Where To Find The Best Soul Food In Charlotte, North Carolina

Hungry for food that hugs you back? Charlotte’s soul food scene dishes out Southern comfort with flavor that sings.

Golden fried chicken crackles at the first bite, collard greens simmer low and slow, and mac and cheese melts into creamy perfection passed down through generations. Every plate tells a story – one of family kitchens, Sunday suppers, and traditions carried with love. These restaurants aren’t just about eating; they’re about gathering, savoring, and feeling connected.

So bring your appetite and your sense of homecoming, because Charlotte’s best soul food spots are ready to feed both your belly and your spirit.

1. Mert’s Heart & Soul

Located in Uptown, this Charlotte institution serves soul food so authentic you might think your grandma’s in the kitchen! Their cornbread loaf arrives warm enough to melt butter on contact.

Salmon cakes rival any coastal restaurant’s version, while the collard greens simmer in flavors passed down through generations.

2. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food

Family-style eating reaches new heights at Nana’s two Charlotte locations! Hungry crowds line up for plates piled high with comfort classics that taste like Sunday dinner at a Southern relative’s house.

Could their secret be the slow-simmered flavors or maybe the extra dash of love in every recipe? Whatever magic they’re cooking with, it works!

3. Cuzzo’s Cuisine II

Wings so good they should be illegal fly out of a University City hotspot, filling the air with smoky spice that makes mouths water. Famous lobster mac and cheese steals the show, a bubbling mix of seafood richness and cheesy comfort that feels downright indulgent.

Weekends pack in loyal fans who gladly wait for a plate. Trust us, patience pays off because every bite proves worth the time.

4. Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish

Crispy perfection defines the fried offerings at both Mr. Charles locations! The chicken emerges from the fryer with that ideal crackling exterior while staying juicy inside – a technique mastered through years of practice.

Though the dining space might be modest, the flavors are anything but. May we suggest ordering extra hushpuppies? You’ll thank us later.

5. Soul Central (North Tryon)

Lightning strikes twice with a second Soul Central location, carrying the same smoky soul as Plaza Midwood yet serving a vibe that feels completely its own.

Rotating sides keep plates playful, so no two visits taste the same. Candied yams stand out, sweet enough to double as dessert while still proudly parading as a vegetable. Saving room for an actual sweet ending is a wise move, because dessert here deserves a spot on your plate every single time.

6. Londa’s Place

Sunday dinner shows up any day of the week at a West Boulevard gem, where the scent of slow-cooked soul food drifts out with every order.

Takeout-ready boxes carry Londa’s creations without losing a shred of that homemade touch. Turkey wings emerge so tender they practically surrender to the fork, leaving diners wondering about Charlotte’s tastiest secret. Mac and cheese strikes a rare balance, creamy yet firm, wrapping each bite in comfort few kitchens manage to master.

7. Sol’Delish

Modern soul meets seafood at this University City hotspot! Weekend brunch here transforms ordinary mornings into celebrations with dishes that honor tradition while adding contemporary twists.

Shrimp and grits arrive looking Instagram-ready but taste like they’re straight from a coastal grandma’s kitchen. The chicken and waffles? May cause spontaneous happy dances at your table!

8. Freshwaters

New Orleans flavor mingles with Carolina charm in a cozy Uptown spot where rich aromas spill into the street. Open Thursday through Sunday, smart diners mark their calendars early to snag plates of Creole-inspired Southern comfort.

Gumbo arrives thick enough to hold a spoon upright, warming the soul with every bite. Jambalaya brims with spices and smoky depth, carrying so much Bourbon Street spirit you’ll feel whisked to New Orleans without ever leaving Charlotte.

9. Queen’s Soul Food

Steam table favorites keep shining at an East Independence Boulevard staple, where savory aromas drift through the line and promise comfort on every plate.

Generous family portions make it easy to feed a whole crew without stretching the wallet.

Fried chicken comes out crisp and golden, holding its crunch even after a ride home, a feat that deserves applause. Casual setting never hides the depth of flavor, and banana pudding proves its popularity daily by selling out fast, so smart diners grab a cup early before it’s gone.

10. Kitchen + Kocktails

Upscale vibes meet down-home cooking at this Queen City Quarter destination! Late-night weekend hours make this the perfect spot when soul food cravings hit after dark.

Cocktails come garnished with Instagram-worthy flair, while plates arrive beautifully presented but generously portioned. Their shrimp and grits elevates the humble dish to art form status without losing its soulful essence.

11. LulaBelle’s Restaurant & Lounge

Northlake’s hidden gem dishes out soul food with the energy of a night out, filling the air with music, laughter, and savory aromas that pull you in.

Weekend brunch feels more like a celebration, friends gathering as plates and stories keep flowing.

Chicken and waffles arrive drizzled with spiced honey, so flavorful you’ll wonder why they’re ever served another way. Brunch may draw the spotlight, yet dinner holds its own with comfort classics lifted just enough to feel special while staying true to their soulful roots.

12. Taste of Soul Plant-Based

Vegan magic comes alive at a Thrift Road pop-up kitchen, where sizzling spices and smoky aromas make plant-based soul food taste surprisingly authentic. Jackfruit “pulled pork” sandwiches fool even seasoned meat lovers, each bite bursting with tangy sauce and slow-cooked flavor.

Hours shift as the team shares kitchen space, so keeping an eye on their social media guarantees you won’t miss the next chance to dig in. Even devoted carnivores leave impressed, because every dish proves creativity and comfort can happily share the same plate.