Looking to embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant Queen City? Then buckle up and join us as we unveil the top soul food restaurants in Charlotte, NC. Whether you’re a foodie looking for a new adventure or simply in search of the best soul food places that support black-owned businesses in the heart of Charlotte, we’ve got you covered.
You’ll enjoy every bite of one of these upscale, black-owned restaurants, which offer soulful flavors that will delight your taste buds.From rich, soulful flavors to a commitment to the community, these restaurants have it all, making them an essential part of Charlotte’s culinary tapestry. So, are you ready to savor a fusion of heritage and haute cuisine?
Join us as we dive into the 10 Best Soul Food Restaurants in Charlotte, where tradition meets elegance and your palate is in for a delightful treat.
List of Best Soul Food Restaurants in Charlotte
Here is a list of the best Soul Food Restaurants in Charlotte nearby.
- Queen’s Soul Food
- La’Wan’s Soul Food
- Haberdish
- Soul Central
- Mert’s Heart And Soul
- Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
- Heirloom
- Dish
- Leah & Louise
- Freshwaters
Queen’s Soul Food
Queen’s Soul Food in Charlotte, NC, was founded in 2007 by Queen’s University students Sheri Krell and Tyler Peikes, who wanted to help with food insecurity in Kingston. They started by giving leftover university cafeteria food to local shelters and raising awareness about food insecurity. The restaurant is known for its dishes like Southern fried chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, and sweet tea.
These dishes connect to their mission of providing a taste of home to those in need and serving the community. They offer reasonable and affordable prices, making it a great choice for those seeking delicious soul food without spending too much.
Neighborhood: East Forest
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 7308 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28227, United States
La’Wan’s Soul Food
La’Wan’s Soul Food in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been a special establishment for two decades, known for serving delectable Southern cuisine. La’Wan Adams founded this restaurant in 1996, carrying on the rich African-American culinary tradition. This popular eatery offers a diverse menu, including favorites like fried chicken, fried catfish, and mac and cheese.
Operating seven days a week, they also provide a lunch buffet on weekdays. Beyond the delicious food, La’Wan’s is a welcoming place that brings people together to savor the flavors of traditional soul food. Their primary goal is to ensure that every visit is memorable. This restaurant is a must-visit destination to create lasting memories with loved ones.
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · No-contact delivery
Address: 7520 S Tryon St #19, Charlotte, NC 28217, United States
Haberdish
Haberdish is a delightful Southern-style restaurant in Charlotte, NC, where you can have a unique dining experience. It’s located in a historic building from the 1900s, beautifully restored to keep its original charm. This restaurant is famous for its special dishes like fried chicken with honey and hot sauce, pimento cheese, and more. You can also enjoy craft cocktails, local beers, and wines.
Whether you want a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, Haberdish is the perfect place to savor tasty Southern food in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a part of Charlotte’s rich history and culinary scene, making it a must-visit spot for those who love Southern cuisine. Come and enjoy the South’s history and flavors at Haberdish!
Neighborhood: NoDa
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 3106 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Soul Central
Soul Central in Charlotte, NC, is renowned for its delectable and homestyle Southern cuisine. With a rich history that traces its beginnings as a humble counter-service establishment to its current status as a beloved dining destination, the restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional food, welcoming ambiance, and attentive staff.
Notable Soul Central Charlotte menu includes mouthwatering dishes like fried chicken, succulent baby back ribs, flavorful catfish, burgers, fried green tomatoes, hearty collard greens, creamy mac & cheese, and delightful sweet potato pie. Offering both dine-in and takeout services, as well as convenient delivery options, Soul Central is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of traditional Southern soul food in Charlotte, NC.
Areas: Charlotte
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 2903 Central Ave C, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Mert’s Heart And Soul
Mert’s Heart & Soul in Charlotte, NC, is a renowned soul food restaurant famous for its Low Country and Gullah-inspired cuisine. Having served the city for more than 25 years, it’s a prized institution. They offer signature dishes such as fried chicken, fried shrimp, baked salmon, braised short ribs, and sweet potato pie.
The restaurant’s owner, James Bazzelle, moved from Athens, Georgia, to fulfill his entrepreneurial dreams, and Mert’s enduring success is a tribute to his dedication. Additionally, they provide vegetarian and vegan options, like veggie plates, garden salad, grilled vegetable skewers, black-eyed peas and greens, and sweet potato fries, ensuring an inclusive dining experience for guests with various dietary preferences.
Heart and Soul Cafe reviews are positive at Ipswich, Massachusetts, and Cave Creek, Arizona for their delicious food and friendly service. To find reviews for the Charlotte, North Carolina location, visit popular review websites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp.
