17 best soul food restaurants in Atlanta

17 best soul food restaurants in Atlanta

Soul Food is an African-American cuisine known for its rich flavors. It is often prepared with many spices and sauces, giving it the desired heat and flavor. Popular soul food items include Fried chicken, Louisiana gumbo, and southern cornbread. This list of the best soul food restaurants in Atlanta is curated using online reviews and blogs.

17) Mama's Soul Food Diner - Lee Plaza Shopping Centre

With mixed reviews regarding the food, the list starts with Mama's Soul Food Diner. Let's listen to what Ramon Goudeau has to say on Google Review regarding the dining experience at Mama's: "Where do I start? Aside from the Florida terms vs Detroit terms for food (stewed chicken- smothered chicken), I defy you to go find me a smothered chicken dinner with collards and mac n cheese that tastes this good! ..."

16) Soulbox Soulfood - Fair St SW

From the classic peach cobbler to popular Mac n Cheese, this place is said to provide delicious soul food and excellent customer service. But, one of the cons of Soulbox, according to customers, is the portion size and price, some believe the portion is too small for the price.

15) Mary Mac's Tea Room

With an interesting name and an interesting food selection, you can opt for Mary Mac's to spill some tea over Crispy Fried Chicken and Tomato Pie. Other than the chicken other recommended dishes include sweet potato souffle, Pot Likker, etc.

14) The Colonnade - Cheshire Bridge

A recommendation from Reddit, this restaurant is well-praised for its good atmosphere and fried chicken. According to Bill Lerner, a frequent visitor of The Colonnade, on Google Review this place has the second-best fried chicken, behind his mother's fried chicken. And to no surprise, the fried chicken is indeed their signature dish.

13) Soul Food & Culture - Krog Street Market

The popular dishes in this fast-casual soul food restaurant range from classic soul foods like cornbreads, and Hushpuppies to the classic fried chicken. So, whether it is a snack or a full meal that you crave, you can just show up at Soul Foof & Culture.

12) Virgil's Gullah Kitchen & Bar - West Midtown

In the restaurant's own words, "Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar is a love letter to the Gullah Geechee culture - serving up those deliciously authentic dishes (yes, we eat a lot of rice) and signature cocktails that folks in the South love." Gullah Geeche is an African American Ethnic Group. The most recommended dishes here include AFTA Church Plate, Corn Muffins, etc.

11) Roc South Cuisine - Buford Hwy NE

No amount of words will ever be equal to a review from satisfied customers to help you decide whether to visit a place or not, and for Blanca Alicea on Google Reviews, Roc South Cuisine is a 10000/10 in terms of service, atmosphere, and food, and will visit again if possible. The most popular dishes that the restaurant serves are Seafood Eggroll, Seafood, etc.

10) Delilah’s Everyday Soul - Chattahoochee Ave

From flavorful, juicy, and crispy fried chicken dinner to the popular catfish dinner, Delilah's is a go-to spot for many in Atlanta. According to Nafis Zahir on Google reviews, "The fried chicken was so good! Not many places can cook fried chicken so that the skin is crispy but the meat is still moist and not dry and it was hot."

9) Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours - Apex West Midtown

Twisted Souls intends to provide a "modern soul food restaurant giving Southern classics & brunch a creative approach." Here casual and fine dining meets to provide its customers a unique experience. The restaurant serves soul food items like oxtails and jerk ducks with a unique twist of their own.

8) Miss Ruby's Peach Cobbler Cafe - The Shops of Buckhead

If you guessed the most popular item at Peach Cobbler cafe is the Peach Cobbler itself...you guessed right. But, if you do not have a sweet tooth, then you can order their second most recommended Fried catfish, Turkey Chops, etc.

7) Q - Time Restaurant

The Q-Time in the restaurant means it is time for BBQ, but other than BBQ this spot is also known for its soul food. So, if you are a fan of either, give this place a try. If you are confused about what to get, try one of the most recommended dishes, like baked chicken with dressing and greens and mac and cheese.

6) Paschal's Restaurant and Bar - Northside Dr SW

Pashcal's is often praised for its authentic southern cuisine, especially its fried chicken. From time immemorial the epitome of good food is often associated with Grandmother's cooking and according to Sharodd Cook on Google Reviews, the food at Paschal's taste like his grandmother made it. The popular items served include Paschals Fried Chicken Dinner with Collards, Mac and Cheese with Fried Green Tomatoes, and more.

5) South City Kitchen - Midtown/Buckhead

It is not every day that two outlets of the same restaurant have high ratings, both Midtown and Buckhead South City Kitchen have a rating of above 4 on Yelp and Google. Taking this as a positive sign, if you ever plan to visit them you can try their most recommended items like Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Chicken and Waffles, etc.

4) The Beautiful Restaurant - Cascade Rd

Here's an interesting fact, according to The Infatuation, "It was a line at Tha Beautiful", this line in Good Mob's Soul Food refers to The Beautiful Restaurant. So, in case you are visiting this iconic restaurant keep in mind these most recommended items like Banana pudding, Ribs Greens Mac and Cheese, Candied Yams, etc.

3) Big Daddy’s - South Atlanta

Run by Atlanta native Marcus Sabir, Big Daddy's has branches in multiple locations. From popular dishes like their Ox Tails Plate, Mashed Potatoes, and Mac & Cheese to decent vegetarian options, Big Daddies is a go-to spot for many. Though some describe the price to be "steep" their portion size is well-praised.

2) K&K Soul Food - Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy

From tender and flavorful turkey wings to peach cobbler, this restaurant is not just known for serving good food but also for good service. There might be a line, but often a line in front of a food establishment is considered a a good sign. Their smothered pork chops also make the list as the most recommended food.

1) The Busy Bee Cafe - M.L.K. Jr Dr SW

Now if you are looking for a place to sit and have your food then Busy Bee is not for you, because they only offer takeout service. People who have had food from Busy Bees often recommend their mac-n cheese, fried chicken wings, and catfish but savories are not their only forte, they also sell pretty good desserts like peach cobbler.