15 Black-Owned Restaurants to Support in the Boston Suburbs
Check out these favorites west, north, and south of the city where you can #BuyBlack—and eat great.
A scallop dish at Bistro 781. / Kimberly Bouris Photography
One way to support the Black Lives Matter ethos at all times is to support and spend money at Black-owned businesses. While we’ve shared a list of Black-owned restaurants currently open for takeout in Boston, we know there are hungry folks outside the city who are also looking for delicious options closer to home. So whether you’re west, north, or south of Boston, and are craving some spicy East African stews, sweet and smoky brisket, gingery rice bowls, or something else entirely, here are 15 Black-owned restaurants in the Boston suburbs to order from right now.
Chef Jason Duffy and owner Jeffrey Abellard of Bistro 781 in Waltham. / Kimberly Bouris Photography
West
Bistro 781
Opened by Waltham native Jeffrey Abellard in 2015, this upscale-casual bistro on “restaurant row” has become a neighborhood favorite for its fun bar program, Sunday brunch, and seasonal dishes from chef Jason Duffy, which might range from steak frites with smoked tomato chimichurri to pan-seared scallops with mushrooms and asparagus. Currently, Bistro 781 offers outdoor and limited inside seating, as well as takeout and curbside pickup, but stay tuned for wine dinners and low-key live music to return to the weekly programming.
336 Moody St., Waltham, 781-899-0297, bistro781.com.
French Press Bakery and Cafe
You’ll find fluffy brioche, fruit-filled pastries, and pretty cakes at this Needham patisserie, as well as lunch-ready fare like sandwiches and tartines topped with spring peas, mushrooms, and Manchego cheese. French Press also roasts its own coffee and imports tea blends from France. Before owner Jay Spencer debuted this little slice of Paris in 2015, the French Culinary Institute alum was behind the now-closed Needham outpost of Petit Robert Bistro.
74 Chapel St., Needham, 781-400-2660, frenchpressbakery.com.
Karibu
Bold art decks the walls of this Waltham restaurant, which offers a taste of East African specialties. Head here to try luwombo, a dish of seasoned, grilled meat or fish steamed in a banana leaf and served with chapati bread; mandazi, fried breads that are similar to doughnuts; as well as spicy stews or crispy samosas. A typical experience at Karibu features a friendly server explaining the night’s family-style offerings, but you can currently order online for dining on-site or delivery.
10 Crescent St., Waltham, 781-899-7444, tastekaribu.com.
Nzuko
The name of this restaurant literally translates to “gathering” in the Igbo language, but it more broadly defines owner Laurette Ndukwe’s mission: to combine her Haitian and African roots with global influences, organic ingredients, and a community spirit. Don’t miss the griot pork, Haitian dish served with tangy cabbage—but know there are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options as well, from black bean and quinoa burgers to falafel wraps and curries.
341 Cochituate Rd., Framingham, 508-620-1024, nzukorestaurant.com.
North
Habesha Ethiopian Restaurant
For more than a decade, this Malden mainstay has shared the vibrant cuisine of Ethiopia. Think: rich, deeply flavorful split lentils and braised meats, served on big platters with spongy injera (flatbread); and kitfo, a steak tartare-like dish of minced, raw beef fragrant with fiery chilies and a floral burst of cardamom. Online ordering and delivery is available.
535 Main St., Malden, 781-399-0868, habeshamalden.com.
Brisket and collard greens at Larry J’s BBQ in Revere. / Photo via Larry J’s BBQ Cafe on Yelp
Larry J’s BBQ Cafe
Larry Jimerson’s namesake smokehouse is best known for pulled pork and brisket, which are both slow-cooked over natural apple and hickory woods. But the bold menu also features favorites like “hawg” wings (a smoked pork shank appetizer), “fireballs” (super-spicy meatballs), and smoked potatoes loaded with toppings like chili or baked beans. Larry J’s location in Boston’s Seaport neighborhood is temporarily closed right now, but the Revere outpost—ideal for beach takeout—is open Friday through Sunday from 3-8 p.m. for takeout and delivery.
1148 N Shore Rd., Revere, 781-286-6781, larryjsbbqcafe.com.
Mill City BBQ and Brew
Though she’s a Lowell native, owner Renay Wolterding specializes in North Carolina-style barbecue, known for its tangy sauces—recipes she’s been perfecting since she lived in Charlotte, N.C., in her 20s. Her family-friendly, family-owned roadhouse in Kearney Square also boasts a full bar with an ample craft beer selection, as the name implies. It’s currently open for socially distanced dining, as well as takeout and delivery.
