The Best Soul Food Restaurant In NYC

Indulge in the Rich and Flavorful Cuisine of the South

The bustling city of New York is known for its diverse culinary scene that offers a wide range of cuisines to satisfy every palate. From Italian to Chinese, Mexican to Indian, New York has it all. However, if you are craving for some soulful and hearty food that brings you comfort and warmth, then you need to head straight to the best soul food restaurant in NYC.

With its roots in the South, soul food is a cuisine that embraces traditional African-American cooking styles and techniques that have been passed down through generations. It is a cuisine that is rich and flavorful, filled with bold spices, smoked meats, fried chicken, and indulgent sides.

If you are ready to experience the true taste of the South, then here is a list of the best soul food restaurants in NYC that you must check out.

🍗 Sylvia’s Restaurant – Harlem

Sylvia’s Restaurant has been serving traditional soul food to the Harlem community for over 60 years. This iconic restaurant is known for its succulent fried chicken, mouth-watering collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato pie. The restaurant has a warm and cozy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home, and their friendly staff always ensures that you are well taken care of.

🍤 Melba’s Restaurant – Harlem

Melba’s Restaurant is a soul food restaurant that has been a staple in the Harlem community for over a decade. Owned by Melba Wilson, who is known for her appearances on Food Network and the Today Show, this restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional soul food. Some of their must-try dishes include the Southern Fried Chicken and Eggnog Waffles, Mac and Cheese, and Sweet Potato Cheesecake.

🍴 Jacob Restaurant – Harlem

Jacob Restaurant is a family-owned soul food restaurant that has been serving the Harlem community for over 30 years. This restaurant is known for its generous portions of Southern comfort food, including fried chicken, fried fish, and smothered pork chops. They also have a variety of sides to choose from, including mac and cheese, collard greens, and candied yams.

🍝 The Delta – Hell’s Kitchen

The Delta is a soul food restaurant located in Hell’s Kitchen that offers a modern twist on traditional Southern cuisine. The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are fresh and flavorful. Some of the dishes that you must try include the Fried Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, and the Smoked Brisket Sandwich.

🍖 Pies ‘n’ Thighs – Williamsburg

Pies ‘n’ Thighs is a soul food restaurant located in Williamsburg that is known for its crispy fried chicken and homemade pies. This restaurant offers a cozy and casual atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Their menu features classic Southern dishes such as biscuits and gravy, mac and cheese, and collard greens.

🍲 Red Rooster – Harlem

Red Rooster is a soul food restaurant located in Harlem that offers a unique fusion of Southern and Swedish cuisines. The restaurant is owned by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson and is known for its delicious fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. They also have a great cocktail menu that features unique drinks such as the Lena Horne and the Malcolm X.

🥩 The Cecil – Harlem

The Cecil is a soul food restaurant located in Harlem that offers a fusion of African, Asian, and American cuisines. The restaurant is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations of ingredients. Some of their must-try dishes include the oxtail dumplings, the gumbo, and the fried chicken and waffles.

🦐 Sweet Chick – Williamsburg

Sweet Chick is a soul food restaurant located in Williamsburg that is known for its mouth-watering fried chicken and waffles. The restaurant offers a cozy and laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. They also have a great selection of sides, including mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread.

🍴 Amy Ruth’s – Harlem

Amy Ruth’s is a soul food restaurant located in Harlem that is named after the owner’s grandmother. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and flavorful dishes. Some of their must-try dishes include the fried chicken and waffles, the catfish, and the mac and cheese.

🍟 Root & Bone – East Village

Root & Bone is a soul food restaurant located in the East Village that offers a modern twist on traditional Southern cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious fried chicken, deviled eggs, and biscuits. They also have a great selection of sides, including collard greens, mac and cheese, and sweet potato mash.

🥘 The Pink Tea Cup – Greenwich Village

The Pink Tea Cup is a soul food restaurant located in Greenwich Village that has been serving traditional Southern cuisine since 1954. The restaurant is known for its chicken and waffles, mac and cheese, and collard greens. They also have a great selection of desserts, including sweet potato pie and peach cobbler.

🍹 Black Swan – Bed-Stuy

Black Swan is a soul food restaurant located in Bed-Stuy that offers a modern twist on traditional Southern cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese. They also have a great selection of cocktails that feature unique ingredients such as sorrel and hibiscus.

🥓 Peaches HotHouse – Bed-Stuy

Peaches HotHouse is a soul food restaurant located in Bed-Stuy that is known for its spicy Nashville-style hot chicken. The restaurant also has a great selection of sides, including collard greens, mac and cheese, and black-eyed peas. They also have a great selection of cocktails, including the Peaches Hot House Punch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is soul food?

Soul food is a cuisine that embraces traditional African-American cooking styles and techniques that have been passed down through generations. It is a cuisine that is rich and flavorful, filled with bold spices, smoked meats, fried chicken, and indulgent sides.

Q2: What are some popular soul food dishes?

Some popular soul food dishes include fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, black-eyed peas, sweet potato pie, and peach cobbler.

Q3: Where can I find the best soul food in NYC?

Some of the best soul food restaurants in NYC include Sylvia’s Restaurant, Melba’s Restaurant, Jacob Restaurant, The Delta, Pies ‘n’ Thighs, Red Rooster, The Cecil, Sweet Chick, Amy Ruth’s, Root & Bone, The Pink Tea Cup, Black Swan, and Peaches HotHouse.

Q4: What is the history of soul food?

The history of soul food can be traced back to the traditional African-American cooking styles and techniques that were brought to the United States during the time of slavery. These cooking styles and techniques were passed down through generations and evolved into the soul food cuisine that we know today.

Q5: What is Nashville-style hot chicken?

Nashville-style hot chicken is a type of fried chicken that is marinated in a spicy paste and fried until crispy. It is a popular dish in the South that has gained popularity throughout the United States in recent years.

Q6: What is the difference between Southern and soul food?

Southern food is a cuisine that is native to the Southern United States and includes dishes such as grits, biscuits and gravy, and jambalaya. Soul food is a cuisine that embraces traditional African-American cooking styles and techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Q7: What is the best soul food restaurant in Harlem?

There are many great soul food restaurants in Harlem, including Sylvia’s Restaurant, Melba’s Restaurant, Jacob Restaurant, and Amy Ruth’s. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, and it is recommended that you try them all to find your favorite.

Q8: What is the best soul food restaurant in Williamsburg?

Pies ‘n’ Thighs is considered to be the best soul food restaurant in Williamsburg, known for its delicious fried chicken, homemade pies, and cozy atmosphere.

Q9: What is the best soul food restaurant in Bed-Stuy?

Black Swan and Peaches HotHouse are both great soul food restaurants located in Bed-Stuy. Black Swan is known for its modern twist on traditional Southern cuisine, while Peaches HotHouse is known for its spicy Nashville-style hot chicken.

Q10: What is the best dish to order at a soul food restaurant?

There are many great dishes to order at a soul food restaurant, including fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese,