Native Harlem

African restaurant · Central Harlem

Native Harlem

African restaurant · Central Harlem

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2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027

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Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
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Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
Native Harlem by null
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Native Harlem by null
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Highlights

West African flavors, craft cocktails, live music & entertainment  

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2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027 Get directions

native125th.com
@native125th

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027 Get directions

+1 212 516 9475
native125th.com
@native125th

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 12, 2025

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@infatuation

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings - New York - The Infatuation

"Located in the same building as the Harlem AMC, Native 125th is a West African restaurant and lounge with vibrant decor and DJs at brunch. The menu features short rib suya, several different jollof variations, escovitch, egusi soup, and more." - will hartman, willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, sonal shah, bryan kim

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/new-nyc-restaurants-openings
View Postcard for Native Harlem

Daishana Powell

Google
when they first opened up this place at the specific location I wanted to go and then I kept seeing bad TikTok's so I wasn't in a rush to go. I went for the first time last week I believe and I went by myself. I wanna walk in. It was during the weekday so it wasn't that busy but anyway the hostess was really nice. I did wait about 20 minutes until someone came to my table, but that's probably because I thought I was waiting on someone so I wasn't upset about that. The DJ was amazing. The food was amazing. The drinks were amazing so amazing that I had to bring my sister, my cousin and my mom back a few days later and they loved it. there's a ton of opportunity for photos. They have live entertainment on weekends and security.

latoya thomas

Google
The place knows how to entertain and create an ambiance. We had a party of 7 and we made reservations and there is a grace period of 15 minutes for reservations. There is a dress code which is enforced so put a little effort into your presentation. There is live entertainment, music, and nice seating arrangements. The food is a little spicy but not overwhelming. I was underwhelmed with the Jollof Rice and the fried snapper but other menu items taste amazing. It’s a great experience for West African inspired Cuisine.

lauren francis

Google
Last night, my cousin invited me to join him for dinner at Native Harlem. He’s been several times and swears by it. We’ve both eaten at Native in Brooklyn and at Lagos in Times Square so I already knew the food and vibe would be good. But Native Harlem...It takes it to another level. The space is open and inviting. Cute seating. Bold, beautiful art installations that set the tone the moment you walk in. Our night started at the bar where Ryan, the bartender, greeted me with a smile and served up a strong Native Punch (aka rum punch). It hit just right. Once seated, I noticed the menu had even more variety than the other locations. We started with the jerk chicken wings and Suya beef. Fair warning: the suya is not for the faint of hear it’s spicy and bold, but the cool cabbage slaw on the side balances it out perfectly. For dinner, my cousin ordered the Egusi soup his favorite. I tried the Jollof spaghetti with chicken. I usually go for Jollof rice, but this twist did not disappoint. The flavors were on point. Everything was fresh, seasoned, and satisfying. Our waitress was sweet and attentive (wish I remembered her name!). We wanted to end the night with the rum cake, but sadly, it was sold out. Next time! Now… the vibe. The DJ kept the energy high with a mix of Afrobeats, Soca, Reggae and more. And the performances? Unexpected and electric. A woman on skates, a violinist weaving through the crowd, even a stilt walker. The entire place pulsed with culture and joy. And here’s where Native Harlem truly showed its heart. I accidentally left my wallet behind. The hostess and management went above and beyond used the reservation system to find my number, called me, and held it until I rushed back. Honest. Kind. Class acts. To the entire Native Harlem staff thank you. You made my night. I’ll definitely be back. And next time, I’m bringing the whole crew.

Edna Okang

Google
This was my first time at Native Harlem and everything was chef’s kiss! The food was absolutely amazing; so flavorful and well-prepared. The service was immaculate, and the staff made us feel really welcomed. The vibe was perfect…stylish, cozy, and full of good energy. They also had really good music. I’ll definitely be going back. Highly recommend if you’re looking for great food and an all-around top-tier experience!

J Ubiwa

Google
If you are influencer, the beautiful decor of this restaurant is for you. The staff is nice. The waiters are friendly. The chef/owner came out and spoke to all the Patrons. I was truly surprised the Restaurant is only a month old because it was packed. I tried the escovitch fish and jellof rice with goat cook in red stew. Many of the items we were interested in ordering were not available including the drinks, but maybe they were recovering from Easter weekend. I will return in the future, but try something different.