11 Kearney Sq., Lowell, 978-453-6400, millcitybarbecue.com.
Neighborhood Kitchen
Haitian, Asian, and American influences permeate chef Eddie George’s menu at this Medford newcomer, which he opened in late 2019 with business partner Joy Phoubaykham. Expect the unexpected, like a pupu platter with snacks like salmon wontons and sweet plantains; honey-walnut shrimp to pair with chicken and waffles; and even “taco Tuesday” specials on tortillas or steamed bao buns. Neighborhood Kitchen also offers weekend brunch, plus to-go containers of classic Haitian condiments like house made pikliz and epis.
84 Spring St., Medford, 781-391-9000, nkboston.com.
Sunset Caribbean Haitian Restaurant
From breakfast through dinner, this mom-and-pop spot in Lynn serves some of the most famous flavors of Haiti, such as mayi ak mori, a cornmeal polenta with cod and avocado; and taso kabrit, a meal of fried goat and plantains, served with salad, rice and beans. Always mainly a takeout spot, it’s currently open daily at 10 a.m. for breakfast and until 10:30 p.m. for dinner.
49 Union St, Lynn, 781-581-5090 / 857-241-7848, sunsetcaribbeanhaitianrestaurant.com.
Wham’s Cafe
Owner Sandra Okiror-Njoroge named her original restaurant in Toronto after her then-baby daughter, Wambui—and now the second generation helps her mother run their restaurant in Lowell. The menu focuses on Kenyan cuisine, with daily-changing stews, succotash, or rice dishes; samosas; and breakfast options, like mikorogo (Kenyan crepes) and coffee. Orders can be called in ahead of time and picked up from the window on Aiken Street. Wham’s is closed on Sundays.
737 Lakeview Ave., Lowell, 855-WHAMSCAFE, whamscafe.com.
67 Degrees Brewery owner Olivier Edouard (second from left), cofounder Laury Lucien (second from right), partners Arnold Cazeau (far left) and Patrick Edouard (back right, in yellow) master brewer Tim Morse, and team say “cheers” at their Franklin taproom (in a photo taken before the pandemic—now, masks are required). / Photo by Dee Lewis
South
67 Degrees Brewery
Olivier Edouard opened up the town of Franklin’s first brewery in early 2020 as a family-friendly hangout spot for fresh beer and food pop-ups. Hazy IPA lovers should not miss Route 140, a New England-style sipper hopped with fruity Citra, Mosaic, and Azacca buds. Brewer Tim Morse also uses local ingredients in rotating brews, such as honey brown ale made with raw honey from Franklin Honey Company. Follow 67 Degrees on social media for news about food trucks and pop-ups, as well as acoustic live music. The taproom is currently open Wednesday through Sunday with a socially distanced, dog-friendly patio.
158 Grove St., Franklin, 508-507-7376, 67degreesbrewing.com.
JJ’s Caffe
There are plenty of reasons to look forward to breakfast at this Brockton favorite, whether you crave something sweet (crème brûlée French toast topped with house-made apple-cinnamon syrup and crème fraîche) or savory (salmon Benedict). In fact, the many glowing web reviews earned this family-owned establishment notice from People magazine, which named it the top breakfast spot in the Bay State. Chef JJ Fernandes and his son, Nelson, who own the brunch go-to, are currently bottling their signature Fogo Fire hot sauce, plus house roasts of coffee, for online shipping. Stay tuned for the restaurant’s reopening.
610 North Main St., Brockton, 508-510-4227, jjscaffe.com.
Luanda Restaurant & Lounge
The life journey of the family behind this Brockton restaurant reaches to Cape Verde, Angola, and Greater Boston—and so does the Afro-Portuguese cuisine they serve. From shrimp Mozambique, to tender sirloin, to signature chicken natas (a light but creamy Portuguese sauce), you’ll find a uniquely delicious combination of flavors. Luanda is currently open for socially distanced dining, takeout, and delivery.
453 Centre St., Brockton, 508-427-1649, luandabrockton.com.
Oasis Caribbean Cuisine
This Haitian food oasis opened in Norwood in early 2019, with daily specials like whole fried fish and goat curry. The cute café is geared for takeout, and is currently open every day but Monday until 7 p.m. (5 p.m. Sundays).
487 Washington St., Norwood, 781-352-0061, Facebook.
Ore a Love Story
The intangible ingredient of love is always a welcome addition to homestyle fare, and you’ll find it in the brunch specialties of chef Claudel Belizaire—overloaded omelets, bountiful Benedicts, chocolate pancakes, and egg sandwiches made with Bahamian hot sausages. After all, love goes to the very core of the weekend-only spot: it is named for Belizaire’s wife and business partner, Ore Muho. The restaurant is open for takeout and delivery from 7 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
434 Pearl St., Stoughton, 781-436-8641, Facebook.
