Southern and soul food have a special place in the American food canon. Beyond the deep history rooted in many dishes, there’s also a simplicity to the deliciousness found in the fare — whether that’s a plate of pork chops, hot and buttery cornbread,
chicken smothered in gravy, or impeccable regional barbecue. On the best eating days in Los Angeles, the soft, chewy bread of a New Orleans po’boy will hit just right, as will a comforting bowl of jambalaya.
While some restaurants are long-standing spots that lean soulful or Southern, a handful of newcomers have taken their versions in offbeat and sometimes modern directions. Here are the best soul and Southern food restaurants to try in Los Angeles.
New this update: Koreatown’s Southern brunch specialist Gritz N Wafflez and Annie’s Soul Delicious in Beverly Grove join the list. Coming off this round are Long Beach’s Soul Food Renaissance and Alta Adams, where celebrated chef Keith Corbin reimagined his former soul food–leaning menu in 2026. Also removed from this map are the following closed restaurants: My 2 Cents LA, Monty’s Chicken and Waffles, and Crystals Soul Cafe.