Tanaya Johnson

Google
I’m very hard to impress because my expectations are high but my experience was wonderful. I went to native to celebrate my daughter’s graduation and hand an amazing time. My waitress Toe over exceeding my expectations with Her welcoming energy, her presentation and the way she carried herself along with her work ethic was phenomenal. The food was great not a long wait at all. Pointer tip come early for the Mac because it was sold of kind of early but the rest of the food was so good it made up for it, so Thank you Toe for the outstanding customer service you provided I will be back !!!

F M

Google
Music: almost strictly aftobeats Recommended dishes: Jollof rice Egushi Stew Fish Tacos Myself and 4 other people went yesterday, which was a Thursday night. We got there around 7 and sat at the bar and had a few drinks while we waited for our table. The drinks the bartender made were good. It took a bit for our appetizers to arrive, but soon after or entrees arrived and every single thing was delicious Very diverse crowd of black people of all ages there. I’m not sure if you need to be 21, but they scan your idea before entering so bring some form of valid ID. The place is defiantly a vibe. We left around 10pm and the place was nearly full.

Dani's World

Google
I made a reservation to try this restaurant this past Sunday at 1:45 p.m. I am so happy I did. As a restaurant connoisseur, I must say Native exceeded my expectations. I was greeted by 2 beautiful melanated hostesses with a "Welcome home" which made me feel like I landed on the motherland. I ordered shrimp and grits which I appreciated for the grilled flavored seared into the shrimp and the thick richness of the grits. I ordered 2 cocktails and stayed longer than usual because the ambiance of the place has that effect on you --- from the soft, dim lighting and intentional African art pieces to the cultured sounds vibrating through the speakers --- a whole memorable experience was created. Native must remain a permanent staple in Harlem, to never lose its organic touch of West African cuisine.

John A.

Yelp
I love this place. The food is great, service is awesome. Then the host Sherene made us feel at home. She is amazing

Anthony S.

Yelp
Delicious food, EXCELLENT service. The hostess (Shereen) was 5 star quality, friendly and classy The decor of this location is second to none - seriously just beautiful. A real gem in Harlem. I'll be coming back soon!

Vincent D.

Yelp
Great service. Great food. Love the ambiance. Definitely coming back everytime I'm in NY.
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Tahirah R.

Yelp
So. Much. Fun. Went on a Sunday, around 630pm and there was already a decent crowd. The hostesses were very pleasant. The servers were also very pleasant. The vibe is upscale lounge, dark colors with neon lights. They had a DJ playing tunes. They also had a drummer walker around entertaining patrons as we ate. Around 730pm, a stage performer in the center of the restaurant performed on a hanging/spinning hoop. She was fantastic. I would go back just for the entertainment alone. For food I had the escovitch fish. Not my idea of escovitch but still really good. A whole red snapper deep fried and mostly deboned. I also had the mac n cheese which was fine. I'm not fond of the location, especially being inside the Magic Theater (no AC). But once in the restaurant you are transported!
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Lisa C.

Yelp
This was my 2nd time at Native. First visit they missed the mark as to a few things, but returned and let me tell you this was a top tier experience this 2nd go around. We had very attentive staff, from water staff to servers, and manager, Kwame, checking in. I am a foodie, who both cooks and and enjoys good food. While I have patronized many restaurants w/ good food it is SERVICE that secures a customer and personally makes me come back! Native excelled in this area. Food: Tried a few items. The salmon tacos were delicious and crips on the salmon was excellent. I had the snapper escovitch which was good but I do recommend a little more seasoning and pairing w/ a sauce in addition to the pickled onions/peppers. Also, I suggest that the fish is paired with a starch or sauteed veggies, other than the fried plantain strips which looked more garnish and of course was fried, so adding another texture to balance out the dish like a rice, potato/yam or sauteed veggies would have been a good balance. Drinks: Were good. I like the Essence of Existence...delicious especially if you like passion fruit. Entertainment: 10 out of 10. From aerial acts, dance troupes, drummers, etc. Ambiance: Great place to visit over all but certainly to celebrate a special occasion, bring out of town visitors, etc. This 2nd visit definitely hit the mark, made up for 1st visit and exceeded expectations. OVERALL. This is a spot I intend to visit at least monthly. Thank you all! [Sorry, no pics I was having too much fun dancing which apparently was contagious as others patrons joined me in dancing]
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Noreen G.

