10 Richmond, Virginia Soul Food Spots That Keep Tradition Alive

Richmond is a city where soul food isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture, history, and flavor. These restaurants honor tradition with dishes that are hearty, comforting, and full of character.

From perfectly seasoned greens and crispy fried chicken to creamy sides and homemade desserts, each plate tells a story.

Locals know where to go for authentic tastes that keep soul food traditions alive and unforgettable with every bite.

1. Mama J’s Kitchen

Velma Johnson (aka Mama J) turned her family recipes into Richmond’s soul food royalty back in 2009. Located in historic Jackson Ward, her restaurant feels like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house – complete with catfish that melts in your mouth.

The fried chicken gets all the glory, but regulars know the real treasure is her homemade cakes. Velma started as a deputy sheriff before following her true calling: feeding Richmond like family.

2. Croaker’s Spot

Legendary seafood arrives in portions so massive they spill over plate edges at this Jackson Ward institution. Founded by the late Neverett “Croaker” Eggleston III, this spot’s famous Fish Boat could feed a small army.

Jazz music fills the air while diners crack into crab legs dripping with their secret “Mumbo Sauce.”

The walls tell stories too – covered with photos documenting Richmond’s Black history and the restaurant’s journey from its original Church Hill location.

3. Southern Kitchen

Time stands still at this North Side staple where breakfast is served all day and regulars have claimed the same booths for decades.

The no-frills interior might not win design awards, but those salmon croquettes paired with grits will make you forget about everything else.

Family-owned since 1932, Southern Kitchen survived the Great Depression and continues feeding multiple generations of Richmonders. Their secret? Never changing the recipes that worked in the first place.

4. Lillie Pearl

Chef Mike Lindsey named this downtown gem after his grandmother, blending traditional soul food with global influences.

The shrimp and grits gets a makeover with coconut milk and berbere spice – proof that soul food can honor tradition while embracing innovation.

Unlike older spots on this list, Lillie Pearl opened during the pandemic (2020), becoming an instant hit. The upscale atmosphere brings soul food into fine dining territory without losing its comforting essence.

5. Family Secrets Restaurant

Hidden in plain sight on Chamberlayne Avenue, this unassuming spot lives up to its name by keeping family recipes so good you’ll wonder why they shared them at all.

Their turkey chops – a soul food innovation – convert poultry skeptics daily. Owner Ms. Sharon keeps prices reasonable while refusing to cut corners.

The dessert case tempts with homemade cakes and pies that regulars know to reserve ahead of time. Weekend lines form early, filled with loyal customers willing to wait.

6. Ms. Girlee’s Kitchen

Smoked in-house meats steal the spotlight at this East End treasure where ribs fall off the bone before your fork even touches them.

Named after the owner’s mother, Ms. Girlee’s carries forward three generations of barbecue expertise.

Their macaroni and cheese – baked until the top forms a perfectly crunchy crust – causes regular debates about whether it’s Richmond’s best.

The tiny space fills quickly, but regulars know the food is worth squeezing into the cozy quarters.

7. Big Herm’s Kitchen

Lunch crowds form early at Chef Herm Baskerville’s takeout spot, where buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches reach mythical status among downtown workers.

After years as a corporate chef, Herm returned to his roots, serving soul food with professional precision. The cramped kitchen produces massive flavor from limited space.

Though primarily takeout, regulars balance containers on available surfaces, unwilling to wait until reaching home or the office. His famous wings – available in multiple flavors – sell out almost daily.

8. Sugar’s Crab Shack

Seafood meets soul at this Scott’s Addition hotspot where blue crabs arrive by the bushel during summer months.

Owner “Sugar” Coleman brings Chesapeake Bay traditions to the heart of Richmond with recipes learned from her father, a longtime waterman.

Newspaper-covered tables fill with families cracking shells and telling stories. The seafood boil – loaded with crab, shrimp, sausage, corn and potatoes – requires both hands and plenty of napkins.

Their secret seasoning blend remains closely guarded despite countless customer requests.

9. Gummy’s Home Cooking

Breakfast becomes an event at Gummy’s, where chicken and waffles arrive stacked impossibly high and smothered in spiced syrup.

Named after the owner’s grandmother (whose dentures earned her the nickname), this Manchester district favorite keeps odd hours but loyal followers.

Everything comes made-to-order, testing patience but rewarding it abundantly.

Their fish and grits weekend special draws crowds from across the city. Family photos line the walls alongside customer snapshots, blurring the line between staff and regulars.

10. Rose’s Kitchen

Four sisters run this Church Hill institution, continuing recipes their mother Rose perfected during 50 years of cooking for her family of twelve.

Their oxtails, simmered until fork-tender, convert even the most skeptical first-timers into regulars. The building itself has history – once a corner store where Rose shopped as a child.

Portions arrive generous enough for tomorrow’s lunch, though most can’t resist finishing everything immediately. Their sweet potato pie recipe remains unchanged since 1964, when Rose first created it.