Top 10 Southern Food Restaurants in Charlotte

Celebrity chef Kevin Kelley's upscale concept brings theatrical flair to Southern soul food, with a menu that reimagines classics through a luxe lens. The short rib mac and cheese has become Instagram-famous for good reason—tender braised meat piled atop creamy, truffle-kissed pasta that's pure indulgence. The space feels like a supper club with live entertainment, mood lighting, and a sophisticated crowd that comes as much for the scene as the food. With an eye-popping number of reviews and the highest rating on this list, it's clear that Kitchen + Kocktails has struck a chord with Charlotte's dining scene, perfect for special celebrations or impressing a date.

This New Orleans-inspired spot brings Big Easy soul to Charlotte with Creole and Cajun flavors that transport you straight to the French Quarter. Their seafood gumbo is dark, rich, and packed with shrimp, crab, and andouille sausage swimming in a roux that's been patiently coaxed to mahogany perfection. The laid-back atmosphere with Zydeco music and festive decor makes it feel like a neighborhood joint in the Crescent City, perfect for casual dinners or catching a game with friends. Don't skip the beignets for dessert—they're as close to Café du Monde as you'll get without boarding a plane.

Part of a regional mini-chain, Tupelo Honey has perfected approachable Southern cooking with broad appeal, making it a safe bet for groups with varying tastes. Their goat cheese grits have achieved menu immortality, appearing in multiple dishes and available as a side that converts even grits skeptics. The uptown location buzzes with energy during weekend brunch, when their famous shoo mercy sweet potato pancakes fly out of the kitchen. While it may lack the authenticity of mom-and-pop spots, Tupelo delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing Southern fare in a polished setting that works for families and tourists alike.

Dogwood represents refined Southern dining at its finest, where Chef Alex Salmon's seasonal menu celebrates Appalachian ingredients with sophisticated technique. The shrimp and grits here are transcendent—featuring local grits, perfectly seared shrimp, and a sauce that balances richness with brightness. The intimate dining room with Edison bulbs and exposed brick creates an undeniably romantic atmosphere, making it Charlotte's go-to for anniversaries and proposals. With the highest rating on this list, Dogwood delivers on every front, from impeccable service to a wine list that complements the thoughtful Southern fare.

Rooster's brings wood-fired magic to uptown Charlotte, where their scratch kitchen churns out Southern-inspired dishes with a contemporary edge. The wood-fired rotisserie chicken is the star of the show, arriving juicy and smoky with a choice of house-made sauces that range from tangy BBQ to herby chimichurri. The upscale-casual vibe works equally well for business lunches or post-work happy hours, with a patio that's perfect for people-watching in the heart of the city. Their bourbon selection is extensive, making it a solid choice for whiskey enthusiasts looking to pair spirits with serious comfort food.

Nana Morrison's has earned its place as a Charlotte soul food pilgrimage site, with lines out the door that attest to its legendary status. The smothered pork chops are a revelation—tender, flavorful, and blanketed in rich gravy that demands a side of their fluffy cornbread for sopping. This is unfussy, soulful cooking that tastes like Sunday dinner at your grandmother's house, served cafeteria-style in a humble setting that lets the food be the star. Bring the whole family, come early to beat the lunch rush, and prepare for a meal that'll stick to your ribs in the best possible way.

This North Tryon Street favorite brings authentic soul food with a focus on speed without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for a quick lunch that doesn't taste fast. Their oxtails are slow-cooked to tender perfection and have developed a cult following among those who know where to find them. The casual counter-service setup and friendly staff create a welcoming neighborhood vibe that keeps regulars coming back weekly. It's the kind of place where the food speaks louder than the decor, and the portions ensure you'll have leftovers for tomorrow.

Housed in a renovated 1940s service station in NoDa, Haberdish has mastered the art of elevated Southern comfort food with a farm-to-table philosophy. Their buttermilk fried chicken is brined for 24 hours and cooked to crispy perfection, while the rotating selection of seasonal sides showcases North Carolina's agricultural bounty. The industrial-chic space with reclaimed wood and Edison bulbs attracts a hip, young professional crowd, especially during their famous chicken and waffles brunch. Chef Travis Myers' attention to detail and commitment to local sourcing has made this a must-visit for serious food lovers.

A Charlotte institution since 1995, Mert's has been serving soul food the way it's meant to be—honest, hearty, and made with love. This is where locals bring out-of-town guests to experience authentic Southern cooking, from fall-off-the-bone fried chicken to mac and cheese that'll ruin you for all others. The casual, no-frills atmosphere puts the focus squarely on the food, making it perfect for family gatherings or anyone craving real deal soul food in the heart of uptown. Come hungry and expect generous portions that respect the tradition of Southern hospitality.

This Gulf Coast-inspired gem brings Louisiana lowcountry flavors to Charlotte's upscale Phillips Place, where the shrimp and grits have achieved near-legendary status among locals. The coastal ambiance with exposed brick and warm lighting creates an inviting backdrop for date nights or celebrating special occasions. Don't sleep on their fried green tomatoes with remoulade—they're the perfect starter before diving into their signature seafood dishes. The cocktail program is equally impressive, featuring bourbon-forward drinks that complement the Cajun-influenced menu beautifully.