Last Updated on Thu, Oct 22, 2026 by Black Owned in Rochester
There’s something about Soul Food that literally hits your soul and brings ancestral whispers in your spirit. That’s how I feel. It feels like a warm hug and it’ll definitely stick to your bones. The southern flavors from the fried chicken to the cornbread and don’t me started on the collard greens, candied yams, and mac & cheese take you to another level.
Soul food is a cultural cuisine developed by Black formerly enslaved Americans with often what was left from the scraps or just unwanted. Of course all of those “unwanted scarps” are now known as “super foods” but Black folks are always ahead of the trend… in fact we literally are the trends but that discussion is for another day.
The next question you might have is how did Rochester, NY get to be a soul food mecca in the north? and the answer is simple: “The Great Migration”. The Great Migration was a time when Black folks were fleeing the South and its uncouth ways of living for the promise of the North. Of course, we know it was just different kind of uncouth here. Anyway this is about Soul Food restaurants in Rochester ny. Not a history lesson on the harms that still echo today.
Let’s get started!
In my very biased opinion, Cassie’s Citchen is the best one I’ve tried here in Rochester. It’s the only place I’ve been to over 3 times and with very few negative critiques so I’ll put them as number 1.
- Cassie’s Citchen & Catering
📍 Location: 163 State St, Rochester, NY 14608
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 749-1024
🔗 Listing: Cassie’s Citchen & Catering
📝 Description: Black-owned restaurant and catering company in Rochester, NY…
The following are in no particular order and I honestly think you should try them all. Do a soul food crawl even. Due to the nature of Soul Food, there will be slight variations in family recipes and whatnot so no 2 restaurants will taste the same!
- Nellie’s House of Soul
📍 Location: 402 Jefferson Avenue, Rochester, NY 14611
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 730-7082
🔗 Listing: Nellie’s House of Soul
📝 Description: Black woman owned in soul food restaurant in Rochester NY. - Northern Nola – Restaurant & Catering
📍 Location: 222 Alexander St, Rochester, NY 14607
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 466-0688
🔗 Listing: Northern Nola – Restaurant & Catering
📝 Description: Northern Nola is a Black Woman-owned authentic New Orleans-style restaurant company based in Rochester, NY. They are currently serving out of Legendary Beans Cafe. - The French Quarter – Authentic Cajun Creole Restaurant
📍 Location: 630 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14615
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 987-6432
🔗 Listing: The French Quarter – Authentic Cajun Creole Restaurant
📝 Description: Black-owned authentic Cajun & Creole restaurant in Rochester NY. - Grill Kingz
📍 Location: 447 North St, Rochester, NY 14605
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 281-3593
💵 Price Range: Not specified
🔗 Listing: Grill Kingz
📝 Description: Black owned soul food restaurant in Rochester, NY. - Hooked Fish Market
📍 Location: 333 Driving Park Ave, Rochester, NY 14613
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 448-3736
🔗 Listing: Hooked Fish Market
📝 Description: Black-owned seafood restaurant and fish market in Rochester NY. - Dinner & Dessert – Seafood & Soul Food Shack
📍 Location: 1280 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14609
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 270-8805
🔗 Listing: Dinner & Dessert – Seafood & Soul Food Shack
📝 Description: Momma Mildred is redefining neighborhood takeout Simple, fresh & delicious! Dinner & Dessert’s Seafood & Soulfood Shack is the best around. - Soulfood Sistas – Soul Food Restaurant
📍 Location: 675 Maple St, Rochester, NY 14611
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 355-4090
🔗 Listing: Soulfood Sistas – Soul Food Restaurant
📝 Description: Black woman owned soul food takeout restaurant in Rochester, NY. - Tangie’s Kitchen
📍 Location: 165 E Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY 14621
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 254-1640
🔗 Listing: Tangie’s Kitchen
📝 Description: Black Owned Soul Food restaurant in Rochester NY. - Exclusively Members Only – EMO
📍 Location: 17 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14614,
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 474-6774
🔗 Listing: Exclusively Members Only – EMO
📝 Description: Black women owned restaurant and lounge in rochester, ny. It’s members only. - Cassan’s Catering & Restaurant
📍 Location: 626 W Main St, Rochester, NY 14611,
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 286-9318
🔗 Listing: Cassan’s Catering & Restaurant
📝 Description: Black owned soul food take out restaurant and catering. - Mamacita’s Place – Soul Food
📍 Location: 544 W Main St, Rochester, NY 14608
📞 Phone: tel:(585) 319-4588
🔗 Listing: Mamacita’s Place – Soul Food
📝 Description: Black woman owned soul food restaurant in Rochester, NY.
There you have it. The 12 Soul Food restaurants in Rochester, NY here for your delicious trials. Want a list like this with ALL of the places to eat and drink subscribe to our newsletter. You’ll receive the guide in the first email and our newsletter weekly!
