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

Edgar A.

Nothing like a good old trip to Harlem to get some good food on Valentine's Day! My wife made reservations for us a few weeks before. We got an early reservation which worked out well because the wait to get seated was very short. The restaurant advertised a prix fixe menu. But instead it looks like everyone got à la carte. To be honest it worked out pretty well for us because we really did want to try a lot of the food already on the original menu. The server took our order pretty quickly, and not long after our drinks and food started to come in. We loved everything except the fish soup. The vibes in the place were very good. We already enjoyed the music they were streaming throughout the event. And the place didn't feel too loud where we couldn't speak. I also love how they decorated the venue for Valentine's Day with balloons and all other types of cute things. An unexpected bonus surprise about the place is that they also do hookah! Would highly recommend people make the trip the Harlem to eat here.

Prudence M.

NO HEAT! Last night it was FIVE degrees in New York City. The wind chill factor made it feel like 15 below zero. This isn't a weather report- but Native Harlem had NO HEAT on. In fact, it felt like the AC was blowing. I had to eat with my coat on so as not to disrupt my cousin's birthday dinner by walking out. Imagine coming inside from the cold to sit in the cold.... Our waitress China did her best, but my food eventually came out cold. The fried snapper was good though, once I received a hot dish. The rice and peas were also good. Everyone at the table felt the drinks were subpar. Someone in the party spoke to a manager about it, but I wasn't privy to the conversation. I could say more, but the last thing I'll say is the ladies bathroom was filthy. Native Harlem needs to get it together. Wait- I have to add that they do not do individual bills for tables.. They take up to three credit cards per table and the amount that is charged on the cards are split evenly between each card (whether you give 2 or 3 cards, it doesn't matter).

Unique B.

We came to hangout and check out the restaurant for the first time. Loved the decor, perfect for social media . The restaurant is very spacious and had a nice vibe. The restaurant wasn't crowded we had to hunt her down to order another drink. They had a dj playing good music as well . I was told it turns into a party type vibe after 7 or 8pm. We ordered a few dishes from the happy hour menu and had drinks . flavors of the food was on point and drinks were made perfectly. Why I can't give 5 stars: our reservation was made to celebrate my birthday and instead of the server letting someone know that they charge you $12 for the birthday slice in advance (which most places comp the birthday favor) they did not. My surprised appreciation of the gesture turned into to disappointment on the servers part. If we knew you were going to charge, then let us pick what we wanted . That left a greedy taste in my mouth. This established also is a auto gratuity business which means in my experience because you'retipping anyways the service is not always the best or they're just trying run the bill up.. Maybe on a different visit, I'll have a better experience

Michael N.

Excellent experience... the food was amazing, the ambience is pretty good and the drinks were ! The service could have been better at the beginning but my waitress was cool. I will definitely be back soon!

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.

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.

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

When my friend told me she was at brunch at Natives, i said why not. I'm from the area and wanted something local with bottomless drinks for my mother. The service isn't what it should be, and that's on young staff management. I had situation with our bottomless mimosa, within 90 mins i only was served 1 craft, diabolical. After a convo with the manager, he corrected the situation. Food was A-1, my mother is a big critic so i wanted to see hat she said. I had the shrimp and grits and she had the jollof rice with red snapper. We also stared with some wings that was too spicy for her, but was ok with me. The drinks was strong, but slow. The atmosphere was great, the decor, ambience , the live musicians, it was really a treat in Harlem. I would recommend this place place first sure, it has a good blend of urban Harlem African culture.

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.

Pamela P.

My reservation was for 6:00 pm. When I got there several people were waiting to be seated including me and my daughter. It's Mother's Day and Native Harlem is packed with good folks wanting to celebrate mom. My daughter went up to the hostess desk and told her the name on the reservation. The hostess said they are cleaning a table and we'll be seated shortly. 15 minutes later we're still waiting for our table. That's not a good start for me. We were seated at 6:30. I spoke to someone at the front desk about the lie they told. We came in they asked for the name on the reservation. They told us they were cleaning off the table Apparently it took them more than 20 minutes to clean off a table for two guests. Finally, we were seated. Grateful we didn't wait long for a server to come to our table. She introduced herself very politely but professionally too. As we acclimated ourselves to the lighting of the restaurant I looked around to see the decor. I like what I saw. The colors of the restaurant are black, grey and highlights of gold. Also it seemed like there were highlights of a beautiful purple, too. What distinguishes this restaurant from others is definitely the decor: golden African masks were on the walls along with pictures of African motifs. The display of the motifs were generated by a computer so the colors of the masks were distinctly beautiful. It seemed to me like I was in a modern African museum that serves food and drinks. I ordered a glass of Tintana rose and my daughter ordered a Native Punch which is beautiful to look at and is tasty. Tiffany, my daughter let me have a little taste. While we were waiting to order appetizers and our dinner we were entertained by live music. There is a large stage and a saxophonist playing beautifully. He moved around the stage to different tables that are strategically placed around the stage. He serenaded some people at their tables but when he came to my table I missed him playing to us. I was too busy checking out the decor. It is that beautiful and exceptional. The saxophonist played tunes Kenny G style and other songs that made you feel good. He is a good musician with knowledge of different romantic songs and smooth jazz type songs too. It was great. Finally our food arrived, appetizers first then about 10 minutes later dinner was served. I ordered oxtails and Tiff ordered lamb chops. Well, for the next 15 minutes all was quiet at my table because Tiff and I were totally enjoying our meal. The food was delicious. All together we ordered salmon tacos, BBq wings(appetizers), oxtails and lamb chops. And I can we were both completely satisfied with our food and drinks. It was an excellent dining experience. The server, the food, music and decor made our dining experience a wonderful Mother's Day celebration. It was so great I dismissed the less than professional manner of the hostess. Another great idea is a wall located across from the front desk that is beautiful decorated with flowers the color of the restaurant that is use to take pictures. Native Harlem located in the Magic Johnson complex, 2nd floor is a five star restaurant.