This beloved West African cafe in Harlem is coming to a close

Time Out

04-06-2025

One of West Africa's most accomplished chefs, Pierre Thiam has certainly made his mark on the dining scene. Credited with introducing West African cuisine to the fine dining world, the Senegal-born chef and award-winning cookbook author promotes underutilized African grains and goods with his food company, Yolélé, and oversees restaurants on a global scale, including Nok by Alara in Lagos, Nigeria and the five-star Pullman Hotel in Dakar, Senegal. But New Yorkers may readily recognize him for his fast-casual efforts, especially his work at Teranga. Only adding to the culture found inside The Africa Center, the immersive restaurant on the ground floor provides a gateway to the dishes of contemporary Africa—but after a six-year run, the cafe is coming to a close.
Today, Teranga announced it is closing its doors in Harlem. As posted on the restaurant's Instagram account, the last day of service will be on Sunday, June 15.
'It is with a sense of sadness and full hearts that we announce that we are closing our doors in Harlem on Sunday, June 15th,' said the Instagram post. It went on to thank those who have supported them throughout the years. 'Thank you to everyone who shared a cup of Ethiopian coffee, a bottle of Bissap, a plate of hot Jollof and Suya, or a side of Kelewele with us.'
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While it is coming to a close, Teranga's mission to bring African cuisine to the mainstream seems to have been successful. The restaurant consistently ranked in media outlets, receiving top nods from The New York Times for its 'Shanghainese lion's head' portions of fufu and fluffy fonio. Thiam's 'super bowls' of joloff and salmon entrees received a four-star rating from us at Time Out. Plus, Thiam's introduction of fonio, West Africa's 'miracle,' gluten-free grain, has continued to find grounding here, evident by his collaboration beer with Brooklyn Brewery, Fonio Rising Pale Ale.
Yet not all hope is lost, as the fast-casual outpost will remain strong in midtown. Additionally, the team seemingly teased new locations on the horizon.
'This is far from a goodbye as our Midtown location (601 Lexington) will continue to serve New York City, and we will be opening new Teranga locations in the near future.' T ime Out has reached out to the team for further comment about what's next.