Explore the city
Local Eats
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.
- ~1 min walk
- ~1 min walk
- Russell House TavernAmerican~1 min walk
14 John F. Kennedy Street
- Bon MeVietnamese~2 min walk
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
- ~2 min walk
- ~2 min walk
- ~2 min walk
- ~2 min walk
- ~2 min walk
- ~3 min walk
- Felipe's TaqueriaMexican~3 min walk
21 Brattle Street
- ~3 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- ~5 min walk
- ~5 min walk
- ~6 min walk
- ~7 min walk
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.
- ~1 min walk
- Nud PobThai~3 min walk
738 Commonwealth Avenue
- ~3 min walk
- ~4 min walk
- Crispy Crêpes CaféCrêpes & sandwiches~5 min walk
714 Commonwealth Avenue
- ~5 min walk
- ~5 min walk
- ~6 min walk
- Futago UdonJapanese udon~7 min walk
508–512 Park Drive
- ~8 min walk
- ~8 min walk
- ~8 min walk
- ~8 min walk
- ~8 min walk
- ~9 min walk
- ~10 min walk
- Life AliveVegetarian~10 min walk
888 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.
