Southern Comfort: Exploring the Winston-Salem Soul Food Scene
Taste the soul of Winston-Salem at these top soul food hot spots.
Long before “comfort food” became a menu category, it was simply how people ate in rural North Carolina. In Winston-Salem, Southern cooking is more than just a meal. It’s an experience that slows you down, fills the room with familiar smells, and reminds you that some things do not need improving.
From family-run soul food kitchens to polished dining rooms reinterpreting regional classics, the city’s comfort food scene reflects generations of tradition served in many forms. These are the places locals return to for food that feels familiar and is sure to satisfy.
District 924
District 924 is open for lunch and dinner Thursday through Sunday, and it’s a go-to spot for brunch. The dining room feels polished thanks to large chandeliers, but the outdoor patio is a perfect option when the weather is nice. The brunch menu offers a unique twist on Southern traditions, serving up dishes like Red Velvet Chicken and Waffles, Luxe on the Beach featuring a fried lobster tail over a Belgian waffle, and salmon and grits. Their Soul Food Sunday menu features hearty options like pot roast and lamb chops.
Taste of the Triad
For a dose of nostalgia in the form of grandma’s cooking, check out Taste of the Triad. The restaurant is deeply rooted in the community, hosting multiple fundraisers and supporting local artists by featuring their work. Food is served buffet-style, with one entree and two sides. The oxtails, turkey necks, and cooked–to-order catfish are standouts, but the sides don’t play second fiddle. The mac and cheese and collard greens are customer favorites.
Mama Zoe Michael’s
Mama Zoe’s feels like a neighborhood staple, with a welcoming dining room and a menu that covers all the comfort food bases. Breakfast is served all day, making it easy to order favorites like biscuits and gravy or hotcakes anytime. On their main menu, choose from comfort classics like chicken pot pie, chicken livers, or their country fried steak and gravy. Corn pudding or banana pudding are popular Southern side dishes.
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
For Southern cuisine with an elevated twist, Mozelle’s is a downtown favorite. Large windows fill the space with natural light, and the minimalist decor gives the dining room a polished feel without feeling too formal. Their fried chicken features a crispy boneless breast served with peach chutney, green beans, and mac and cheese. The tomato pie—made with sharp cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, basil, and a hand-rolled crust—is a unique option, and weekend brunch is well worth making plans around.
Milner’s American Southern Restaurant
Open for dinner only, Milner’s American Southern Restaurant offers upscale, casual dining with a focus on refined Southern cuisine. It’s perfect for a date night or anytime you’re looking for something special. Popular entrées include the black angus meatloaf and shrimp and grits, while starters like fried green tomatoes and she-crab soup are great additions to your meal. Another menu item, Frogmore Stew, is a rare find in the area, made with shrimp, oysters, mussels, sausage, hominy, corn, and brown ale, and served with grilled bread on the side.
Real Q
Real Q serves pit-cooked, hand-chopped barbecue in a space filled with local memorabilia and old-school character. Their Pit Master slow cooks these pork shoulders all night over wood from a local sawmill. Pair your plate with Southern-style green beans or corn fritters, and don’t skip the house-made banana pudding for dessert.
J. Peppers Southern Grille
With a casual atmosphere and full bar, this is where you can find upscale bar food, like a juicy burger or flatbread, alongside Southern cuisine. Popular dishes here include shrimp and grits made with locally milled, cheesy grits, chicken pie, and meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Located in Kernersville, this is an easy stop after exploring Körner's Folly.
Crave Southern Palate
This unassuming spot just outside of Lewisville will surprise you in the best way. The recently renovated interior feels fresh, and there are a few outdoor tables if the weather’s nice. Lamb chops are a top order, as is the chicken and waffles dinner plate. Their sides really steal the show, from the fried okra and collard greens to candied yams and cornbread.
Note: This isn’t a comprehensive list of all the Southern comfort food restaurants in the area, but it’s meant as a starting point. If you’re interested in specific dishes, check out our Comfort Food Favorites Guide. You can also find a full list of local restaurants here.