In light of Uptown Restaurant Month, it’s easy to remember the originality, history and prominence associated with Harlem eating. One of the first restaurant that come to mind is Sylvia’s- “Queen of soul food,” which has been around since the 1960s.

Now, West Harlem in particular is trending in the restaurant scene, and is becoming a hot spot for culinary expertise such as with Chef Marcus Samuelsson from the Zagat-rated restaurant Red Rooster which opened in October 2010. Red Rooster’s prominence inspired the opening of Cedric, a French Bistro on St. Nicholas Ave. and 119th Street. Zagat-rated Cedric first opened in August 2011. Like Red Rooster, there is an old school charm that collide with a new school renovated feel.

Dard Coaxum, General Manager of Cedric and Harlem native, said that Red Rooster “puts character back in Harlem.” “Harlem is becoming sexy again,” he added.

Two other notable restaurants include bar and grill, and a beer garden Harlem Tavern, which opened in late June 2011, and Food For Life Supreme, which is almost three years old and offers healthy dining, deriving its novelty with its Bio-coffee. Harlem Tavern offers outdoor seating reminiscent of the type of restaurant one would find in downtown Manhattan. Harlem Tavern along with Cedric will be participating in Harlem Oktoberfest with the Bar and Restaurant Crawl on Oct. 25 from 6:00 p.m. to  9:00 p.m. Food For Life Supreme has a more “family” vibe compared to the other three and offers an array of healthier foods such as carrot fries and Bio-coffee, which consists of wheatgrass and bears the slogan “the healthiest coffee in the world.” Food For Life Supreme is the only restaurant that carries it.

As West Harlem changes over time, and in light of Uptown Restaurant Month it keeps its charisma and overall taste in good food with good atmospheres. The following photos are of these four restaurants, which are four examples of the innovativeness and sexiness affiliated with West Harlem.