Yelp
Experience the vibrant flavors of West Africa in the heart of New York City! Come savor elegance and tradition on every plate. This restaurant is the definition of culture. From the absolutely delicious West African cuisine to the upscale lounge atmosphere, to the lively performances this has everything you need for a Friday night. You know a place is authentic when you see patrons of the same ethnicity. I absolutely love seeing the customers in their beautiful garments enjoying and sharing the culture they hold dear to their hearts. The live entertainment includes dancers, stilts, African drums and aerial shows that literally kept me for hours after my food was done. The hookah was smooth, the drinks were delicious and I'd deff recommend checking them out. So save this for your next night out and be sure to join me for more NYC Foodie Adventures Native Harlem 2319 Frederick Douglas Blvd, Harlem, NY 10027 @nativeharlem 21+ After 7pm Reservations recommended What We Had * 125th St Asun * Salmon Fish Tacos * Owambe Jollof Rice * Escovitch * Egusi Soup w/ Chicken * Pistacio Cake * Native Punch * Take Me Away * Harlem Lychee * Banana Fall on You #nyc #nycrestaurant #newnycrestaurant #westafrican #westafricanfood #NYCEats #WestAfricanCuisine #FineDining #upscaledining #upscalerestaurant #lounge #nyclounge #upscalelounge
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Letia C.

Yelp
Came here during the week for their happy hour. When you first walk inside the scenery is everything, the ambiance is amazing. Whoever was in charge of the decor did an amazing job. The host and servers were very friendly and welcoming. They offer Happy hour, prices are really good! Let's get to the nitty gritty, THE FOOD! Omg the food was so good! EVERYTHING from the apps to the entrees. I ordered the escovitch fish and my friend had the oxtails ! So freaking good!! However it is a bit pricey but it's so worth it. The server let us know on weekends they have dancers and Dj. They best part they offer hookah as well (only after 7pm on weekdays). Native also have a dress code, but that's only after 7pm on weekdays and weekends.
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Joannie B.

Yelp
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.
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Maronda H.

Yelp
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
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Shanta H.

Yelp
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.
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Devin T.

Yelp
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.
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Nicole W.

Yelp
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.
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Lyala H.

Yelp
The Rizz Harlem needed -- and then some! I'm such a sucker for ambiance, and this place delivers it in every way. First things first -- getting there is part of the experience. You actually enter through the movie theater and head up to the second floor. It gives the place an exclusive, almost hidden gem feel that adds to the excitement as you walk in. Once inside, you're immediately hit with a vibe that's effortlessly stylish and vibrant. The decor is on point -- unique, eye-catching art on the walls, crystal chandeliers sparkling overhead, and bold 3D wallpaper that gives every corner depth and personality. It's the kind of place where you'll want to take photos all night long -- whether it's date night or you're out with friends, every backdrop is Instagram-worthy. The energy is infectious. The music isn't just a side note -- it sets the whole mood. The DJ had us forgetting we were even there for dinner because the playlist made you want to get up and dance. R&B, Afrobeats, classics -- it's the perfect mix to keep the good vibes flowing. As for the food? So good. Every bite was flavorful and clearly crafted with care. The drinks deserve their own round of applause -- strong but smooth, creative, and beautifully served. From cocktails to the cuisine, everything hit the mark. All in all, its a full-on experience. Between the unique entrance, incredible ambiance, music, food, and that "can't stop smiling" energy -- I'll definitely be back. If you're looking for a spot in Harlem that has it all, this is the one.
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Toné S.

