane Earle
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Jumbo Kosher Beef Dog, Turkey Dog, Chicken Link
- Before you go: Does not accept reservations. Serves vegan dishes. Closed on Sundays.
Harold & Belle’s
When Harold Legaux Sr. opened Harold & Belle’s in 1969, the menu only consisted of po-boy sandwiches, red beans & rice, and filé gumbo. The gumbo was only served on Fridays, as Harold Sr. only wanted a chill spot for his friends from New Orleans to kick back and play pool. Today, under his son and wife’s ownership, the restaurant is a favorite for sophisticated dining full of soul in LA. As everyone knows, there’s no cuisine in the world like New Orleans, and people in LA don’t have to go to the other LA to experience it. Harold & Belle’s is a soulful experience of New Orleans with a Creole backdrop. It’s the perfect restaurant to experience the goodness found in New Orleans.
- Location: Jefferson Park/Crenshaw
- Owner: Ryan Legaux (third generation of the Legauxs)
- Type of Cuisine: Southern, Creole
- Menu Spotlight: Catfish platters, Po’Boys, Shrimp Etouffée
- Before you go: The restaurant accepts reservations.
House of Hawkins Burgers
If the walls could talk at House of Hawkins, you may be there for a while. What appears as a pastel yellow home in Los Angeles’s Watts neighborhood is a restaurant that is more than what meets the eye. It’s one of the best places in LA for a burger and a community staple rooted in history.
James Henry Hawkins and his father moved from Arkansas to the Watts neighborhood during the Second Great Migration, which brought African Americans from the South to the West. Hawkins’ dad opened Hawkins House of Burgers in 1939. It started as a hamburger stand and later became a burger restaurant with indoor seating.
Located in the Watts neighborhood, Hawkins House of Burgers is the go-to Black-owned burger joint in Los Angeles. The outside counter service restaurant has been an LA staple for over 80 years, and people keep coming back for more. Their burgers are fresh, never frozen, and the restaurant’s staff showcase how to create the perfect burger year after year.
- Location: Watts Neighborhood
- Owner: Cynthia Hawkins
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Classic Fat and Classic Jr. Burgers, The Whipper
- Before you go: The restaurant does not accept reservations, but you can order takeout.
Lou, The French on the Block
The bakery’s name tells the story of how Chef Laurent “Lou” got started. When he arrived in LA in 2012, he wanted to introduce his French culture and background to the American West. In 2016, his dream came to fruition, and he opened his own French patisserie and coffee shop called Lou The French On The Block in the Burbank, Toluca Lake area.
Chef Lou takes pride in his Parisian roots. At his cafe, he’s approachable and inviting, which is why he shares his French heritage through delectable pastries, sandwiches, and cakes.
- Location: Burbank
- Owner: Chef Laurent “Lou”
- Type of Cuisine: French
- Menu Spotlight: Quiche and Croissants
- Before you go: Hours are limited. Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
Merkato Restaurant
You might recognize Merkato from HBO’s smash hit Insecure, where Issa and Molly chat in the pilot episode. You may also recognize it from your other favorite celebrities, including Erykah Badu, Jidenna, Stevie Wonder, Dave Chappelle, and the late Nipsey Hussle. It’s a favorite among the stars and locals alike, where they come in and get a taste of East Africa.
What’s great about Merkato is that even with celebrity recognition, it’s a modest restaurant that makes everyone feel special and right at home. It’s quality food for a great price.
- Location: Mid-Wilshire (Little Ethiopia)
- Owners: Aki and David
- Type of Cuisine: Ethiopian
- Menu Spotlight: Veggie Combo and Yedoro Tibbs
- Before you go: The restaurant accepts reservations. Vegan options are available.
