Native Harlem

I've been hearing about and seeing this restaurant on IG. So I booked a reservation, the best decision ever. This restaurant is everything and then some. The decor is upscale but not stuffy so you can still enjoy. You can tell alit of thought wss hiven to the concept of the space and decor. The staff at the front desk is very welcoming. The atmosphere of Native is a whole vibe. The music had us both singing a dancing in our seats, kudos to the DJ. The onstage performance with the beautiful ladies, was liks nothing I'd seen before and they did the damn thing we loved it.Now this food yes and yes was absolutely delicious. The waitress was amazing, and offered recommendations. We settled on the salmon tacos, basmati fried rice with snapper, penne pasta with shrimp and drinks. To end this beautiful experience we shared a delicious and moist large slice of red velvet cake.Overall this place is a definite vibe that everyone should enjoy and we enjoyed every minute from arrival to departure.. there's a perfect spot in the front to take photos. If you're looking for an amazing restaurant for date nite or just to enjoy good food and drinks with friends, make a reservation and stop by, you won't be disappointed or leave hungry.

The whole place was a vibe!! We celebrated my niece's birthday there last night and I loved it!! From the food to the entertainment to the tasteful decor everything was top-notch!! There was a lengthy wait to be seated but that was the end of my complaints everything else was phenomenal and in hindsight the wait was worth it!! Try to be back very soon with my husband so he can experience Native Harlem!!

What a night!! A few friends and I went to Native on a Sunday evening and we had an absolute blast!! First the host staff was very kind and welcoming, once seated I was pleasantly surprised that they had a DJ. We were moving before even sitting down. We ordered the Suya wings, must try! they are soo good!! The calamari was our other appetizer dish, it was crispy, not chewy, and greasy. Loved them and the sauce provided. Our mains were the jollof with goat, jollof with snapper and salmon and mashed potatoes. Baby!! All the food was scrumptious. The drinks! Woo, hats off to the mixologist! I had the native punch and another pineapple drink(?) both were very good. My friends also raves about their drinks. The price range was comparable to what any NY restaurant would charge for an establishment of the same caliber. I was very pleased. The cherry on top were the dancers! They have an elevated stage in the middle of the dinning room where dancers perform coordinated dancers. They even pull people up there and leave them through some dances. It was so entertaining and a nice touch!!! They even walked around to engage the guests. The DJ kept the night flowing quite well. The crowd joined in on a few dances and filled the aisles as we collectively got down!! Awesome night, superb food, great service, top notch experience!! I'll be back!!

It was my first time there with my friend I was impressed how beautiful the restaurant is. And the food was delicious I got jollof spaghetti with shrimp was delicious 😋 the coconut and strawberry magaritas were perfect. The jollof had 2 peppers on the menu 🌶 but it was not spicy at all. The red velvet was good not too sweet. We got the chance to see dancing performance🕺🏿💃🏾🕺🏿💃🏾 there it was excellent 👏🏾👏🏾 I will definitely go back again. Thank you

What an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere! Very cute for a lunch or dinner date, and I can definitely see it as a nice after-work spot. Let me start with the service our waitress was awesome. She suggested a few items from both the food and drink menus. We both tried the “Native Lunch,” which was very tart similar to rum punch. I didn’t end up ordering a second drink and switched to the Water No Get Enemy, which was actually really tasty! For my entrée, I ordered the escovitch fish with red stew rice. I honestly didn’t expect to receive half of a fried snapper with jasmine rice and a side of red stew sauce. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it there were way too many bones, and from my understanding, escovitch fish is typically prepared with peppers and more of that classic tangy topping. I probably should have asked more questions beforehand. My date ordered the Kingston jerk chicken, which he enjoyed. However, in my opinion, none of the dishes were really worth the price. The seating was cozy, but the velvet chairs and couches tend to trap food, so it seems like they would need to be vacuumed after each party leaves. The bathroom was super cute again, very aesthetically pleasing! One major downside: I was freezing! It was way too cold and honestly killed the vibe. I was this close to putting my coat back on. Overall, it’s a cute spot with great ambiance, but definitely overpriced for what you get.

