Local Eats

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Local Eats

Places to eat near Friday's sessions in Harvard Square and Saturday's sessions at BU School of Law, plus Black-owned restaurants across Boston and Cambridge. The Black-owned list comes from Meet Boston's guide to Black-owned restaurants. Meals are on your own, and hours change, so check with the restaurant before you go.

Harvard Square (Friday)

A short walk from Friday's sessions at Harvard and the Law Fair at Lesley. Walk times are estimated from the Harvard Square T station.

Near BU School of Law (Saturday)

Within about a 10-minute walk of BU School of Law, 765 Commonwealth Avenue. Saturday's continental breakfast and box lunch are sponsored by BU Law (RSVP by 4:00 PM Eastern on November 4), so these are for coffee, snacks and dinner. Campus spots may keep shorter weekend hours.

  • Panda ExpressChinese

    775 Commonwealth Avenue (George Sherman Union)

    ~1 min walk
  • Nud PobThai

    738 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~3 min walk
  • Pavement CoffeehouseCoffee & bagels

    736 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~3 min walk
  • Beijing CafeChinese

    728 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~4 min walk
  • Crispy Crêpes CaféCrêpes & sandwiches

    714 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~5 min walk
  • Insomnia CookiesCookies & dessert

    708 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~5 min walk
  • University Grill and PizzaGreek & pizza

    712 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~5 min walk
  • Einstein Bros. BagelsBagels

    Commonwealth Avenue (BU campus)

    ~6 min walk
  • Futago UdonJapanese udon

    508–512 Park Drive

    ~7 min walk
  • Cafe LandwerIsraeli & brunch

    900 Beacon Street

    ~8 min walk
  • Japonaise BakeryBakery & cafe

    1020 Beacon Street

    ~8 min walk
  • Sol AztecaMexican

    914 Beacon Street

    ~8 min walk
  • StarbucksCoffee

    700 Commonwealth Avenue (Warren Towers)

    ~8 min walk
  • Taco Bell CantinaTex-Mex

    872 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~8 min walk
  • Taberna de HaroSpanish tapas

    999 Beacon Street

    ~9 min walk
  • AudubonAmerican

    838 Beacon Street

    ~10 min walk
  • Life AliveVegetarian

    888 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~10 min walk
  • Noodle StreetThai

    627 Commonwealth Avenue

    ~10 min walk

Black-owned and a bit farther: Rhythm 'n Wraps (vegan), 1096 Commonwealth Avenue in Allston, about a 15-minute walk.

Black-Owned Restaurants in Boston

In Cambridge, close to the Conference

Locations in Kendall Square, Cambridge and Dorchester

Specializing in Southern-influenced burgers and plates such as honey jerk glazed chicken and voodoo chips and dip, Bred Gourmet is a must-try for a fun twist on American classics.

Locations in Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury

With locations across Boston and Cambridge, Top Mix Bar & Kitchen serves elevated spins on classic dishes with ethnic flavors and colorful cocktails.

Asmara Restaurant

739 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Eritrean and Ethiopian meals are shared at Asmara, a family-run spot in Cambridge. For more information, call (617) 864-7447.

30 Dunster Street, Cambridge

Serving freshly made Italian specials every day, Oggi Gourmet has grown from a small Jamaica Plain kitchen to a neighborhood spot with outdoor seating and a full bar.

233 River Street, Cambridge

Open four days a week, The Coast Cafe serves mouth-watering Southern-style soul food and classics such as fried chicken and mac & cheese.

All Black-owned restaurants by cuisine

African

Safari African Food

1336A Blue Hill Ave, Mattapan

Located in Mattapan, Safari African Food serves classic African staples such as ginger juice and thiebu djen. For more information, call (617) 296-0011.

American

Locations in Kendall Square, Cambridge and Dorchester

Specializing in Southern-influenced burgers and plates such as honey jerk glazed chicken and voodoo chips and dip, Bred Gourmet is a must-try for a fun twist on American classics.

434 Pearl Street, Stoughton

Enjoy a brunch experience that blends Caribbean flavors with American classics. From bold flavors to colorful dishes, Ore Love Story serves comforting meals in a relaxed atmosphere.

568 Cambridge Street, Allston

As part of ESPN's 2023 Champion Black Businesses program, Rock City Pizza is home to not just pizza, but calzones, pasta, wings, wraps, and more.

Locations in Cambridge, Jamaica Plain, and Roxbury

With locations across Boston and Cambridge, Top Mix Bar & Kitchen serves elevated spins on classic dishes with ethnic flavors and colorful cocktails.

