Where And What The People Ate: EatOkra’s 2025 Superlatives

Consider this EatOkra Wrapped: See the Black-owned restaurants that defined the year with flavor, vibes, and community love.

By EatOkra

Last updated 19 Dec, 2025

2025 gave us too many standout plates, unforgettable bites, and community-loved spots to count. But we did our best to roundup some of the most beloved restaurants of the year. Check out the list below!

Most Loved Spots of 2025 on EatOkra

A celebration of the restaurants that received the best reviews and the most check-ins from our community this year.

Je T’aime Patisserie | Brooklyn, NY

A sweet-spot favorite powered by constant saves and repeat check-ins. Their Afro-Parisian pastries became a go-to for our community’s coffee runs, meet-ups, and “treat yourself” moments.

Chicago Chicken and Waffles | Chicago, IL

A true soul food staple. Users consistently praised their comfort-forward plates, generous portions, and warm service. They ranked high for both first-time visitors and regulars, making them one of the most bookmarked spots of the year.

The Historic Magnolia House | Greensboro, NC

More than a restaurant, this is a landmark experience. With its rich Civil Rights history and elevated Southern cuisine, EatOkra users highlighted Magnolia House as a must-visit destination for heritage travelers and food lovers alike.

Flavor Hills | Myrtle Beach, SC

This newcomer surged in popularity thanks to rave reviews about bold flavors and creative Caribbean-influenced dishes. They gained major traction among vacationers looking for Black-owned local gems beyond the boardwalk.

Cup o’ Vibes | Arlington, TX

A community café that lives up to its name. From poetry nights to latte art that stays on the FYP, Cup o’ Vibes earned consistent engagement for its atmosphere and its role as a cultural hub for young Black creatives.

Most Explored Food Categories of 2025 on EatOkra

These were the food categories that shaped dining in 2025, based on millions of views, saves, check-ins, and reviews on EatOkra.

Seafood (#1)

Seafood dominated engagement in 2025, earning 1,912 more interactions than any other category. It consistently led in views, saves, check-ins, and reviews underscoring its central role in Black culinary culture and its enduring appeal across our platform.

Soul food (#2)

Soul food secured the second-highest engagement with 1,932 total interactions across views, saves, check-ins, and reviews. Classics like fried chicken, mac & cheese, and collard greens were consistent favorites across users

Chicken (#3)

Chicken ranked third with 1,688 total interactions, reinforcing its status as a comfort food essential. The category continues to attract consistent interest across the app, driven by its versatility and deep cultural roots.

Breakfast & Brunch (#4)

Breakfast & Brunch secured the fourth spot with 986 interactions, highlighting the community’s continued love for morning comfort classics, weekend rituals, and elevated brunch experiences.

Southern (#5)

Southern cuisine earned 995 total interactions, placing fifth overall. Its strong engagement reflects the community’s ongoing connection to traditional Southern flavors and the heritage-driven storytelling behind each dish.

Best New Restaurants of 2025 on EatOkra

These are the hottest new Black-owned restaurants that joined the app this year.

PB Brasserie Steak House | Harlem, New York (#1)

Why it ranked #1: Joining EatOkra in February 2025, PB Brasserie Steak House earned the highest total engagement of any new restaurant with 1,972 views and a total score of 2,041.

Cutten Kitchen | Houston, Texas (#2)

Why it ranked #2: Launching on the app in April 2025, Cutten Kitchen captured 1,028 views and 27 saves, earning the second-highest engagement score among new restaurants at 1,107.

Cooking With Honcho | New York City (Mobile Catering) (#3)

Why it ranked #3: Added in June 2025, Cooking With Honcho generated massive engagement with 894 views and 92 saves, proving that users couldn't wait to discover this spot.

Bro-Ritos | Atlanta, Georgia & Hackensack, New Jersey (#4)

Why it ranked #4: Joining in May 2025, Bro-Ritos earned 672 views and 59 saves in just months, showing strong interest from the EatOkra community with a score of 790.

Aunt Tina's Kitchen | Elmhurst, Illinois (#5)

Why it ranked #5: Added in January 2025, Aunt Tina's Kitchen built steady momentum throughout the year with 522 views and an impressive 103 saves for a total score of 728.