I went there for brunch today 1/4/26. The meal was delicious. Although everything can be pricey, the vibe and all made the experience worthwhile. That said, black businesses need to do better in how they treat their clientele if they want sustainable support from the community. Does it make any sense to charge $5 for some extra sauce I requested for the rest of my jollof rice (I’d ordered the jollof with the goat stew sauce but the sauce they served was barely enough for half the rice). See pics below for the tiny bit of, dare I say it, tomato sauce which cost my cousin and I $10 as we each requested one. I understand it’s a business and you need to make profit but just be fair about it, it’s tacky otherwise.

I went on a Saturday night with a group of friends. The ambience was top tier. They had performers who were on point. The DJ was also good. Another person was celebrating their bday and all of sudden that side of the room was doing the electric slide. Very enjoyable night. The food was tasty and authentic.

I went to Native in Harlem on a Wednesday night for their open mic, and the vibe was definitely grown and sexy! I loved everything about the atmosphere the music was fire, the vocals were on point, and the crowd had great energy. I made reservations for 7:30, but when I arrived, I was told someone else had been seated at my table since their party was larger. My best friend and I ended up sitting toward the back near the stage not a bad spot, but you’re mostly viewing the performers’ backs. Now for the service… our waitress, Destiny, unfortunately made the experience less enjoyable. She completely overlooked us at first even walking past our table to serve others who sat down after we did. I had to go to the greeter to find out who our waitress even was. He confirmed it was Destiny and said he’d handle it. After that, she did check in, but things didn’t improve much. She told us about happy hour after we had already ordered our food, and she rarely came by to check on us. We even ordered two drinks at once just in case she didn’t return before happy hour ended. On the bright side, the food and vibe were great! The jollof rice was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice, but the chicken that came with it was really tough. My best friend had the Egusi soup with chicken, which was pretty good and flavorful though she said a few of her pieces of chicken were tough. The hookah was a nice touch smooth and flavorful, around $50 and added to the chill atmosphere. Would I come back? Absolutely. The energy, music, and food (minus the chicken) were on point. I’d just hope for a different waitress next time and I’m looking forward to trying another item on the menu.

Took my man there for his birthday. Food was really good, ambiance is beautiful, staff extremely friendly. Definitely a hidden gem. They have open mic on Wednesdays at 8pm, and performances Friday-Sunday. I definitely plan on going back to see the performance as I went too early. P.S. Wendy was my waitress and she's STUNNING!!! Everything about this place was a vibe.

Food and drinks were spectacular Hard to find the entrance because they don't explain that from Instagram post that attracted me to visit this place Entertainment was splendid!

Let me begin by saying that the establishment is absolutely stunning. From the moment I walked through the door, I was impressed by the beautiful décor and the elegant center stage that truly elevates the atmosphere. I visited for brunch around 2:00 p.m. and ordered the shrimp and grits, pancakes and eggs, the snapper with jollof rice, as well as the bottomless mimosa. Based on the ambiance alone, I anticipated that the food would be equally exceptional; however, I was unfortunately disappointed. The pancakes were extremely dry and lacked flavor, while the eggs were decent but only lightly seasoned. The grits were very soupy, was not seasoned at all !!!, and did not have the expected texture, the shrimp perfectly cooked seasoned well with a light char , it was enjoyable and the highlight of the dish. Overall, the food did not meet the expectations set by the restaurant's beautiful presentation. On a positive note, I want to express my appreciation for my server, whom I believe was named Itoro. She was incredibly attentive, kind, and professional, despite managing several tables at once. Her service genuinely enhanced my experience. Would I return? Not for the food at this time, but I would certainly consider coming back for the excellent customer service and possibly the drinks. Overall, I would rate my experience a 6.5 to 7 out of 10.

Booked this place to have a dinner with my immediate family of 5 (all adults) to celebrate my husband's birthday, after it came highly recommended by friends. We walked in at 5 pm on Sunday to hear music BLARING throughout the restaurant. We were told by ta female greeter that "Issa club vibe!" when we were seated near the dance floor. We were fine with the "lively and energetic" atmosphere that we read about, but we would NEVER be able to conduct any semblance of a conversation here. We were then moved to a table near the front door, further away from the music, but still LOUD. And we could already anticipate that we were likely to be forgotten throughout the evening, so we left. As we did, another male greeter informed us that the first Sunday of the month features a loud brunch party that lasrs for many hours. NOTE TO EVERYONE: This "Issa Vibe," not a restaurant, per se. Come to be seen, smoke hookah and go deaf. Don't come here solely to have dinner. And though I rated the food, I only did so to be able to post this. No way could I sit there long enough to wait for food, much less eat it. We ended up having a fantastic Ethiopian dinner a block away at Awaze!

