Treat Yourself to Heart-Warming Soul Food at These 12 Restaurants in Orlando

Who doesn’t enjoy some delicious soul food every once in a while? In Orlando, you can find a wide variety of vibrant and lively soul food restaurants to try out. Whether you’re craving some fried chicken or hush puppies, you can find all of these dishes and more in the magical city of Orlando. 

The holiday season is just around the corner. Have you bought all your presents yet? If not, it’s time to get shopping. If you’re having trouble finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones, we recommend purchasing some virtual GiftYa cards. GiftYa cards can be applied to a number of soul food restaurants in Orlando, including the ones we featured below. Within seconds, you can text them a gift card to one of their favorite restaurants. 

1. Sunshine Soul Food

Casual soul food cafe that offers all of the classics

2532 W Colonial Dr. Suite B | West Orlando 

Sometimes, it’s the most unassuming restaurants that serve the best food. We can confidently say that this is the case with Sunshine Soul Food. Located in West Orlando, Sunshine Soul Food enjoys a stellar reputation for its delicious meals. Classic soul food dishes like meatloaf, cornbread, fried chicken, and more can be found inside this cozy restaurant. 

For breakfast, Sunshine Soul offers savory and filling specials including the Veggie Omelette, Chicken and Waffles, and Sunshine Special. This dish includes two eggs, grits, and toasts. Lunch and dinner dishes like the BBQ ribs and turkey wings are also popular among guests. 

“OMG, I love this place!! These people are going to have to roll me out to my car!! This meatloaf is amazing, and  I'm going to have leftovers for later!! Talk about a hidden gem. Thanks all!!” - Yelp Review 

Purchase a GiftYa card for Sunshine Soul Food. 

2. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

Popular brunch spot known for its fried chicken and spicy shrimp and grits

1602 E Buena Vista Dr. | Disney World, Horizons West | homecomingkitchen.com

Located inside Walt Disney World, Homecomin’ is the perfect destination for a quick rest stop during your day trip at the park. Fresh ingredients sourced from local farms help make its dishes so delicious and savory. Speaking of the food, you can find classic Southern comfort foods including Fried Chicken & Donuts, Shrimp & Grits, and Braised Short Ribs on the menu. Still hungry? Check out the dessert menu! Doughnuts, Hummingbird Cake, Hamilton County Chocolate Pecan Pie, and more await you. A full drink menu featuring crafty moonshine and resort cocktails, wines, and beer is also available for your enjoyment. 

“Very COVID friendly with appropriate precautions and responsible distancing. We ordered the Key West Shrimp Cocktail. Best my wife and I have ever had. Unique presentation that resembles a ceviche in a way.” - Yelp Review

3. Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine

Low-key soul food restaurant that offers plenty of food to go around

742 Carter St. | Horizons West/West Orlando | nikkisplace.net

Due to the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to support local businesses. Not only is Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine a popular spot for locals, but it also offers award-winning cuisine to its hungry guests. In fact, Nikki’s Place Southern Cuisine earned Best Soul Food in the Critic’s Choice category at the 22nd Annual Foodie Awards. 

Baked chicken, smothered rib tips, fried pork chop, and more await guests at this popular restaurant. Nikki’s also offers a wide selection of specials for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These delicious meals will fill you up at an extremely low price. 

“The food at Nikki's Place was delicious.   We needed a Thanksgiving alternative, because we were away from home, and Ms. Nikki came through! She was responsive, professional and very pleasant! We'll definitely visit Nikki's Place on our next Orlando trip!” - Yelp Review

4. P & D Soulfood Kitchen

Small but cozy soul food spot known for its chitterlings and oxtails

927 S Goldwyn Ave. | Horizons West/West Orlando | facebook.com/PDSoulfoodKitchen

Do you prefer to enjoy your food at home? Order out from P&D Soul Food Kitchen. Unlike most restaurants, P&D does not offer dine-in services. But that doesn’t mean that the quality of the food is any lesser than regular dine-in restaurants. 

This casual take-out restaurant uses only the freshest meats and ingredients in its dishes. Stewed gizzards, meat loaf, baked chicken, and more are popular among guests. If you enjoy getting a good deal, make sure you stop by on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. P&D offers $5 plates with your choice of one side dish. 

“The food was packed with flavor and was very filling....I would definitely come here again, I think this restaurant has a lot of potential to grow, and so far they have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the soulful area and in the Orlando area as well. Job well done on the food.” - Yelp Review

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5. The COOP: A Southern Affair

Casual and upbeat restaurant that serves fun and delicious Southern comfort food

610 W Morse Blvd | Winter Park | asouthernaffair.com

Located in the Winter Park neighborhood, The COOP: A Southern Affair serves as a beacon of hospitality and delicious food in Orlando. All of its award-winning dishes are made from scratch daily by its dedicated BOH team. Chef/Owner John Rivers oversees the restaurant’s innovative menu. Some of its most popular dishes include the Southern Fried Chicken, Low Country Shrimp & Grits, and Mississippi Mud. 

“Ok - this was THE BEST fried chicken we've ever eaten. The pieces were larger than expected, the meat was juicy and tender, and the batter they used for frying created a thin, crispy coating with incredible flavor. This is now our go-to place.” - Yelp Review

6. Maryland Fried Chicken

Small restaurant in East Orlando offering savory plates of traditional Southern comfort food

9710 E Colonial Dr. | East Orlando | marylandfriedchickenunionpark.com 

A lot of the restaurants we covered in this article are in West Orlando. But we’re going to temporarily shift our focus to East Orlando, where you will find the beloved Maryland Fried Chicken restaurant. 

