Brooklyn has one of the best diverse culinary scenes I have experienced, consisting of a melting pot of cultures. Haitian restaurants in Brooklyn add even more culture to the borough’s culinary experience.
A blend of African, French, and indigenous influences, Haitian dishes are infused with rich flavors and are among the many islands whose food is highly sought after.
While I might be biased as a Haitian-American, Haitian food is some of the best food you will have from the Caribbean islands, so you might as well get a head start in New York!
I’ve compiled this list of Haitian restaurants in Brooklyn for you to keep on your radar whenever you are in the area for a quick lunch or immersive dining experience.
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Lakou Cafe
Bringing a unique flair to the restaurant industry in Brooklyn, Lakou Cafe is a Caribbean-American cafe that highlights Haitian food and culture.
Priding itself on being more than just a cafe, Lakou aims to be a place where “the community gathers to exchange knowledge, fellowship and nourish their souls and bodies.” through events like Kreyol language mixers and book clubs.
BunNan
Spreading their love of plantains, known as “bunnan” in Haitian Creole, BunNan makes rich dishes from this one Caribbean staple food.
Whether you’re in the mood for a filling semi-sweet plantain sandwich filled with well-seasoned meat or oxtail plantain pizza, BunNan is one place you’ll want to add to your list of Haitian restaurants in Brooklyn.
Zanmi
Started by a group of friends with talents from various industries, Zanmi “advocates for food, friends, and family through service and cuisine.” The word “Zanmi” translates to “friends,” as this restaurant is big on community and uniting people.
Zanmi is constantly looking for ways to bring people together with events like their Bouyon nights, where a DJ serves beats in-house, and guests can enjoy a bowl of a common Haitian dish.
Cafe Erzulie
The name Erzulie is “the Haitian voodoo spirit of love, beauty, and dance.” Cafe Erzulie serves many purposes within the Brooklyn community. On weekdays, the cafe is a “jazz and live music club,” by the end of the week, it is known to be a popular nightlife venue and event space.
The cafe is a beautiful environment with vibrant energy during the day, and it is worth stopping by to work either inside or in the sunny backyard area of the cafe.
JJ’s Fritaille
Fritay, when referring to Haitian food, simply means “fried foods,” and at JJ’s Fritaille in Flatbush, you can expect to get a taste of a lot of it. JJ’s is known for serving fried griot, tassot, turkey, and fresh juices to accompany your meal. The plates are served with fresh plantains and salad on the side.
Kreyol Flavor
With three borough locations, Kreyol Flavor serves Brooklyn authentic Haitian cuisine with every encounter. The recipes “have been handed down generations and contain a proprietary blend of spices and seasonings.”
What makes this restaurant different from other Haitian restaurants in Brooklyn is its breakfast menu, which gives you a well-rounded experience of Haitian food.
Good Taste
Served food assembly style, with plates of Haitian food prepped and ready to plate as soon as you walk in the door, Good Taste makes a great place to visit for a quick Haitian meal in Brooklyn. From oxtail and lambi to bouyon legim soup, you’re bound to find something you’ll enjoy on the menu.
Lago Kache Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, Lago Kache Restaurant & Lounge offers an air of sophistication while providing a blend of flavors. The restaurant and lounge have an upscale vibe, making Lago Kache a great late-night spot.
La Caye
Open Tuesday – Sunday, La Caye “brings authentic Haitian cuisine to the heart of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Its signature flavors hail from lime, tomato, thyme, and habanero; Haitian cuisine is flavorful, aromatic, and healthy.” On Thursdays, the venue hosts a live band for their themed night labeled “Musically Thursdays.”
La Baguette Shop
La Baguette is a family-owned pastry and bakery shop where you can find a variety of Haitian and French pastries. “For over 30 years, the bakery has provided the community with authentic, fresh breads, pastries, and other flavors of home.”
The bakery’s menu features Haitian baked goods like paté, puff pastry with meat or vegetable filling, and Tablet Noix. If you’re ever in the mood for a quick bite, a stop at La Baguette is fitting. While it may not count as one of the standard Haitian restaurants in Brooklyn, the bakery shop is one you have to visit!
Joenise Restaurant
At Joenise Restaurant, the goal is to provide customers with “delicious and authentic Haitian food created at the highest standards.” With fresh ingredients utilized to ensure every dish is of the utmost quality, Joenise has earned itself a great reputation in the community.
Immaculee Bakery
Immaculee has restaurant and bakery locations not too far from each other, where you can grab a taste of baked goods and full dishes that highlight Haitian culture. Haitian hot chocolate is also sold at this location and can be a hot drink that is hard to find at establishments, so take advantage of pairing it with some warm bread or another sweet pastry.
2 Responses
Hello,
This seems like a really good list. I hope to try all of them soon.
Thank You
You’re very welcome! Lakou has great patties 🙂