Alma Negra — Restaurant in New York

Tucked perfectly at the corner of 4th Ave and 12th Street in Park Slope, Alma Negra feels like a rare find that manages to be both a neighborhood secret and a standout destination.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by elegance without the fuss — earthy textures, warm lighting, and a layout that’s somehow both cozy and spacious. It’s the kind of place that invites you to settle in, maybe stay longer than you planned, and quickly start to feel like a regular.

The staff are just as much a part of the charm as the decor — warm, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. They're the kind of people who remember your name, your favorite mezcal, and who make you feel like you're home — even if it's your first visit.

And then there’s the food. Elevated takes on familiar Mexican classics, each dish treated with care and a clear respect for tradition — but with an edge that makes it unmistakably Alma Negra. We started with the guacamole and chips, which set the tone for the rest of the meal — fresh, vibrant, and likely the best version of a dish we’ve all had a hundred times. From there, we moved through fish tacos with perfectly crisped edges, a richly satisfying chicken quesadilla, deeply flavorful tamales, and a chorizo huarache that packed a subtle, lingering heat. We ended the night with a corn cake dessert, served alongside a cloud-like whipped white chocolate. I told myself I’d just try a bite — but couldn’t stop until the plate was wiped clean.

Alma Negra isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. One you’ll want to return to time and time again. This might just be one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve ever been to — and Brooklyn is...

WOW WOW WOW!!!! Hold on, I’m so speechless from Alma Negra tonight. What an amazing dinner!!!

We ordered: mushroom quesadilla, fish tacos, duck tacos, branzino, carne asada, and a mojito.

It was probably the best fried fish taco I’ve ever had- actually the best fried fish. It was so light, crispy, and moist. Today was my first time having duck taco!! YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT!! The Duck tacos were soooo tender and flavorful, but it’s a seasonal item so better hurry and come try. The mushroom quesadilla would be perfect for vegetarians because the oyster mushrooms tasted so meaty. I loved their salsa verde!!! ALL MADE WITH FRESH CORN TORTILLAS!!!

Two entrees we order was the branzino (market fish) and carne asada. The branzino was cooed to perfection with super crispy skin, flakey meat, and a sweetish sauce. It was so good that we were trying to lick the plate up!!!! The carne asada lacked flavorful but the mole sauce helped carry it. It just needed more seasoning on the actual carne asada. Sadly, my mojito was on the weaker side and it was $18. The presentation was really cute though, it had a lot of mini ice cubes.

Our amazing waitress Ashley was so attentive and friendly, she informed us about their seasonal menu so I would love to come back to try other seasonal foods. The interior is so cute and would be a perfect date night spot or a girls night out!! I’m def. Coming back so I can eat that duck taco one...

We had a very good experience. And probably, the place was opened by a person who used to work at the restaurant; because the place has an eye to the most tiny details :)

the place is pretty stylish and very cozy tasty drinks especially if you appreciate cocktails staff is very pleasant and professional food not bad at all (a bit a room of improvement)

We came for dinner, but we did not have a reservation. It was Sunday night and fully sold out. The manager was very welcoming and he helped us out. There were four of us, and we could have stayed at the bar or a covered patio. Very important: the patio is very warm and do not be opposed to sitting over there.

The bartender was great, the drinks were tasty, balanced and with a hint to mixology.

We ordered a lot of food, and we did enjoy most of it, but the tacos were a bit dry and they did not serve lime and salsa with tacos. Some of the dishes were missing something that would make them unforgettable, but all food was good. You have to try the corn (maíz) that they have -- it is really good!

When we were sitting at the table, the drinks were coming not all together, but in a mixed order, and with a bit of delay.

I give strong four stars ⭐️ , it really deserves it and I am sure the place will only improve! We certainly will be back for cocktails & corn! :)

P.S. so sorry for my red-ish photos. It is because we had a...