My 2 Cents LA
My 2 Cents LA is the brainchild of Chef Alysa Reynolds. The James Beard-nominated restaurant is an elaborate spin on elevated southern cuisine. Reynolds’ heritage influences the menu, as her ties are deeply rooted in the South. Dishes you will find on the menu include catfish tacos, fried green tomatoes, and grilled pork chop. Chef Reynolds’ soul food with a twist has caught the attention of travelers, locals, and celebrities. The chef has served A-listers, including ASAP Rocky, Lena Waithe, and former U.S. President Barack Obama.
- Location: Mid-City
- Owner: Chef Alysa Reynolds
- Type of Cuisine: Southern
- Menu Spotlight: Shrimp n’ Grits and the sides, including Fried Green Tomatoes and Gries (Grit Fries)
- Before you go: Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Poppy + Rose
Husband-wife duo Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed founded Poppy + Rose in 2014. They serve seasonal, elevated country kitchen-style comfort food.
Since its founding, the Reeds have collected an impressive number of accolades and bragging rights, including “Best Breakfast in LA,” “Best Chicken & Waffles in LA,” and “Best Chicken Sandwich in LA.”
Even with its recognition, Poppy + Rose is an unpretentious environment where people leave happy. The owners wouldn’t have it any other way, as brunch is served in a relaxed, floral-theme atmosphere.
- Location: Historic Downtown LA Flower Market
- Owners: Chef Michael Reed and Kwini Reed
- Type of Cuisine: Southern
- Menu Spotlight: Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp n’ Grits
- Before you go: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations accepted.
RibTown
If you’re looking for authentic, pit-smoked barbecue, look no further than RibTown. The owner and pitmaster, Lonnie Edwards, has been perfecting the art of barbecuing since he was 10 years old. Now, RibTown is his pride and joy, serving up plates of savory, unforgettable goodness every day in LA. Top picks from the RibTown menu are the hot link sandwich, rib plate, and combo plate for a little bit of everything.
- Location: Jefferson Park
- Owner: Lonnie Edwards
- Type of Cuisine: American, Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: Combo Plate
- Before you go: Sells until the food runs out.
Say Cheese
It’s very rare to find what Say Cheese owner Glenn Harrell is serving. For over 36 years, Say Cheese has been on a mission to deliver the Silverlake community some of the best sandwiches, chocolate, cheese, and champagne.
The café has it all, as it mixes old-world charm in an elegant fashion. Owner and connoisseur Glenn Harrell collects the finest in edible fare — cheeses, chocolates, champagnes, and more — and then brings it to one location. Say Cheese has proven to be the perfect fit for any destination.
- Location: Silver Park
- Owner: Glenn Harrell
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Say Cheese Clubhouse
- Before you go: Vegetarian options available.
Two Hommès
Unless you’re in the know or plugged in with a local, Two Hommès may slip under the radar. Pronounced “home-ays,” Two Hommès is located in Inglewood and is known for what the co-founders call “Afro-centric” offerings.
Lifelong LA natives and friends Yaw Marcus Yaw Johnson and Abdoulaye Balde started the concept in June 2020. By 2022, word of their explosive flavors got around, allowing them to transition into its first brick-and-mortar in 2022.
The restaurant has a unique concept. The menu reflects the co-founders’ upbringing, blending West African flavors with California’s love and ingredients.
- Location: Inglewood
- Owners: Yaw Marcus Yaw Johnson and Abdoulaye Balde
- Type of Cuisine: West African and American fusion
- Menu Spotlight: Passionfruit Ceviche, Honey Berbere Chicken Bites, Root Beer Braised Short Rib with Whipped Yams, Brunch Biscuits
- Before you go: Vegetarian options available. Reservations are highly encouraged.
Eating at a Black-owned restaurant on this list in Los Angeles is two-fold. First, it celebrates the Black restaurant owners who paved the way during a time in America’s history when they were barely given rights and opportunities to own land. It’s also a celebration of the tenacity of these restaurants that have been passed down generations, all while honoring how they have inspired the next wave of Black-owned restaurants. During your visit, be sure to check out Travel Noire’s travel guide on visiting Los Angeles.