5 Best Restaurants for Black Persons in California: Black culinary voices and flavors are a part of a vibrant California culinary scene. Below are five Black-owned restaurants serving soulful dishes and cultural experiences.
1. Post & Beam – Baldwin Hills
Out of all the restaurants in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, Post & Beam is one that stands out for its soulful Southern-inspired menu and a warm and welcoming ambience. This restaurant is owned and run by husband and wife John and Roni Cleveland and is a cultural hub and community space. Braised oxtail, grilled cheese and shrimp and grits, and buttery biscuits — from the heritage and heart. It’s not only about food, it’s about celebrating Black culture and community as it pertains to the food. Post & Beam is greater than a single restaurant. This is comfort food done at a refined, almost old-school execution.
2. Alta Adams – West Adams
Other must stop, elevated California soul food in a relaxed and modern setting is Alta Adams. This spot, with its food and its mission, was created by chef Keith Corbin and quickly became a favorite. There is fried chicken, oxtails, and cornmeal pancakes on the menu, and each dish has a story of cultural pride. One of the reasons for Corbin’s cooking and the reason for his life is his past, which includes time in prison. Now he is trying to inspire other people through his journey. Perfect for those who want to enjoy great food, support meaningful stories, Alta Adams is a great restaurant.
3. My 2 Cents – Mid-Wilshire
My 2 Cents is a charming soul food spot in Mid Wilshire with Chef Alisa Reynold’s taking bold and creative dishes and bringing them to life. Among its famous oxtail tacos, turkey meatloaf burger, and vegan sweet potato pound cake, the restaurant is known. “California soul,” mixing Southern heritage with modern-day fresh, local ingredients, is how Reynolds describes her cooking. Because it is an ideal place for Black diners to enjoy flavors that feel like home with a modern flair, literally. It’s a cozy space, with always rich taste, always rich in the history of food.
4. Dulan’s on Crenshaw – Hyde Park
Dulan’s on Crenshaw is the type of soul food institution that’s beloved and has deep roots in the L.A. Black community. One person serving up classic fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread that comes from a long line of Dulan men is Greg Dulan. In 2025, the restaurant reopened, and, due to a renovation, it remained committed to community and tradition. Dulan’s is actually like eating at a family dinner. If you are trying to find true comfort food, long long-standing name in the city, then this is one of the trusted names.
5. Bridgetown Roti – East Hollywood
Bridgetown Roti offers fresh Caribbean American dishes with a Bajan and Trinidadian influence, made to spread Caribbean flavors to California. It was born as a pop-up up then opened a brick-and-mortar locale in East Hollywood, occupying chef Rashida Holmes. The shrimp roti is color and flavor bursting, the callaloo, and curried oxtail patties too. It’s a bold and refreshing dining experience of celebrating Black Caribbean heritage. Bridgetown Roti is essential for diners hunting for something more than what traditional soul food can offer.
Conclusion
In California alone, there are so many incredible Black-owned restaurants, and they are far beyond just having good food; they create space to celebrate culture, history, and the community. From the comforting to the bold, these five restaurants are among the best places for Black diners looking for hearty food and community.
