Best Southern Comfort Dining 2025 "High Five Awards!"

This year, we are thrilled to recognize establishments that go beyond serving food; they serve memories, warmth, and a genuine taste of Southern hospitality. Leading the way is The Mill Kitchen and Bar in Roswell, Georgia, named  Best Southern Comfort Dining Restaurant of 2025. This award also recognizes four other outstanding providers for their exceptional service and authentic flavors. We are proud to name all five restaurants as 2025 High Five Winners!

🏆 The Mill Kitchen and Bar - Our Best Southern Comfort Dining Restaurant of 2025

Roswell, GA

https://www.themillkitchenandbar.com/

The Mill Kitchen and Bar stands as the quintessential Southern neighborhood restaurant, where contemporary takes on comfort classics create an unforgettable dining experience. Under the leadership of Chef Derek Dollar and his team, The Mill puts the South on a pedestal, celebrating the people, ingredients, and hospitality that make this region so special.

What truly sets The Mill apart is its farm-to-fork philosophy. Their seasonal menu draws inspiration from local ingredients and their backyard organic garden, making sure that every dish reflects the vibrant flavors of Georgia. From their elevated takes on fried chicken to their innovative cocktail program, The Mill bridges the gap between traditional Southern cooking and modern culinary artistry.

The restaurant's commitment to community shines through its regular events, including wine festivals and town square dinners that bring neighbors together. Whether you choose their well-appointed dining room, comfortable bar, or sizable patio complete with a fireplace, The Mill creates the perfect setting for both reminiscing about old memories and making new ones. Their dedication to Southern hospitality and charm is evident in every detail, from their carefully curated bourbon selection to their seasonally-inspired craft cocktails. So to find the best Southern comfort dining in 2025, go to Roswell, Georgia,

Here are our "High-Five" runner-ups that also provide amazing Southern comfort dining:

Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen 

Los Angeles, California
https://www.dulans-sfk.com/

Don't let the West Coast location fool you, Dulan's Soul Food Kitchen serves up some of the most authentic Southern comfort dining you'll find anywhere. Founded by the late Adolf Dulan, known as the "King of Soul Food," and now operated by his sons Gregory and Terrence, this family legacy continues to deliver hearty portions that taste like grandmother's cooking. Their smothered chicken, oxtails, and perfectly seasoned collard greens have earned a devoted following among locals and celebrities alike. Each of their three locations maintains the same high standards, making sure that whether you're craving fried catfish or sweet potato pie, you'll experience the soul-warming comfort that has made Dulan's a Los Angeles institution for over two decades.

Soulé

Chicago, Illinois

https://www.soulechicago.com/

Located in Chicago's West Town neighborhood, Soulé brings a unique Creole-infused twist to traditional soul food that has captured the hearts of Midwestern diners since 2017. This innovative restaurant offers a diverse menu that takes your taste buds on a journey through the diaspora, featuring everything from traditional fried catfish to New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp and grits. What makes Soulé special is its bold approach to family favorites, breathing new life into classic dishes while maintaining the comfort and satisfaction that soul food represents. Their succulent boneless catfish paired with savory chicken spaghetti creates a dining experience that perfectly balances tradition with creative flair.

Heard Dat Kitchen 

New Orleans, Louisiana

https://www.hearddatkitchen.com/

In the heart of New Orleans' Central City, Heard Dat Kitchen masterfully fuses the Cajun and Creole flavors Louisiana is known for with down-south soul food traditions. This exceptional restaurant delivers bold, unapologetic flavors that honor the city's rich culinary heritage while satisfying comfort food cravings. Their signature dishes, like the Superdome (blackened fish with lobster potatoes and crawfish cream sauce) and Bourbon Street Love (fried chicken over mac and cheese with Crawdat cream sauce), showcase the restaurant's commitment to innovation within tradition. The crispy fried catfish topped with crawfish cream sauce exemplifies how Heard Dat Kitchen elevates familiar ingredients into extraordinary dining experiences that would make any New Orleans-born grandmother proud.

Martha's Place 

Montgomery, Alabama

https://www.marthasplacebuffet.com/

For those seeking the ultimate Southern comfort dining experience, Martha's Place delivers an authentic buffet-style feast that embodies true Southern hospitality. This Montgomery institution rotates through a treasure trove of traditional favorites, including chicken and dumplings, turkey and dressing, liver and onions, and perfectly prepared sides like fried okra, candied yams, and sweet potato soufflé. What makes Martha's Place special is its commitment to home-cooking techniques and family recipes that have been perfected over generations. Their legendary fried chicken and famous banana pudding represent the pinnacle of Southern comfort cuisine, served in an atmosphere that makes every guest feel like part of the family.

Behind every great Southern comfort food restaurant are countless moments of connection—shared meals that bring families together, community gatherings that strengthen bonds, and dishes that transport diners back to cherished memories. These awards honor the restaurants and people who understand that Southern comfort dining is about more than sustenance; it's about preserving cultural heritage, creating lasting memories, and providing a sense of home no matter where you are.

Southern comfort dining carries the weight of history, the warmth of tradition, and the promise of satisfaction. From the careful seasoning of collard greens to the perfect crisp on fried chicken, these dishes represent generations of knowledge passed down through families and communities. The restaurants we celebrate today serve as guardians of these traditions while finding ways to share them with new generations and diverse communities.

Honoring the Heart of Southern Comfort Dining

"These awards celebrate more than just great food; they recognize the cultural significance and emotional connection that Southern comfort cuisine brings to our communities," shared a member of the awards team. "These restaurants don't just serve meals; they serve memories, traditions, and a sense of belonging that goes far beyond the dining room."

The evolution of Southern comfort dining continues as chefs like those at our winning establishments find ways to honor traditional techniques while incorporating modern ingredients and contemporary presentations. This balance between respect for tradition and innovation for the future makes sure that Southern comfort dining will continue to nourish both bodies and souls for generations to come.

Whether you're savoring The Mill's farm-fresh interpretation of Southern classics in Roswell, experiencing the authentic soul food legacy at Dulan's in Los Angeles, exploring Creole fusion at Chicago's Soulé, indulging in bold Louisiana flavors at Heard Dat Kitchen in New Orleans, or enjoying the traditional buffet experience at Martha's Place in Montgomery, each of these restaurants offers something special. They remind us that great Southern comfort food is about more than recipes; it's about the love, care, and community spirit that goes into every dish.

Congratulations to all our winners! These five establishments represent the very best of Southern comfort dining, each bringing its own unique perspective to this beloved culinary tradition while maintaining the warmth, hospitality, and soul-satisfying flavors that make Southern cuisine so special.