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7 Listings
Soul Food Restaurants Rochester NY
Craving soul food near you? This category features Black-owned soul food restaurants Rochester, NY and the surrounding area, with options for dine-in, takeout, and catering.
From fried chicken and collard greens to mac and cheese, cornbread, oxtail, and Sunday dinner plates, these kitchens serve the comfort food people actually search for.
Use this page to find local soul food spots for lunch, dinner, family meals, and event catering across Rochester and Monroe County.
Many of these businesses are Black-owned, woman-owned, and rooted in Rochester’s food culture, serving the city with flavor, hospitality, and staying power.
Scroll down to browse the listings and find your next favorite soul food restaurant in Rochester, NY.
<h2>Frequently asked questions</h2>
<h3>What is soul food?</h3>
Soul food is a style of cooking rooted in African American culinary traditions, often centered on hearty, comforting dishes like fried chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, yams, and slow-cooked meats.
<h3>What are the best Black-owned soul food restaurants in Rochester, NY?</h3>
This category highlights local favorites including <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/cassies-citchen-catering/">Cassie’s Citchen & Catering</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/nellies-house-of-soul/">Nellie’s House of Soul</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/tangies-kitchen/">Tangie’s Kitchen</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/soulfood-sistas/">Soulfood Sistas</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/mamacitas-place-soul-food/">Mamacita’s Place</a>, <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing/grill-kingz/">Grill Kingz</a>, and other Black-owned spots across Rochester.
<h3>Where can I find soul food catering in Rochester?</h3>
Several listings in this category and the related catering pages offer <a href="https://blackownedinrochester.com/listing-category/catering-rochester-ny/">soul food catering</a> for family gatherings, weddings, corporate events, and community functions.
<h3>Do these places offer takeout or dine-in?</h3>
Many soul food businesses in Rochester offer takeout, and some also provide dine-in service, lunch plates, and weekend meals depending on the restaurant.
<h3>Why does this page focus on Black-owned businesses?</h3>
Because the directory is built to make Black-owned businesses easier to find and easier to choose, and soul food is one of the strongest categories for that mission.
2 Listings
Jamaican/Caribbean Restaurants
Rochester has a rich culinary landscape, and the bold, vibrant flavors of the Caribbean are a cornerstone of our local food scene.
Our directory connects you with the best Black-owned Jamaican restaurants in Rochester, NY, serving up everything from authentic jerk chicken to tender oxtail.
These local eateries bring the authentic taste of the islands to Western New York, using traditional spices and slow-cooking methods that have been passed down through generations.
Whether you are craving a quick beef patty for lunch or a full sit-down curry goat dinner, these businesses offer a soulful dining experience you won't find anywhere else.
Choosing these Jamaican-owned establishments helps celebrate the diverse cultural heritage that makes the 585 area so unique.
From the smoky aromas of the grill to the friendly, community-focused atmosphere, each restaurant offers a unique take on island hospitality. We invite you to explore our listings and discover hidden gems located throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.
Each meal is a chance to reinvest in local entrepreneurs while enjoying some of the most flavorful food in the region. Scroll down to find your next favorite Jamaican or Caribbean spot in Rochester today.
1 Listing
Chicken & Wings
Black owned chicken wings and chicken spots in Rochester, NY, Monroe County and Greater Rochester Area
0 Listings
Ethiopian Restaurants
Black owned Ethiopian food and restaurants in Rochester NY and Monroe County, NY sharing their culture with the world!
0 Listings
Barbecue (BBQ)
Black owned Barbecue BBQ eateries in Rochester, NY and Monroe County, NY
0 Listings
Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants
<h2>Breakfast & Brunch: Black-Owned Morning Meals in Rochester, NY</h2>
Rochester's Black-owned breakfast and brunch scene delivers soul food classics, hearty plates, and weekend vibes that make mornings worth waking up for. Whether you're searching for breakfast restaurants Rochester NY, black owned brunch restaurants near me, or soul food breakfast with all the fixings, this category connects you with local diners and cafes where the food and hospitality both hit.
Start your weekend at The 5 Mile Cafe in Penfield, The Arnett Cafe in the 19th Ward, or The Toast Factory on Rochester's Southeast side—all serving up generous portions, strong coffee, and that neighborhood energy. Craving soul food brunch? Expect grits, biscuits, chicken and waffles, French toast, and Southern-style sides done right—comfort food that feels like home.
For something lighter or plant-based, spots like Taste of Supreme Bakery Cafe offer gluten-free and vegan breakfast options alongside their cafe menu, while other restaurants serve customizable plates for dietary preferences. If you need breakfast takeout Rochester NY or catering for a work meeting, family gathering, or brunch event, many of these businesses handle larger orders and grab-and-go service.
When you search best Black owned breakfast restaurants near me or breakfast places Monroe County NY, you're finding more than food—you're encouraging entrepreneurs, keeping money local, and building the kind of economy that reflects Rochester's diversity. From quick weekday breakfasts to long Sunday brunches, these breakfast spots in Rochester NY show up with flavor, consistency, and pride.
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