Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Spanish Harlem | Upscale & Paleo

22 restaurants in Best Upscale Paleo Restaurants in Spanish Harlem | Upscale & Paleo

• The Lexington Social — Mediterranean · rated 5/5: The Lexington Social serves as a vibrant neighborhood hub where sun-drenched interiors and the rhythmic clink of glassware create an inviting backdrop for midday gatherings. Guests can escape the city’s frantic pace to savor thoughtfully composed plates paired with refreshing libations, turning a simple lunch into a curated sensory retreat. The atmosphere hums with a sophisticated energy that makes every meal feel like a celebrated pause in the day.
• Chu Ros Thai — Thai · rated 5/5: Chu Ros Thai invites diners into a world of bold aromatics and vibrant colors, where the steam from bubbling hot pots of creamy Tom Yum meets the irresistible crunch of golden-fried delicacies. The kitchen masterfully balances tradition and creativity, serving up everything from rich, lychee-infused duck curries to savory drunken udon that hums with spice and fresh seafood. It is a culinary destination where every plate tells a story of balanced heat and fragrant herbs, offering a soulful escape into the heart of Thai flavors.
• Mrs. An Thai — Thai · rated 5/5: The air hums with the rhythmic clatter of woks and the intoxicating perfume of fresh galangal and Thai basil, drawing guests into a space that feels both bustling and deeply personal. Velvety green curries simmer with a gentle heat that complements the smoky, caramelized depth of wok-seared drunken noodles and the bright, tamarind-laced tang of a perfectly balanced Pad Thai.
• Frenchy Cafe — French · rated 5/5: Frenchy Cafe captures the effortless charm of a Parisian sidewalk haunt, where the rich, nutty aroma of freshly pulled espresso fills a space designed for both quiet contemplation and lively morning rituals. Skilled baristas craft everything from velvety flat whites with delicate micro-foam to bold, soul-warming cafe au laits, turning each cup into a refined celebration of European coffee culture.
• Café d'Anvers — French · rated 4.9/5: Café d'Anvers transports diners to a romantic corner of Europe, where the soft hum of conversation mingles with the irresistible fragrance of garlic, butter, and herbs de Provence. Each plate is a vibrant canvas of French culinary artistry, offering a sensory journey through velvety bisques, tender braised meats, and crisp, golden-crusted delights. With its polished zinc bar and flickering candlelight, the space invites you to linger over a bottle of Bordeaux and lose yourself in the soulful, unhurried rhythm of a true Parisian evening.
• Chu Ros Thai — Thai · rated 4.8/5: Stepping into Chu Ros Thai feels like a sensory journey through a bustling night market, where the air is thick with the fragrance of crushed galangal and the rhythmic sound of a mortar and pestle. The kitchen balances the bold, punchy notes of tamarind and bird’s eye chilies with the cooling grace of fresh herbs, creating dishes that dance between fiery spice and delicate sweetness. It is a space where the vibrant colors of emerald curries and golden-fried delights come together, offering a warm, communal atmosphere that honors the soulful traditions of Thai home cooking.
• Safari — African · rated 4.6/5: Safari transports diners to a world of vibrant warmth, where the air hums with the intoxicating scent of berbere, ginger, and slow-simmered stews. Communal platters become a canvas of rich colors and textures, inviting guests to tear off pieces of tangy flatbread to scoop up tender, spice-rubbed meats and earthy lentils in a rhythmic celebration of shared connection.
• La Nostra — Italian · rated 4.5/5: La Nostra invites guests into a warm, candlelit sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered ragu and toasted garlic drifts from the heart of the kitchen. Silken, hand-stretched pastas and vibrant seasonal antipasti celebrate the soulful traditions of the Italian table, creating a timeless atmosphere where every shared plate and glass of Chianti feels like a spirited homecoming.
• Effy's Kitchen — Mediterranean · rated 4.4/5: Effy’s Kitchen serves as a sun-drenched escape where the bright, herbaceous scents of the Mediterranean dance through a warm and inviting space. From the velvety swirl of house-made hummus to the charred perfection of flame-kissed skewers, every dish celebrates the vibrant colors and bold, rustic flavors of the coast. It is a place where the clink of glasses and the warmth of shared plates create an atmosphere of effortless hospitality, inviting diners to linger over a meal that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
• AB Fish Market — Seafood · rated 4.4/5: AB Fish Market transports diners to a bustling coastal pier where the day’s freshest catch rests on shimmering beds of ice, promising a meal defined by the pure, bracing flavors of the deep. The air hums with the lively energy of a seaside bazaar as chefs transform briny oysters and succulent, pan-seared fillets into vibrant plates that celebrate the simple, salt-kissed elegance of the ocean.
• The Lexington Social — Mediterranean · rated 4.3/5: The Lexington Social pulses with a convivial energy, drawing guests into a stylishly rustic space where the sun-drenched spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive through vibrant, shared plates. Fragrant herbs and charred citrus mingle with the rich aroma of olive oil and grilled delicacies, creating a sensory journey that transports diners to a breezy coastal terrace. This sanctuary for spirited evenings captures the effortless warmth of a seaside gathering, where every bite celebrates the soulful, salt-of-the-earth flavors of the coast.