Bakeries / Coffee Shops

1290 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan

Cafe Juice Up serves health foods specialized for the wellness of all who visit, from juices to acai bowls and Haitian patties.

374 Massachusetts Avenue, Back Bay

Serving Ethiopia's finest brew since 2011, Farmer's Horse Coffee in Boston's Back Bay imports coffee beans to ensure exceptional flavor and beautiful pastries and lunch specialties.

74 Chapel Street, Needham

French Press Bakery and Cafe welcomes artisan bakers into a European-influenced space with beautiful croissants, danishes, and pastries.

284 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

Showcasing Dominican flavors in a flourishing menu, Yely's Coffee Shop pays homage to the DR while creating a welcoming atmosphere and a wonderful culinary experience.

Barbecue

600 D Street, Seaport

A variety of Southern influenced barbecue dishes are served at Larry J's BBQ Cafe, such as chili, catfish, turkey legs, and jambalaya.

1250 Massachusetts Avenue, Dorchester

With classic barbecue dishes such as cajun fries, sandwiches, and barbecue rib platters, M&M BBQ has an expansive menu of flavorful dishes.

Breakfast

2 McCraw Street, Roslindale

From a cottage business to a family-owned bagel shop, Exodus Bagels hand-shapes all of its bagels, as well as the schmear and everything in between.

Silver Slipper Restaurant

2387 Washington Street, Roxbury

Everything is homemade at Silver Slipper, a cozy diner in the heart of the Dudley area of Roxbury. For more information, call (617) 442-4853.

Cape Verdean

475 Dudley Street, Roxbury

Right in the heart of Roxbury, Nos Casa Cafe is family-owned and run, serving authentic Cape Verdean dishes such as jagacida, cuscus, and katchupa.

266 Bowdoin Street, Dorchester

Enjoy Cape Verdean classics and live music at Restaurante Cesaria, a cozy restaurant with outdoor seating, creative cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Caribbean

1301 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan

With bold and soulful flavors from Jamaican cooking such as braised oxtail and curry goat, Blue Mountain serves all day dishes for every meal.

Locations in Back Bay, Dorchester, Mattapan, & beyond Boston

Inspired by flavorful Caribbean dishes, Flames is a chain of seven restaurants that serves classic American staples along with classic Jamaican meals.

84 Spring Street, Medford

With Asian influence in classic Haitian meals, Neighborhood Kitchen is a community gem that serves twists on comforting dishes from home.

487 Washington Street, Norwood

Oasis Caribbean Cuisine is home to a series of homemade weekday Caribbean specialties. Call ahead for all orders at (781) 352-0061.

Egyptian

585 Somerville Avenue, Somerville

Located in Somerville, Koshari Mama curates modern vegan twists to classic Egyptian dishes.

Ethiopian

Asmara Restaurant

739 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge

Eritrean and Ethiopian meals are shared at Asmara, a family-run spot in Cambridge. For more information, call (617) 864-7447.

389 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

Blue Nile Restaurant is a cozy restaurant serving staples to Ethiopian cuisine with injera.

Ethiopian Cafe

377 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

In the relaxed setting of Ethiopian Cafe, traditional dishes are served and arranged on top of sourdough flatbread. Vegan dishes are available. For more information, call (617) 942-7192.

535 Main Street, Malden

With rich stews and diversity of flavors, Habesha Restaurant serves delicious Ethiopian dishes in Malden.

Fusion

The Triangle

50Kitchen is a South American-Asian fusion food truck located in the Triangle. Staple dishes include its signature Honey Fried Cornbread.

60 Howard Street, Watertown

Serving Mediterranean and Caribbean fusion, Nzuko has daily specials and a variety of meze boards to enjoy.

150 Dudley Street, Roxbury

Serving fusion dishes with cuisines from America, Africa, the Mediterranean, and South Asia, Teranga Grill directs 100% of profits to initiatives that fight food insecurity.

Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, & West Roxbury

Viva Mi Arepa brings authentic flavors of multiple Latin American cuisines into one, from cachapas to arepas and empanadas.

Locations in Hyde Park & Seaport

Fusing traditional Caribbean and modern flavors, Zaz Restaurant is open for takeout at its Hyde Park location on Thursdays and Saturdays. Check out the Seaport food truck as well!

Haitian

Au Beurre Chaud Bakery

72 River Park Street, Hyde Park

Au Beurre Chaud Bakery is a Haitian bakery that serves specialties such as French style turnovers with savory patties. For more information, call (617) 364-3066.

