12 Soul Food Restaurants North Carolina Locals Recommend
Soul food holds a special place in the hearts of North Carolinians, bringing families together over plates piled high with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread.
From the mountains to the coast, local restaurants serve up recipes passed down through generations, each dish telling a story of tradition and love.
I’ve gathered recommendations from people who know these spots best the locals who return again and again for that unmistakable taste of home.
1. Mert’s Heart & Soul
Since opening its doors in 1998, this downtown Charlotte favorite has been serving comfort food that makes you feel like family.
You’ll find it at 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202.
The cast-iron skillet cornbread alone is worth the visit, arriving at your table warm and golden with a slightly crispy edge.
What really sets this place apart are the Soul Rolls a creative twist on traditional flavors.
These handheld bundles pack collard greens, black-eyed peas, rice, and fried chicken into one delicious bite.
The menu changes with the seasons, but the commitment to authentic soul food never wavers.
Locals love the friendly atmosphere and generous portions that leave you satisfied but already planning your next visit.
2. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Family recipes are the heart and soul of this Charlotte gem, where every dish tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
Located at 4600 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, this restaurant has built a loyal following.
The fried chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, exactly the way it should be.
Many regulars swear by the mac and cheese, which is so creamy and rich it could be a meal on its own.
The collard greens simmer slowly until they reach that perfect tender texture with just the right amount of seasoning.
Everything here captures the essence of Southern comfort food done right.
You’ll often see multigenerational families dining together, which tells you everything you need to know.
3. The Good Eats Experience
Buffet-style dining means you can sample a little bit of everything at this Durham favorite that embodies the spirit of Sunday gatherings.
You’ll find it at 1219 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, with steam trays full of home-cooked goodness.
Fried catfish sits alongside collard greens, hushpuppies, and at least a dozen other options that change daily.
The beauty of a buffet is getting to try dishes you might not normally order and discovering new favorites.
Everything stays fresh because the trays get refilled constantly during busy hours.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over your meal and maybe going back for seconds.
Regulars appreciate the excellent value and the chance to eat until they’re completely satisfied without breaking the bank.
4. Soul Central
Modern touches blend seamlessly with traditional flavors at this Charlotte spot that’s redefining soul food for a new generation.
Located at 1500 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, the restaurant offers a contemporary dining experience.
Oxtails braised in rich gravy practically fall off the bone, melting in your mouth with each bite.
The shrimp and grits feature andouille sausage that adds a spicy kick to the creamy grits underneath.
While the presentation might be more refined than your grandmother’s kitchen, the flavors remain authentically Southern.
The menu rotates seasonally, incorporating fresh local ingredients whenever possible.
Younger diners and longtime soul food lovers both find something to appreciate here, making it a true crossroads of tradition and innovation.
5. Mama Dip’s Kitchen
Chapel Hill has treasured this institution since 1976, when Mama Dip first started sharing her recipes with the community.
Visit at 408 W Rosemary St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, where the legacy continues strong.
Chicken pastry a North Carolina specialty features tender chicken and homemade noodles in a rich broth that warms you from the inside out.
The fried chicken maintains the same high standards that made this place famous decades ago, crispy and flavorful with perfectly seasoned breading.
Every dish reflects the essence of Southern hospitality and the belief that good food brings people together.
The walls display photos and memories from nearly fifty years of serving the community.
Students, professors, and longtime residents all consider this a Chapel Hill treasure worth protecting.
6. Saltbox Seafood Joint
Fresh catches from local waters get the Southern treatment at this Durham seafood spot with soul food roots.
You’ll find it at 608 N Mangum St Suite 130, Durham, NC 27701, serving the best of North Carolina’s coastal bounty.
The menu changes based on what’s fresh that day, ensuring peak flavor and supporting local fishermen.
Hush-Honeys are their signature take on fried cornmeal fritters, with a clever name and addictive taste that keeps customers coming back.
Daily specials might include grilled fish with collard greens or seafood stews that combine ocean flavors with Southern spices.
The casual atmosphere and sustainable practices appeal to environmentally conscious diners.
