When Red Rooster opened on Lenox Avenue in 2010, it changed the way people thought about dining in Harlem. At the helm were Marcus Samuelsson—the Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef who made his name downtown at Aquavit, becoming the youngest to earn a three-star review from The New York Times—and Andrew Chapman, a New York hospitality entrepreneur.

Together, they co-founded the Marcus Samuelsson Group and built Red Rooster into something more than a restaurant: part supper club, part community hub, part live music venue.

Since then, their partnership has gone global, with restaurants in Miami, Montreal, and the Bahamas, and most recently back in Manhattan with Hav & Mar, a seafood spot in Chelsea. Samuelsson also picked up a string of James Beard awards along the way (eight, to be precise). But for him and Chapman, Harlem remains home. Here, they share their favorite places to eat in the neighborhood.

From Marcus Samuelsson

Sugar Hill Creamery

One of my go-to spots to take my kids, Sugar Hill Creamery is a family-owned ice cream shop by Petrushka and Nick Larsen. They celebrate Harlem’s diversity by featuring local residents as inspirations for their “Flavor of the Month.” It’s community, sweetness, and creativity all in one cone. (sugarhillcreamery.com)

Harlem Chocolate Factory

Another local gem. Harlem Chocolate Factory turns the neighborhood’s history into handcrafted chocolate bars and truffles, paying tribute to Harlem pride and storytelling through flavor. (harlemchocolatefactory.com)

The chicken gumbo at Fieldtrip, in Harlem.

FieldTrip

Chef JJ Johnson, a good friend, is cooking up “rice culture” at FieldTrip. His food is delicious, healthy, and deeply rooted in community—it’s a place that feels like Harlem today: bold, flavorful, and full of energy. (fieldtripnyc.com)

The exterior of Sylvia’s Restaurant.

Sylvia’s Restaurant

The foundation of Harlem dining. Long before I ever opened Red Rooster, Sylvia Woods built a place that fed the neighborhood, welcomed the world, and defined what soul food means in America. Sylvia showed me how to lead with hospitality and purpose, and how to create a restaurant that is rooted in community while carrying its culture far beyond the block. It’s more than a restaurant. It’s a cultural landmark, a gathering place, and the heartbeat of Harlem. You can’t talk about the neighborhood without talking about Sylvia’s. (sylviasrestaurant.com)

Taco Mix

Taco Mix is El Barrio [the neighborhood]. It began feeding the neighborhood long before tacos became trendy uptown. The tacos are simple and not fancy, but they are full of flavor and done right. A late-night staple in East Harlem, it always delivers. It’s real food made for the community, and that’s why it’s lasted. (tacomix.com)

From Andrew Chapman

The Good Good

Harlem’s best kept secret restaurant, the Good Good has everything you want. Great eats and beats, vibes and cocktails, it’s perfect for a date or a night out with friends. Its low lighting and close seating give the space a stylish atmosphere. Definitely check out the jerk mushrooms and codfish fritters, and pair them with the Soursop Gimlet. (thegoodgoodnyc.com)

Sugar Hill Café

This basement-level spot has intimate seating and good vibes. Their French toast and chorizo burrito are impressive and always satisfying. (sugarhillcafe.com)

Ginjan Café

Bright, modern, and cleanly designed, Ginjan is built around savory African flavors. Their signature ginger juice and bissap hibiscus drink are incredibly savory. If you’re hungry, order one of their tasty chicken jollof bowls. (ginjanbros.com)

A booth at the Honey Well.

The Honey Well

A 70s-themed underground cocktail bar. I always get the spicy cocktail meatballs, and the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cheesecake is impossible to resist. For rum lovers, the Toque and Mr. Kobe are delicious standouts. (thehoneywellnyc.com)

Inside Musette Wine Bar.

Musette Wine Bar

My favorite wine bar, thoughtfully designed with warm lighting and a great selection of wines. Pair them with the charcuterie board or herbs de Provence wings. (musettewinebar.com)

Ponty Bistro

This upscale and stylish bistro blends West African and French influences. They serve an impressive lobster B.L.T. and Senegalese chicken yassa. Pair them with the Moroccan spiced Old-Fashioned and the Bissap Martini. (pontybistroharlem.com )

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Photos: Oliver Halfin; Courtesy of FieldTrip; Courtesy of Sylvia’s Restaurant; Courtesy of The Honey Well; Courtesy of Musette Wine Bar