The Best Soul Food in London

Let’s face it – finding the best soul food in London can often be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. However, if you’re a regular lover of soul food in London, there are, fortunately, many great restaurants providing delicious dining experiences that are sure to hit the spot.

With this thought in mind, today, we’re looking at some of the best soul food destinations in London – and how these could help you enjoy a truly delicious dining experience.

The Best Soul Food Restaurants in London

If you’re looking to relax, put your feet up, and indulge in traditional, rich southern-American cuisine, soul food is the way to go. However, it’s perhaps unsurprising that finding genuine soul food can come with a whole host of challenges, which is why it’s become more important than ever to start your search in the right place.

Fortunately, our experts are on hand today to help you find out a little more about the 13 best soul food restaurants in London – bringing the US feel directly to the capital itself.

1) The Iyanams Kitchen – Old Kent Road

It might be the lowest value destination on Monopoly, but don’t overlook the Iyanams Kitchen just because it’s located in Old Kent Road – it’s undeniably one of the very best soul food restaurants in London!

Located on Floor G of a Tesco’s Superstore, it is something of a hidden gem; many people visiting for the first time are awed by the amazing quality of the food simply because it seems so out of place.

Give it a try, and see for yourself just how amazing this delicious, authentic soul food is. After all, we all know how the old saying goes: don’t judge a book by its cover!

Where to find them: 107 Dunton Road, Old Kent Road, London, SE1 5HG

Book a table: The Iyanams Kitchen

2) The Blues Kitchen - Camden

Don’t let the name deceive you – a trip to the Blue’s Kitchen is sure to be a vibrant, fun, and bold experience! This ironically bright red bar delivers some of the best hickory-smoked comfort and soul food in London.

What’s more, you’ll struggle to find a more authentically Southern American experience, thanks to the bar often bringing alone live music and DJs to keep things interesting and upbeat for guests. Be sure to make the most of the regular discounts and offers, too – you can simultaneously save a lot of money and enjoy an incredible soul food experience.

Of course, we should point out that the Blues Kitchen in Camden is incredibly popular. So, if you want to get the most from your evening, make sure to book in advance. Otherwise, you might be facing a meal at the Maccies across the street, instead.

Where to find them: 111-113 Camden High Street, Camden, London, NW1 7JN

Book a table: The Blues Kitchen

3) Soul Taste – Cambridge Heath

If you’ve been struggling to find the best soul food in London, you’ve probably not yet found the amazing Soul Taste store from Cambridge Heath. Unfortunately, it’s takeaway only, but that’s really our only criticism – and, in fairness, there’s something quite lovely about enjoying delicious soul food from your own home anyway. Delicious, hearty, and incredibly filling recipes are what they’re known for, so why go anywhere else?

Where to find them: 29-32 The Oval, Cambridge Heath, London, E2 9DT

Book a table: Soul Taste

4) Taste Soul Good – Lewisham

Taste Soul Good is a Lewisham soul food restaurant specialising in premium quality Southern-American-inspired cuisine. Before planning your visit to this excellent restaurant, we strongly recommend booking in advance. The restaurant’s excellent reputation for top-quality soul food in London means that it’s often booked up and packed; fortunately, it’s open until 1 am, and things tend to go quieter around midnight if you need a late-night pick-me-up.

Where to find them: 389 Lewisham High Street, Lewisham, London, SE13 6NZ

Book a table: Taste Soul Good

5) Plaquemine Lock, The Angel

Plaquemine Lock is vibrant, upbeat, and colourful – the perfect destination if you need a slightly more enlivening dining experience. These delicious dishes are sure to appeal to everyone in your party by providing iconic New Orleans-inspired dishes mixed up with a little Cajun inspiration.

Plus, with excellent value for money and great portions on offer, it’s an excellent option if you’re worried about leaving your chosen restaurant peckish!

Where to find them: 139 Graham Street, The Angel, London, N1 8LB

Book a table: Plaquemine Lock

6) Survivor – Camden Town

If you’re looking for a Caribbean twist on soul food, the Survivor restaurant in Camden is a great place to start. Delivering a broad selection of truly delicious dishes and recipes, this excellent soul food restaurant in the heart of Camden Town might be ideal. Authentic dishes with a twist on the normal soul food concept it’s a great place to go for a slightly different dining experience.

Where to find them: 98 Arlington Road, Camden Town, London, NW1 7HT

Book a table: Survivor’s Restaurant

7) Big Easy - Chelsea

Big portion sizes and easy dining experiences are a staple with the iconic Big Easy restaurant in Kings Road, Chelsea. Be sure to book a table in advance, as things can get pretty busy, but you’ll be sure you did – the hearty home-style food will really make your mouth water.

Plus, with massive portion sizes, you know you’re getting plenty to eat – although waiting times can be just a little longer than some other soul food restaurants.

Where to find them: 332-334 King’s Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5UR

Book a table: Big Easy

8) Crepes and Cones - Croydon

Crepes and Cones might be just the restaurant you deserve if you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up. Its delicious range of soul food and desserts isn’t quite as generous as some other destinations, but you’ll hopefully still enjoy an excellent dining experience with unique recipes that’ll tantilise the tastebuds.

Where to find them: 24-26 South End, Croydon, London, CR0 1DN

Book a table: Crepes and Cones

9) Assenheims 56 - Whitechapel

For delicious and authentic Southern American-inspired dining, look no further than the iconic Assenheims 56 café. Just a stone’s throw from the Tower of London, it’s in a prime location and is especially well-known for its marinated chicken dishes.

The only drawback is that it closes much earlier than many others - but it’s well worth coming down if you’re looking for a slap-up breakfast or lunch.

Where to find them: 19-21 Great Tower Street, Whitechapel, London, EC3R 5AR

Book a table: Assenheims 56

10) La Patagonia – Camden Town

With a soothing feel and delicious, authentic Southern American cuisine on offer, it’s easy to see why so many people love La Patagonia. In fact, the atmosphere is one of its biggest praise points, making it the ideal destination for Southern American comfort and soul food.

Where to find them: 31 Camden High Street, Camden Town, London, NW1 7JE

Book a table: La Patagonia

11) TUPI – Peckham

There’s something quite rustic about the feel of TUPI in Peckham, but that just adds to the overall charm and feel of this unique Southern American-inspired café and restaurant.

If planning a visit, we strongly recommend that you book and plan in advance since TUPI is unfortunately only open for late-night dining two nights a week (Friday and Saturday).

Where to find them: 206 Rye Lane, Peckham, London, SE15 4NL

Book a table: Tupi London

Final Thoughts

Soul food is incredibly comforting, in many cases – and this often makes it a highly sought-after and much-loved delicacy! However, if you’re looking to treat yourself to authentic, delicious American-style soul food in London, you’ll need to know where to start your search. After all, very few restaurants genuinely have the right recipes to create an authentic soul food experience.

Fortunately, today’s top suggestions could all be great places to start your search. If you’re feeling a little unsure or overwhelmed by the options, be sure to give these restaurants a try. We firmly believe they’re among the best soul food restaurants in London – we’d love to hear your experiences, too!