Our Story

At Cafe Noir, food is more than taste; it’s storytelling, memory, and celebration. We craft Black food from across the globe, honoring the African diaspora and the many beautiful places Black people call home. Each dish is an invitation: to taste flavors steeped in history, to savor traditions passed down through generations, and to experience the creativity and brilliance of Black culinary culture.

Marisa, our General Manager, and Steven, our Executive Chef, are truly a match made in culinary heaven. Their story began in the kitchen—both trained chefs, they share a deep understanding of what it takes to create and honor great food. Their partnership extends beyond the kitchen into their family life, which they joyfully weave into their work. Steven’s Nigerian roots and Marisa’s Panamanian heritage come together in a beautiful melding of cultures, showcasing the diversity and unity of the African diaspora. With every dish, they invite our community into their mission: to offer not only meals made with authenticity and love, but also to educate and celebrate the richness of Black food, family, and culture.

At Café Noir, we call it comfort food with a gourmet twist — a Black-owned and operated restaurant proudly made with love in Oakland, California.