Venue-specific photo of Sylvia's Restaurant, from the venue's own website.
Photo: Sylvia's Restaurant (venue website) · Source
Sylvia’s is Harlem’s famous soul food restaurant on Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue), opened by Sylvia Woods in 1962.
Eater New York notes that Woods was dubbed “the Queen of Soul Food” and that the restaurant is world-famous for generous Southern comfort food. Reviewers recommend the ribs and fried chicken combo, candied yams, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread and peach cobbler, plus the half iced tea, half lemonade.
In the news & reviews
- Eater NY: The Best Classic Restaurants in NYC, According to Eater Editors
“Dubbed “the Queen of Soul Food,” Sylvia Woods opened the doors on Sylvia’s Restaurant in 1962, bringing generous servings of Southern comfort food to Harlem.”
- Restaurantji review of Sylvia's Restaurant
“First time in Harlem, the best food hands down..”
- Restaurantji review of Sylvia's Restaurant
“This was soooo delicious it was not a disappointment at all and the drinks were great”
Venue Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Leaflet
Starter listings from public sources — verify hours before visiting. Listed Nov 13, 2026. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Owner or regular? Send a correction.