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Melba's
Southern
Melba Wilson, a born-and-bred Harlemite, named this Southern comfort restaurant after herself, which sets the tone immediately. Fried chicken with eggnog waffles is the move, and a fruit cobbler that has no business being that good closes things out. The room feels like a gathering spot rather than a destination, warm and unhurried in a way that explains the James Beard nominations for Outstanding Hospitality two years running.
Four honors, in evidence:
The record strongest first
- James Beard Awards 2024 · Nominee · Outstanding Hospitality
- Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant
- James Beard Awards 2023 · Semifinalist · Outstanding Hospitality
- James Beard Awards 2025 · Semifinalist · Outstanding Hospitality
One number, weighted & current 84
How we score
Nearby in the record closest first
- The Bad Bagel Eat · 62
- Bo's Bagels NY-Style Bakery Eat · 79
- Lee Lee's Baked Goods Eat · 65
- Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too Southern Eat · 69
- FIELDTRIP Harlem Comfort American Eat · 73
- Angel New American Eat · 53
- Sugar Hill Creamery Dessert Eat · 73
- Sugar Monk Cocktail Bar Drink · 79
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