Nashville's Best Soul Food [Updated 2024]

Having spent countless hours exploring the vibrant food scene of Nashville, I can confidently say that this city is a haven for soul food enthusiasts. With a staggering number of 12 establishments reviewed, I have had the pleasure of sampling and savoring the finest soul food dishes this enchanting city has to offer.

From melt-in-your-mouth fried chicken to mouthwatering collard greens and delectable peach cobbler, Nashville's soul food scene truly has it all. Join me on this culinary journey as we uncover the hidden gems and the must-try dishes that make Nashville the ultimate destination for soul food lovers.

Noir Kitchen & Cocktails

Highlights
Best new spot
Lamb chops
Great new restaurant
Stuffed Salmon highly recommended

What sets Noir Kitchen & Cocktails apart from other soul food spots in Nashville is its unique combination of both classic and innovative dishes. As soon as I walked in, the ambiance struck a perfect balance between sophisticated and welcoming, making me feel right at home.

One standout dish was the lamb chops. They were tender and cooked to perfection, seasoned with a delightful blend of spices that danced on my taste buds. Each bite was an explosion of flavor, leaving me craving for more. It's no wonder these lamb chops are considered one of the highlights of Noir Kitchen & Cocktails.

Another standout dish was the stuffed salmon. The combination of tender, flaky salmon topped with a flavorful stuffing was an absolute winner. The accompaniments of creamy mashed potatoes and perfectly sautéed vegetables made it a well-rounded and fulfilling meal.

What impressed me most about Noir Kitchen & Cocktails was that it effortlessly combined traditional soul food elements with innovative techniques and flavors. It felt like a refreshing take on a timeless cuisine.

All in all, Noir Kitchen & Cocktails is a great new restaurant that deserves a top spot on the list of the best soul food in Nashville. Its commitment to delivering exceptional dishes while maintaining a warm and cozy atmosphere is truly commendable. If you're looking for a soul food experience with a twist, make sure to visit Noir Kitchen & Cocktails.

You might also want to check out the best brunch in Nashville.

Monique's Home Style Cooking

Highlights
Delicious fried chicken
Perfectly cooked greens
Tasty yams
Nutritious and filling
Affordable prices

Let me start by saying that Monique's Home Style Cooking is a hidden gem when it comes to finding the best soul food in Nashville. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the intoxicating aroma of deliciousness that permeated the air.

What caught my attention first was their mouthwatering fried chicken. Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, it was a true delight to sink my teeth into. Each bite was a burst of flavor that left me wanting more.

But it wasn't just the chicken that impressed me. Monique's also knows how to cook their greens to absolute perfection. The collard greens were tender, nicely seasoned, and not overly cooked. They struck the perfect balance between providing a satisfying bite and retaining their vibrant color.

In addition to the greens, the tasty yams were a delightful surprise. They were cooked just right, not overly sweet but with a hint of caramelization that added depth to their flavor.

What I appreciated about Monique's Home Style Cooking was that their soul food was not only delicious but also nutritious and filling. The portions were generous, leaving me happily satisfied without feeling weighed down.

And the best part? Monique's offered all this goodness at affordable prices. It's not often you find soul food of this quality that won't break the bank.

If you're looking for soul food that will make your taste buds dance with joy, then Monique's Home Style Cooking is the place to go. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

You might also want to check out the best pizza in Nashville.

Big Mama's Soul Food

Highlights
Great food
Nostalgic vibe
Friendly staff
Down home cooking
Delicious sweet tea

From the moment I walked into Big Mama's, I could feel the nostalgic vibe engulfing the cozy establishment. The smell of down home cooking wafted through the air, instantly transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen. I eagerly made my way to a table and prepared myself for what was sure to be an unforgettable meal.

The menu at Big Mama's offered a variety of soulful delights, and I couldn't help but be excited. After browsing through the options, I settled on a plate of their famous fried chicken with a side of collard greens and macaroni and cheese. The waitstaff were incredibly friendly, making me feel like part of the family as they took my order.

When my food finally arrived, I couldn't help but be impressed. The chicken was golden and crispy, the greens were tender and full of flavor, and the macaroni and cheese was perfectly gooey. Each bite was a journey of mouthwatering sensations that had me reaching for more. And let's not forget the sweet tea – oh, the sweet tea! It was the perfect accompaniment to my meal, adding a refreshing sweetness to balance out the richness of the food.

