The Blacklists: Elevated Dining Guide

VISTAS MAGAZINE PRESENTS

the blacklists

elevated dining guide vol. 1

EXPLORE & SUPPORT

50 BLACK-OWNED

RESTAURANTS Embark on a journey of indulgence with VISTAS Magazine’s Elevated Dining Guide, your curated roadmap to the most travel-worthy Black-owned culinary destinations across the country. From Michelin-starred marvels to hidden gems redefining fine dining, these restaurants showcase the artistry, heritage, and innovation of Black chefs and restaurateurs. Whether you’re a dedicated gastronome or an adventurous traveler in search of exquisite flavors, this guide highlights where to dine next—region by region. Prepare to savor masterfully crafted dishes, impeccable service, and the rich cultural narratives woven into every bite.

BRONZE WASHINGTON, DC PHOTO BY NINA PALAZZOLO

THE APERTURE CHEF/ OWNER JORDAN ANTHONY-BROWN CINCINNATI, OH PHOTO BY CHRIS VON HOLLE CINCINNATI MAGAZINE

2024 ELEVATED DINING GUIDE

CHEMISTRY CHICAGO

This Black-owned steakhouse is located in the heart of Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood! Chemistry, is a mix of a latenight steakhouse, a fun brunch spot, and provides tantalizing nightlife vibes with DJ’s and live music. Patrons report that the tomahawk steak is tender, juicy, and melts in your mouth.

Chicago, IL

chemistrychicago.com

CUT 132 This steakhouse is located in the Easton neighborhood and boasts two private dining rooms with “al fresco dining available on the sun-drenched patio.” Seating choices include the Bar Room, the adjacent lounge or the 24-seat marble bar. Cut 132 is a member of the Thompson Hospitality group.

Columbus, OH

cut132.com

DEMERA Serving traditional Ethiopian cuisine since 2007, “using only the freshest, high quality, and authentic ingredients,” Demera is located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Demera’s well-lit corner location welcomes hungry Uptown residents looking to immerse themselves in Ethiopian cuisine. Colorful wicker seating at the dining room’s communal table gives groups an authentic experience, while picture windows offer plenty of people-watching for everyone.

Chicago, IL

demerachicago.com

PROVARÉ Located in the West Town area of Chicago, Creole and Italian fusion selections are prepared by Chef Jourdan Higgs, in partnership with co-owner Michael Williams. Vegan and nutfree options are available. Specialty cocktails abound, and guests are greeted with the Chicago Avenue, their signature house rum punch.

Chicago, IL

provarechicago.com

THE APERTURE This upscale bistro features Mediterranean mezze style small plates. Chef Jordan Anthony-Brown creates a natural progression and flow for the guest dining experience drawing on seasonal cooking from Southern France, Italy, Greece, and the Levant (Turkey, Israel, Lebanon, Syria). A five-course large format meal is offered in their private dining room.

Walnut Hills, OH 4

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theaperturecinci.com

MIDA CHEF/ OWNER DOUGLASS WILLIAMS BOSTON, MA PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER CHURCHILL FOR BEST RESTAURANTS IN BOSTON

2024 ELEVATED DINING GUIDE

BLK SWAN A restaurant concept curated by Executive Chef, Saon Brice, Blk Swan offers a uniquely crafted, "New American" menu, which features comfort food options presented with a creative culinary approach. The Harbor East eatery does have dress code requirements and features a DJ in the evenings.

Baltimore, MD

eatblkswan.com

CADENCE With a focus on 100% vegan and soy-free entrees, the highly celebrated plant-based soul food restaurant features the creations of Executive Chef Shenarri Freeman. She taps into her Virginia upbringing and vegan ethos and spotlights Soul Food through the lens of health and sustainability.

New York, NY

cadencenewyork.com

CLOVER HILL Set in Brooklyn Heights Historic District on a quiet, residential street, this kitchen makes the most out of top-rate ingredients, delicious sauces, and thoughtful combinations. From Long Island fluke ceviche with lime zest and sweet melon to Peekytoe crab salad wrapped in corn gelée set in a pool of corn velouté. Vibrant, seasonal ingredients are selected by partners Clay Castillo, Gabriel Merino and Chef Charlie Mitchell

Brooklyn, NY

cloverhillbk.com

FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY The plush, comfy booths and artistic decor beckons with lush flowering tulips to welcome guests. Tasting menu items have included grilled quail with pâté and coco bread accompanied by quash with chestnut custard, truffle, and calamansi. Bloodorange cake with honeycomb candy and brown sugar ice cream puncutate the menu with optional wine pairings from this James Beard 2023 Award Winning, Outstanding Restaurant located in the historic Mid City West.

