Soul food might have deep roots in the South, but the Golden State has turned it into something all its own: bold, vibrant, and full of heart.
All across busy cities and laid-back neighborhoods, there are spots serving plates so comforting and soulful that regulars try their best to keep them under the radar. Just don’t be surprised if locals side-eye you for spilling their secrets.
1. Burdell (Oakland)
Named after chef Genevieve Drayton’s grandmother, this upscale soul food restaurant brings family recipes into the fine dining world. Every dish tells a story, blending Southern tradition with California freshness in ways that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
The menu rotates seasonally, but the commitment to honoring Black culinary heritage never wavers. Expect dishes like oxtail with Carolina gold rice or smothered greens that taste like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, except fancier. Reservations fill up fast, so plan ahead or risk missing out on this Oakland gem that’s redefining soul food one beautiful plate at a time.
2. Brenda’s French Soul Food (San Francisco)
Beignets meet buttermilk biscuits at this New Orleans-inspired soul food haven that’s been making San Franciscans weak in the knees since 2007. Chef Brenda Buenviaje fuses Creole flavors with classic soul food staples, creating a menu that’s as diverse as the city itself…