2 Highland Avenue, Somerville

Located in Somerville, Highland Creole Cuisine serves Haitian dishes that are both booming in flavor and color.

Locations in Hyde Park and Mattapan

From seafood to tassot goat, Las Vegas Seafood serves fantastic fish and Haitian cuisine staples.

132 Babson Street, Mattapan

Serving its specialty dish, the Haitian pate, Le Foyer Bakery is open seven days a week with high quality ingredients at reasonable prices.

1100 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan

With authentic Haitian flavors in signature dishes like Tasso de Cabrit and Boulet, Nu Flav Restaurant is a go-to for dine in, takeout, and delivery.

Italian

Locations in East Boston, Fenway, South End, and Newton

MIDA serves Italian specials such as pasta and pizza with global inspiration from various countries and flavors.

30 Dunster Street, Cambridge

Serving freshly made Italian specials every day, Oggi Gourmet has grown from a small Jamaica Plain kitchen to a neighborhood spot with outdoor seating and a full bar.

Jamaican

1450 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester

Whether it's a small bite or a delicious meal, Irie Jamaican Style Restaurant serves Jamaican specialties with vegetarian options.

Locations in Dorchester, Hyde Park, and Brockton

Only One Jamaican Restaurant has multiple locations across the Boston area serving classic Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail.

Locations in Mattapan and Roxbury

Inspired by family recipes, P&R shares traditional Jamaican dishes along with mouth watering ice cream for the perfect, well-rounded meal.

354 Washington Street, Stoughton

With Caribbean flavors, refreshing beverages, and vibrant culture, Right Taste is a go-to spot for authentic dishes in Jamaican cuisine.

Latin

2805 Washington St, Roxbury

A Roxbury staple with Dominican roots and a warm neighborhood vibe — swing by Fort Hill for a relaxed meal, a friendly bar scene, and nights that feel like a small celebration.

120 Savin Hill Avenue, Dorchester

Inspired by Latin and Mexican flavors, Ghost Pepper Taco + Tequila Bar serves tapas and cocktails in a gorgeous atmosphere.

360 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain

Whether it's a casual lunch or a festive dinner, every item at Pikalo is crafted with Dominican tradition and Argentine classics.

57 W Dedham St

Vejigantes Restaurant is a South End restaurant that welcomes you with island-inspired colors, warm hospitality, and bold Puerto Rican flavors.

Nigerian

146 Belgrade Avenue, Roslindale

Obosa Restaurant serves authentic Nigerian dishes such as jollof rice and garri with Afro-fusion spices and flavors.

185 Dudley Street, Roxbury

At Suya Joint Nigerian classics and cocktails are served in a lounge setting that offers special events such as Paint Night.

Somali

Ashur Restaurant

291 Roxbury Street, Roxbury

Ashur Restaurant is a neighborhood spot that serves classic African and Middle Eastern fare on top of its staple Somali dishes. For more information, call (617) 427-0599.

Soul Food

233 River Street, Cambridge

Open four days a week, The Coast Cafe serves mouth-watering Southern-style soul food and classics such as fried chicken and mac & cheese.

81 Fairmount Avenue, Hyde Park

Paying homage to the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Park 54 Restaurant and Lounge serves Southern dishes such as its classic Shrimp, Lobster, and Crab Grits.

Trinidadian

Ali's Roti Restaurant

1188 Blue Hill Avenue, Mattapan

Serving Trinidadian and Caribbean cuisine, Ali's Roti Restaurant is a laidback spot with plenty of vegetarian options. For more information, call (617) 298-9850.

984 Hyde Park Avenue, Hyde Park

Featured on NBC Boston, authentic Trinidadian cuisine is served at D Coal Pot with specialized dishes such as chicken roti.

482 Washington Street, Dorchester

JP Roti Shop is a laid-back neighborhood spot serving Trinidadian-style curry dishes such as roti wraps.

554 Columbia Road, Dorchester

Enjoy massive portions of roti dishes at Singh's Roti Shop, as well as samosas, doubles, and kebabs.

Vegan/Vegetarian

1096 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston

Voted the best vegan restaurant in Massachusetts, Rhythm 'n Wraps is a go-to destination for soulful vegan dishes such as chick'n 'n waffles, wraps, burgers, tacos, and even gluten free options.

Source: the official 2026 Attendee Planning Guide. Details may change — rates and access should be rechecked before travel. The National Black Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair is not affiliated with Harvard University or Boston University.