North Carolina’s soul food scene is alive and thriving, from bustling Charlotte kitchens to cozy Asheville eateries. Whether you crave crispy fried chicken, buttery mac and cheese, or perfectly seasoned collard greens, the Tar Heel State delivers unforgettable flavors. These restaurants honor tradition while serving up plates that feel like home-cooked love on every fork. Get ready to discover the spots locals swear by and visitors can’t stop talking about.
1. Mert’s Heart & Soul (Charlotte)
Uptown Charlotte’s beloved comfort food destination has been filling bellies and warming hearts for years. Mert’s serves low-country soul classics that make you want to slow down and savor every bite. Their menu reads like a greatest-hits collection of Southern cooking, with cornbread so buttery it melts on your tongue.
The shrimp and grits here are legendary, creamy and packed with flavor that transports you straight to the Carolina coast. Fried chicken arrives perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy within, paired with collards cooked just right. Don’t sleep on the Soul Rolls, a creative twist that keeps regulars coming back week after week.
Service feels genuine and welcoming, exactly what soul food dining should be.
2. La’Wan’s Soul Food (Charlotte)
South Charlotte knows where to go when hunger strikes and only real soul food will do. La’Wan’s has built a loyal following with their generous portions and honest, flavorful cooking. The all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on select days is the stuff of local legend, drawing crowds who know good value when they taste it…