Yelp
Came for the first time. The ambiance of Native was not what I expected. The decor was beautiful from the moment we walked in. The vibe is elegant and mature. We went while happy hour was taking place. While the happy hour menu is not extensive, the options were tasty including the drinks. The service could have been better. Our waiter, whose name I did not get was not very attentive. Overall good time and I will return.
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Stacie J.

Yelp
Oh my days, this is my new favorite restaurant in Harlem! Such a great place for a girls dinner, solo evening, or date. EVERYTHING is beautiful from the decor, food/beverage presentation, place settings, people, etc! We started with cocktails, watermelon margarita please! Make sure to ask for your watermelon animal as a topper, I received a rhino! We shared the salmon fish tacos as an appetizer; 3 tacos stuffed with goodness. We both ordered the escovitch (snapper) served with rice, pickled vinegar sauce, and thinly sliced banana chips all served on a wooden plank. The best part of this experience was the service and the people. From the hostess kindly greeting us to my new favorite server named Itoro who provided amazing recommendations, the manager ensuring checking in to make sure everything was to our liking, and the attentive wait staff that wiped our table down each time they removed plates/glasses from the table. Please note, this is a very nice establishment and they want to keep this integrity within the brand, so there is a dress code. We made reservations on OpenTable, appropriate attire is explained, and you have to accept the dress code terms. On Saturday evenings they have live shows on the stage from circus-like performances to concerts. For those that are feeling fancy, Native provides a VIP room with couches to celebrate living life!
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Blaq D.

Yelp
Absolutely unimpressed. The ambience is beautiful, but the food is subpar. The DJ was great. I had the steak. Absolutely disgusting caps lock on disgusting The lobster mac & cheese have two pieces of lobster. And disgusting mac & cheese tasteless. We also have the spaghetti lobster shrimp. I just had 2 teaspoons of the spaghetti and I immediately put it down. Bland. I am so highly unimpressed. The waitress was really nice. So as far as the stars, I'll give it two stars because the ambience was good. And I had some strawberry margarita tequila, which was good. So that's why I'll give it to Star but honestly for the food I would give it one star. Absolutely would not come back for food.
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Giselle G.

Yelp
I was very excited about trying this restaurant for my friend's birthday dinner. First of all the bartender was amazing Jazz. Very nice and made great drink. I definitely recommend the bar. Then we were seated for dinner. This is where things took a turn for the worse. First our waitress was nice but she was the only person for a lot of tables. When we were seated it was a long time until she took our orders. Then the food came and it was good. But the portion of the fried calamari was very small. Then we ordered the suya and the powder which is part of the suya never came. We ordered our main course and this is where dinner took a turn for the worst. My friend ordered the stew and this dish comes with pounded yam but they brought out the stew with out the yams. So I'm not sure how that happened but we understand so we asked for the yams. This took about twenty minutes and when we complained to the manager he said he would tell the waitress. The waitress was bombarded and no one would bring the yams. My friend's food got cold waiting for her yams. Then when we told the manager he said he could wrap it up for her. Then we get the bill we had to wait another 45 minutes after we asked for the bill. When we check the bill they charged us for the suya powder which they never brought and for a cake which never came out.The manager came to say hello but he did not help us when we told him about the problems; he was nice but nice doesn't get the problem solved. He should have comped my friend's dinner and helped the waitress when we complained about the service. Also the cake came out when we were leaving and it was delicious. We order cheddar cheese for the burger and again this came out when the burger was already eaten. I believe the kitchen is downstairs and this might be the reason why there was such a delay but they need to figure out a better system because it is not working. The restaurant is beautiful and the food is good but the service is horrible and I can not recommend this restaurant. If you must go then go for happy hour and sit at the bar because Jazz was amazing.
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Jessica L.

