From the suya, our fathers brought home after long days in West Africa to raw, plant-based meals crafted with care to fine dining experiences complete with three-course menus and smooth jazz on the side, Philadelphia’s Black-owned restaurants offer something for every palate. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia, flavor, or a fresh take on tradition, these spots serve up quality meals made with the freshest ingredients and plenty of heart.
For these restaurants, making tasty meals is one of the many services they offer. Beyond cheesesteaks and pretzels lies the need to remind customers of a time, a place and a people. One could say that these thriving food businesses scattered across Philadelphia are the evidence of cultures that have now become reminders of migration, settlement and home. The ambiance, aroma and taste transport diners from the coasts of West Africa and the shores of the Caribeans to the modern day black community of America.
Philly’s black restaurants is a thrilling adventure in itself and here are some spots to begin your journey:
Suya Suya West African Grill
Suya Suya brings Nigeria’s street flavors to life, offering classics like akara and suya alongside celebratory dishes like jollof rice, egusi soup served with staples like fufu.
A plate of jollof rice, plantain, and chicken suya, preceded by Nigerian snacks like kuli kuli, meat pie, fish pie, chin chin, or small chops for appetizers, ranges from $17 and $29.50. So, when next you feel homesick and consider getting on the next plane to Nigeria, take a quick swerve to one of Suya Suya’s spots and binge on a bowl of their nostalgic skewers as you trade childhood memories with anyone back home over a video call. And if you are a Philly local curious about Nigerian cuisine, this is a perfect entry point. A plate of fried plantain, suya, or akara will be a good place to start. One bite is all it takes to get why Nigerians celebrate and defend these dishes like diamonds (because they just are!).
Location: 400 Fairmount Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123 and 177 City Avenue, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Booker’s Restaurant & Bar
Tucked in the heart of West Philly, Booker’s Restaurant & Bar delivers soul food with style. This family-owned spot blends Southern comfort with a refined dining experience; velvet booths, vintage mirrors, and live jazz set the mood, but the food is the main event.
The dinner menu offers hearty, soulful favorites with thoughtful flair. Start with the deviled eggs or Thai wings for $10 and $16 respectively. Mains like the Southern fried chicken ($26), Spicy Mango salmon ($32), and fried shrimp ($23) bring familiar flavors to the forefront, plated with finesse. There is a place for Vegetarians at the table with the black-eyed pea hummus as starters ($15) or the vegan option Crispy brussel sprouts ($23) preceding a filling plate of Creole Vegan Jambalaya that costs $20.
With entrées mostly ranging between $20 and $35, Booker’s makes it easy to indulge. Add a cocktail or glass of wine, and you’ve got a meal that’s both elevated and deeply nostalgic.
Location: 5021 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
South Jazz Kitchen
This Black-owned jazz club and Southern kitchen in Philly offers more than just a meal. It delivers a full-bodied experience rooted in Black culture and comfort. With smooth live jazz flowing from the stage and soul-satisfying dishes hitting the table, South is both a tribute to tradition and a modern dining destination.
The dinner menu blends Southern staples with thoughtful creativity. Start with Creole-seasoned gumbo ($16) or smoked wings drizzled in hot honey ($17). Signature mains like the buttermilk fried chicken with hot honey drizzle with smoked turkey, sweet potato gratin & a freshly-baked buttermilk biscuit ($25), Honey Thyme Lamb chops served with garlic green beans and Moroccan rice pilaf ($42), or the Island Spiced Salmon with Mango Essence pack bold flavor in every bite. You’ll also find sides worth savoring such as southern red rice, smoked turkey collards, and broccolini.
South’s atmosphere; chic, warm, and humming with live jazz; feels like a Harlem Renaissance supper club reimagined for today. Perfect for date night, special occasions, or anyone craving a taste of Southern hospitality with a side of saxophone.
Location: 600 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA, 19130
All the Way Live Café
All the Way Live Café is redefining soul food—no meat, no dairy, no compromise. It’s a plant-based spot in Germantown that brings wellness to the forefront without losing cultural flavor. The menu is raw, vegan, and deeply rooted in tradition, serving nutrient-dense dishes that celebrate health and heritage in equal measure.
Their signature Nutmeat swap beef for a seasoned walnut blended with onions and savory herbs. The Forbidden Black Rice served with kale, fresh vegetables, herbs, and burdock root is a must try. You’ll also find veggie based lasagna, Spaghetti made with homemade tomato sauce, sea moss smoothies, and desserts like their Apple Cake, Young Coconut Berry Cream Pie and Vanilla Ice Cream made with coconut milk and fresh vanilla.
Prices range from as low as $9 to $30, making clean eating both accessible and satisfying. Whether you’re plant-based or just curious, All the Way Live Café is proof that soul food can nourish the body and honor the culture.
Location: 6108 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19144
These eateries are undoubtedly excellent dining options and contribute to the unique character of Philadelphia. They reflect the city’s diversity, its roots, and its appetite for something real and nostalgic. So, whether you are craving a new take on plant-based soul food, the comforting Southern cuisine with jazz notes to ease your tense bones, or the fiery heat of suya, these restaurants provide a full plate and a remedy for homesickness.
