Restaurant
Katz’s Delicatessen
A Lower East Side institution since 1888, famous for hand-carved pastrami on rye, corned beef and its role in When Harry Met Sally.
Sylvia’s Restaurant
Harlem's family-run soul food landmark, founded by Sylvia Woods in 1962, serves fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread and sweet potato pie.
At a glance
- Type
- Soul food
- Area
- Harlem, New York, United States
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- sylviasrestaurant.com
- Last checked
- October 23, 2026
Good to know
- Family-run
- Takeaway
- Cookbooks and products
Why we recommend it
Sylvia Woods opened her luncheonette on Lenox Avenue, now Malcolm X Boulevard, in 1962, and Sylvia's has grown into one of Harlem's best-known restaurants while staying in the family. Its dining rooms draw neighbourhood regulars, tourists and visiting politicians in equal measure.
The menu is classic soul food: fried or smothered chicken, barbecue short ribs, mac and cheese, collard greens and cornbread, with sweet potato pie to finish. It opens at 11am daily, closing at 10pm Wednesday to Saturday and 8pm Sunday to Tuesday. Combine a meal with a walk to the Apollo Theater on 125th Street, a few blocks away.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Sylvia’s Restaurant FAQs
When did Sylvia's open?
In 1962, founded by Sylvia Woods.
What are the opening hours?
11am–10pm Wednesday to Saturday and 11am–8pm Sunday to Tuesday.