Honor Black History Month in Boston by supporting these Black-owned eateries
Dorchester
Boston’s largest and most diverse neighborhood has a lot to offer, especially on the culinary front. Third generation restaurateur Geo Lambert took his former food truck operation, M&M Barbecue, off the road and settled into a spot at Dorchester Brewing Company last winter, dishing up his own takes on family recipes that have been delighting rib, chicken and brisket fans for decades. Munch on gourmet, grass-fed burgers and more at Lower Mills’ Bred, or take a different approach by indulging in the healthful fare at Oasis Vegan Veggie Parlor. The food of the Caribbean is a staple of the area, as evidenced by Dorchester Center’s Irie Jamaican Style Restaurant and another Jamaican favorite, Codman Square’s Taste of Eden. Boston has one of the biggest Cape Verdean communities in the country, so it’s no surprise to find the well-respected Restaurante Cesaria (pictured) garner accolades as a popular Dorchester destination for its native, seafood-heavy cuisine. Soul food staples in the area include Down Home Delivery & Catering and Vaughn Fish & Chips, both in the Four Corners area.
Mattapan
Located just south of Dorchester, Mattapan is also a melting pot of cultures. One longtime favorite is Pit Stop Barbecue, which has been serving savory slow-cooked meats and traditional Southern sides for more than 30 years. Much like its northern neighbor, Caribbean food abounds in Mattapan, with local Jamaican chain Flames having founded its original location here. Other standouts in this category include P&R Jamaican Restaurant (which boasts a second location in Roxbury and also serves ice cream), Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant, Ali’s Roti and, claiming to be America’s oldest Haitian eatery, Bon Appetit Restaurant.
Many restaurants are currently open for takeout and/or delivery only and may have restricted hours. Please call ahead for details.