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 .

2nd time and service continues to br the issue, it's not my kind of vibe but I came to celebrate a birthday, the entertainment kept us happy, the food was okay just okay, please, please, please take the shrimp and grits off tge menue, that isnt grits it's a soup grosss

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.

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.

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

No host as you walk in , no one around to sit you , we went straight to sit by the bar , Not sure how long they've been open but they might need help with EVERYTHING! Staff looks confuse and lost . Dinner starts at 4 ! Can't even tell who's the manager or the employees smh

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.

My coworkers and I just wanted to dip in and take a look to see what this place was all about. I loved the decore, atmosphere, the vibes were top tier. We sat at the bar just for a round. They also offer hookah & different events, I noticed a stage in the center. I was disappointed to see no vegan options on the menu from what I can tell. Staff seemed pleasant, all smiles. Dress code is in-forced at the door so check their website for more details. I would be back just for the vibes & drinks. Have fun !!

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.

I've been twice, the second time I went on a Friday night with my girls. This time I was completely sold the music is Afrocentric and Caribbean. They have a DJ and live entertainment. The ambience is beautiful great decor great spot to celebrate your birthday. A nice date night and ladies night spot! Service amazing and everyone is beautiful and well dressed. Food was great loves everything that we had. If you haven't visited yet, it's a must. I will be going back again and again for the vibes. PS for my hookah smokers they do have hookah and make sure you dressed when you come here!!

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.

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.

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!

A frequent visitor to Native Harlem. I have yet to be disappointed. Outstanding service, food and ambiance. Native is definitely a vibe.

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.

I met my daughter at Native Harlem for brunch, and the experience was a mix of good food and some confusion. I arrived early but couldn't figure out how to get inside from the street. The main door looked closed and under construction. After asking around, someone told me the entrance was actually through the movie theater , take the escalator up to the second floor. Not exactly intuitive. Once inside, no one greeted me, so I made my way to the bar, which was quite a walk from the entrance. The bartender was friendly and made me feel welcome while I waited. When my daughter arrived, she ordered the chicken and waffles, and I had the steak and eggs. Both were tasty and well-cooked. One surprise was the extra charge for condiments. I asked for hot sauce and was told it would be two dollars. It became our joke of the day , when my daughter asked for a straw, I said, "Careful, that might cost five." Overall, Native Harlem has good food and a nice vibe once you're settled in, but the entrance confusion and small upcharges make it a place I'd visit only if I'm already nearby.

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

This place is an absolute jam! The ambiance simply beautiful. You want to get dressed up and go out and not feel over dressed, this is it. Several beautiful photo apps. Spacious but cozy with a romantic setting if you wanted it to be. Now the food, was absolutely great. I ordered curry goat (forgot to take a pic) The best goat I've ever tasted (yes better than my own that good) the meat was so tender. The right amount of curry. Those oxtail were good as well but not better than the goat lol. Everyone enjoyed their food. Thumbs up from all 6. Our server name was Jenna (hope i spelled it right) EXCELLENT service! Attentive but not suffocating. She knew her menu, she was on point with the drink menu. BTW my margarita was excellent (hats off to the bartender) it was prefect. Not to strong or sweet, just right. We also enjoyed several appetizers. Mambo and Jerk chicken, Sliders, Basmati fried rice (melt in your mouth flavorful) Fish Tacos. Everything was good. 6 of us dinned during happy hour. Appetizes, several Drinks & Entrees we were full and mellow. Best part we didn't feel like we broke the bank!

