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Native Harlem

3.6 (103 reviews)
Closed • 12:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

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NATIVE HARLEM ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Classy
Upscale
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Native Harlem

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Steve P.

This is a hidden gem! I totally enjoyed the vibes on Sunday for brunch. The host was professional helped with seating. The bartender was serving up great drinks and the food was delicious. Would definitely go back when in town again

Virginia P.

Food and drinks were very good - compliments to the chef. The server was excellent and ambiance was calming and serene. The restaurant is family friendly. The prices were reasonable. I would recommend this restaurant.

Ogbono and Egusi Soup with Jollof Rice and Pounded Yam Sides
Ally L.

Quality: 9/10 food came out fresh, cooked well, and SO delicious. The Asun was our favorite. Variety: 8/10 there's a lot of choices of meat to vegetarian options and the dishes have a modern take to traditional African food which makes it easy to introduce to those who have never had African food before (me). Atmosphere/Cleanliness: 7/10 clean speakeasy aesthetic in the dining area, but the bathroom had no paper towels and 2/3 stalls had no toilet paper. Service: 7/10 not sure if we just came on a bad day, but the bartender showed up late and there was just one girl breaking a sweat taking orders, making drinks, and servicing tables. Price: $45/person including tax and tip (already included in the bill) They also have a little happy hour menu which is nice if you just want to grab a quick bite or drink at the bar.

David T.

Dope ass vibe!!!! Stumbled in on a Wednesday night & walked into Karaoke night!!! Issa vibe here frfr!! The hostess Alycia was nice, warm & welcoming!!! Beautiful staff in this African establishment in the 125th street area!!! This is definitely a grown & sexy spot! The bartenders Mia & Sedahri Issa vibe!!! I will be back soon!!! Being a Harlem native this is dope for the neighborhood!!! Thanks again for the hospitality Mia!!!! Check her Wednesday nights and tell her King David sent ya!!!! Good vibes up in here!! The food menu looks gd too!! Will definitely come back to try! Ohhhh and they have hookah!!!

Cocktail
Savarra J.

Wings weren't my fave. Jollof with fish was delicious. It just happened to be a comedy show starting when we arrived.

Menu
Nia B.

This was my first time at Native. The ambience was nice. They had live entertainment. I gave 2 stars because the food was just ok. I had a pina colada, it wasn't the best. The wings were good, but the pasta was very spicy. The restaurant entrance was difficult to find. You have to go through the movie theatre entrance and upstairs. It was a lot , I ended up following other people, since I figured they wouldn't have on heels to go to the movies. It was cold inside. And the bathrooms were nasty.

Escovitch fish
Joannie B.

The decor and entertainment was on point. Dj was good as well. Fully stocked bar. Ample space to dine and have an event. Street parking a little rough to find. On the second floor of the Magic Johnson Theater. Ample IG worthy pics with with beautiful installations and backdrops. Food was ok. Drinks were ok. Staff was good.

Maronda H.

One of my favorite food places we ate in New York, Harlem. We were looking for a nice enjoyable place to come eat and drink while in Harlem. We stumbled upon this place called "Native Harlem." An African restaurant/lounge located upstairs by the movie theater. We had to wait for a minute while the lady at the front desk was taking a call. We were seated and the heat was heating up in here. We were about to hit the Exit and leave. But a kind young gentleman and the hostess came and escorted us quickly to a cooler side of the restaurant. Our hostess Rose was AMAZING. She laid out the V.I.P treatment for us Chi Town Natives. Her personality, Attentiveness and Conversation was everything. It was Happy Hour Time in the N.Y and we were ready to place our order. I ordered the 8-piece chicken wing, and my brother ordered the Salmon Fish Tacos. Everything was a 10/10. The atmosphere, the food and drinks were the BOMB. The interior decor had a beautiful bold and vibrant feeling that showcased its Africa Heritage. The music playlist was perfect and kept me jamming. I wish I could give this place more stars on my review. Sound out to Rose for the wonderful hospitality and showing us Love on our visit. Wish Native Harlem could bring some of their culture to Chicago. Hint Chicago Native

Shanta H.