This laidback restaurant offers all of the classic soul food dishes your heart could ever desire. Coming with a group? Challenge yourselves to finish off the 50 Piece Buffalo Wings. Offered only on Monday nights, the 50 Piece Buffalo Wing Challenge will push you to your limits. From gizzards and livers to fish and shrimp, Maryland Fried Chicken offers everything you could want and more. 

“The gizzards were so tender and tasty; the best ever.  The livers were hot and tasty, with not too much breading; and, crispy and delicious.” - Yelp Review

7. 50’s Prime Time Café

Quirky retro cafe at Disney Studios known for its wide selection of Southern comfort food

351 S Studio Dr. | Disney World, Horizons West/West Orlando | disneyworld.disney.go.com 

Ah Disney World. Who doesn’t love going there? But as fun as walking around the park and going on rides is, it definitely makes us hungry. Luckily, there are a number of restaurants available in the resort to visit. If soul food is what you desire, then you should head to 50’s Prime Time Café. This retro restaurant offers delightful dishes including Cousin Megan’s Traditional Meatloaf, Aunt Liz’s Golden Fried Chicken, and more to nourish your soul and fill you up. 

“My favorite dish is the fried chicken, which comes with buttered corn and mashed potatoes with gravy.” - Yelp Review

It’s important to get your fill of Southern comfort food every now and then. What are your favorite restaurants in Orlando for ordering Southern comfort food? Let us know in the comments!

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8. Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse

Jamaican restaurant that is known for its hearty soul food dishes

2700 Rio Grande Ave | Horizons West | oleyskitchen.com

If you want hearty soul food that will knock your taste buds off, look no further than Oley’s Kitchen & Smokehouse.

Located in West Orlando, Oley’s Kitchen offers a wide assortment of Jamaican and soul food dishes like Turkey Wings, Pork Chops, Jerk Chicken, and more. Oley’s also offers classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love their Peach Cobbler. 

What are you waiting for? Check out their full menu now!

“I have been searching for a real, honest-to-goodness, true to their roots soul food restaurant. THIS IS IT!!! We had a sampling of many of their recipes and didn't find a bad one. But the OXTAILS are phenomenal!” - Yelp Review

9. Sister Sister Soulfood

Popular soul food truck that offers massive portions at a great price

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5511 Oakfield St | West Orlando | sister-sister-soulfood-food-truck-catering.business.site

Next up on the list is Sister Sister Soulfood Truck & Catering. This popular food truck is open to the public and is also available for private event catering. 

On the menu, you can find popular soul food dishes like Cheesy Mac and Cheese, Southern Fried Catfish, and Saucy Chicken Wings. Craving something sweet? Customers love the truck’s famous Peach Cobbler. Check out their full menu online now!

“Everything was seasoned perfectly and cooked to perfection. I also had a side of fried okra and a side of pinto beans. I had enough food for dinner and 2 additional lunches!” - Yelp Review

10. Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ

Casual BBQ restaurant that specializes in slow-smoked meats made in small batches

6807 South Orange Ave, Suite 110 | Bell Isle | uncletonysbackyardbbq.com

Uncle Tony’s Backyard BBQ is a top-rated spot in Orlando for savory soul food and BBQ dishes. Located in Bell Isle, Uncle Tony’s offers a casual atmosphere perfect for kicking back and relaxing with friends. 

Uncle Tony’s offers a wide assortment of sandwiches, combos, and meats. Some of our favorite dishes on the menu include the Smoked Pulled Pork, Salmon Patty, and Pulled Chicken. But you can’t go wrong with anything here. Visit Uncle Tony’s for your next meal!

“Pretty good BBQ spot! I tried the pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, and baked beans along with the tangy and sweet sauce. My father tried the ribs brisket and hot sauce. The pulled pork was pretty good. It had a good smoke flavor with a light seasoning to it.” - Yelp Review

11. Kook’n with Kim

Locally-owned restaurant that is known for its mouthwatering soul food dishes

307 West Kennedy Blvd | Horizons West | kooknwithkim.e-tab.com

At Kook’n with Kim, you can enjoy some of the best soul food in Orlando. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Friday Specials are also offered every week. 

For breakfast, you can enjoy a Breakfast Meal or Breakfast Sandwich with your choice of sides. Chicken, Meatloaf, Pork Chop, and Turkey Wing lunches and dinners are served later in the day. Plenty of side dishes are also offered, including Black Eyed Peas, Potato Salad, Collard Greens, and more. Try out Kook’n with Kim for your next meal!

“This spot is great if you want authentic soul food with huge portions! Just as a heads up, if you want to beat the crowd, come at 11a when they are open for lunch.” - Yelp Review

12. Angel’s Soul Food & BBQ

Classic soul food restaurant that offers a weekly buffet

2516 Sanford Ave | Sanford | angelssoulfoodbbqfl.com

Last, but certainly not least, on the list is Angel’s Soul Food & BBQ. This popular soul food joint is the perfect spot to fuel up after a long day. Fried Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Smothered Porkchops, and more mouthwatering dishes are served at this popular restaurant. 

Angel’s also offers several Family Meal Deals:

• 8 Piece Fried Chicken - Dark
• 8 Piece Fried Chicken - Mixed
• 1 Slab of Ribs

Thirsty? Angel’s offers water, soda, lemonade, tea, and punch. 

“5 stars for the amazing service and food for our party of 5! We came in on a Sunday and ordered their Sunday dinner. The food was already prepared but was still fresh and sweet and savory. I did not finish my meal because there was so much of it! So we took some home for later.” - Yelp Review

Which restaurants on the list do you plan to try? Let us know!