Yelp
This place is great for entertainment. It is a great vibe feels like a nightclub. The music is really good (but LOUD)!! Overall the service was not great. They forgot to bring us a few items. We ordered appetizers and only got one of them. Also my friend ordered a side dish that never came. I have an issue with the jollof rice entree. It's best to order the rice with the protein so you feel like you have somewhat of a meal. If you just get the rice, you pay $18 for the same size as a side. They really need to improve that on their menu. If you're gonna offer the rice as an entrée, it needs to be bigger than what you would order as a side dish. It was eight dollars difference for the same size. Overall, the food was salty. I didn't enjoy it, but it was reasonably priced. So if you just wanna go out and have a good time and good vibes and you don't really care what you eat this is the perfect place The drinks were very, very sweet. At a place like this was such a beautiful ambience I was really hoping for good craft cocktails and good cuisine, but it is not if they had just gotten our order correct I would've given a better response. The waiters were not attentive. I never got my water refilled, even after I asked. I am hoping they improve because I would like to go back again hopefully for a nicer experience.
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Lasana A.

Yelp
Jaz my bartender, Sharene the serene hostess all provided impeccable and personable service. It made for a most enjoyable experience. Will, must return. The Ambience and the view was divine! One important point for information sake. Native is located on the second level of the Magic theatre complex. If you are familiar with Harlem you know where that is, otherwise you can get twisted trying to find it. Oh and the food is on point, and Happy hour is from 12pm-7pm. Good time, great place!
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Kunzang J.

Yelp
AAAAAhhhhhhhhhmazingggg!!! Ambiance, service, food, entertainment all 10 outta 10!! Will come back with friends and family.

Sir John B.

Yelp
LOOOOOVE YOU ESTABLISHING!!! WOW, such a breath of fresh air. Incredible job guys. Atmosphere, Ambience, 5 star hospitality. The VIBE tho. Makes me wanna move back to Harlem to capture some of this energy. If Joburg, Lagos and HARLEM had a baby. Boom Well done guys. (Also Kaydene is light ) Sir John
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DeVora A.

Yelp
Came here before they officially opened. They were having a Ghana Independence brunch day party and it was LIT! Food was really good and drinks were too. Music and dancer on the stage was DOPE. Looking forward to coming back.

Miss C.

Yelp
The Food is 9/10, Ambiance 8/10 , service 5/10. After your first round of drinks & entree good luck seeing your waiter / waitress. She left us at 9pm, we had to flag a manager at 9:52.

Justin W.

Yelp
Came to Native Harlem dressed in a clean, tasteful Luffy cosplay(after BKCC--vest closed, Banana Republic shorts, and definitely within bounds of a refined, creative style. The posted dress code says no hoodies, gym wear, flip-flops, etc.--none of which I had on. Still, I was denied entry. Meanwhile, someone in full sweat gear and a woman in a catsuit that barely covered half of her were allowed right in. So it's not really about the dress code--it's about who they feel like letting in. If a clean, stylish look inspired by anime gets denied but clear violations walk right in, that says more about inconsistency and bias (against black men no less) than "refined atmosphere." Do better.
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Just' C.

Yelp
Went here for the first time recently and the decor is beautiful. The menu and decor reminds me of Lagos down in Times Square. Not sure if it's a sister restaurant or not but either way it's a vibe in here. The smoked goat appetizer is the one! If you love spicy food order that! The oxtail was amazing and my date had the jollof with the beef and that was really good as well. Our drinks were strong just how we like them. A great time! Also they will id and pat you down at the door so leave your negativity and your gun at home!

Mary C.

Yelp
The food was great. Loved the ambience. Very great aesthetics. However, I went both Thursday and Sunday. Both days not packed at all. And consistently the service could have been better. Apps came out before drinks both times. No one came around to ask if we needed anything else after having our food. Sunday was probably worse. We wanted to stay longer but no one came by to ask if we wanted another round, or anything else. Took 30 mins for us to find someone to give us the check. I did expect better. Not sure if I'll recommend or return.
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Ashley S.

Yelp
Great ambiance, nice staff, but not my favorite cuisine! If I were to come back it would be because a friend wanted to, but not myself. I don't like the fact that hookah is available, as that is not pleasant.

Fred ..

Yelp
The music was way too loud to enjoy good conversation with your meal I hope that changes. We were a party of 2 and couldn't get seated because of reservations even though they had availability

Shawn G.

