15 Charlotte, North Carolina Soul Food Spots That Locals Say Even Grandma Would Approve Of
You know that feeling: a Sunday afternoon, a kitchen buzzing with love, and Grandma’s cooking filling the air. That’s the gold standard, isn’t it? While replicating her magic is tough, Charlotte, North Carolina, comes surprisingly close.
We’ve scoured the Queen City, talked to the folks who know their collard greens from their cornbread, and found 15 soul food spots that genuinely earn the “Grandma-approved” stamp. Get ready for comfort food that tastes like home, even if your home isn’t in the Carolinas.
Your taste buds are about to thank you!
1. Mert’s Heart & Soul
For over twenty years, Mert’s Heart & Soul has stood proudly in Uptown Charlotte, feeding hungry folks with plates that could make a grown person cry tears of joy. The fried chicken arrives at your table with a golden crust so perfect you might want to frame it before taking that first heavenly bite.
Shrimp and grits combination creates a flavor explosion that locals swear by, while the cornbread comes out warm enough to melt butter instantly. Walking into this restaurant feels like stepping into your favorite aunt’s kitchen, where the atmosphere buzzes with conversation and laughter.
The consistency here never wavers, which explains why both tourists and Charlotte natives keep this spot on their regular rotation. Every dish tells a story of Southern tradition, prepared with care that would definitely earn your grandmother’s stamp of approval.
2. Nana Morrison’s Soul Food
Family recipes passed down through generations form the backbone of Nana Morrison’s menu, where every bite tastes like home cooking at its finest. Fried catfish arrives seasoned to perfection, with a coating that stays crispy even after you’ve devoured half the plate.
The collard greens simmer with just the right amount of seasoning, while the macaroni and cheese brings that creamy, cheesy goodness everyone craves. Multiple locations throughout Charlotte and nearby areas make it super convenient to grab a meal whenever the craving hits.
This family-owned establishment treats every customer like a member of the clan, serving generous portions that leave you satisfied but planning your next visit. The home-style approach to cooking shines through in every dish, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable meals.
3. Sol’Delish
Breaking away from traditional presentations while keeping authentic flavors intact, Sol’Delish has carved out a special place in Charlotte’s food scene. The chefs here take classic soul food recipes and add creative twists that surprise your palate without losing that comforting taste you expect.
Innovation meets tradition on every plate, creating dishes that look Instagram-worthy but taste like grandma’s secret recipes.
My cousin dragged me here last summer, and I’ll admit I was skeptical about modern soul food until that first bite proved me completely wrong.
The inviting ambiance makes you want to settle in for a long meal, chatting with friends while savoring each carefully crafted dish. Loyal customers keep returning because Sol’Delish manages to honor Southern cooking traditions while pushing culinary boundaries in exciting ways.
4. Taste Of Soul
Authentic Southern cuisine flows from the kitchen at Taste of Soul, where chefs treat every order like they’re cooking for their own families. Fried chicken here gets cooked to crispy perfection, with meat so tender it practically falls off the bone before you even pick up your fork.
The catfish comes out hot and flaky, seasoned with spices that create layers of flavor worth savoring slowly. Quality ingredients and time-honored cooking methods combine to create meals that transport you straight to the heart of the South.
Traditional recipes get executed with precision and care, ensuring each plate maintains the standards that built this restaurant’s stellar reputation. Charlotte residents consider this establishment a treasure, recommending it to anyone seeking genuine soul food that tastes exactly like it should.
5. Londa’s Place
Southern classics take center stage at Londa’s Place, where the menu reads like a greatest hits album of comfort food favorites. Fried chicken arrives with a coating that crunches perfectly, while pork chops get grilled or fried to your preference with seasoning that makes your taste buds sing.
The selection of sides includes everything from creamy mashed potatoes to tangy collard greens, each prepared with attention to detail. Warm hospitality greets you the moment you walk through the door, creating an atmosphere that feels like visiting an old friend’s house for dinner.
Dedication to quality shows in every aspect of the dining experience, from the fresh ingredients to the generous portion sizes. This restaurant stands out in Charlotte’s competitive food scene because it consistently delivers meals that satisfy both your stomach and your soul.
6. Sunset SoulFood
Since opening its doors in 2008, Sunset SoulFood has built a reputation on making everything from scratch the moment you place your order. Nothing sits under heat lamps here, which means your food arrives hot, fresh, and bursting with flavors that only come from proper cooking techniques.
The eclectic menu offers both traditional soul food favorites and seafood options that showcase the chef’s range and creativity. Patience pays off when you’re waiting for your meal because that extra time means someone back there is actually cooking your food with care.
Quality control reaches impressive levels here, with each dish meeting high standards before it leaves the kitchen and heads to your table. Authentic Southern cuisine lovers make pilgrimages to this spot, knowing they’ll get food worth the wait and worth every single calorie consumed.
7. Queen’s Soul Food
Authentic flavors reign supreme at Queen’s Soul Food, where traditional Southern dishes get prepared with recipes that honor generations of cooking wisdom. The fried chicken features seasoning so good you might find yourself licking your fingers before remembering you’re in public.
Collard greens arrive cooked down perfectly, with just enough pot liquor to soak into that fluffy cornbread sitting on your plate. I remember bringing my picky uncle here, and watching his face light up after tasting the mac and cheese convinced me this place was legit.
Loyal customers fill the tables regularly, creating a community atmosphere where everyone appreciates good food made the right way. Quality never takes a backseat here, which explains why Queen’s Soul Food has earned such a devoted following throughout the Charlotte area over the years.
8. Fixins Soul Kitchen
Bringing genuine Southern flavors to Charlotte with style and flair, Fixins Soul Kitchen creates an experience that goes beyond just eating a meal. Fried chicken here gets cooked with a secret blend of spices that keeps people guessing and coming back for more detective work.