If you're looking for the perfect addition to Harlem's vibrant cultural and culinary scene, look no further than Native Harlem. From the moment I walked through the door, I knew this place was something special. Let's start with the ambiance--because WOW. Before I could even process what the hostess was saying (yes, she was doing her job just fine), I was completely swept away by the decor. Native Harlem is an interior design dream--every detail felt intentional and elevated, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. Once I snapped out of my decor daze, I realized how incredible the staff was. Warm, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the experience they're helping create. They weren't just doing their jobs--they were hosting a vibe. Now for the food--listen, it was delicious. I dove into the appetizers so fast I forgot to take pictures (that should tell you everything). Every bite, from the starters to the entrees, hit the mark. The flavors were bold, comforting, and left me wanting more--but also satisfied. As if the food and atmosphere weren't enough, hookah was available, adding another layer to the loungey, laid-back energy. Then... boom--the entertainment started, and my jaw dropped again. There's a stage in the middle of the space, surrounded by seating, and on this night, the show kicked off with a talented acrobat whose energy lit up the room. And just when you think you've seen it all, in glides a stunning woman on stilts, dancing gracefully through the crowd like something out of a dream. Top. Tier. Vibes. It's been days since my visit and I'm still in awe. Native Harlem is more than just a restaurant--it's a full experience. Whether you're a local or visiting the area, this is one place you have to try. JUST GO. GO NOW. You will NOT be disappointed.

Devin T.

Upscale Restaurant In The Heart Of Harlem! I've been to Native In Brooklyn. This Is A BIGGER & BETTER Replica. Entrance is located inside of the Magic Johnson theater on the 2nd Floor. Came on a Saturday night around 10:30pm. No reservation or no tables were available so I had to go to the bar. Walking through the place it was beautiful. Nice decor & dim lights for a grown and sexy effect. They also had a stage for the musical performers & dancers that work there. The bar was crowded so I had to lock eyes with a bartender to place my order for a drink. The drink was in a huge glass unlike most places & it was worth the $17. I got lucky after waiting a while. I was able to get a seat at the bar and I ordered oxtails with rice and pea and veggies. No sooner than I ordered, my meal came out. Literally Maybe 5-10 minutes. No complaints because the food was HOT & I wanted to dig in ASAP. The oxtails were the absolute BOMB! They had a nice spice, very tinder and they put a good amount of gravy so that I could put it on my rice. The rice was great as well. It was Jamaican rice and peas. Not sure what the vegetable was but it was similar to collard greens that weren't cooked long. It tasted good as well. I most definitely will be returning. I hope this place keeps up the great service and continues to provides great quality.

Special Brunch Drink and sparkling water
Linda F.

I had a Birthday Brunch for my husband and a small gathering of family.First was the Amazing Awesome reception area which was decorated for the opportunity of taking photos the multiple decorated areas for different seating Excellence in the choices of the Brunch Menu the aroma of the restaurant made us select one of everything from the drink menu the selection was very hard to make a choice.The service was Tre Excellent the attentiveness and you didn't have to search for waitstaff it was definitely 5 stars And the presentation of the birthday cake and ice cream was a perfect touch I will definitely come back again and spread the word .

Nicole W.

This spot is looking to become the next hot spot of the summer. They have a mix of West Indian, American, & African cuisine. Very NY of them but amazing to be able to try something new. Reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED because this place was packed. The Calimari and Wings *chefs kiss* such a good taste. The drinks were okay....not as strong for the price point. Overall I'll be back again.

(top to bottom) Egusi, Jollof Spagetti, and Efo Riro
Bryan J.

This started off strong for us, and eventually fell apart due to slow service and poor operations. First, I'll say the decor, music, and layout was done really well. It was a vibe for sure. They used the space well. But when it took nearly 10 minutes after sitting down to get water, I wondered if that wait time would be a theme. Sadly it was because it was the last time I would get water for the next two hours. Our food took a long time to arrive. Once it did, I will say it was incredible. My date and I ordered some authentic Nigerian dishes, and they held up really well. We ordered the Jollof Spaghetti, Efo Riro, and the Egusi. We began to notice that the server was covering a lot of tables, so we couldn't blame her as she was spread too thin. There seemed to be a lot of other bus boys or guys walking around that could have been doing little things like filling people's waters. The whole dinner lasted 2 hours and much of that was waiting. Operationally they need some help and I hope they don't run into any deranged person who will just dine and dash.

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Ask the Community - Native Harlem

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Native Harlem - african - Updated May 2026

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