These North Carolina Restaurants Locals Swear Serve Soul Food Like Grandma Used To Make

There’s something magical about soul food that takes you straight back to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house.

The rich flavors, the love poured into every dish, and that comforting feeling you can’t quite put into words, it’s all part of the experience.

North Carolina has some incredible restaurants where locals go to get that authentic taste of home-cooked soul food, and we’re about to share the best spots that’ll make your taste buds sing.

1. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food

Walking into this place feels like stepping into your grandmother’s kitchen on a Saturday afternoon. Nana Morrison’s has earned its reputation by serving up classics that remind you why soul food is called comfort food in the first place.

The fried chicken here is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, seasoned with a secret blend that locals whisper about. Mac and cheese flows like liquid gold, and the collard greens are cooked low and slow with just enough smoky flavor.

Every plate comes with a side of nostalgia and genuine hospitality that makes first-timers feel like regulars. You’ll leave with a full belly and probably some leftovers for tomorrow.

2. Mert’s Heart & Soul

Since opening its doors, Mert’s has become the go-to spot for anyone craving authentic Southern soul food with a side of warm smiles. The menu reads like a love letter to traditional cooking, featuring dishes that have been perfected over generations.

Their catfish is fried to perfection with a cornmeal crust that crunches with every bite. The sweet potato casserole strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, topped with a pecan crumble that’ll have you scraping the plate.

Portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to. The restaurant buzzes with conversation and laughter, creating an atmosphere that feels like a family reunion every single day.

3. Soul Central Restaurant

Smack in the middle of town sits this gem where the aroma of slow-cooked meats greets you before you even open the door. Soul Central lives up to its name by being the heart of the community’s soul food scene.

Oxtails fall off the bone after hours of braising in rich gravy that begs to be soaked up with cornbread. The candied yams glisten with butter and cinnamon, striking that sweet spot that makes your eyes close in appreciation.

Regulars know to arrive early on Sundays because the after-church crowd fills every seat. The staff treats everyone like extended family, remembering your usual order and asking about your week.

4. Let’s Eat Soul Food

No fancy frills here—just honest-to-goodness cooking that would make any grandmother nod in approval. Let’s Eat Soul Food keeps things simple by focusing on what matters most: flavor, freshness, and generous portions.

Their smothered pork chops swim in onion gravy that’s been simmered until it reaches pure perfection. Green beans are seasoned with ham hocks and cooked until tender, bringing out that deep, satisfying flavor.

The banana pudding deserves its own fan club, layered with vanilla wafers and topped with meringue that’s toasted just right. People drive from neighboring towns just to grab a slice, and one taste explains why it’s worth the trip.

5. Tru Soul Food Kitchen

Authenticity is the name of the game at Tru Soul Food Kitchen, where recipes have been handed down through generations and honored with every plate served. The chefs here don’t cut corners or substitute ingredients—they do it right or not at all.

Fried chicken livers might sound adventurous, but they’re a crispy, flavorful revelation that converts skeptics into believers. The black-eyed peas are cooked with ham and served over rice, creating a combination that’s both filling and soul-satisfying.

Peach cobbler arrives at your table bubbling hot with a golden crust that crackles under your spoon. This spot proves that staying true to tradition never goes out of style.

6. JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood & More

Named after the owner’s mother, this restaurant serves food with the kind of love only a mama can provide. JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood & More brings family recipes to the public, and the community has embraced it wholeheartedly.

The meatloaf here is moist and flavorful, glazed with a tangy-sweet sauce that caramelizes beautifully. Mashed potatoes are whipped until fluffy and loaded with butter, making them the perfect vehicle for that rich brown gravy.

Cornbread comes out warm and slightly sweet, with a texture that’s somewhere between cake and bread. The dessert case showcases homemade pies that rotate daily, so there’s always something new to tempt your sweet tooth on every visit.

7. Mr. Charles Chicken & Fish

When you’re craving that perfect crunch, Mr. Charles delivers with chicken and fish that’s been fried to absolute perfection. This spot has mastered the art of the fryer, creating golden crusts that shatter with each bite while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

The whiting fish is a local favorite, seasoned simply but expertly and fried until the coating achieves maximum crispiness. Hush puppies arrive as perfect golden spheres, slightly sweet with crispy edges and soft centers.

Coleslaw provides a cool, creamy contrast to all that fried goodness, made fresh daily with just the right amount of tang. Lines form during lunch rush, but the quick service keeps things moving.

8. Ken Cooks SoulFood Restaurant

Ken himself is often in the kitchen, ensuring every dish meets his high standards for authentic soul food cooking. Ken Cooks SoulFood Restaurant has built a loyal following by consistently delivering meals that taste like they came from a beloved family member’s kitchen.

Ribs here are fall-off-the-bone tender, slathered in a sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and smoky notes perfectly. The potato salad is creamy with just enough mustard to give it character, studded with eggs and pickles.

Turnip greens are cooked with love and a little bit of pepper sauce for those who like some heat. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, encouraging lingering conversations over empty plates and sweet tea refills.

9. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen opens early and closes when they run out of food, which happens more often than you’d think. Their specialty is breakfast and lunch soul food that starts your day off right with flavors that stick with you.

Biscuits here are the size of your fist, fluffy on the inside with a golden exterior that crumbles perfectly. The fried chicken biscuit is a morning masterpiece, combining crispy chicken with buttery bread for breakfast perfection.

Sausage gravy is thick and peppery, generously ladled over biscuits until they’re completely smothered. Local workers line up before dawn, knowing that getting there early means getting the best selection before everything sells out by mid-morning.