This place proves soul food can extend beyond the traditional menu while staying true to its comforting nature.
7. Tupelo Honey Cafe
Mountain meets Southern comfort at this Asheville restaurant where creativity enhances classic flavors without overwhelming them.
Located at 12 College St, Asheville, NC 28801, it sits in the heart of downtown.
Fried green tomatoes get topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, creating an unexpected but delicious combination that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
The menu features scratch-made dishes using local ingredients whenever possible, from the vegetables to the honey that gives the restaurant its name.
Brunch is particularly popular, with sweet potato pancakes and shrimp and grits drawing weekend crowds.
The bright, airy space feels welcoming whether you’re dining solo or with a group.
Tourists and locals alike appreciate the elevated approach to Southern cooking that never feels pretentious or forced.
8. The Chicken Coop Kitchen and Bar
No frills, just perfectly fried chicken—that’s been the philosophy at this Charlotte institution since 1962.
Find it at 1614 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203, where the line often stretches out the door.
They only serve chicken, gizzards, and a few simple sides because when you do one thing this well, why complicate matters.
The chicken gets fried to order in peanut oil, creating an incredibly crispy crust with a distinctive flavor.
Cash only and limited hours add to the old-school charm that makes eating here feel like stepping back in time.
People wait patiently because they know the reward is worth it.
Multiple generations have grown up on this chicken, passing down the tradition of Sunday dinners from this beloved spot.
9. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey
Downtown Raleigh got a soul food upgrade when this restaurant opened, combining traditional techniques with chef-driven attention to detail.
You’ll find it at 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, serving fried chicken that’s become legendary in its own right.
The secret involves brining, dredging, and frying at precisely the right temperature to achieve crispy perfection.
Drizzling local honey over the hot chicken creates a sweet and savory combination that hits all the right notes.
The sides rotate seasonally but always include Southern staples prepared with care and quality ingredients.
The bourbon selection is impressive too, if you’re looking to pair your meal with something special.
Business lunches and date nights both happen here, proving soul food fits any occasion when done right.
10. Ruby Deluxe
Breakfast and lunch get the soul food treatment at this Wilmington spot where morning meals are taken seriously.
You’ll find it at 228 S Water St, Wilmington, NC 28401, right in the historic downtown district.
Shrimp and grits come with a Lowcountry twist, incorporating flavors from the nearby coast with traditional Southern preparation methods.
The fried chicken biscuit has achieved cult status among locals who swear it’s the best hangover cure or the perfect way to start any day.
Scratch-made biscuits arrive fluffy and buttery, providing the ideal vehicle for gravy, jam, or honey.
The casual counter-service style keeps things moving quickly even during the busy breakfast rush.
Beach visitors and year-round residents mix together at communal tables, united by their appreciation for seriously good Southern cooking.
11. Auntie’s Soul Food
Greensboro locals know exactly where to go when they’re craving the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from a favorite relative.
Located at 3619 W Market St, Greensboro, NC 27403, this restaurant lives up to its name.
The turkey wings get slow-cooked until the meat practically slides off the bone, soaking up all the savory seasonings in the pot.
Green beans are cooked the old-fashioned way with smoked turkey, creating that rich flavor that only comes from long, slow simmering.
The yeast rolls arrive hot and soft, perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy or pot liquor on your plate.
Daily specials keep the menu interesting while maintaining the classics everyone expects.
The no-nonsense approach to good food at fair prices has built a dedicated following over the years.
12. Momma G’s Soul Food & Brunch
Winston-Salem found a soul food home when this restaurant opened, bringing authentic flavors and generous hospitality to the community.
You’ll find it at 4305 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, ready to fill your plate and lift your spirits.
The meatloaf follows a recipe that’s been in the family for generations, with a sweet tomato glaze on top.
Cornbread dressing appears as a special on certain days, and regulars know to call ahead to make sure it’ll be available.
The lima beans cook low and slow with ham hocks, creating that distinctive flavor that takes time and patience to achieve properly.
Sweet tea flows freely, brewed strong and sweetened just right.
First-time visitors often become regulars after just one meal, drawn back by the food and the genuine warmth of the staff.