• Quechua Nostra — Peruvian · rated 4.2/5: Quechua Nostra brings the spirited soul of the Andes to life, welcoming guests into a space where sun-drenched colors and the sharp, bright scent of lime and aji amarillo fill the air. The kitchen balances the bracing chill of citrus-cured seafood with the comforting, earthy depth of slow-cooked mountain grains, creating a sensory journey that spans from the rugged highlands to the misty Pacific coast. It is a vibrant celebration of Peruvian heritage, where ancient culinary traditions are reimagined with modern artistry and served with heartfelt hospitality.
• Bardolino Pizza — Italian · rated 4.2/5: Bardolino Pizza transports guests to a rustic Italian escape where the comforting scent of wood smoke and bubbling mozzarella fills a space alive with neighborhood energy. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into artisanal masterpieces within the glowing heart of the oven, resulting in perfectly blistered crusts and vibrant toppings that turn a simple meal into a soulful celebration of Mediterranean tradition.
• Ollin — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Ollin pulses with a soulful energy, where the smoky aroma of toasted chilies and the rhythmic pat of hand-pressed masa transport guests to the sun-drenched heart of Mexico. Each plate is a vibrant tapestry of flavor, layering the velvety depth of complex moles against the bright, citrusy snap of garden-fresh salsas. It is a lively sanctuary that celebrates ancestral traditions with a modern spirit, inviting long, convivial evenings fueled by the warmth of artisanal mezcals and bold, authentic spices.
• La Fonda — Mexican · rated 4/5: La Fonda transports diners to a vibrant Mexican plaza, where the rhythmic pat-pat of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of slow-roasted meats create an atmosphere of festive warmth. Each dish celebrates bold, ancestral flavors, from the complex depth of a velvety mole to the zesty brightness of lime-cured seafood, all served in a space alive with color and the clink of artisanal glassware.
• Wimpy's Hamburger Place — American · rated 4/5: Wimpy's Hamburger Place captures the timeless spirit of the classic American diner, where the irresistible aroma of searing beef and toasted buns wafts through a space buzzing with nostalgic charm. Guests settle into a world of simple, savory perfection as juicy, hand-pressed patties meet the intense heat of the griddle, resulting in a signature charred crust that pairs beautifully with frosty, hand-spun shakes and golden, salt-dusted fries.
• Amy Ruth's — American · rated 4/5: This legendary Harlem destination envelops guests in the soul-warming aromas of honey-dipped fried chicken and slow-roasted holiday meats, creating an atmosphere that feels like a perpetual family celebration. Plates of golden-fried catfish and the iconic "Al Sharpton" chicken and waffles take center stage, offering a masterclass in Southern comfort that is best enjoyed alongside a cold Sugar Hill Ale and the vibrant hum of a bustling dining room.
• Dear Mama Coffee — American · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary pulses with a warm, soulful energy, inviting guests to linger over artisanal brews that feel like a heartfelt embrace. Baristas transform the daily caffeine ritual into an art form, pouring poetic, botanical-inspired creations like the delicate Sakura Blossom and the radiant Golden Hour Latte alongside meticulously sourced single-origin drips. It is a vibrant community hub where the aroma of freshly roasted beans meets a spirit of creative innovation, making every visit a refreshing celebration of the season.
• Teranga — African · rated 4/5: Teranga invites diners into a vibrant celebration of West African hospitality, where the air is perfumed with the comforting scents of slow-simmered yassa and aromatic spices. Colorful market plates overflow with nutrient-rich fonio, tender black-eyed peas, and soulful stews like efo riro, offering a nourishing journey through the diverse flavors of the Sahel. From the comforting pull of traditional fufu to the bright, citrusy notes of the Casamance salad, every dish reflects a deep respect for heritage and the communal joy of a shared meal.
• Mojo Desserts — American · rated 4/5: Mojo Desserts serves as a vibrant sanctuary for the sweet-toothed, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of rich cocoa and every velvety spoonful offers a moment of pure indulgence. From intimate, perfectly portioned cups to grand, shareable feasts, the experience centers on decadent textures and the warmth of artisanal hot chocolate that lingers long after the final sip.
• La Isla Restaurant — Spanish · rated 3.8/5: La Isla transports diners to a sun-drenched corner of the Mediterranean, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of toasted saffron and sizzling garlic. Vibrant plates of tapas and golden-crusted paellas arrive at bustling tables, inviting guests to linger over glasses of chilled sangria amidst a backdrop of warm terracotta tones and spirited conversation. This lively sanctuary captures the soulful essence of Iberian hospitality, turning every meal into a convivial celebration of bold, coastal flavors.
• Claire's Kitchen Cafe — American: Sun-drenched and welcoming, this neighborhood sanctuary invites guests to linger over the comforting aroma of golden-brown pancakes and the vibrant colors of fresh, seasonal breakfast bowls. From the creamy richness of artisanal avocado toast to the savory warmth of a perfectly pressed breakfast wrap, every dish is crafted with a personal touch that transforms morning staples into a soulful, home-cooked experience.