Rochester has no shortage of places to eat, but this is the hub for Black owned restaurants in Rochester NY —the spots locals actually search for when they type “black owned restaurants near me” or “black restaurants near me.” This category brings together soul food, brunch, dinner, bars, cafes, and catering from Black-owned food businesses across the city so you can plan your next meal and keep your dollars circulating locally.
Here you’ll find everything from classic soul food restaurants in Rochester NY to African and other ethnic restaurants, including Ethiopian and Nigerian options for when you’re craving something beyond the usual chain. Whether you’re looking for a Black owned Italian restaurant, popular Black owned restaurants for date night, or new Black owned restaurants that just opened, this page is built to surface those choices quickly.
If breakfast or brunch is your lane, use this list when you’re searching for “black owned breakfast near me,” “black owned brunch near me,” or “black brunch spots near me” and want real Rochester restaurants instead of generic roundups. You can also spot Black owned diners, juice bars, pizzerias, vegan Black owned restaurants, and Black owned seafood restaurants near you, all in one place.
Planning a night out or an event? Browse Black owned bars near me, Black owned lounges, and Black owned catering near me, plus cafes that work for meetings, coworking, or catching up with friends. This category is your starting point any time you’re hungry, want restaurants that are Black-owned and local, and need a fast way to move from “rochester restaurants” search to a table, a takeout order, or a catering quote.
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Find Black Owned businesses by subcategory
These are the subcategories in this current category.
2 Listings
African Restaurants
Black Owned African restaurants in Rochester, NY & Monroe County, NY
0 Listings
Barbecue (BBQ)
Black owned Barbecue BBQ eateries in Rochester, NY
6 Listings
Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants
<h2>Breakfast & Brunch: Black-Owned Morning Meals in Rochester, NY</h2>
Rochester's Black-owned breakfast and brunch scene delivers soul food classics, hearty plates, and weekend vibes that make mornings worth waking up for. Whether you're searching for breakfast restaurants Rochester NY, black owned brunch restaurants near me, or soul food breakfast with all the fixings, this category connects you with local diners and cafes where the food and hospitality both hit.
Start your weekend at The 5 Mile Cafe in Penfield, The Arnett Cafe in the 19th Ward, or The Toast Factory on Rochester's Southeast side—all serving up generous portions, strong coffee, and that neighborhood energy. Craving soul food brunch? Expect grits, biscuits, chicken and waffles, French toast, and Southern-style sides done right—comfort food that feels like home.
For something lighter or plant-based, spots like Taste of Supreme Bakery Cafe offer gluten-free and vegan breakfast options alongside their cafe menu, while other restaurants serve customizable plates for dietary preferences. If you need breakfast takeout Rochester NY or catering for a work meeting, family gathering, or brunch event, many of these businesses handle larger orders and grab-and-go service.
When you search best Black owned breakfast restaurants near me or breakfast places Monroe County NY, you're finding more than food—you're encouraging entrepreneurs, keeping money local, and building the kind of economy that reflects Rochester's diversity. From quick weekday breakfasts to long Sunday brunches, these breakfast spots in Rochester NY show up with flavor, consistency, and pride.
1 Listing
Chicken & Wings
Black owned chicken wings and chicken spots in Rochester, NY, Monroe County and Greater Rochester Area
4 Listings
Ethiopian Restaurants
Black owned Ethiopian food and restaurants in Rochester NY
11 Listings
Jamaican/Caribbean Restaurants
Rochester has a rich culinary landscape, and the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean are a cornerstone of our local food scene.
Our directory connects you with the best Black-owned Jamaican restaurants in Rochester, NY, serving up everything from authentic jerk chicken to tender oxtail.
These local eateries bring the authentic taste of the islands to Western New York, using traditional spices and slow-cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you are craving a quick beef patty for lunch or a full sit-down curry goat dinner, these businesses offer a soulful dining experience you won't find anywhere else.
Choosing these Jamaican-owned establishments helps celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that makes the 585 area so unique.
From the smoky aromas of the grill to the friendly, community-focused atmosphere, each restaurant offers a unique take on island hospitality. We invite you to explore our listings and discover hidden gems located throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.