Mac and cheese reaches creamy perfection, while red beans and rice provide that hearty, stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction that soul food does best. The vibrant atmosphere makes dining here feel like attending a celebration, with energy that matches the bold flavors on every plate.
Soul food enthusiasts consider this restaurant a must-visit destination because it delivers exactly what you hope for when craving comfort food. Dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in the cooking, proving that Fixins Soul Kitchen understands what makes Southern cuisine so special and beloved.
9. Bentley’s
Traditional Southern cooking gets the respect it deserves at Bentley’s, where classic dishes arrive prepared with methods passed down through countless Sunday dinners. Fried chicken comes out golden and juicy, while pork chops get seasoned and cooked until they’re tender enough to cut with a fork.
The variety of flavorful sides includes options that complement your main dish perfectly, from sweet candied yams to savory green beans. Commitment to tradition runs deep here, with recipes that stay true to their roots while still tasting fresh and exciting with every visit.
Charlotte residents have embraced this establishment as a beloved part of the local food scene, trusting it for consistently excellent meals. Quality ingredients and careful preparation combine to create dining experiences that remind you why soul food holds such a special place in American culinary history.
10. Soul Café
Offering a unique twist on the soul food concept, Soul Café serves up a mouthwatering kosher menu that brings gourmet options to the table. Soups arrive steaming hot and packed with flavor, while salads feature fresh ingredients that crunch with every bite.
Sandwiches get stacked high with quality meats and toppings, and the pizzas and pastas round out a menu that offers something for everyone’s appetite. The warm and relaxed environment makes this spot perfect for casual lunches or dinner gatherings where conversation flows as smoothly as the service.
Dedication to quality shows in every dish, with careful attention paid to both taste and presentation that elevates the dining experience. Community connection matters here, creating a space where customers feel valued and return regularly to enjoy food that satisfies both body and spirit.
11. Superica – Strawberry Hill
Renowned chefs Ford Fry and Kevin Maxey bring authentic Tex-Mex flavors to Myers Park with their Mex-Tex menu that captures true Texan spirit. The Pollo Quesadilla arrives loaded with perfectly seasoned chicken and melted cheese that stretches with every bite you take.
Barbacoa Tacos feature tender, slow-cooked meat that practically melts on your tongue, while Steak Fajitas come out sizzling hot with all the fixings. Diners consistently rave about the delicious fresh ingredients and incredible flavors that make every dish memorable and worth ordering again.
The restaurant atmosphere captures that lively Tex-Mex vibe where good food and good times go hand in hand naturally. Strawberry Hill location provides easy access for Charlotte residents craving authentic flavors that transport them straight to the heart of Texas with every single bite.
12. El Camino Mexican Soul Food – Mezcal Bar
Authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine comes alive at El Camino, where commitment to fresh organic ingredients sets this spot apart from typical restaurants. Everything gets crafted from scratch, including tortillas and sauces that form the foundation of every incredible dish served here.
The quesadillas earn outstanding reviews for their perfect balance of cheese, fillings, and that handmade tortilla that holds everything together beautifully. My friend’s birthday celebration here turned into a feast when we ordered the nachos, which arrived huge and really good, piled high with toppings.
The mezcal and tequila bar offers an impressive selection that pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors coming from the kitchen. Local and organic ingredients ensure every bite tastes fresh and vibrant, proving that quality matters when creating memorable Mexican soul food experiences worth sharing.
13. Marylou’s Soul Dining Experience
Connections form naturally at Marylou’s Soul Dining Experience, where the restaurant philosophy centers on treating every guest like family walking through the door. Stories get shared over plates of handcrafted dishes made with care and attention that you can actually taste in every bite.
The warmth of genuine hospitality wraps around you like a comfortable blanket, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Aromas of carefully prepared soul food fill the air, triggering memories of the best home-cooked meals you’ve ever experienced in your life.
This place goes beyond just serving food because it creates an environment where people belong and feel valued as individuals. Kinfolk treatment means nobody leaves feeling like just another customer, but rather like someone who just shared a meaningful meal with people who care.
14. Soul Gastrolounge
Originally founded in 2009, Soul Gastrolounge has built a devoted following with its eclectic tapas menu that pushes creative boundaries while maintaining delicious flavors. The signature Asian glazed pork belly tacos combine unexpected ingredients that somehow work together perfectly, creating taste combinations you never knew you needed.
Lamb lolly skewers return to the menu as popular favorites that showcase the kitchen’s ability to handle diverse cooking styles. The new venue at 4100 Raleigh Street within The Pass development features significantly larger space with indoor seating for over two hundred guests.
A bigger kitchen means more culinary possibilities, while outdoor seating for around thirty people provides options for enjoying Charlotte’s pleasant weather. Continuity amid change ensures loyal customers still get the dishes they love while discovering new menu items worth exploring and recommending to friends.
15. Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley
Dynamic comfort food reaches new heights at Kitchen + Kocktails, where well-plated dishes showcase Southern classics made with creative twists that surprise and delight. Flavored fried chicken options give you choices beyond traditional seasoning, while lobster tail adds a touch of luxury to the soul food experience.
Shrimp and grits arrive cooked to perfection, with creative waffles offering sweet options that pair wonderfully with savory main dishes. Oxtails, greens, black-eyed peas, and candied yams round out a menu that covers all the essential soul food bases with style.
Desserts like peach cobbler and banana pudding provide the perfect sweet ending to meals that satisfy every craving you brought through the door. Kevin Kelley’s vision combines upscale presentation with down-home flavors, creating a dining experience that honors tradition while embracing modern culinary creativity and innovation.