If you’ve ever wondered how big Brooklyn is, it currently stands as the most populated borough in all of New York. It spans over 70 neighborhoods, and has one of the most culturally diverse demographics of people.

In an effort to celebrate that cultural diversity, I’m going to highlight African American and Caribbean influences when it comes to food and restaurants around Brooklyn.

Here are just a few of the many incredible, delicious, Instagram worthy, black owned restaurants Brooklyn has to offer.

Sisters

Location:900 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Sisters offers American cuisine with a cafe, breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch and drinks menu. They are open from 8-2am on weekdays and 10:30-2am on weekends. The decor is absolutely beautiful and taking instagram photos here will be a breeze, no effort required!

Bunna Cafe

Location: 1084 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

Bunna Cafe is a vegan Ethiopian food spot in Bushwick. The restaurant has gained widespread popularity for it’s communal cuisine. Meals here are meant to be shared, so grab a friend and go see what all the hype is about.

If you can’t make it in person, don’t fret! They are also available on pretty much every food delivery site.

Brown Butter Cafe

Location:413 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Brown Butter Cafe; just the name makes my mouth water a little. They offer a wide selection of breakfast food and bakery options, and the biscuits look out of this world! Oh, did I mention bottomless mimosas and cocktails to go?!

Spudz

Location: 1460 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Spudz does one thing, loaded fries. As self proclaimed potato specialists, Spudz makes loaded fries with just about every topping you can think of. Toppings include both meat and veggie options, so there’s something for everyone!

Sweet Chick

Brooklyn Locations:
Williamsburg – 164 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249 
Prospect Heights – 341 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Sweet chick has a verified account with over 145k followers on instagram. So, you’ve likely already heard of it, or already been there yourself. They opened their first location in Williamsburg in 2013, but now have locations in Lower East Side, Prospect Park, Queens and even Los Angeles!

They are best known for their Chicken and Waffles, but they also have other options on the menu falling in the category of what they call “new American” comfort food.

Caribbean Social

Location: 847 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11226

Caribbean social aims to provide an authentic island experience. The environment is welcoming with great ambiance. They also update their instagram frequently to reflect their upcoming events, such as, “Soca Wednesday” and discounted sea food platters with “Fresh Catch” Mondays & Tuesdays.

Kokomo

Location: 65 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

This is another option for Caribbean inspired cuisine, and the food looks absolutely delicious! They also have a huge social media presence, so check them out there.

Mac Shack NY

Locations:

901 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
320 Malcolm X Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11233

Mac Shack NY has a similar concept to Spudz, offering creative takes on Mac and cheese with menu items like their Burger Mac, Pizza Mac and Alfredo Mac. They even recently came out with a vegan Mac and cheese option! Keep in mind portion sizes are extremely generous.

Blendzville Cafe

Location: 5 Sutter Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212

Currently, they are only accepting online orders, but Belndzville Cafe has loads of healthy food options; including smoothies, juices, salads wraps and much more! They also offer breakfast and lunch specials.

Gold Room BK

Location: 429 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Gold Room BK is described as a wine and cocktail lounge, offering an elite dining experience, with the finest cocktails and American cuisine. Go there for brunch (on the weekends), date night, or a girls night out. Doors close at 12am Monday-Thursday, 1am Friday and Saturday, and 11pm on Sunday.

DoughGirl Cupcakes

Location: 421 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11216

I know, I know, this is not technically a restaurant. But nonetheless, it is worth a visit, and 100% belongs on this list!

Doughgirl Cupcakes has an array of different cupcakes and cakes (they also have banana pudding). This is truly a small business that continues to provide exceptional service and among the tastiest cupcakes I’ve ever had.

Seriously, when I was walking into the store I was stopped in my tracks by a man who kept raving about how good the cupcakes were. He said that without a doubt I’d be back, and he wasn’t wrong!

Cuts & Slices

Location: 93 Howard Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233

A pizza shop that specializes in trying to bring authentic New York style pizza to residents and visitors of Brooklyn. Some of their slice and pie options are so original, I can honestly say I’ve never seen them at any other pizza shop. Some of which includes their sweet chili oxtail slice, chicken and waffles pie, jerk shrimp pie, shrimp scampi pie, and more.