11 Soul Food Restaurants North Carolina Locals Recommend

The aroma of slow-cooked meats, golden fried chicken, and rich gravies fills the air before a plate is served. Recipes are passed down carefully, reflecting generations of practice and tradition.

Across North Carolina, communities celebrate this food with candied yams, baked macaroni and cheese, and collard greens prepared with care. These restaurants continue the traditions of soul food, serving meals that remain central to Southern culture.

1. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food – Charlotte / Cary

Family recipes shine at this beloved spot where generations of cooking wisdom infuse every dish. The mac and cheese arrives bubbling hot, with gooey layers of melted cheese in every bite.

Weekend lines often form early, with smothered pork chops among the most popular orders. The welcoming staff creates an atmosphere that feels warm and familiar.

2. JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood & More – Lexington

Tucked away in Lexington, this restaurant serves portions that are generous and satisfying.Regulars recommend the crispy fried chicken with its crunchy, seasoned skin.

Don’t skip the candied yams – sweet but not cloying, with a hint of cinnamon warmth. The banana pudding, layered with vanilla wafers, is a popular way to finish the meal.

3. Mert’s Heart & Soul – Charlotte

In downtown Charlotte, this long-standing restaurant draws both locals and visitors for Southern flavors. Their salmon cakes break apart easily, revealing well-seasoned flakes inside.

The cornbread comes in a cast iron skillet, crisp-edged and honey-drizzled. Shrimp and grits are among the most talked-about dishes on the menu.

4. Soul Central – Charlotte

Weekday lunch specials attract Charlotte’s business crowd, with oxtails that are slow-cooked until tender. The restaurant’s bright yellow exterior adds to its lively atmosphere.

Vegetarians find comfort in perfectly spiced collard greens and black-eyed peas. Their sweet tea comes in mason jars, exactly as Southern tradition demands.

5. Everybody Eatz – Charlotte (NoDa)

NoDa’s artistic vibe influences this modern take on soul food classics. Weekends often bring live music while diners enjoy turkey wings smothered in rich gravy.

Their mac and cheese incorporates a blend of five cheeses for extra flavor. The chef often visits the dining room, sharing stories about recipes passed down through generations.

6. Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish – Charlotte

The fried catfish here is golden brown on the outside and flaky white inside. Regulars often ask for extra tartar sauce, made fresh daily with a house blend of spices.

The chicken wings come doused in a sauce that balances sweet, tangy and spicy notes. The hushpuppies are small, golden rounds of cornmeal served hot.

7. Tropical Goodies – Charlotte

Caribbean influences meet Southern soul at this colorful eatery where jerk chicken shares menu space with classic Carolina BBQ. The walls display vintage photos of Charlotte alongside Caribbean island scenes.

Their sweet potato pie arrives warm with a tender, flaky crust. Weekend specials often feature oxtail stew that simmers for hours, producing a rich gravy.

8. Taste Of The Triad – Winston-Salem Area

Country-style steak is a highlight at this Winston-Salem favorite. The steak is served with pepper-flecked gravy, a side many diners request extra of.

Taste of the Triad’s yeast rolls come hot from the oven throughout service, never sitting long enough to cool. Sunday after-church crowds line up for the fried chicken, served hot and crispy.

9. Prime Tyme Soul Cafe – Winston-Salem Area

Former NFL player Tyme Mabson brings his grandmother’s recipes to life in this sports-themed soul food haven. Photos of local sports heroes line the walls while diners enjoy smothered pork chops served in generous portions.

The collard greens simmer with smoked turkey wings instead of traditional ham hocks. Their banana pudding arrives in mason jars layered with vanilla wafers for a classic finish.

10. Sweet Potatoes Restaurant – Winston-Salem

Downtown Winston-Salem’s arts district houses this upscale take on soul food classics. Their signature dish – fried chicken and waffles – comes with bourbon-maple syrup that pairs well with the meal.

Sweet potatoes appear in several forms on the menu, including biscuits, fries, and pie. Black and white photos of sweet potato harvests decorate exposed brick walls, honoring North Carolina’s agricultural heritage.

11. Tupelo Honey Cafe – Asheville

Mountain-inspired soul food gives this Asheville favorite its unique character. Their fried green tomatoes come stacked with goat cheese and drizzled with hot honey – a modern twist on a Southern classic.

Breakfast regulars often order the large biscuits, served with blackberry jam made from local fruit. The outdoor patio provides a casual downtown setting where diners sip peach sweet tea.