Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in Los Angeles | Upscale Soul Food Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Soul Food Restaurants in Los Angeles | Upscale Soul Food Food

• Bigfoot Lodge — American · rated 5/5: This whimsical woodland retreat transports diners to a cozy mountain hideaway, where log-cabin walls and flickering lanterns cast a warm glow over a space steeped in Pacific Northwest folklore. The air carries the nostalgic scent of pine and toasted marshmallows as guests gather for smoky craft cocktails and elevated campfire comfort food, creating an escape that feels both adventurous and deeply comforting.
• The Moody Vegan — American · rated 5/5: This stylish plant-based sanctuary wraps guests in an atmosphere of cool, understated charm, where the aroma of freshly pulled oat milk lattes and warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies fills the air. Sunlight dances across vibrant plates of avocado toast and zesty green juices, while the kitchen crafts indulgent, soul-satisfying burgers that redefine the possibilities of vegan comfort food. From the first bite of a crumbly blueberry lemon muffin to the last savory morsel, the experience celebrates a mindful yet decadent approach to modern dining.
• CF Food Kitchen — Seafood · rated 4/5: CF Food Kitchen offers a sophisticated escape where the comforting warmth of classic continental flavors meets a refined, modern dining atmosphere. The kitchen transforms premium ingredients into soulful masterpieces, from the golden, molten decadence of fried brie to the time-honored elegance of a perfectly seared Beef Wellington or tender, wine-braised lamb shank. Whether savoring a casual yet elevated steak sandwich or lingering over a delicate seafood linguini, guests find themselves immersed in a world of bold seasonings and impeccable culinary craftsmanship.
• Fred 62 — American · rated 4/5: Bathed in the glow of neon and retro chrome, this iconic Los Feliz haunt pulses with the high-energy spirit of a classic neighborhood diner reimagined for the modern age. The air hums with the constant sizzle of the griddle as golden, syrup-drenched waffles and savory, overstuffed breakfast burritos emerge from the kitchen, offering a playful, all-day sanctuary where elevated comfort food meets a soulful California vibe.
• Amara Kitchen — American · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary invites guests into a bright, bohemian space where the air is filled with the scent of fresh herbs and artisanal coffee. The kitchen crafts vibrant, nutrient-dense bowls and wholesome comfort foods that elevate organic ingredients into a colorful celebration of mindful eating and community warmth.
• Pine and Crane Silverlake — Chinese · rated 4/5: Sunlight floods this airy, minimalist sanctuary where the aroma of toasted sesame and fragrant Thai basil beckons diners to gather over vibrant plates of Taiwanese soul food. From the comforting depth of slow-simmered beef noodle soup to the delicate snap of hand-folded dumplings, every dish celebrates fresh ingredients paired perfectly with a curated selection of premium loose-leaf teas and crisp craft pours.
• Button Mash — Asian Fusion · rated 4/5: Neon glows and the nostalgic symphony of vintage arcade games fill this energetic haunt, where the tactile thrill of the joystick meets a sophisticated take on global comfort food. Guests navigate a playful landscape of classic consoles while savoring bold, punchy flavors and craft pours that elevate the traditional bar-cade into a vibrant, multisensory social destination.
• State Social House — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant social hub pulses with energy, drawing guests into a rustic-chic space where the scent of sizzling Tijuana steak tacos and golden-fried wings fills the air. Friends gather around communal tables to share towering plates of loaded nachos and crispy onion strings, creating a spirited atmosphere where elevated comfort food fuels lively conversation late into the night.
• The Guest House — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into The Guest House feels like entering a refined private residence where the glow of amber lighting and the murmur of intimate conversation create an immediate sense of belonging. The kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into soulful, elevated comfort food, presenting vibrant plates designed for lingering over shared stories and toasted glasses. It is a sanctuary of hospitality that blurs the line between a neighborhood local and a destination retreat, inviting guests to settle in and savor the art of slow dining.
• Mixto Comida Latina — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant Latin sanctuary pulses with energy as the savory aroma of slow-braised brisket and charred, grass-fed carne asada wafts from the open kitchen. Hand-pressed tortillas and hearty burritos serve as the canvas for premium, sustainably sourced ingredients, blending the rustic soul of traditional street food with a modern, elevated flair. Every bite offers a colorful explosion of flavor, inviting guests to linger in a space that celebrates the bold and authentic spirit of Comida Latina.
• Edendale — American · rated 4/5: Housed within a majestic 1920s fire station, Edendale captures a sense of timeless romance where flickering candlelight glows against original brickwork and soaring, historic ceilings. The experience unfolds from the bustling, vintage-inspired bar to a sprawling, tree-shaded patio, offering a soulful menu of elevated American comfort food that feels both nostalgic and vibrantly modern.
