12 Soul Food Spots In Virginia Known For Their Notable Southern Flavors

Growing up, Sunday dinners meant one thing: soul food that made your taste buds do a happy dance.

Virginia’s culinary scene celebrates this rich tradition with restaurants serving up crispy fried chicken, buttery cornbread, and collard greens that’ll transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Whether you’re craving mac and cheese or perfectly seasoned catfish, these twelve spots deliver authentic Southern flavors worth every single bite.

1. Della J’s Delectables (Alexandria)

Family recipes passed down through generations come alive at this cozy Alexandria gem.

Owner Della Johnson transforms her grandmother’s kitchen wisdom into plates overflowing with smothered pork chops, candied yams, and green beans cooked low and slow.

The fried chicken here gets a special buttermilk brine that keeps it juicy under that golden, crunchy coating.

Weekend brunch brings out banana pudding so creamy you’ll want to lick the bowl clean, though maybe save that for home!

2. Blue & White Carry-Out (Alexandria)

Since opening its doors decades ago, this no-frills spot has been dishing out honest soul food without the fancy extras.

Locals line up for catfish fried to perfection with a cornmeal crust that crackles with every bite. Their mac and cheese doesn’t mess around, loaded with sharp cheddar that stretches from fork to mouth.

Collard greens simmer with smoked turkey, bringing just the right amount of savory punch to balance your meal perfectly.

3. JW’s Fish and Biscuits (Sterling)

Forget everything you thought you knew about fish and chips because JW’s brings Southern seafood swagger to Sterling.

Whiting fish gets a seasoned coating that stays crispy even after the drive home, paired with homemade tartar sauce that adds tangy zip.

Those biscuits though? Buttery clouds of happiness that practically dissolve on your tongue.

Catfish nuggets make perfect finger food, especially when dunked in their signature remoulade that packs subtle heat without overwhelming your palate.

4. Lillie Pearl (Richmond)

Richmond’s food scene got a major upgrade when Lillie Pearl opened, bringing upscale soul food to the table without losing that homestyle heart.

Fried green tomatoes arrive with a crispy cornmeal crust, topped with remoulade that adds creamy contrast.

Sunday suppers feature pot roast so tender it practically melts into the accompanying mashed potatoes.

Their peach cobbler comes out bubbling hot, with a buttery crust that shatters under your spoon, releasing cinnamon-spiced fruit goodness.

5. Big Herm’s Kitchen (Richmond)

Big Herm himself might greet you at the door, ready to feed you like family at his Richmond establishment.

Smothered chicken thighs swim in onion gravy so good you’ll want to drink it straight from the plate (no judgment here).

Yams get candied with brown sugar and butter until they’re practically dessert masquerading as a side dish.

The cornbread dressing during holiday season sells out fast, packed with sage and celery that brings Thanksgiving vibes year-round.

6. Buttermilk & Honey (Richmond)

Brunch goals get redefined at this Richmond hotspot where Southern comfort meets creative flair.

Their signature dish features fried chicken breast sandwiched between sweet potato waffles, creating a flavor explosion that shouldn’t work but absolutely does.

Shrimp po’boys come loaded with crispy crustaceans, dressed with tangy slaw and spicy mayo on crusty bread.

Save room for bread pudding that arrives warm, soaked in bourbon sauce that adds grown-up sophistication to childhood comfort.

7. Southern Taste Diner (North Chesterfield)

Nothing fancy happens here, just straightforward soul food executed with serious skill and generous portions.

Meatloaf comes glazed with tangy-sweet sauce, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes that taste like they were whipped by hand.

Lima beans cooked with ham hocks bring smoky depth that converts even veggie skeptics.

Their pecan pie features a filling so rich and nutty it puts grocery store versions to shame, with a flaky crust that holds everything together beautifully.

8. Mango Mangeaux (Hampton)

Creole influences meet Southern soul food traditions at this Hampton spot where Louisiana flavors crash the Virginia party.

Jambalaya loaded with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp brings Cajun heat that warms you from the inside out.

Fried okra arrives perfectly crispy without a hint of slime, seasoned with cayenne that adds gentle kick.

Their bread pudding gets elevated with praline sauce, turning simple comfort food into something worthy of special occasion celebrations every single time.

9. Marylous Soul Dining Experience (Richmond)

Richmond’s Marylous Soul Dining Experience brings comfort food to a whole new level with recipes passed down through generations.

Every bite tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, with perfectly seasoned fried chicken that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The mac and cheese is so creamy it practically melts in your mouth.

Collard greens cooked low and slow with smoked turkey make the perfect side dish.

Their cornbread comes out warm and buttery, ideal for soaking up pot likker. Sweet tea flows freely here, and the peach cobbler for dessert will have you planning your next visit before you even leave.

10. Chef’s Kitchen & Cocktails (Norfolk)

Norfolk’s Chef’s Kitchen & Cocktails puts a modern spin on classic soul food without losing that authentic Southern taste.

The chefs here know how to balance tradition with creativity, serving dishes that look as good as they taste. Shrimp and grits get upgraded with bold seasonings and fresh ingredients straight from local markets.

Their cocktail menu perfectly complements the food, offering unique drinks you won’t find anywhere else. Fried catfish arrives golden brown with a delicate crust that shatters at first bite.

The atmosphere feels fancy enough for special occasions but welcoming enough for casual family dinners, making everyone feel right at home.

11. Black Eye Peas VB (Virginia Beach)

Named after the lucky Southern legume, Black Eye Peas VB serves Virginia Beach residents hearty portions of authentic soul food.

Walking through the door feels like visiting a relative’s kitchen, where the smell of home cooking fills the air. Their signature black-eyed peas simmer with ham hocks and spices, creating a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying.

Smothered pork chops come swimming in rich gravy that begs for a side of fluffy white rice. Locals keep coming back for the generous portions and prices that won’t empty your wallet.

12. Southern Soul Café (Ashland)

Ashland’s Southern Soul Café proves that great soul food doesn’t need a big city location to shine. This small-town gem serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the kind of care that makes strangers feel like family.

Fluffy buttermilk biscuits arrive fresh from the oven, perfect for splitting open and drowning in sausage gravy. Their fried chicken recipe has locals talking, with a secret blend of spices that keeps people guessing.

Green beans cooked with bacon and onions taste nothing like the canned version you might remember from school cafeterias.