Philadelphia, PA

fridaysaturdaysunday.com

PENNYROYAL STATION Erin Edwards, Co-owner, collaborating with Chef Jesse Miller and industry vet, Garrick Lumsden have converted a former, marbled 1700 sq ft bank space into a "gathering space for the Mount Ranier community." The decor is playful and the staff is welcoming and friendly. Crowd favorites include crabby deviled eggs, chicken wings, biscuits and gravy, buttermilk fried chicken sammy, and shrimp and grits.

Mount Ranier, MD 6

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pennyroyalstation.com

TATIANA Influences from San Juan Hill in the Bronx, include Italian bakeries, Chinese takeout, Caribbean roti shops and local bodegas. The menu is inspired by these influences from the old neighborhood. Everything is curated with thought and culinary expertise, by Chef Kwame Onwuachi whose menus are designed with equal measures of care and love.

New York, NY

tatiananyc.com

MAGDALENA RESTAURANT Magdalena, is located in The Ivy Hotel in downtown Baltimore.

Ingredients sourced close to home and relationships with local farmers and purveyors are at the heart of the culinary philosophy.

The upscale bistro features five dining areas including the Garden Room, the convivial Bar and the Courtyard.

Baltimore, MD

magdalena.co.il.com

MIDA The South End location has two sister restaurants, inspired by the simplicity of classic Italian dishes. The menus focus on many regions of traditional food and culture, using fresh seasonal ingredients, and is expertly crafted by Chef Douglass Williams.

Guests rave about the creative menu including the Gem Salad, Duck Wings and Pacchero Bolognese.

Boston, MA

midarestaurant.com

THE URBAN OYSTER Executive Chef Jasmine Norton's passion is to introduce oysters to those who are somewhat apprehensive. As the first female and black-owned oyster bar in Maryland, the trailblazer specializes in chargrilled oysters and other seafood dishes. Norton creates exciting dishes like a whole grilled branzino atop white bean puree and salsa verde, oxtail lasagna, vegan garden risotto, and a tea-brined Cornish hen.

Baltimore,MA

theurbanoyster.com

BRONZE Bronze is a tribute to global traveler Alonzo Bronze circa 1300’s.

This multi-level restaurant’s ambiance has been described as “very sexy” with low dim lighting. Chef Toya Henry, and her esteemed team of partners, where inspired by “Afrofuturism” and “the culture of the African diaspora.” Guests have enjoyed the prawns, oxtail, and the pappardelle with the star being the torched oysters.

Washington, DC

bronzedc.com

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FLAVORTURE Located in the Rock Creek Park area, Chef/ owners Pinkey Reddick and Llewelyn McAlister have created and intimate experience that promises a night of good food and fun from the moment patrons walk through the door. The lively playlist sets the atmosphere as customers enjoy signature dishes such as lamb chops and lobster and blue crab scampi.

Washington, DC

flavorture.com

ST. JAMES MODERN CARIBBEAN Chef Hernandez prepares cuisine with East Indian influence, along with Portuguese, African, Indian, Chinese, and West African traditions. The contemporary space with industrial touches is enlivened with vivid pops of color, while the shared plates-style menu evokes a convivial spirit.

Washington, DC

stjames-dc.com

GEORGIA BROWN'S The ceiling of this DC mainstay mimics “grand oak trees” by employing “bronze, ceiling scroll”. The acknowledgement of the importance of the “honey bee” in agriculture is featured in the logo of this low country eatery with a contemporary environment that celebrates the south. Guest rave about the catfish fingers and fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, Carolina Gumbo, and Seafood Penne.

Washington, DC

gbrowns.com

HUNCHO HOUSE Executive Chef Tobias Dorzon, is Italian trained with an homage to cooking with his West African father oversees the creative tasting menu. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate, the chef often makes rounds to the tables and made the guests feel appreciated. Guests favorites include the Spicy Lobster Rigatoni, Scallops, and Jerk Beef short rib.

Hyattsville, MD

hunchohouse.com

DŌGON Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi sits along the revitalized Southwest waterfront in Salamander Washington DC, with a concept inspired by DC Surveyor Benjamin Banneker and his heritage to the West African Dogon tribe. Pronounced “Dohgon,” the restaurant serves vibrant cuisine through an AfroCaribbean lens and draws from Onwuachi’s unique Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian and Creole background.