My crew of four rolled into Native Harlem on a mission: try Nigerian food for the very first time. Our only training? TikTok clips of people blissfully dunking fufu into egusi and declaring it the best thing ever. Armed with that extremely academic research, we were ready. The Food Adventure: Egusi with Chicken: The stew itself was COMPLEX: rich, nutty, spicy, and creamy in that earthy way that makes you feel like you've done something good for your soul. The chicken, however, was... let's just say it had seen some things. Tough, chewy, clearly what our grandma would call "soup chicken" (good for broth, not chewing). My jaw got a workout. Jollof Rice : Smoky, spicy, slightly sweet. Bit too much for us simpletons. Escovitch Red Snapper: Topped with pickled carrots and onions, plus plantain chips on the side. Had a strong vinegar punch that gave me flashbacks of sweet-and-sour pork but minus the sticky sweetness. More "bright and tangy wake-up call" than "mall food court." The Vibes: The front-of-house staff were wonderful; warm, welcoming, and kept checking if we liked spicy food like they were low-key worried about us. When we confessed it was our first time trying West African food, our server looked both intrigued and slightly concerned, like, "Y'all sure you're ready for this?" and we were not... I'm not saying the food was bad but it was not just in our typical flavor profile and what we were expecting. Native Harlem also has a dress code (no streetwear/athletic wear), which we absolutely did not know about. Luckily, it was early and we just came for food, so they let us in. But by 5:30 PM, the place was already serving looks. Everyone was dressed like they were about to walk a runway, and here we were--four clueless food explorers, staring around the room like, "Wow... everyone is gorgeous." Final Thoughts: Food: 3/5 (good, but our newbie taste buds weren't ready for the full spice-and-flavor complexity) Vibes: 4/5 (party energy, Harlem glam, and beautiful people everywhere) Service: 10/10 (patient with our rookie questions) Would I come back? I don't think the food was for us but maybe it is for you. Our culinary adventure may have broken off more than we could handle.

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.

The food and ambiance was 8/10. Got very busy as it got later in the night . If you are looking for a good place to eat and vibe out this is a place for you! R&B night on Thursdays (KARAOKE & games)

Great experience and dining at Native 125th for upscale African food. I ordered the braised oxtails with jollof and cabbage and it was amazing although a bit spicy. However u can adjust the spice levels pay attention to your menu concerning spice levels if u don't like anything too spicy FYI. Over everything was great and the staff are super friendly and attentive to guest.

Went there for a birthday celebration. Upon entry, they asked for my ID, took a picture of it, and took my picture without asking. The food was excellent. The service was subpar. I will give them some leeway because there appeared to be only two servers on the floor, and we were a group of 12, but as a customer, I expect better. The server came over after we waited for 20 minutes to take our orders for drinks and appetizers. One appetizer came 2 hours later. Our server didn't come back to take dinner orders until we were done with appetizers, and when asked a question about a product used in the soup, she returned 30 minutes later with an answer and then took dinner orders. Again, the food was excellent, but some of us ate dinner with our hands because we couldn't get anyone to bring us more utensils. The hostess was informed that we needed utensils, and she told us she was just helping that person and walked away. She clearly didn't pass the message on because we received utensils after the meal was done. Our party discussed that this was not the norm but because we were there on a Wednesday during the performances, it was unusually crowded. Be warned because the food is very good but...

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!

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.

I like the ambiance, the music, and the food but the server was not good. She gave us the bill and tried to over charge us to get more in the gratuity until the manager had to get involved. I placed a to order to bill separately and took the original bill back an split the order and came back with 3 separate receipts and put some of the to go order on my bill and the other persons bill and taxed 3 separate gratuity charges on each bill. So beware of scammer. I'm from NYC I know the game. Comsumers beware!!!! The to go order was a supposed to be billed separately after we settled the main bill after we ate. I'm not cheap or will I ever run out and not pay. I will be damned if you try to scam me or rob me. Just like waitresses I'm a healthcare worker and I work hard for my money just like they do. This is why these small Black business owners don't last cause you scamming your own people!!!!

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.

I am here for a birthday dinner and have now been waiting 39 minutes for a 10pm reservation. Everytime we ask the for an an update there isn't one.

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.

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.