• Loteria! Grill — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant colors and the comforting aroma of steaming corn husks fill the air at Loteria! Grill, a lively destination where the soul of Mexican street food comes to life. Guests unwrap tender tamales to reveal treasures of smoky pork carnitas and rich, velvety mole, or savor the deep, savory complexity of slow-braised birria and beef tongue tucked into warm tortillas. From the charred spice of a chile relleno to the nostalgic sweetness of a pineapple tamale, every bite offers a festive journey through bold, authentic flavors.
• Food — American · rated 4/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood sanctuary invites guests to slow down over wholesome morning staples, where the comforting aroma of toasted housemade granola and simmering steel-cut oats fills the air. The kitchen elevates the everyday through vibrant organic egg creations and golden pancakes, alongside artisanal sandwiches layered with tender slow-roasted beef or herb-flecked chicken. It is a welcoming space where customizable comfort meets culinary craft, turning a simple meal into a soulful, nourishing ritual.
• Jitlada Restaurant — Thai · rated 4/5: Tucked away in a vibrant corner of Thai Town, this legendary destination hums with the energy of a bustling marketplace, drawing diners into a space where the air is heavy with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and pungent turmeric. The kitchen masterfully balances the blistering heat of Southern Thai spices with the cooling brightness of fresh herbs, delivering complex curries and aromatic stir-fries that ignite the senses. Every meal here feels like a bold culinary adventure, where unpretentious surroundings give way to an explosion of authentic, soul-warming flavors that linger long after the last bite.
• China Food Express — Chinese · rated 4/5: Steaming bowls of lemongrass-scented Tom Yum and the rhythmic sizzle of woks define the vibrant energy of this Pan-Asian destination, where the air is always rich with the aroma of toasted chilies and ginger. From the satisfying crunch of golden spring rolls to the velvety heat of a fragrant green curry, each dish offers a colorful celebration of bold textures and time-honored spices. It is a welcoming spot where the savory comfort of wok-seared beef meets the bright, tangy zest of Pad Thai, creating a swift yet soulful escape into the diverse culinary heart of the East.
• Cluck and Blaze — American · rated 4/5: The air hums with the bold, peppery sizzle of Nashville-style heat as golden-fried chicken is transformed into indulgent, spice-dusted masterpieces. Whether tucked into a hearty, flavor-packed breakfast burrito or piled atop decadent bowls of creamy mac and cheese, each bite delivers a vibrant explosion of crunch and fire that defines this high-energy comfort food experience.
• Milkfarm — American · rated 4/5: This artisanal cheese shop and cafe invites guests into a world of savory indulgence, where the intoxicating scent of bubbling raclette and toasted sourdough drifts from the bustling counter. Each meticulously crafted sandwich celebrates the harmony of premium ingredients, from the decadent melt of triple-cream brie and salty ham to the bold, briny layers of a classic muffaletta, offering a sophisticated yet soulful take on elevated comfort food.
• Roots Indian Bistro — Indian · rated 4/5: Roots Indian Bistro reimagines heritage flavors through a playful, modern lens, where the vibrant energy of a bustling street market meets the cozy charm of a neighborhood hangout. The air hums with the scent of toasted spices as innovative plates like crispy Mac & Cheese Pakoras and savory Naan Bruschetta offer a whimsical, cross-cultural twist on classic comfort food. From the zesty crunch of Bhel Puri to the indulgence of saucy masala fries, each dish invites guests into a spirited celebration of bold, contemporary creativity.
• Tenmasa Restaurant — Japanese · rated 4/5: Tenmasa Restaurant invites guests into an intimate haven where the rhythmic sizzle of pan-fried gyoza and the smoky allure of grilled kushiyaki create an immediate sense of warmth. The experience unfolds through a parade of delicate textures, from the refreshing snap of chilled sunomono to the tender embrace of hand-crafted steamed shumai, offering a refined journey through the vibrant heart of Japanese comfort food.
• Katsu Bar — Japanese · rated 4/5: Golden-brown panko crusts meet the aromatic infusion of rosemary and dill in this vibrant eatery, where the satisfying crunch of a perfectly fried katsu sando is paired with the playful texture of seasoned waffle fries. Rich, velvety curries provide a warm embrace for everything from tender meats to earthy portobello mushrooms, creating a modern comfort-food sanctuary that celebrates the art of the Japanese cutlet.
