Let’s be honest: there’s something about soul food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. If you’ve ever found yourself craving crispy chicken, buttery cornbread, or sides that could make you weep, you’re not alone. Ohio’s soul food scene is a delicious reminder that comfort can be plated, served, and, yes, smothered in gravy. Ready for a taste adventure that’s half nostalgia, half new obsession? Here are five unforgettable spots you’ll want to add to your eat-it-again list.
1. Rasheedah’s Cafe
Some places manage to feel like you’ve been invited to someone’s Sunday dinner, and Rasheedah’s Cafe in Cincinnati just nailed that vibe. When it opened in 1993, it wasn’t just another spot for fried chicken. It became a halal soul food haven for families, students, and the church crowd, and its menu reads like a love letter to comfort food.
You could walk in on a Wednesday and find the owner greeting regulars by name, or overhear debates about whose grandma makes better salmon croquettes. The beef short ribs arrive tender enough to make you forget your phone for three whole bites. Mac ‘n’ cheese is golden and proud, unapologetically rich, and the candied yams are sweet enough to count as dessert (or therapy).
Fun fact: Rasheedah’s has survived economic dips, gentrification, and two decades of food trends. The place isn’t about reinvention. It’s about giving you a plate that feels like home, whether you grew up in Cincinnati or just wish you had. Savor the cornbread and leave a little room for nostalgia on the way out.
2. Zanzibar Soul Fusion
Ever noticed how some restaurants make you want to dress up just a little? Zanzibar Soul Fusion in Cleveland has that effect. The place is always buzzing: think girls’ night, date night, or just your solo treat-yourself moment. Their menu brings Southern classics into the 21st century, but not at the expense of flavor or fun…