February is Black History Month, an ideal occasion to support the numerous Black-owned restaurants and eateries in Montgomery County, Maryland. With an array of cuisines ranging from smoky American barbecue to authentic Ethiopian and vibrant Caribbean dishes, these establishments showcase the remarkable culinary diversity and global flavors that characterize Montgomery County’s food scene.
Indulge in flavors like the Fried Catfish Sandwich with hot sauce, rich Egusi soup accompanied by Fufu, comforting Sweet Potatoes, Mac n’ Cheese, and Cornbread, or savor the delicious Jamaican Jerk Wings. These delectable offerings from African, West African, and African-American cuisines are particularly cherished during Black History Month. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the spices, seasonings, crispiness, and comfort that these dishes provide. Discover a restaurant from the list below and treat yourself to these recommended meals not only in February but throughout the entire year.
African Cuisine
Beteseb Restaurant
8201 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring
Beteseb Restaurant, a family-owned establishment, serves authentic Ethiopian cuisine with a diverse menu that includes both meat and vegetarian options. Be sure to try their tantalizing tibs or the flavorful kitfo. Many locals also flock here for breakfast; don’t miss their delightful Kinche Combo—a harmonious blend of cracked wheat, scrambled eggs, and Chechebsa, a flatbread typically mixed with butter and spices.
Black Lion Café
9705 Traville Gateway Drive, Rockville
8240 Fenton Street, Unit A&B, Silver Spring
At Black Lion Café, indulge in 100% fair trade Ethiopian coffee along with a selection of teas and pastries. Be sure to enjoy a steaming cup of their signature blend.
Mansa Kunda
8000 Flower Avenue, Takoma Park
Mansa Kunda focuses on the rich food culture of West Africa, where nearly 90% of their menu can be made vegetarian upon request. For starters, try their Turnover filled with your choice of beef, fish, shrimp, or vegetables, all accompanied by a spicy chili sauce. Don’t forget to order the Shito Flatbread, which features a recipe that traces back to the Ga tribe of Ghana. Their Afra, a popular dish found in Senegal and Gambia, is also a must-try.
Jolloff Etcetra
11237 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring
For authentic Nigerian flavors, head over to Jolloff Etcetra where you can enjoy Oha, a traditional soup from Eastern Nigeria that features oha leaves and a blend of spices served alongside pounded yam. Their delectable Jollof Rice is also a highlight, boasting a mix of assorted meats, such as chicken, beef, or fish. Pair your meal with Malta Guinness, a refreshing non-alcoholic malt beverage that blends malt and caramel flavors.
Rainbow African Restaurant
312/B1 E Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg
Rainbow African Restaurant tantalizes diners with its unique combination of spices and authentic ingredients that capture the essence of Ghanaian and West African flavors. Be sure to try one of their banku dishes, a beloved staple in Ghanaian cuisine.
Roger Miller Restaurant
939 Bonifant Street, Silver Spring
At Roger Miller’s, enjoy an array of West African dishes curated by an owner who immigrated from Togo and began his journey at this restaurant in the late 1980s. Don’t miss out on their egusi stew served with fufu, a customer favorite.
Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant
5071 Nicholson Lane, Rockville
Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Ethiopia, home to over 80 ethnic groups, each with its own distinct flavors. Look for popular dishes like tofu dulet on their menu, which are marked with a star to guide newcomers. The owner even sells her unique injera chips at local farmers’ markets, available in classic, cinnamon-sugar, and spicy flavors.
American Cuisine
                 All Set Restaurant & Bar
8630 Fenton Street, Plaza 5, Silver Spring
All Set Restaurant & Bar creatively blends Southern-style BBQ with traditional New England coastal seafood, offering a fresh twist on classic dishes. Although seafood is a highlight, don’t overlook their exquisite blackened ribeye steak. Their happy hour features $1 oysters on the half shell and cocktails ranging from $8 to $10, including lemon drops and their unique Boston Tea Party cocktail crafted with tea-infused vodka and lemonade.
Matchbox
1699 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD
7278 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD
919 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, MD
Matchbox is a proud Black-owned restaurant with multiple locations across the DMV, including Rockville, Bethesda, and Silver Spring. Experience a lively atmosphere full of warmth while enjoying their wood-fired pizzas and American fare. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating options suited for any season. On weekends, enjoy a family-friendly bottomless brunch buffet, which features fun offerings like cotton candy, popcorn, and a waffle bar. Adults can partake in their mix and match Bottoms-Up Bar for $25, featuring cocktails like old fashioneds, personalized mimosas, strawberry lemon drop martinis, espresso martinis, matchbox bloody marys, and draft beer.
My Cup Runneth Over Southern Cuisine
8409 Snouffer School Road, Gaithersburg
Originally founded in 2010 in Mississippi, My Cup Runneth Over Southern Cuisine found a new home in Gaithersburg in 2016 and now operates with a brick-and-mortar location along with a food truck. No trip is complete without experiencing their famous fried catfish sandwich, perfectly complemented by hot sauce and sides like homemade mac n’ cheese, sweet potatoes, and cornbread.
Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen
225 Boardwalk Place, Gaithersburg
This Black-owned, family-run restaurant is the brainchild of Toya Miskiri and Chef Jeff, who draw from their Southern roots and knowledge of Cajun cuisine to craft their delicious offerings. One bite of their Southern Devil Eggs, sweet eggs topped with your choice of golden-fried shrimp or blackened shrimp, and you’ll be hooked. Try the Caribbean Lamb Chops served with collard greens and potato salad, and if you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to finish with their decadent bread pudding or Southern Peach Cobbler.
Miss Toya’s Creole House
923 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring
This establishment is another gem from Miss Toya’s Southern Kitchen, offering a nod to New Orleans’ rich culinary traditions with a modern flair. With a menu that features lunch, dinner, and brunch, don’t miss their Hot Honey Creole Wigs and Shrimp & Grits, which features succulent shrimp and veggies served in a savory Cajun sauce over creamy grits.
Hardy’s BBQ
7155 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda
Hardy’s BBQ operates a food truck stationed at the Montgomery Farm Women’s Cooperative Market, serving delicious smoked meats year-round. Don’t miss their pulled pork sandwich, enhanced by their homemade barbecue sauce, for a satisfying meal.
Caribbean Cuisine
Negril The Jamaican Eatery
965 Thayer Avenue, Silver Spring
Experience authentic Jamaican flavors at Negril, a fast-casual eatery that serves dishes vibrant in both taste and color. Be sure to sample their mouthwatering patties filled with beef, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
Little Island Kitchen
10003 Stedwick Road, Gaithersburg
Little Island Kitchen offers a diverse Caribbean menu featuring favorites such as oxtails, rice and peas, and creamy mac and cheese. Another popular choice is their fried chicken and jerk chicken Alfredo that keeps customers coming back for more.
Island Quizine
13881-C Outline Drive, Silver Spring
Another fantastic option for Jamaican cuisine in Silver Spring, Island Quizine delivers delicious options like spicy jerk chicken, curry goat, and rice and beans. They offer a variety of vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian choices to cater to all dietary preferences.
Island Pride Jamaican Restaurant
823 Hungerford Drive, Rockville
This Rockville-based restaurant specializes in healthy Jamaican dishes made entirely from scratch, using traditional cooking methods. Don’t miss their famed Jerk Wings, renowned for their fiery flavor achieved through a special sauce crafted with scotch bonnet peppers.