Washington, DC

8

VISTAS MAGAZINE

salamanderdc.com/dining/dogon

SUPPER CLUB AT BELACOURT NASHVILLE, TN

2024 ELEVATED DINING GUIDE

THE CONSULATE The Consulate is the product of an adventurous chef and a detail obsessed interior designer. Both native New Yorkers, Douglas and Mei have made Atlanta their city of choice, opening the sleek Mid Century Modern lair filled with noted works of art and iconic antiques. Works by Warhol, Haring, Radcliffe Bailey, and Matisse all share court, with a revolving international menu that keeps guest returning for more.

Atlanta, GA

theconsulateatlanta.com

THE KATHERINE RESTAURANT The downtown Fort Lauderdale eatery, is run by husband and wife team, Tim & Marissa Balloo. The menu focuses on small plates featuring global flavors ideal for sharing. The James Beard 2023 semifinalist and NY Times 16 Black chefs changing food in America, Chef Balloo has created “a vibrant menu of global flavors, shareable plates, and exquisite wine.”

Fort Lauderdale, FL

katherinerestaurant.com

MORROW’S STEAK Chef Larry Morrow redefines luxury dining with an emphasis on exceptional steakcraft and sophisticated flavors. This restaurant skillfully blends opulence with innovation, creating a distinctive dining experience that captures the vibrant essence of New Orleans.

New Orleans, LA

morrowsteak.com

ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, the fun, chic and casual restaurant is led by Chef Chris Hylton. The Executive Chef-owner, builds on his formidable experience and training, using the trifecta of Caribbean and international flavors, French techniques with signature entrees, including crowd favorites such as the sea bass and scallops.

Raleigh, NC

ororraleigh.com

THE RIDLEY The modern Soul Food restaurant, located in The Draftsman hotel, at Charlottesville, sources local ingredients to craft Southern inspired dishes. The restaurant name pays homage to Dr. Walter Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from UVA and receive a graduate degree from any major historically white public university in the South. The Ridley, is a restaurant concept from Thompson Hospitality,

Charlottsvilee, VA 10

VISTAS MAGAZINE

theridleyva.com

SUPPER CLUB ON BELCOURT Located in historic Hillsboro Village in Nashville, ”guests can expect an elevated atmosphere with sophisticated Southern cuisine.” This is the 2nd location (Memphis). Guests remark that the short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and saucy, served on top of polenta and au jus. The Supper Club has six distinct spaces with a 120-person capacity.

Nashville, TN

ilovesuperclub.com

SMITH X WEBSTER An intimate eatery pairing soulful African diaspora food pathways with French cooking technique. Founders Starex Smith and Kayvon Webster opened the pscale soul food restaurant in North Miami Beach and features fan favorites including oxtail lasagna and the turkey wing, served with corn bread dressing, collard greens, and black eyed peas. The other location is in Coral Springs.

Miami, FL

smithxwebster.com

DAKAR NOLA Meals are served from a seasonal tasting menu created by Chef Serigne Mbaye. Recipient of the James Beard Award 2024 Best New Restaurant, Chef Mbaye incorporates his experiences with Japanese, Cuban, French and Creole spices. His cross-cultural culinary background has led to new flavor combinations to compliment Senegalese cuisine.

New Orleans, LA

dakarnola.com

LOW COUNTRY STEAK This casual eatery with simple but polished decor, featuring seafood, and cocktails. G. Garvin, Chef co-owner, James Beard Award nominee, has created an experience reminiscent of “Sunday dinners and cherished moments with family and friends. Menu favorites include choice cuts of steak, crab claws drenched in Cajun butter, lobster mac and cheese, and southern-style ribs.

Atlanta, GA

lowcountry-restaurants.com

ENSŌ Located in the Clifton community of Louisville, the concept is a fusion between Japanese and southern American food, with items like mushroom yakisoba and Louisiana chili shrimp.

Executive Chef Lawrence Weeks’ other specialities include Chili She-Crab with ramen noodles and Agedashi Tofu, with Anson Mills grit-crushed tofu as a vegetarian option.

Louisville, KY

ensolouisville.com

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LE FRENCH CHEF/ OWNERS SISTERS AMINATA & ROUGUI DIA DENVER, CO PHOTO BY SARAH BOYUM

2024 ELEVATED DINING GUIDE

PERLE MESTA Experience an immersive and impeccable dining experience at Perle Mesta located in the Skirvin Hotel. Following the success of his Oklahoma restaurants: Grey Sweater, Black Walnut, and Gilded Acorn, chef Black adds his unique brand of innovative culinary dishes at Perle Mesta, the fourth concept to come from the growing hospitality group Culinary Edge, which he co founded.