• Soban — Korean · rated 4/5: Soban captures the heart of Korean soul food, where the enticing aroma of slow-braised galbi jjim and the sizzle of marinated bulgogi create an atmosphere of warmth and abundance. The experience balances delicate artistry with bold heat, offering treasures like the buttery richness of soy-marinated raw crab alongside the comforting, golden-crisp edges of seafood tofu pancakes. Every meal feels like a celebrated tradition, inviting guests to linger over vibrant stone bowls and shared plates that sing with authentic, time-honored flavors.
• Azulé Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4/5: Azulé Taqueria pulses with a vibrant, sun-drenched energy, where the rhythmic press of handmade tortillas and the sizzle of marinated meats create a lively backdrop for casual gatherings. Each plate is a colorful celebration of bold Mexican street food, featuring tender, smoke-kissed proteins topped with zesty house-made salsas and a bright squeeze of lime. This spirited destination captures the soulful, zest-filled essence of a modern taqueria, inviting diners to savor every vibrant bite in a setting that feels like a perpetual summer afternoon.
• Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken — American · rated 4/5: The air hums with soulful energy and the irresistible aroma of cayenne-spiced batter, drawing diners into a vibrant space where the legendary fried chicken takes center stage with its shatteringly crisp, golden-brown crust. Each fiery, succulent bite is tempered by the cooling comfort of creamy mac n cheese and vinegary coleslaw, creating a quintessential Southern feast best enjoyed with a tall glass of ice-cold sweet tea.
• Rainbow Bar & Grill — American · rated 4/5: Bathed in a nostalgic glow, this legendary social hub pulses with a high-energy spirit where the clinking of glasses and lively conversation set the stage for a night of indulgence. Tables overflow with shareable treasures, from the satisfying crunch of golden-fried zucchini and calamari fritti to the savory, melt-in-your-mouth richness of herb-stuffed mushrooms. It is a vibrant sanctuary where classic comfort food and a spirited atmosphere transform every gathering into a celebration of the senses.
• Pho Cafe — Vietnamese · rated 4/5: Steaming bowls of fragrant pho take center stage at this vibrant eatery, where the air is perfumed with the deep, spiced aroma of slow-simmered broth and fresh Thai basil. Guests tuck into golden, lacy banh xeo crepes that shatter with every bite or enjoy the cooling snap of translucent summer rolls packed with garden-fresh herbs. It is a lively sanctuary of Vietnamese soul food that balances the comforting warmth of traditional soups with the bright, zesty crunch of street-side favorites.
• Chef Marilyn's, Queen of Down Home Southern Goodies — American · rated 4/5: The air at Chef Marilyn’s is thick with the comforting perfume of golden-fried chicken and slow-simmered greens, drawing guests into a space that feels like a warm embrace from a beloved family kitchen. Heaping plates of soul food staples, from velvety mac and cheese to honey-glazed yams, celebrate the rich traditions of Southern hospitality where every bite tastes of heritage and heart. This vibrant neighborhood cornerstone turns every meal into a soulful celebration of down-home goodness, served with a side of genuine warmth.
• Egg Tuck — Korean · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched and modern, this vibrant spot reimagines the morning staple with thick, buttery slices of toasted brioche cradling clouds of impossibly soft, cage-free scrambled eggs. Each bite offers a decadent harmony of textures, from the savory richness of slow-braised short rib to the bright, spicy kick of signature house sauces that elevate the comfort-food classic. It is a masterclass in transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet indulgence that feels both soul-warming and sophisticated.
• Mr.Charlie's — American · rated 4/5: Mr. Charlie’s bursts with a cheeky, pop-art energy, reimagining the classic fast-food aesthetic through a vibrant, plant-based lens that feels both nostalgic and revolutionary. Guests unbox playful Frowny Meals to discover impeccably seasoned "Not" burgers and crispy plant-based sandwiches that deliver all the savory, salt-kissed satisfaction of a drive-thru favorite. It is a whimsical culinary playground where bold colors and clever branding meet a commitment to modern sustainability, turning every bite into a defiant, delicious celebration of the future of comfort food.
• All'Antico Vinaio — Italian · rated 4/5: The air is thick with the scent of warm, salt-dusted schiacciata as guests gather for a taste of Florence’s legendary street-food soul. Towering sandwiches like the truffle-infused La Favolosa and the spicy La Dante overflow with artisanal cured meats and hand-crafted spreads, offering a high-energy experience that celebrates the bold flavors of Tuscany in every crunchy, savory bite.
• Doomie's NextMex — Mexican · rated 4/5: Vibrant neon lights and a high-energy pulse set the stage for a bold reimagining of Mexican comfort food, where traditional spices meet a playful, modern spirit. Senses are awakened by the sizzle of savory fillings and the bright tang of house-made salsas, creating an indulgent atmosphere where every plate is a colorful celebration of hearty, boundary-pushing flavors.