Welcome to Sylvia's Restaurant
Sylvia's Restaurant, a cherished pillar of Harlem since 1962, embodies the essence of soul food rich in flavor and history. Located at 328 Malcolm X Blvd, this family-run establishment, founded by visionary Sylvia Woods, serves up iconic dishes like fried chicken and catfish, paired beautifully with their famous cornbread. Diners rave about the generous portions, warm ambiance, and live gospel music that enhances the experience. The warmth in every bite, exemplified by the tender pork ribs and sweet potato pie, makes Sylvia's a must-visit destination for those craving authentic, heartwarming cuisine. It's more than a meal; it's a celebration of culinary heritage.
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328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, United States328 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10027, United States Hotline: +1 212-996-0660
Welcome to Sylvia's Restaurant, a cherished institution of soul food nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York. Established in 1962 by the legendary Sylvia Woods, this culinary gem has become synonymous with rich flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that resonates through the vibrant walls of the establishment. As you step inside, the sounds of soulful melodies fill the air, creating a joyful ambiance that complements the incredible dishes brought to life in the kitchen.
At Sylvia’s, you’ll discover an extensive menu that showcases southern comfort food at its finest. Dishes like the Chicken & Waffles, featuring a choice between Southern fried or smothered chicken atop a house-made waffle, are must-tries, praised for their perfect balance of flavors. For the meat enthusiasts, the Pork Chop Entrees—both golden fried and grilled versions—are served with delectable sides and cornbread, delivering a true taste of home.
The side selections are equally tempting, with classics such as Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Baked Mac & Cheese, and Traditional Collard Greens ever-present on the tables, offering that delightful comfort food experience. Each bite is a testament to freshness, with no frozen or canned ingredients to be found here—just the love and care that comes from generations of cooking.
The reviews speak for themselves. Diners rave about the crispy Fried Catfish and tender Pork Ribs, perfectly seasoned and cooked to tender perfection. The warm cornbread, served fresh out of the oven, has been described as "truly divine," marking the beginning of an unforgettable meal. Guests are frequent visitors, drawn back by the nostalgia and flavor that echo the meals from their own families.
Don’t just take our word for it—guests like David Pollard share that Sylvia’s is more than just a meal; it's a slice of Harlem's cultural heritage. With generous portion sizes that encourage sharing and sampling, every visit feels like a family gathering. The sweet potato pie, made locally, serves as a perfect conclusion to a hearty meal, echoing memories of homemade desserts.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, make sure to reserve your table at Sylvia's Restaurant. It's not just a dining experience; it's a journey through history, flavor, and the essence of what soul food represents. Come hungry, leave happy, and take a piece of Harlem's culinary legacy with you.
Olga is the best! The music is great! The food is excellent! It's freshly made, not frozen or canned. This restaurant is a must try.
Sylvia's met all my expectations. Rarely do restaurants check all boxes, but they did. The food was excellent it reminded me of my mother-in-laws Sunday after church meals! The ambiance was phenomenal, I am still smiling and bobbing my head to the sounds of Mary J and New Edition and other songs that played. The service felt personalized just for us! Not Black Excellence, just Excellence!
Great, great, great! What else I can say about this incredible place. We’ve been here many years ago and we came back because we really loved their fried chicken with waffle and their cornbread . We haven’t been deceived. The food is great, the service is great and the atmosphere is great too. It was Sunday and a singer was singing gospel music . We ate fried chicken, but also chicken liver and fried shrimps. All super good. Even the iced sweet tea was great and not too sweet. We took also the lemonade. The very comfort food in New York. Super suggested.
Went to Sylvia's on a Sunday at 11am when they opened. A reservation is recommended. Nice atmosphere. We were seated in dining room next to the speaker that was blasting gospel music. They fortunately turned the music down when we asked. I ordered the pork short ribs with mac and cheese and string beans. Cornbread was provided as we were seated (straight out the oven). My friend got the catfish with mac and cheese and collard greens. We split the sweet potato pie. Food was very well prepared, hot, well seasoned. Portion was huge. We could have easily split an entree. There is a vegetarian option for the collards. String beans were a long bean cooked in butter and red pepper/onions. Pork rubs were tender and the signature sassy BBQ sauce definitely made the dish. Sweet potato pie is more than passable at the family gathering and homemade by a local bakery (still not as good as mom's but worth getting) SN: bills are not split so be prepared for a combined total Would highly recommend trying this Harlem piece of history!
Sylvia's is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, you could feel the history and warmth of this Harlem institution, serving up incredible soul food since 1962. We started with the warm cornbread, and it was truly divine – so soft, delicate, and perfectly sweet. For our mains, the fried catfish was crispy on the outside and flaky and moist on the inside, while the pork ribs were fall-off-the-bone delicious. It's clear why Sylvia's has stood the test of time, consistently delivering exceptional food and service. Reading other reviews confirms what we experienced – this isn't just a restaurant; it's a piece of Harlem's culinary heritage. Founded by Sylvia Woods, a true visionary, this family-run establishment has nourished generations and continues to be a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic and mouthwatering soul food. Don't miss out on this legendary spot!
If you’re searching for a dining experience that feeds both your soul and your appetite, look no further than Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem. Stepping into Sylvia’s feels like walking into a warm hug—welcoming, vibrant, and filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked Southern food. The fried chicken is legendary—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. Pair it with collard greens, buttery cornbread, and mac ‘n’ cheese so rich it’ll make you pause between bites just to savor the flavor. And don’t even think about leaving without trying Sylvia’s peach cobbler—it’s pure magic in a bowl. But Sylvia’s isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The staff treat you like family, the music lifts your spirit, and the walls echo with decades of history and heart. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of soul food or trying it for the first time, Sylvia’s serves up authenticity, culture, and love in every dish. So go hungry and leave happy—Sylvia’s is more than a meal, it’s a celebration of tradition, flavor, and community. Trust me, one visit and you’ll already be planning your return.
I got the Fried Chicken meal, it came with two sides I got Mac n Cheese and Yams. I also ordered a side of potato salad and they gave complimentary cornbread. Everything was 10/10 the flavor was amazing, food was quick, service was efficient, plenty of space, felt welcomed and not rushed. Highly recommend!
The legendary Sylvia's Restaurant did not disappoint. Great soul food and wonderful atmosphere. Friendly service. The many celebrity photographs on the walls attest to the enduring popularity of Sylvia's. Great lunch specials. Wonderful sweet potato pie for dessert. Legendary chicken and waffles.