I would NOT recommend this place AT ALL!! The customer service was horrible and the chef was even worse!!!!!!!! We had a table of 12 and 7: the table of 12: 5 of my family members received their order wrong, burnt, raw or 2.5 hours later!! guest 1: ordered the salmon dish. The center of the salmon was raw, not even undercooked! guest 2: ordered the Joloff rice with fish. He received chicken and then had to wait an additional 30+ minutes when most were done their food, Guest 3. Ordered the jerk chicken and it was BURNT. (See photo) It was-so burnt , it was the color of the black plate it was served on. She traveled on a 4 hour flight to celebrate her brothers birthday and not eating the main course. And they offered her "a shot" as compensation!!! How insulting!!! We arent 20. We were there celebrating a 50th birthday! Guest 4: his meal, oxtails arrived 2.5 hours later ..... 5 min before dessert was being served. When it arrived it was cold!! I guess they forgot it somewhere in the kitchen. We asked them to heat it up, they must of forgot and didn't come back for over 20 minutes!! We were ALL done our food. Had they found the cake, the cake would have been served before his main course . (He also flew into town to celebrate his brother!) Guest 5: The manager said he'd get a vegan dish made. When it arrived it was mushy beans and inside was a boiled egg. We told the waitress and she said there was no egg in it. LIKE I DONT KNoW WHAT AN EGG LOOKS LIKe. I showed the manager and he was upset as well. The FINALE if it could keep going downhill: we had brought in a cake and they couldn't find it. We waited 35+ minutes for them to locate it and ALL the guests were ready to go after a sub- standard dining experience that we all PAID a nice amount for with a total party of 19!!!! We dine out often at fine establishments and this was extremely disappointing!!!! This was ZERO stars!! HORRIBLE SERVICE and DINING EXPERIENCE!! With no compensation or warmth!!!!

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

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]

Food was great! Ambiance was cozy and the entertainment was good. We went for a family gathering and ordered most of the appetizers on the menu and each was so good

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!

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.

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!

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.

I visited Native on Saturday, August 16th with a party of two. While we were promptly greeted and seated upon arrival, the service quickly went downhill. After sitting at our table for about 15 minutes without any acknowledgment from staff, we had to flag someone down to ask who our server would be. Eventually, a young lady came over to take our order. We also asked for water--what we received was hot, so we opted for bottled still water instead. I ordered the calamari as an appetizer and the Native Burger with just the patty and the bun--no toppings--plus fries. However, when the food arrived, I received only the patty--no bun, no fries. I notified a staff member that the bun was missing and waited an additional 15 minutes for it to arrive. When it finally did, the inside was toasted but the outside was cold. I asked to speak with a manager and was introduced to Cathy. Unfortunately, she was dismissive and carried an unprofessional attitude during our interaction. When I explained my concerns as a first-time visitor, her response--"How would you like me to rectify your issue?"--came off as indifferent and lacking empathy due to her tone and delivery. I simply asked for a properly toasted bun. By then, my patty had been sitting for over 30 minutes and was cold. Cathy's attitude and body language made the situation worse. When she attempted to take my plate, I asked her to leave the patty, as I was uncomfortable with her demeanor. I did later speak with another manager, Kwame, who was respectful and genuinely tried to make things right, and I appreciate his effort. However, by that point, the overall experience had already been soured. This visit was deeply disappointing. Between the long waits, incorrect order, cold food, and unprofessional service from management, I left with no desire to return--and I certainly wouldn't recommend Native to others based on this experience.

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

I've visited this upscale restaurant on a few occasions and I've never been disappointed. First visit the entertainment was a talented Bongos player, next visit it was a band and RnB male singer. On the weekends reservations are needed, all seats are strategically centered around the stage. Make sure you pay attention to the peppers on the menu which indicates the level of spiciness, however the food is tasty,plenty and flavorful especially the oxtail and braised beef ( tender). Although they emphasize having a dress code I have yet to see them enforce it as they should in certain instances . One serious issue is the fact that you can only get to the restaurant via escalator . One person in My party was using a cane and had difficulty using the escalator when we arrived the escalator was working and upon leaving, we had to go down using the stairs and there are a lot. Just check it out on Instagram for yourself beautiful beautiful Restaurant with very professional service Gigi

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.

We went on a weeknight so we didn't get the entertainment but the food was excellent. The manager came and checked on us. The service was great. Real classy and chill. Went for a friend's bday it was five of us.

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.

Food and drinks where great service was on point and the total vibe and live band was exceptional