Oklahoma City, OK

skirvinhilton.com/perle-mesta/

ROOTS SOUTHERN TABLE This Farmers Branch restaurant, helmed by Chef Tiffany Derry, features scrumptious seafood entrees, including gumbo, and scallops with a showstopper fried chicken entree cooked in duck fat. The poultry is brined to keep the meat tender and juicy, marinated to give it a gently spicy heat, fried until a deep, dark brown and served family-style on a heaping plate.

Farmers Branch, TX

rootssoutherntable.com

THE WARWICK The Warwick boasts a diverse culinary menu, a vibrant bar area, music and patio area to lounge. The burger has been voted “The 10 Best Burgers in Houston” by Modern Luxury. Located in the Westheimer corridor in the Galleria area, executive chef Antoine Ware’s deep Cajun roots are on full display with boldly flavored dishes like butter-poached grilled lobster with a Cajun barbecue au jus and a house-brined and smoked half roast chicken with bacon chive potatoes and roasted carrots.

Houston, TX

warwickhouston.com

THIRTEEN Chef Siddartha Cadena offers an eclectic dining experience featuring a menu of the freshest and finest ingredients paired with exceptional service. The upscale, elevated dining experience can be found in the heart of Midtown Houston. with a theme that builds on founder and NBA Star, James Harden’s passion for excellent food and wine.

Houston, TX

13htx.com

GREY SWEATER Push your culinary boundaries at multiple course tastings with wine pairings at the chef's bar and at small private tables around the adjacent dining room. Chef Andrew Black is the recipient of James Beard 2023 Best Chef Southwest and a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Outstanding Chef serves butternut squash, tuna with pea and mint sauce, pan-seared sea scallop with a Madagascar Beurre Blanc sauce and caviar.

Oklahoma City, OK

greysweateerokc.com VISTAS MAGAZINE

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LATHA In 2023, Evelia Davis opened Latha restaurant and Soko market in a charming bungalow in downtown Phoenix. Latha, which in Swahili is spelled “ladha” and means “flavor,” serves contemporary seasonal dishes with responsibly sourced local ingredients. The cuisine is based on historical recipes from Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil, and the southern U.S. The location provides an immersive journey through pan-African cultures from the art and design to the music, food, and drinks.

Phoenix, AZ

lathaphx.com

KISS HOUSTON Specializing in fresh seafood and fine steaks in an “intimate and dimly lit environment.” Nestled in the heart of Sawyer Yards in Houston this nightlife themed eatery features Chef Frédéric Perrier menu that features an eclectic mix of Cajun and Southern flavors. Dishes include fried green tomatoes, boudin egg rolls, Caribbean jerk short rib, a fried seafood platter, beer battered flounder, cognac barbecue jerk lamb chops, and surf and turf brochettes presented on a hanging skewer.

Houston, TX

kissrestaurant.com

BLACK WALNUT Chef Andrew Black is the James Beard Award 2023 Best Chef in the Southwest. The sister restaurants Grey Sweater and Perle Mesta are part of Chef Black’s repertoire, as well. Blending American cuisine with the neighborhood's cultural history, the menu is eclectic and vibrant The pairing of global street cocktails from Bali to Brazil adds to its culinary spirit. Other perks include a spacious patio and happy hour specials.

Oklahoma City, OK

blackwalnutcafe.com

OREATHA'S AT THE POINT Enjoy an elevated menu from Executive Chef Christian “Lucke” Bell, with a focus on favorite dishes from moms around the world. The interior is reminiscent of someone’s home with its sleek yet comfortable styling. Located in the historic Atlanta neighborhood of Cascade Heights, Oreatha's is named after chef and founder Deborah VanTrece's mother, and is also a celebration of hard-working moms everywhere.

Atlanta, GA

oreathas.com

JULIET Juliet is a steakhouse and fine dining restaurant from owner James McGhee. The unique speakeasy style restaurant looks like a movie theater at the entry, but past the candy counter the venue morphs into a classy all-American restaurant tucked into a Houston strip shopping center. Juliet’s 34-ounce USDA Prime gold tomahawk ribeye wrapped in 24k gold leaf, dubbed The Golden Star, is the highlight of the gilded menu and weighs in at $325.

