Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi has been named Travel Noire’s Best Black-Owned Restaurant of 2025. Set in the heart of Lincoln Center, the Afro-Caribbean restaurant has reshaped New York City’s dining scene since opening in late 2022. Chef Onwuachi draws on his Caribbean, African, and New York roots to create a menu that feels both personal and forward-looking.
The James Beard Award winner’s path from the Bronx to culinary acclaim is evident in dishes that balance storytelling with bold flavors. Judges recognized Tatiana for its role in preserving culture through food, its high standards of service, and its influence in bringing Black culinary traditions to the forefront of fine dining.
A Chef’s Journey To Excellence
Kwame Onwuachi‘s path to culinary stardom began long before Tatiana’s doors opened. Named Rising Star Chef of the Year by the James Beard Foundation in 2019, Onwuachi built his reputation through perseverance and innovative cooking at establishments such as Kith and Kin in Washington, D.C. His memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, chronicles his journey from joining a local gang as a teenager to becoming one of America’s most celebrated culinary voices. This narrative of transformation resonates throughout Tatiana, where each dish tells a story of heritage, struggle, and triumph.
When asked what he hopes guests — especially Black travelers — take away from dining at Tatiana, Onwuachi told Travel Noire: “That they feel seen and celebrated. I want Black travelers to feel proud, and everyone to leave with a deeper appreciation for the richness of our food and culture.”
At Tatiana, named after Onwuachi’s sister, guests experience a culinary narrative that celebrates the diverse traditions of Black cuisine. Signature dishes, such as short rib pastrami suya, egusi dumplings, and braised oxtails, showcase Onwuachi’s talent for transforming familiar favorites into extraordinary culinary experiences. The menu reflects Onwuachi’s multifaceted heritage, drawing inspiration from Nigeria, Jamaica, Trinidad, Louisiana, and New York’s food scene.
Describing how he weaves these influences together, he explained: “By starting with the flavors I grew up on — Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian, and Louisiana Creole — woven together with elements of New York City.”
Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi Creates Community Through Cuisine
This recognition also celebrates Tatiana’s role in creating community spaces where Black excellence thrives. Since opening in Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall, Tatiana has become a cultural landmark that brings diverse patrons together through shared culinary experiences.
Onwuachi has created an atmosphere that reflects this cultural fusion even in the restaurant’s soundtrack: “A mix of Afrobeats, reggae, hip-hop, and R&B,” he said when asked what music best captures the vibe of Tatiana on a busy night. And if Tatiana were a travel destination? “Lagos meets Kingston meets New York — vibrant, soulful, and alive with culture,” he added.
The restaurant employs a predominantly Black and Brown staff, creating career pathways in an industry where representation at the highest levels remains challenging. As Tatiana celebrates its third anniversary, this award affirms Chef Onwuachi’s vision of creating dining experiences that honor heritage while pushing culinary boundaries forward.
Offering advice to young Black travelers seeking to connect more deeply with local food cultures, Onwuachi said: “Go where the locals eat, talk to people, and be curious. Food tells the real story of a place.”
The celebration continues! Visit the Travel Noire Awards hub to explore every winner crowned so far and follow along as new categories roll out. Also, check out this year’s nominees for Black-owned restaurants delivering excellence nationwide.
