Best Soul Food Restaurants in Miami

From the tables of enslaved Africans and the 1960s Black Power Movement (where the term “soul food” was coined) to the million-dollar industry it is today, soul food was and still is an African American specialty. It’s delicious comfort food served with heartfelt hospitality that nourishes the body and the soul, hence the name. Fortunately, Greater Miami & Miami Beach has plenty of soul food restaurants where you can get your fill. See who’s serving it up best.

Red Rooster Overtown

The popular MICHELIN-recommended and Bib Gourmand recipient Red Rooster Overtown occupies a spot steeped in history. After Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and other luminaries performed at Historic Overtown's Lyric Theater, they’d cross the street to socialize at the very site that celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s restaurant now occupies. Red Rooster serves up hipster soul with a global flair. Diners rave about the cornbread with spiced rum butter, the barbecued ribs with house-made sauce and the signature fried chicken with greens, which fans have described as “life-changing.” Head to Red Rooster on a Sunday night to enjoy your comfort meal with a side of live jazz for a true soulful experience.

Lil GreenHouse Grill

Lil GreenHouse Grill rocks Historic Overtown with edgy neo-soul cuisine and smooth grooves. “We’re a healthier take on traditional soul food, offering nostalgic dishes in an environment with music, ambiance and conversation, all the things that make Blackness beautiful,” said Nicole Gates, the restaurant’s managing partner. Enjoy the community vibe and soulful sounds of jazz, R&B and Motown music while digging into dishes that keep the restaurant’s fans coming back for more. Don’t miss the sweet and sour shrimp, baked mac and cheese and savory seafood cakes.

Jackson Soul Food

After 45 years in business and thousands of customers served, Jackson Soul Food has earned the reputation of being the heart and soul of Miami, thanks to its scrumptious food and at-home atmosphere. Order up a local favorite, such as the yellowtail snapper, shrimp or boiled fish with grits, or opt for the soul food staple: smothered fried chicken served on a bed of white rice. Jackson Soul Food has locations in Historic Overtown and Opa-Locka.

We Shuckin Southern Eatery

We Shuckin Southern Eatery, located in Opa-Locka, serves up African American culture and Southern-style comfort food. At We Shuckin, diners can enjoy fresh, homemade meals to the groovy tunes of music from the 1960s and ’70s, which pumps throughout the restaurant. Known for offering regional soul food favorites, such as Carolina Lowcountry catfish, Georgia collard greens and yams, and Florida fish, shrimp and conch, this humble neighborhood spot is the place to get your Southern soul food fix.

World Famous House of Mac

World Famous House of Mac's cool logo, representing the father of former music mogul and current restaurant owner Derek Turton (aka rapper Pitbull’s former manager), sets the stage for a unique and soul-food-filled experience. Located inside the Wynwood Eatery in Wynwood, this hot spot dishes up an irresistible five-cheese mac and cheese that serves as a delicious base for countless toppings, including jerk chicken, Buffalo chicken, shrimp or lobster. As devout followers know, “It ain’t your mama’s mac and cheese.” Don’t miss other House of Mac specialties, such as the buttermilk-fried chicken tenders or the fried mac and cheese balls drizzled with truffle oil and topped with plenty of parmesan.

Blue Collar

Diners will find many ethnicities represented in the dishes at this Upper East Side/MiMo restaurant. Sample Chanukah Latkes, Cuban Sandwich Spring Rolls and soul food classics. Head to Blue Collar if you’re jonesing for soul food. Try crowd favorites such as shrimp and grits with New Orleans barbecue sauce, spicy oxtail or brown stew chicken, or choose Southern-style breakfast and brunch menu items, like barbecue pulled pork eggs Benedict, conch fritters and jalapeño cornbread. Blue Collar’s laid-back vibe means customers can expect a “super-casual and intimate atmosphere,” says owner-chef Daniel Serfer. “Feel free to wear your flip-flops.”

The Licking

With locations in South Beach and North Miami, The Licking is known for its fresh Caribbean comfort seafood. Grilled snapper and lobster Alfredo are at the ready at this laid-back, trendy spot. Soul food classics, including collard greens, are served as tasty sides. Fun fact: DJ Khaled and music industry executive Elric Prince cofounded the restaurant, which draws in celebrity customers such as Flo Rida and Nas, so be on the lookout when dining here.

Sunday’s Eatery

Nothing brings to mind scrumptious soul food quite like a Sunday dinner. And famed rapper Trick Daddy taps into the Sunday dinner energy with his restaurant Sunday’s Eatery, located in Miami Gardens. Order up favorites like fried shrimp, fried ribs and crispy chicken wings, all served with rice and soul food hallmarks like candied yams, collard greens or string beans. At Sunday’s, customers come for the tasty food, but the chance of grabbing Trick’s autograph adds to the appeal.

Eloise & Earnestine Soul Food

Named after the late local matriarchs Eloise Etheridge and Earnestine Jackson, Eloise & Earnestine Soul Food (E and E) is a popular Liberty City spot for old-fashioned soul food favorites. E and E is run by Eloise’s family, so customers can expect delicious dishes served up with excellent, warm customer service. For a taste of what makes this spot a local favorite, choose the crispy fried chicken, fried pork chop or tender oxtail.

Mattie’s @ Jumbo's

Located in Liberty City, Mattie’s @ Jumbo's is a regional favorite. Mattie’s daily specials are traditional soul food creations with a couple of surprises, like spaghetti or hibachi rice. Seafood specials, which satisfy nearly every hungry appetite, come with a generous serving of seafood rice and corn. Stop by this busy spot and you may catch owner Aubrey Hewitt for a chat and a smile.

MLK Restaurant

Liberty City offers up fabulous soul food haunts. At MLK Restaurant – which stands for My Little Kitchen and is an ode to Martin Luther King Jr. – long lines of diners waiting to get into this intimate spot are testament to its popularity. Bring a big appetite to MLK. The portions are large. You’ll want to have room for their ever-popular dishes, like boiled fish and grits or the fried fish and eggs plate. MLK serves breakfast and brunch to satisfy hungry customers at any time of day.

Conch It Up Soul Food Restaurant

A local takeout favorite, Conch It Up Soul Food Restaurant in Liberty City is known for its fresh seafood, especially – as the name implies – its delicious conch. The conch dishes are served stewed, fried, tossed in a salad or smothered in sweet and sour sauce and come with a heaping portion of rice and collard greens.

Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering

Southern comfort food is the claim to fame at Whisk Gourmet Food & Catering in South Miami. The intimate restaurant, which is casual with an upscale feel, offers soul food classics, like buttermilk fried chicken, Lowcountry shrimp and grits, and fried green tomatoes. Its daily specials reflect Miami’s diversity, so look for Latin or Caribbean dishes or featured menu items with ingredients that highlight the chef’s Creole training in New Orleans.