By Kysha Harris @SCHOPgirl
Everyone knows New York City is called the melting pot. It is a rich mix of cultures, flavors, people and tastes that have converged on a relatively small patch of land. Harlem is no exception. However, what is unique about Harlem, more specifically the 15-block stretch on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, also known as the Gateway to Harlem, is the number of world foods that live in our community.
So let’s take a trip around the world on Harlem Gateway International, Flight #008. No, put that passport away. You just need your shades and a little pop in your step because we are gonna stroll 8th Ave’!
The travel itinerary: start in these United States, cross over into Africa, cut a left to Europe, sidestep to the Middle East and a jaywalking finish to Japan. Let’s ride…
AMERICA
5 and Diamond 2072 Frederick Douglass Blvd 917 860 4444 www.5anddiamondrestaurant.com
Alluring and slightly unassuming from the outside, this intimate fine dining space offers world cuisine that reflects and pays homage to the diverse Harlem community. Happy Hour specials and $20 prix-fixe brunch might pull you in too!
67 Orange Street 2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 662 2030 www.67orangestreet.com
Named in tribute for the address of the 19th century’s Almack’s, one of New York City’s first black-owned bars, this stylish lounge defines the Harlem cocktail. Try its signature Orange Street or the knowledge-dropping Emancipation. Some pretty wicked bar food too!
Harlem Food Bar 2100 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 222 9570 www.hfbnyc.com
This convivial hang out, birthed by an East Harlem restaurateur, screams fun! The bright colors of the pop art wall and furniture bring a smile to your face while enjoying freshly prepared modern Americana fare.
Harlem Tavern 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 866 4500 www.harlemtavern.com
Once a long time car repair shop, the space on 116th St was converted to an indoor/outdoor sports bar and restaurant. Join your crew on game night for a pint and some Harlem-style cheering and jeering!
Melba’s 300 W 114th St 212 864 7777 www.melbasrestaurant.com
The niece of the legendary Sylvia Woods, Melba knows good cooking. She puts chic on the soul tradition with her short ribs and turkey meatloaf. Imbibe with live music, open-mic night or a deejay. It’s always a happy hour at Melba’s.
Levain Bakery 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd 646 455 0952 www.levainbakery.com
The NYC famous meal-of-a-cookie comes to Harlem. Find all of your favorite cookies plus scones, brioche, sticky buns and cake. Their “10026” zip code tees are pretty cool too!
Lee Lee’s Bakery 283 W 118th St 917 493 6633 www.leeleesrugelach.com
Mr. Lee makes rugelach that will rival your favorite bubbe’s! If the timing is right and you are lucky enough to catch it hot out of the oven, you will declare it a mitzvah before the second bite.
SENEGAL
Africa Kine Restaurant 256 W 116th St 212 666 9400 www.africakinerestaurant.com
This eatery welcomes you to Senegal. It was one of the first Senegalese restaurants on 116th St, the hub of Harlem’s West African community. First bite? Try the national dish, Thiebou Djeun, “fish and rice.”
ETHIOPIA 2084 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 662 0620 www.zomanyc.com
The exotic spices of Ethiopia fill the air here where dishes like doro alitcha (chicken stew), yebe alitcha (marinated lamb) and an assortment of veggie platters are must-tries.
GERMANY
Bier International 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 280 0944 www.bierinternational.com
If beer is your weakness, stay far away from Harlem’s first Biergarten. Only the authentic international sausage menu matches the vast menu of international beers. Plus Bier’s annual Oktoberfest is not to be missed!
FRANCE
Les Ambassades 2200 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 666 0078 www.patisseriedesambassades.com
Paris meets Senegal in this newly renovated bakery and café serving buttery croissants, baguettes, and tasty French pastries plus a full menu of French Moroccan and Vietnamese inspired foods. Head east to their Lenox Ave location to add a full bar and DJ to the mix! Merci beaucoup!
Frederick’s 2104 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 222 0075
Named in honor of the man of the boulevard, this reincarnated petite modern café bistro serves up coffee, pastries and light fare. The flood of daylight from its corner location will inspire Douglass’ greatness.
Cedric 185 St. Nicholas Ave 212 866 7766 www.cedricbistro.com
Perched on the corner of 119th St and Harlem’s historic St. Nicholas Ave, the vibrant red-awning on the outside of this French bistro signals the beginning of a joie de vivre experience to be had inside.
ITALY
Vinateria 2211 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 662 VINA (8462) www.vinaterianyc.com
The rebirth of the Harlem wine bar sits on the corner of W 119th St like the bow of a grey steamship. A modern sustainably built restaurant, Vinateria offers small, medium and large seasonal plates and curated wines and spirits from small craft producers. Whether Italy or Spain is your culinary port of call, the S.S. Vinateria is taking passengers!
Lido Harlem 2168 Frederick Douglass Blvd 646 490 8575 www.lidoharlem.com
This former tire repair shop transformed into an Italian respite, channeling gentle breezes from the Adriatic Sea. Go for a crostino and a glass of Prosecco at the bar, stay for the gnocchi and seasonal specials. That’s amoré!
Bad Horse Pizza 2222 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 749 1258
When you’ve had a “bad” day and all you need to make it better is a good thin crust pizza and a beer, it’s Bad Horse to the rescue.
ISRAEL
Silvana 300 W 116th St 646 692 4935
The owners of Yatenga and Shrine have opened this new eatery, café and lounge off Frederick Douglass Blvd. Inexpensive and well-prepared Isreali foods like falafel and shawarma are easy choices. The downstairs lounge makes you feel like you’re in a Paris speakeasy.
TURKEY
Savann 2280 Frederick Douglass Blvd
This formerly Upper West Side eatery moved to Harlem recently to offer the neighborhood its first Turkish restaurant. Think foods on a stick, kebab, fresh salads and other Mediterranean fare. Here’s to growing our palates! Welcome to Harlem Savann!
INDIA
Maharaja Palace 2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd 212 222 8934
The new kid on the block serves all of your favorite dishes. Eat in, take out, have it delivered. There is also an Early Bird Special for $12.95 that could become your Mississippi Masala. Woof!
JAPAN
Jado Sushi 2118 Frederick Douglasss Blvd 212 866 2118 www.jadosushi.com
If you are anywhere on the spectrum of a sushi eater – from I’ll try it to I live for it – you know not to trust just any old spot. It must be quality, it must be fresh, it must be delicious. Well, check, check and check! Sushi is in Harlem!