Each meal is a chance to reinvest in local entrepreneurs while enjoying some of the most flavorful food in the region. Scroll down to find your next favorite Jamaican or Caribbean spot in Rochester today.
1 Listing
Pop-Up Restaurants
Black Owned pop-up restaurants in Rochester, NY.
Pop up restaurant means they don't have a regular location nor do they keep regular hours. Please contact the business directly, follow their social media pages, and subscribe to their email list! This category is open to all genres of food.
2 Listings
Sandwiches & Hot Dogs
Black owned hots and sandwich restaurants in rochester, NY
14 Listings
Soul Food Restaurants Rochester NY
Craving soul food near you? This category features Black-owned soul food restaurants Rochester, NY and the surrounding area, with options for dine-in, takeout, and catering.
From fried chicken and collard greens to mac and cheese, cornbread, oxtail, and Sunday dinner plates, these kitchens serve the comfort food people actually search for.
Use this page to find local soul food spots for lunch, dinner, family meals, and event catering across Rochester and Monroe County.
Many of these businesses are Black-owned, woman-owned, and rooted in Rochester’s food culture, serving the city with flavor, hospitality, and staying power.
Scroll down to browse the listings and find your next favorite soul food restaurant in Rochester, NY.
<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>
<h3>What is soul food?</h3>
Soul food is a style of cooking rooted in African American culinary traditions, often centered on hearty, comforting dishes like fried chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, yams, and slow-cooked meats.
<h3>What are the best Black-owned soul food restaurants in Rochester, NY?</h3>
This category highlights local favorites including <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/cassies-citchen-catering/">Cassie’s Citchen & Catering</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/nellies-house-of-soul/">Nellie’s House of Soul</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/tangies-kitchen/">Tangie’s Kitchen</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/soulfood-sistas/">Soulfood Sistas</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/mamacitas-place-soul-food/">Mamacita’s Place</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/grill-kingz/">Grill Kingz</a>, and other Black-owned spots across Rochester.
<h3>Where can I find soul food catering in Rochester?</h3>
Several listings in this category and the related catering pages offer <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing-category/catering-rochester-ny/">soul food catering</a> for family gatherings, weddings, corporate events, and community functions.
<h3>Do these places offer takeout or dine-in?</h3>
Many soul food businesses in Rochester offer takeout, and some also provide dine-in service, lunch plates, and weekend meals depending on the restaurant.
<h3>Why does this page focus on Black-owned businesses?</h3>
Because the directory is built to make Black-owned businesses easier to find and easier to choose, and soul food is one of the strongest categories for that mission.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Owned in Rochester
What is Black Owned in Rochester?
Black Owned in Rochester (BOIR) is a business directory and community platform showcasing Black-owned businesses across Monroe County, NY. You can search by category, location, or service to find local businesses—from restaurants and salons to therapists, contractors, and event vendors—all in one place instead of scrolling through generic search results.
How do I find Black-owned businesses near me in Rochester?
Use the search bar or browse by category on the BOIR homepage to find Black-owned businesses near you in Rochester, NY. Each listing includes the business address, contact info, services, and links so you can call, book, or visit directly—no middleman, no algorithm pushing chains over local spots.
Why should I shop at Black-owned businesses in Rochester?
Shopping at Black-owned businesses in Rochester keeps money circulating in the local economy and helps build generational wealth in the community. You’re also more likely to get personalized service, unique products, and support entrepreneurs who actually live and invest here—not corporate franchises extracting profit to some headquarters in another state.
Can I list my Black-owned business on this directory?
Yes, Black-owned business owners in Monroe County can claim or add a free listing on BOIR, and paid plans ($35 Starter, $55 Growth, $120 Professional) unlock features like priority placement, social media links, photo galleries, and more visibility. Go to the “Add Listing” or “Claim Your Business” page to get started—it takes about five minutes and puts you in front of thousands of local searchers every month.
Are all the businesses on Black Owned in Rochester Black-owned?
BOIR focuses on Black-owned businesses in Rochester, NY, but the platform is open to everyone as customers—you don’t have to be Black to shop Black-owned. The goal is economic development and visibility for Black entrepreneurs in Monroe County, not gatekeeping who can browse or buy.