The organization not only platforms Black-owned restaurants, but also serves as a directory for Angelenos seeking diverse culinary experiences
Black Restaurant Week returned to Los Angeles Friday for its ninth year, honoring Black-owned cultural establishments across the city. From Sept. 18 to 27, small businesses will participate in the organization’s national initiative to highlight Black, African and Caribbean culinary traditions.
Founder Warren Luckett said that while working at a wine distribution company, he saw a gap in the culinary conversation surrounding his own community and wanted to help bridge it. The organization highlights businesses in major cities, including New York, Atlanta and Houston, throughout the year, while its website also serves as a directory.
Black-owned businesses in each city can be found through the website’s mapping system, where users can filter restaurants based on dietary preferences or restrictions.
“While we really just started this off as a week, we also saw the need to really highlight all the other aspects of the culinary industry,” Luckett said.
In the organization’s mission statement video, Luckett explains that Black Restaurant Week highlights not only traditional dining experiences, but also catering companies, food trucks and other specialty culinary products from Black owners.
Los Angeles magazine has curated a list of three spots featured in Black Restaurant Week to check out this September and beyond.
Credit: Joyce DTLA
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Joyce is a sustainable seafood restaurant and raw bar that celebrates Southern cuisine. In true California fashion, the restaurant combines Southern soul food with a modern coastal twist.
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The spot strikes a balance between fine dining and a comfortable restaurant experience, making it a fitting place to celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a daytime bite with a friend. Menu highlights include Cajun Shrimp Hushpuppies or Edisto Island Cornbread to start, followed by Nashville Hot Fried Catfish or Low Country Shrimp & Grits.
Joyce’s zero-landfill cocktail program is another notable feature, with a focus on responsible sourcing, composting, recycling and waste mitigation. The menu features innovative cocktails made with infused liquors and house-made ingredients, as well as mocktail options for non-drinkers. Its Golden Happy Hour is available daily from 5 to 7 p.m.
Credit: Brandon Barré
Located in the historic Fairfax District, Lucia blends Caribbean cuisine with modern touches to deliver an elevated hospitality experience. Opened in 2025, Lucia is known for its vibrant yet sophisticated atmosphere and a menu that celebrates the Caribbean’s diverse and rich culture.
Though new to Los Angeles, Lucia has already received Best Restaurant Design in the Americas, Best Surface Design and the Gold Key Award for Upscale Restaurant Design. It also earned a spot on Robb Report’s list of the 21 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America. The restaurant is led by two-time James Beard finalist Chef Cleophus Hethington.
Must-try dishes include the Pastélon, served with pecorino béchamel, and the Jerk Lamb Shank with whipped sweet potato and salsa criolla.
Harriet’s has been serving gourmet cheesecakes in Inglewood for more than 40 years. Founded in 1983, the shop began when Harriet started baking cheesecakes after her sister, who was studying in New York, sent her a newspaper clipping of a French Vanilla cheesecake recipe and encouraged her to make it for her next visit home.
“With no real baking skills or equipment, she recreated the recipe by hand,” Harriet’s website reads. “The rest as some say is history!”
According to the website’s history, Harriet had “a lot to prove” as a Black businesswoman in the cheesecake industry and aimed to create recipes that a predominantly Black community could enjoy. That effort led to the creation of her famous Sweet Potato Cheesecake, which is still available at the shop. Harriet’s is also known for its Praline Cheesecake and continues to sell the storied French Vanilla Cheesecake that started it all.