During LA’s Black Restaurant Week, expect soul food variations, from gourmet to homestyle, of mac and cheese, curry, barbecue, cheesecake, pecan pie, rice and beans and many more dishes. This two-week campaign highlighting African American, African and Caribbean cuisine is unique in its broader focus on culinary businesses. Rather than limiting their purview to traditional restaurants, there are food trucks, bakeries, caterers and more put in the spotlight. The goal of the organization, which sponsors similar events across the United States and one in Toronto, is to promote and collaborate with Black-owned food establishments, who may offer discounts, prix-fixe menus or special, limited-run menu items during the 10 days.
Participating eateries include Compton Vegan food truck, which serves classic street eats without any of the meat, like a “shrimp” po-boy made with Konjac root shrimps. Want to swap out the plant-based meats for the real thing? Bridgetown Roti is expected to open their very first brick-and-mortar location later this summer, bringing the almost-four-year-old Caribbean pop-up to a permanent location just in time for Black Restaurant Week. Helmed by Chef Rashida Holmes, a 2023 James Beard Emerging Chef of the Year semi-finalist, Bridgetown’s your spot for meat and spice-packed rotis. Throughout the city and the surrounding metro area, Restaurant Week has spots with classics and twists for every meal of the day, whether it’s Southern Fried catfish and grits at Gritz N Wafflez and chicken jambalaya from Les Sisters Southern Kitchen, or peach cobbler from Southern Girl Desserts and sweet potato cheesecake at Harriet’s Cheesecakes Unlimited.
The Specs
- Over 70 businesses participated in 2023.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to California here.
FAQs
Where is the Los Angeles Black Restaurant Week located?
At restaurants, food trucks, and pop up through the city of Los Angeles and surrounding metro areas.
What is the closest airport?
Los Angeles International Airport.
What if I have allergies/food restrictions?
Some may have set menus while others offer their usual menu—regardless, you should treat it like any other food place you visit. There are definitely options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free diets, but do your research and make sure your server is aware of any restrictions you have.
Which restaurants are participating?
Dulan’s Soul Food, Cakes by Chante, DDz Treatz, Smokin’ Crackers LLC, The Vegan Joint, Akylli Raine Foods Ltd., Harold’s Chicken and Bar, Fixins Soul Kitchen, Blaqhausnoho, Sky’s Gourmet Tacos, Pips On LaBrea, Gritz N Wafflez, Camille’s Culinary Creations, Harriet’s Cheesecakes Unlimited, Lovelei Duo, The Kobbler King, Les Sisters Southern Kitchen, It’s Curry Time LA, Just Turkey LA, Big Chicken, Baba’s Vegan Cafe, AhhHuevo, Extraordinary Banana Pudding, Happy Ice, Mom’s Haus Hollywood, Bridgetown Roti, Cafe Ruisseau, Toss It Up, Rusty Pot Cafe, M&T Donuts, Ds Original Take Out Grill, Hambone’s Smokehouse, Creme Brulee LA, Alma’s Place, BIG MAMA’S BAYOU SHACK, Belly Sliders and Wings, Axiom Kitchen, The Wood Urban Kitchen BBQ, Southern Girl Desserts, BossBundts, Stacked Pasta, World Wide Tacos, Harolds Chicken West Coast, The Peppered Goat, Jerk Muva’s Creations, Til The Last Bite, 1010 Wine and Events, Mardi Gras Tuesday and L.A. Grind Coffee & Tea Bar LLC.
