A Quiet Lunch at New Harlem Besame.

In The Menu, Visual Arts by Quiet LunchLeave a Comment

With Black Owned Restaurant Month in full swing, and although there are a set of participating restaurants, we decided to go off grid and visit New Harlem Besame on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard.

An effervescent family owned eatery located a stone’s throw from the iconic Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, New Harlem Besame is hard to miss. The smell, the sounds, the look, the feel—the aroma wafting from the kitchen, the groovy tunes spilling from speakers, the brilliant artwork adorning the walls and the energy of the satisfied patrons… it all draws you in without fail.

Photos Courtesy of NaShish Scott

But the real appeal to the senses comes in the form of taste. New Harlem Besame boasts a delicious menu that is just as lively as its atmosphere. The chefs blend the exuberant flavors of Caribbean cuisine with the rich savoriness of soul food, resulting in a mouthwatering marriage that will have you head over heels in love with their dishes.



Owned by Osei Rubie, New Harlem Besame is more than a restaurant. Think Small’s Paradise, a bustling cultural hub in which the community of Harlem can congregate connect and be merry. From the storied art on the walls to the food, New Harlem Besame embodies the revitalization of one of New York City’s most distinguished neighborhoods. We caught up with Rubie and he was happy to expound on what New Harlem Besame means to the community and its residents.

“We stand on the shoulders of many great restaurateurs in Harlem.

Our goal for the present is to continue to fill the void of Latin and Caribbean food in Central Harlem. Our restaurant is truly a union of cultures, we convey this union through our food, the cocktails and the design of our restaurant.

The name New Harlem Besame acknowledges and promotes the Harlem Renaissance and the dynamic environment of black entrepreneurship during that time period. We have received a great reception from the community within our first 8 months of operation. As we move forward, our goal is to focus on making New Harlem Besame a pillar of the Central Harlem community.”Osei Rubie

Be sure to stop by New Harlem Besame for Happy Hour or their Sunday Brunch. Rubie is sure to be there to greet you with a hearty handshake and a warm smile.


New Harlem Besame
2070 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd
New York, NY 10027

Monday – Thursday | 6pm -12am
Friday & Saturday | 12pm – 2 am
Sunday | 12pm – 10pm

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