Carla Hall's 10 Favorite Restaurants Across the U.S.

by Carla Hall

Updated 13 March 2019

We asked Carla Hall, the queen of soul food, about her favorite restaurants all across the nation. You may know her from her many appearances on Bravo’s Top Chef, or maybe you know her from America’s foodie-themed talkshow The Chew. Regardless of where you know her, the one thing you should know about her is her love for cuisines of all kinds. Lucky us, she filled us in on all her favorite eateries and dishes. You’re sure to find something on this list that’ll satisfy any and all of your cravings. Hootie hoo and happy eating!

Fork - Philadelphia

4.7

4.7 (4801)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Old City

About the restaurant

Innovative and thoughtfully-prepared food that’s approachable in a sophisticated and modern setting. I'm always blown away by the creative vegetarian selections, even though I’m not a vegetarian. Ideal spot for afternoon tea and Sunday brunch. Homemade pastries and granola will have you coming back.

Top review

PhillipHvip

Dined on 1 Jan 2023

Excellent choice for an evening meal!

International Smoke San Francisco

4.3

4.3 (2795)

$30 and under

American

SOMA

About the restaurant

The seafood platter is a must! There’s a whole vegetable section on the menu that’s just as fantastic as the ribs and steaks.

Top review

LarryQvip

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent food, impeccable service, and an attentive staff made for a memorable dinner.

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Experience

Holiday Tasting Menu

Benne on Eagle

4.4

4.4 (1948)

$31 to $50

American

Asheville

About the restaurant

Modern take on soul food using traditional ingredients. Authentic food with plenty of surprises. Great cocktails + great atmosphere = my ideal restaurant. The potlikker-braised chicken wings with chow chow are must!

Top review

Carla

Dined on 1 Jan 2023

We were there for our Anniversary/New Year's Brunch it was amazing! Yummy food and great server. We are grateful we have a nice restaurant to enjoy southern cuisine food.

Maypop

4.8

4.8 (1209)

$31 to $50

Southeast Asian

Central Business District

About the restaurant

An eclectic mix of Asian influences, hints of Cajun and sprinklings of Italian. The dim sum brunch is a must! The bibb lettuce salad with chaat spice with a few different dumplings makes for the perfect order. Their homemade, hand-pulled noodles are toothsome and full of flavor.

Top review

Nolawingman

Dined on 28 Nov 2023

The ambiance of Maypop is lively but not overbearing. The crispy oysters were enjoyable, the Bibb lettuce salad was one of the better salads I have had, the pork shoulder was fantastic, and my guest said his black drum was amazing. And our server was delightful to boot!

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Experience

Wine O'Clock Wednesdays

Saba Italian Kitchen + Bar - Chicago

4.6

4.6 (550)

$30 and under

Italian

Logan Square

About the restaurant

Great cocktails accompanied by an airy and light decor with a warm atmosphere. Great place for a group, because you must order everything on the menu. The pita and hummus combo is so good, you’ll feel like it’s your first time experiencing this. This place is also great for vegetarians.

Top review

NicoleK

Dined on 1 Jan 2023

Brunch was amazing. The menu online has not been updated. Was a bit disappointed they no longer do bottomless mimosas. Service, food, ambience everything was great.

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4.6

4.6 (611)

$30 and under

Ramen