Raleigh Restaurants You Have to Try Before You Die

1. Nana Morrison's soul food

You know, we all love to eat, says Melissa Wade in the water at the light 103.9, she calls it breaking bread together.

She says her favorite black owned restaurant in Raleigh, NC, is a place called Nana Morrison’s soul food. Does she need to say more? They specialize in everything soul food. 

“Talk about seasoned well.”

What to Order:

Southern Fried Chicken Plate

Crispy, golden fried chicken served with two soulful sides. A true taste of home-cooked comfort.

Collard Greens & Smoked Turkey

Slow-simmered greens with tender smoked turkey. Savory, flavorful, and made with love.

Baked Mac & Cheese

Rich, creamy, and baked until golden on top. A soul food staple that melts in your mouth.

Sweet Potato Pie

Smooth, spiced filling in a flaky crust. The perfect sweet ending to any meal.

Fried Fish Plate

Golden, seasoned fish fried to perfection and served with hushpuppies and two soulful sides. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Every dish at Nana Morrison’s Soul Food is seasoned to perfection and made with love, bringing the true taste of Southern comfort to your plate. From crispy fried chicken to savory greens and indulgent desserts, every bite is a reminder of why soul food is so special. If you’re in Raleigh and craving food that hits both the heart and the taste buds, Nana Morrison’s is a must-visit.

2. Kandy Apples by Kay

Meet Royal Tea from K97.5, sharing her favorite black owned restaurant in Raleigh.

She’s one of those people who enjoys candy apples all year round. She doesn’t wait for the State Fair; when she wants it, she goes to get it thanks to Kandy Apples by Kay, in Raleigh, NC. Royal says they have some of the best candy apples and some of the best candy fruit. 

But her favorite is the classic red candy apple. Which she just had about two days ago.

If you’re trying to cheat your diet or want a sweet treat, Kandy Apples by Kay is a must-try when you’re in Raleigh, NC.

What to Order:

Classic Red Kandy Apple

Crisp apple coated in a glossy red candy shell. A timeless favorite that never goes out of style. 

Caramel Crunch Apple

Fresh apple dipped in buttery caramel, then rolled in crunchy nuts or candy bits. Sweet, chewy, and satisfying.

Cookies & Cream Apple

Apple dipped in creamy coating and topped with crushed cookies—a fun twist on a classic dessert.

Whether you’re looking for a treat or a fun, creative twist on a classic, Kandy Apples by Kay has something for everyone. Each bite is a perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and satisfying. Stop by and treat yourself!

3. Madam B's Bakery

Karen Clark from FOXY 107.1-104.3 raves about Madam B’s Bakery, a black-owned bakery in Raleigh, NC. 

Madam B’s has been all over TV, and she has also had the opportunity to connect with food critic Keith Lee. Karen Clark says Madam B’s cupcakes are to die for; here are some of her favorite cupcake flavors, along with a few honorable mentions.

WHAT TO ORDER:

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Soft, rich, and topped with smooth cream cheese frosting. A bite-sized taste of tradition.

Sweet Potato Pound Cake

Moist, spiced pound cake with a rich, sweet potato flavor. A Southern classic with a bakery twist.

Peach Cobbler Cheesecake

Creamy cheesecake layered with cinnamon-spiced peaches and buttery crumble topping. Comfort meets indulgence.

Banana Pudding

Layers of vanilla wafers, bananas, and creamy pudding. A sweet favorite that never gets old.

Honey Bun

Fluffy cinnamon-swirled cupcake topped with a drizzle of sweet glaze. All the flavor of a classic honey bun in a perfect handheld treat.

Madam B’s Bakery offers cupcakes and desserts that are Beautiful and delicious. Karen Clark says she’s not a sweet eater; she says she doesn’t do sweets, but she does when it comes to Madam B’s bakery cupcakes. This sweet spot is a must-try when you go to Raleigh, NC.

It’s said they will be adding another location in December.