Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s soul food scene is alive and thriving, with family-owned restaurants serving up plates that remind people of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. From crispy fried chicken to creamy mac and cheese, these kitchens keep traditions alive while welcoming everyone through their doors. Locals know exactly where to go when they’re craving comfort food made with love and seasoned to perfection. Here are nine soul food spots across the state that have earned their reputation as the real deal.
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food (Charlotte / Cary)
Generations of families have made Nana Morrison’s their go-to spot for soul food that hits all the right notes. Their fried chicken comes out golden and crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, seasoned with a blend that keeps folks guessing.
The creamy mac and cheese is the kind that sticks to your ribs in the best way possible, while their slow-simmered collard greens have that perfect balance of savory and slightly tangy flavors. Daily specials like meatloaf and chicken Alfredo keep the menu exciting, and the yams are sweet enough to count as dessert.
People drive from miles around just to fill their plates here. With locations in both Charlotte and Cary, this restaurant proves that good soul food never goes out of style.
Mert’s Heart & Soul (Charlotte)
Right in the heart of downtown Charlotte sits a soul food institution that locals have trusted for years. Mert’s has become famous for their cornbread baked fresh in cast-iron skillets, creating those crispy edges everyone fights over.
But the real showstopper is their Soul Roll—an inventive creation that wraps collard greens, black-eyed peas, seasoned rice, and fried chicken inside an egg roll wrapper. Their shrimp and grits combine plump shrimp with creamy grits cooked low and slow until they reach that perfect consistency.
The service here feels like visiting family, with staff who remember regulars and make newcomers feel welcome immediately. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between meetings or settling in for a leisurely dinner, this place delivers comfort on every plate.
Soul Central (Charlotte)
Calling themselves a flavor laboratory, Soul Central brings fresh energy to traditional soul food without losing respect for the classics. Their oxtails practically fall off the bone, braised until tender in a rich gravy that begs to be soaked up with cornbread or rice.
The seasoned greens here get special attention, cooked with just the right amount of smokiness and seasoning. They’re not afraid to experiment either—their shrimp and grits come with andouille sausage and a creamy sauce that adds Louisiana flair to a Carolina favorite.
Located on North Tryon Street, this spot attracts both longtime soul food lovers and curious newcomers. The menu honors grandmother’s recipes while adding creative touches that make each visit feel special and memorable.
JJ’s Mama’s Soulfood & More (Lexington)
Hidden away in Lexington, this gem has people making special trips from hours away just to taste what JJ’s Mama is cooking. The smothered pork chops arrive at your table swimming in thick, savory gravy that’s been perfected over years of practice.
Their fried chicken competes with the best in the state, with a crispy coating that stays crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes. But save room for dessert, because the banana pudding has developed its own fan club.
Made with layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and creamy pudding topped with meringue, it’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe (though they never share it). This family-run restaurant proves that sometimes the best food comes from the places you least expect to find it.
Let’s Eat Soul Food (Durham)
With two Durham locations, Let’s Eat has become the place locals turn to when they’re craving food that feels like Sunday dinner at home. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with that homey vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.
Their meatloaf is old-school comfort food done right, while the ribs come off the bone with barely any effort needed. The sides deserve just as much attention as the main dishes, with each one prepared like someone’s grandmother was supervising in the kitchen.
Whether you’re stopping by after work or bringing the whole family for a weekend meal, the portions are generous and the flavors are consistent. People keep coming back because it reminds them of the meals they grew up eating, prepared with the same care and attention.
Tru Soul Food Kitchen (Raleigh)
Tru Soul Food Kitchen has built its reputation on staying faithful to family recipes that have been passed down through generations. Their oxtails are what dreams are made of—so tender they practically dissolve on your fork, braised in gravies that are rich, complex, and deeply flavorful.
Everything here tastes like it came from someone’s home kitchen rather than a restaurant, which is exactly the point. The seasonings are spot-on without being overwhelming, and the cooking methods honor the slow, careful approach that soul food requires.
Located in Raleigh, this kitchen attracts everyone from college students to retirees who remember eating similar meals decades ago. The menu rotates with daily specials, but the commitment to authentic, well-prepared soul food never changes. It’s honest cooking that doesn’t try to be anything other than delicious.
Jack’s Seafood & Soul Food Restaurant (Raleigh)
Jack’s does something special by bringing together two of North Carolina’s food traditions—seafood and soul food—under one roof. The fried catfish here is perfectly crispy with a cornmeal coating that adds texture without overpowering the mild, sweet fish inside.
Pair it with their mac and cheese, which achieves that perfect balance between creamy and baked, with a slightly golden top that adds contrast. The collard greens round out the plate with traditional flavors that complement both land and sea options.
Locals appreciate having the choice to mix seafood with classic soul food sides, creating combinations that satisfy multiple cravings at once. Whether you’re in the mood for fish, chicken, or a little of both, this Raleigh spot delivers flavors that honor both culinary traditions with equal respect and skill.
Casey’s Buffet & BBQ (Wilmington)
Though it operates as a buffet, locals firmly place Casey’s in soul food territory thanks to the quality and variety of what’s offered. The fried chicken disappears fast, especially during the lunch rush when tables fill up with regulars who know exactly when to arrive.
The collard greens sit alongside other traditional sides, all kept fresh and hot throughout service. The dessert section alone is worth the visit, with homemade options that change regularly but always hit that sweet spot.
By midday, the place is packed with people loading their plates with multiple trips back for favorites. The buffet format lets you try a little bit of everything, which is perfect for newcomers who want to explore soul food without committing to a single dish. Wilmington residents consider this their go-to for satisfying soul food cravings without the wait.
Southern Soul (Wilson, NC)
Out in eastern North Carolina, Southern Soul has quickly become a rising favorite for people who take their soul food seriously. Their collard greens are seasoned with a careful hand, bringing out the natural flavors while adding just enough smokiness and spice to keep things interesting.
The cornbread here is the real deal—slightly sweet, perfectly crumbly, and ideal for soaking up pot liquor or gravy. The soulful sides are designed to complement smoky meats, creating plates that balance richness with fresh, vegetable-based flavors.
Wilson might not be the first city people think of for soul food, but this restaurant is changing that reputation one plate at a time. The cooking style reflects eastern Carolina traditions while maintaining the warmth and hospitality that makes soul food special across the entire state.