Houston,TX

julietthtx.com

LE FRENCH Le French is a gourmet, French bistro specializing in modern Parisian cuisine with global influences, a nod to co-founders and sisters Ami and Rougui Dia’s heritage. Embracing the storied history of France and Senegal’s centuries-old relationship, Le French offers beautiful mini pastries, baked from scratch inhouse, timeless French dishes, and culinary celebrations of Senegalese tradition.

Denver, CO

lefrenchdenver.com

BUNGALOW Cofounders Mojeed Martins and Jonathan Reitzell have introduced Bungalow, a new upscale restaurant lauded for its fresh scratch kitchen and hand-crafted cocktail, the elevated dining experience takes place among marble facades, mood lighting, and leather booths. Dynamite Shrimp and snapper fish and grits are crowd favorites along with the pineapple jerk wings, lobster, and the mac and cheese.

Houston, TX

bungalowdining

DAVIS STREET “Rooted in Southern hospitality with a nod to sophistication”.

Pairing a variety of flavors “the gulf’s harvest, low country, New Orleans with Mexican Oaxacan cuisine, spice from Vietnam and Caribbean zest”. Enjoy a “phenomenal dining experience” in the heart of Houston.

Houston,TX

davisstreet.com

ASTOR FARM TO TABLE Astor's features an extensive South Africa and global wine list and highlights "South African and Latin American fare." Owner and chef Casey Castro and his team also serve up a selection of prime meats, fresh seafood and American traditional breakfasts inspired by recipes from his Grandmother and mom. Chef's Table Wine Dinners allows guests to enjoy a more intimate setting while Chef Casey serves and discusses the food and wine offerings.

Katy, TX

astorfarmtotable.com

SAPIENS PALEO KITCHEN Don’t forget to BYOB to enjoy with the fresh, farm to table menu.

Chef Aurore de Beauduy is committed to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, grass-fed meats, and fresh produce.

Sapiens Kitchen features meats, fish, seafood, vegetables, while strictly avoiding grains, dairy, processed sugars, legumes, trans fats, GMO foods, corn and soy. Guests rave about the service, food, ambiance, and view of the mountains

Scottsdale, AZ

soulscottsdale.com

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INTERNATIONAL SMOKE CHEF/ OWNERS AYESHA CURRY & MICHAEL MINA SAN FRANCISCO, CA PHOTO BY LIZ HAFALIA THE CHRONICLE

2024 ELEVATED DINING GUIDE

KANN Founder, Gregory Gourdet, is committed to hiring underrepresented individuals, with a majority of his staff identifying as women and non-binary. Inclusivity extends to every facet of the dining experience at Kann, with a sustainable local focus and a menu free of gluten and dairy. Gourdet strives for every diner to leave with a better understanding of Haitian cuisine and its origins.

Portland, OR

kannrestaurant.com

POST & BEAM John Cleveland is head chef and owner of the casual fine-dining restaurant Post & Beam featuring an open kitchen, a spacious, warm-hued main dining room, and a verdant garden patio. Born in Oakland, California, raised in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Chef Cleveland draws his influences from Southern soul food, Carolina BBQ, coastal seafood as well as Neapolitan cuisine, culminating into what he’s coined as “California comfort food.”

Los Angeles, CA

postandbeamla.com

INTERNATIONAL SMOKE SAN FRANCISCO Rave reviews abound for the popular collaboration between award-winning Chef Michael Mina and renowned restaurateur, chef, best-selling cookbook author, philanthropist, television host and producer, and entrepreneur Ayesha Curry. Inspired by love of global travels and international cooking techniques, International Smoke ignites a new spark of flavor and creativity focused on woodfired steaks, seafood, ribs, and vegetarian entrees to create flavorful dishes that are craveable worldwide.

San Francisco, CA

internationalsmoke.com.

ALTA ADAMS “Soul food that draws the connection between traditional West African food and California cuisine”. Inspired by the partnership of chefs Keith Corbin and Daniel Patterson, come and experience this “inclusive setting”. Located in the historic West Adams neighborhood of LA.

Los Angles, LA

altaadams.com

JOYCE With a kitchen led by Michelin-award-winning Chef Sammy Monsour, the menu centers around soulful Southern fare with an emphasis on sustainable seafood, offering an extensive raw bar program and selection of fine American caviars. Crowd pleasers include Cornmeal Crusted Nashville Hot Catfish and Hickory Smoked Tomahawk Pork Chop.

Los Angles, LA

joycela.com

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