Yelp
Dining at Native restaurant in Harlem for the first time, I was so disappointed "Is an understatement, what a joke, I ordered the rum punch that needed much more rum and tasted noting like a Caribbean, I also ordered jerk wings that were Bunte and undercooked and tasted nothing like jerk wings, the season French fries was very salty, the prime rib sliders were over cooked and burnt and top it all off the food tucked 40to 45 minutes to come and the dessert also tucked 45 minutes rum cake dessert tasted like a really bad homemade bread top with rum, we as black business owners have to and much do better and please, please stop saying that you're an African and Caribbean restaurant? Jamerican isn't the only Island in the Caribbean.

Kannika K.

Yelp
My lunch Order of snapper and Jollof rice did not meet my high expectations. It was way too spicy and the rice was very undercooked. The skimpy two pieces of snapper was bland. For the take out set me back $36, which included 20 percent gratuity. Ambiance was an A.
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Dupe A.

Yelp
The food here is good; the service.... Not so much. You will ask for water no less than 4 times and will additionally have to pray for that question to be acknowledged.
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Quin M.

Yelp
I just came back into town and noticed a new restaurant has opened in Harlem, which is a popular tourist area. I called them after seeing a recent review where someone said they were turned away because of their appearance. When I asked, they told me there's a dress code--CHIC attire. They Should've definitely chose a different location. If you can't get in Native, go to the Renaissance hotel for a great drink with African American culture. The people there are pleasant and beautiful Honestly, they're likely to lose a lot of business with that policy. Tourists typically dress comfortably so they can explore and enjoy everything Harlem has to offer.

Keecha H.

Yelp
If you are pressed for time, this is no place for you to dine. We were the first to arrive for brunch on a Sunday. Upon arrival we were assured that the hour we had before getting to the airport would not present a challenge. They did not have half of the items in the menu. The Nigerian and Jamaican entrees for which they are themed were not available. Our server told us they only had two chefs for the day. After waiting for over an hour and seeing many other tables being served, we asked what the hold up was. A member of the culinary team and server were both of no assistance. As we walked out the door, the greeter was too in disbelief that we had gotten no food. My suggestion is that 1) you not dine here until they have had at least six months of operating time and 2) they need to simplify the BUSINESS model. They are trying to do more than they can be successful at. Let's see how long this lasts.

Tonja W.

Yelp
First let me say the food here is phenomenal! I first went to scope out the place for a birthday party reservation. I had the stew and rice. Great flavor, but the proportions per price was WAY off. There was a very small bowl of stew...slightly bigger cup than salad dressing container and a huge amount of rice. It should have been reversed. My cousin had fish tacos. They are good. Just shy of two weeks of opening, the bar choices were horrible. Of course they had the proverbial Hennessy, Duse, Don Julio and Casamigos, but they failed to have other bar staples. The area was sparce and lacked med-high quality establishment. The bartender was great. Next...Birthday Party of 10 (4 days later). Sat late and the waitress took a bit too long for the basics (water and drink order). Told Snapper takes 30 minutes. Why oh why? Waitress did not ask what temp people wanted for Salmon and failed to get the right temp for Lamb Chops. We actually had to summon a waiter (there were 10 of us and it was a nice crowd but not packed). Waitress never came back after food was delivered and overall, it was a lack of attentiveness. The show...The idealism and creativity are a great concept, however, the show was NOTHING like advertised on Instagram or Tik Tok. The dancers were absolutely gorgeous, however, there was no commitment to a show. It was very blah. Most people complain about the forced gratuity of 20%, but I do not. However, I do require better service for my money. I will definitely keep supporting so that they can get better, but they have 1 more try. All in all, I agreed to try the Times Square location for another shot.

James P.

Yelp
The ambience is gorgeous & the food delicious. the staff was nice and professional. I had the Jallof rice and red snapper, so flavorful.

LaDonna R.