Location: Holiday Inn Charlotte-Center City, an IHG Hotel
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No-contact delivery
Address: 214 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food, a cherished family-owned restaurant in Charlotte, NC, has been dedicated to serving the community for more than a decade. Founded by the Morrison family, it has earned a reputation for its delectable soul food, featuring favorites like fried chicken, succulent ribs, and mouthwatering salmon cakes.
The restaurant also caters to those seeking vegetarian options with dishes like veggie plates and grilled vegetable skewers. With its exceptional food and warm, friendly service, it has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors.
Notably, the Morrison family’s commitment to delivering a satisfying and budget-friendly dining experience has led to their expansion, including a second Charlotte location overseen by Gabriella Morrison, the family’s daughter. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food is an essential stop for anyone seeking an authentic taste of traditional Southern soul food in Charlotte, NC.
Neighborhood: Eagle Lake
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
Address: 2908 Oak Lake Blvd Suite #106, Charlotte, NC 28208, United States
Heirloom
Heirloom Restaurant in Charlotte, NC, creates exceptional dishes using fresh ingredients from local farms and a mix of flavors. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, including Pork and beans, Seasonal Garden Salad, Mezze Station, Mac and cheese Station, and a range of breakfast choices. Whether you prefer cocktails, beer, or wine, this farm-to-table gem has something to delight your taste buds.
With recent improvements and a commitment to excellence, Heirloom remains the go-to spot for foodies who enjoy premium ingredients and carefully selected wines. What’s more? Heirloom Restaurant in Charlotte also caters to vegetarian and vegan diners with dishes like Vegetarian “Chicken” Parm, Summer Vegetable Caprese Salad, and Lettuce and lentil Salad, which may change with the seasons.
Neighborhood: Coulwood West Charlotte
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · No delivery
Address: 33 Glenway St, Belmont, NC 28012, United States
Dish
Dish, a beloved in Belmont, North Carolina, is renowned for its farm-fresh ingredients and globally inspired cuisine. Its creative menu features delectable dishes like Pork and beans, Mills Family Farm Ribeye Steak, and Day Boat Seasonal NC Catch. Committed to quality, sustainability, and attention to detail, Dish offers a memorable farm-to-table experience by sourcing ingredients locally to support the community.
Besides its winning wine list, Dish provides farm-to-fork catering and event space services, adding versatility to its offerings. The restaurant’s rich history is embedded in a building with roots dating back to the 1950s. Dish invites food enthusiasts to relish the finest ingredients and a carefully curated wine selection, celebrating North Carolina’s culinary heritage.
Neighborhood: Plaza Midwood
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · Delivery
Address: 1220 Thomas Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205, United States
Leah & Louise
Leah & Louise restaurant in Charlotte, NC, is a historic yet modern gem, harmoniously blending classic Southern flavors with contemporary elegance. Signature dishes like Shrimp & Grits, Fried Chicken, and Filet Mignon offer a delightful taste of the South. Housed in a building with historical roots dating to the 1920s, the restaurant exudes a warm ambiance. It boasts an extensive wine list and craft cocktails, ensuring a perfect pairing for your meal, while exceptional service guarantees a memorable dining experience.
In Camp North End, this Black-owned modern juke joint, named after Chef Greg Collier’s late sister and grandmother, pays tribute to Mississippi River Valley food traditions. The Leah & Louise restaurant in Charlotte menu features inventive takes on Southern classics like Dirty Grits and Hot Fried Quail, preserving the cultural heritage of the South in a welcoming atmosphere.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Kerbside pickup · Delivery
Address: 1500 Fort Mill Pkwy #111, Fort Mill, SC 29715, United States
Freshwaters
Freshwaters, a Charlotte restaurant renowned for Southern and New Orleans cuisine, boasts signature dishes such as catfish, salmon croquettes, handmade crab cakes, candied yams, and blackened fish fillets. These delectable offerings highlight the establishment’s commitment to Cajun and Southern flavors, earning it widespread acclaim from diners, established with a fascinating history dating back to the early 1900s.
Moreover, the friendly and knowledgeable staff further enhances the warm ambiance, ensuring the visit is etched in your memory. Whether you call Charlotte home or are a visitor to this vibrant city, it invites you on a culinary journey, inviting you to savor the rich cultural heritage of Southern and New Orleans cuisine. Explore the enticing Freshwaters Charlotte menu to discover an array of mouthwatering dishes awaiting your indulgence.
Neighborhood: Uptown
Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Address: 516 N Graham St, Charlotte, NC 28202, United States