By the end of my meal at Big Mama's, I was completely satisfied and already planning my next visit. The combination of great food, friendly staff, and nostalgic atmosphere made for an experience that truly encapsulated the essence of soul food. If you're in Nashville and looking for some delicious soul food, Big Mama's is the place to be.

You might also want to check out the best steak in Nashville.

Doll's Family Cafe

Doll's Family Cafe in Nashville is a hidden gem for soul food lovers. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make you feel right at home. Don't miss their mouthwatering fried chicken and creamy mac and cheese. It's a true taste of Southern comfort that'll have you coming back for more.

You might also want to check out the best coffee shops in Nashville.

Carol Ann’s

I'll start by saying that Carol Ann's in Nashville is a soulful oasis for anyone craving Southern comfort food. From the moment I walked in, the friendly staff made me feel like family. The aroma of fried chicken filled the air, intriguing my taste buds. I eagerly dove into a plate of juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken that had a crispy crust that was pure perfection. The sides were no afterthought either - creamy mac and cheese and collard greens that tasted like they were cooked with love. And don't even get me started on the peach cobbler for dessert - warm, gooey, and downright sinful. Carol Ann's truly delivers on the promise of soul food that warms your heart and fills your stomach.

You might also want to check out the best food in Pigeon Forge.

Swett's

Swett's in Nashville is an absolute delight for any soul food enthusiast! From their tender smothered pork chops to their mouthwatering mac and cheese, every bite is a taste of heaven. Make sure to leave room for their decadent sweet potato pie - it's a showstopper.

You might also want to check out the best dessert in Nashville.

QC Kitchen

QC Kitchen in Nashville is a true soulful gem. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The fried chicken was perfectly crispy and flavorful, while the mac and cheese was so creamy it could make you weak at the knees. Don't miss out on their collard greens either - they added a touch of southern comfort to the meal. QC Kitchen is undoubtedly a top contender for the best soul food in Nashville.

You might also want to check out the best new restaurants in Nashville.

Ramzys Meat & Three

The flavors at Ramzys Meat & Three in Nashville truly hit your taste buds like a soulful symphony. The succulent meats are perfectly seasoned and the homemade sides? Pure magic. Don't miss the creamy mac and cheese or their irresistible peach cobbler. It's a divine delight for your palate.

You might also want to check out the best donuts in Nashville.

PoeBoy Luncheon

PoeBoy Luncheon in Nashville is a hidden gem of soul food. The flavors burst from every bite, leaving my taste buds dancing with happiness. The fried chicken had a perfectly crispy coating, while the mac and cheese was rich and creamy. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere made this a dining experience to remember. It's a must-try for anyone craving authentic soul food in Nashville.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Nashville.

Lil Cee's

Alright, y'all! Get ready to experience some serious soul food magic at Lil Cee's in Nashville. From the moment you walk through the door, you'll be greeted with the warmest smiles and the most finger-lickin' goodness your taste buds could ever dream of. From their velvety mac and cheese to their succulent fried chicken, every bite is a taste of heaven. And don't even get me started on their peach cobbler. It's like a sweet symphony that'll make your heart sing. So, if you're in Nashville and you're craving some authentic soul food that'll transport you straight to the south, Lil Cee's is the place to be. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

You might also want to check out the best barbeque in Nashville.

FAME-US

FAME-US in Nashville is a soul food haven! The flavors dance on your palate, and the portions are generous enough to satisfy even the hungriest soul. Don't miss their crispy fried chicken and mouthwatering mac and cheese. With warm hospitality and authentic recipes, FAME-US truly deserves its name in the soul food hall of fame.

Lando's Soul Food

Lando's Soul Food in Nashville is a hidden gem for all you soul food lovers out there. The moment you step inside, you're greeted with the aroma of mouthwatering dishes that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. The fried chicken is juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and seasoned to perfection. Paired with some collard greens that are cooked with just the right amount of smokiness, it creates a harmonious symphony of flavors in your mouth. Don't even get me started on the mac and cheese that's so creamy and comforting, it could cure any bad day. The portions are generous, and the service is top-notch. Plus, the cozy ambiance adds to the overall charm of the place. If you're in the mood for some authentic soul food that will make your soul sing, then Lando's Soul Food is a must-visit spot in Nashville!