As the country witnesses nationwide protests against police brutality and social injustice spurred by the death of George Floyd, many South Floridians are wondering how they can help. Supporting black-owned businesses is an effective way to show solidarity and with restaurants just beginning to open their doors after almost three months of closure due to COVID-19, patronage is already much-needed. Below is a list of some of the many black-owned eateries in South Florida. We also recommend following Miami food blogger, Starex Smith @thehungryblackman on Instagram.
We are updating this article as we continue to find and support black-owned restaurants. Feel free to reach out to us at hello@wp.dishmiami.com with suggestions.
800 Degrees Woodfired Kitchen
Sports legends Dwayne Wade and Udonis Haslem paired up with owner/chef Anthony Carron to offer dishes prepared on an open flame. There’s plenty of pizza to choose from along with an inventive selection of powerbowls, sandwiches, salads, and rotisserie plates. Do not miss out on the wings, deemed a South Florida favorite.
2956 NE 199th St., Aventura | 305-902-4363 | www.800degrees.com
Awash
Named after a river in the region, Awash offers traditional Ethiopian cuisine using injera, a giant grey spongy pancake-like bread as a backdrop to an array of spice-laden stews, curries, and vegetarian dishes. Order the “Taste of Awash” to sample portions of all the vegetarian, meat, and chicken entrees.
19934 NW 2nd Ave., Miami Gardens | 305-770-5100 | www.awashmiami.com
Bahamian Pot Restaurant
This Caribbean family-style restaurant ranges from fresh conch to johnnycakes (a delightful pancake made with cornmeal) and everything in between. The Liberty City staple is generous with its offerings and even kinder on the wallet.
6301 NW Sixth Ave., Miami | 305-759-3408
Balloo
Derrick Turton, aka Chef Teach, takes macaroni and cheese to a whole new level, offering spins on America’s favorite comfort food like lobster mac-n-cheese, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, and five-cheese mac and cheese. There’s also a vegan rendition.
Multiple locations (visit www.houseofmac.com to see which are currently open.)
By Alona Martinez, contributing writer