Yelp
If I could give this place zero stars, I'd give it negative brunch points. Let me paint you a picture: It's noon. A party of five rolls in for what we hope will be a festive, soul-satisfying brunch. Two of us only have an hour--but that's okay, it's brunch, not a five-course tasting menu, right? Wrong. So wrong. We order apps, entrees, and food to go. No fancy drinks, just bottled water. We're told--surprise!--that most of the brunch menu is unavailable. No oxtails. No chicken and waffles. No reason to still be sitting there. But we're hopeful. We reorder. I settle for the basics: pancakes, eggs, bacon. How hard could that be? An entire hour goes by. Not a crumb on the table. Meanwhile, other diners who came after us are feasting like kings. Our table? Staring into the void. We finally ask what's up and are told: "We don't have staff. Dinner crew has to come in and help." Which is like ordering an Uber and being told your driver is flying in from a different time zone. Eventually--long after the two guests with actual lives leave--I receive my meal. And friends, it was a crime against breakfast. The pancakes? Not hot. Not fluffy. Just... cornbread hockey pucks. Thick enough to stop a bullet, bland enough to cure salt cravings. The butter tab didn't melt--it just sat there, looking as confused as I was. The eggs were sad, lukewarm, unseasoned crumbles of yellow disappointment. I asked for salt and pepper. The manager's response? "For what?" Ma'am. For food. For seasoning. For pretending this isn't the most disappointing $20 stack of regret I've ever encountered. I asked a waiter, too. He returned with hot sauce and a language barrier. We thanked him for his effort, but my eggs still needed CPR. By the time our entrees arrived, the appetizers came out too--because apparently, it's all just one sad, cold medley of "meh" in that kitchen. The wings were okay-ish. The mac and cheese needed the aforementioned salt and pepper the manager thought was an abstract concept. This restaurant also has a strict seating time policy. Cute, considering it took them TWO HOURS to bring out what a gas station could microwave in five minutes. Final verdict: McDonald's pancakes would have bodied this place. Don't walk--RUN from this brunch. If you like your food hot, your eggs seasoned, and your staff not confused by condiments--this ain't it. Never again. Not even for free.

Shayla C.

Yelp
This is the next best spot! The food is 10/10, vibes are right and the drinks are delicious! Our service was top tier.
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Tanya J.

Yelp
First time here on 4/19/25 and waited 3 hrs for cold escovitch fish. I am a Harlem Nite and try all new restaUranus but by far is the worst. I should have went to Ricardo's

La Tasha C.

Yelp
The ambiance is gorgeous and the food is wonderfully tasty. The location is over the majic Johnson theater in Harlem

Eric P.

Yelp
I'm greeted with pleasure as soon as I walk in the door it's very welcoming. The hostess Shereen is wonderful. Service is great. Food is excellent. Definitely should show up. The atmosphere the ambience is very exciting. Makes you want to stay longer enjoyable experience.

Lily H.

Yelp
Amazing food great hospitality and beautiful people I will definitely come back lovely interiors

Mohamed D.

Yelp
Joshua Hernandez is the epitome of what I look for in hospitality! I was blown away he engineered a phenomenal experience drinks were amazing and the food he recommended was great! I will be a regular for sure!

Sonja C.

Yelp
The ambiance and food was amazing. The staff were pleasant and accommodating. Our server Rose was awesome!

Shonquinese S.

Yelp
I really loved the ambiance of this place!!! the staff was so nice!! and the food was sooooo good!!!! I had the ogbono soup and that was my first time trying it, I really enjoyed it!!! I had so much fun here, I can't wait to come back!

Craig H.

Yelp
The food, the ambiance and the service were all phenomenal. I look forward to visiting again and bringing friends and family

Ayumie O.

Yelp
The restaurant is Beautiful!! I had an amazing time and definitely will be returning , For a new location I will say my server was attentive, the food was delicious and the lineup for entertainment was also stellar!!

Karen J.

Yelp
Food,ambiance friendly staff. Convenient location. The entertainment was amazing. Great music

Haysha M.

Yelp
The customer service is poor. You can book on various platforms, however none mentioned a dress code. When we arrived my friend was neatly dressed but not in slacks. They would not honor the reservation. The security guard suggested that we purchase something from old navy across the street. The manager was not very friendly or accommodating for something that was not our fault. We drove down and felt really dismissed and disappointed as we were looking forward to celebrating my birthday. Would not return customer service is everything, they do not put the customer first.

Jenever F.

Yelp
i've dined at Native a total of three times so far and each time I was satisfied with my overall experience 10 out of 10 recommend.