Josephine Southern Cuisine: Authentic Soul Food in San Leandro

Welcome to Josephine Southern Cuisine, a hidden gem located at 16395 E 14th St, San Leandro, CA. This soul food restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a heartfelt experience that evokes memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

From the moment you step inside, you’re embraced by the inviting aromas that waft through the air, setting the stage for a truly delightful culinary journey. The atmosphere is warm and family-oriented, with a vibe reminiscent of dining at a beloved relative’s home. You’ll be greeted by the charming owner, Josephine, whose passion for cooking and hospitality is palpable and instantly makes you feel like part of the family.

At Josephine Southern Cuisine, you can expect an array of authentic soul food that delights the senses. The menu showcases exquisite dishes such as crispy fried chicken that crackles with every bite and creamy mac and cheese that's velvety smooth and utterly comforting. Your taste buds will dance as you enjoy the mustard greens, slow-cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor—no hot sauce needed! Don't forget to save room for the heavenly cornbread, which is soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, and the mouthwatering peach cobbler that completes your meal with a sweet finale.

Customers rave about their experiences at Josephine's. Cierra m reflects on the nostalgic feelings evoked by the food, stating it reminded her of her grandmother’s cooking, as she praises the entire meal for its freshness and flavor. C Meriwether confidently declares this to be the best soul food in the Bay Area, especially emphasizing the standout mac and cheese. Teo & Kalina Gebeyehou highlight the perfectly cooked chicken and the comforting red beans and rice, while Cynthia Lopez speaks lovingly about each dish reflecting love and care, truly a hallmark of a great Southern kitchen.

What truly sets Josephine Southern Cuisine apart is its commitment to providing comfort food made with love. Each meal is prepared from scratch, ensuring that every dish you enjoy is fresh, hot, and bursting with robust flavors. Whether you're sharing a meal with family or grabbing a bite solo, the welcoming ambiance and responsive service make every visit a memorable one.

If you’re looking to indulge in soulful flavors that celebrate tradition and warmth, Josephine Southern Cuisine is the place where you’ll find just that. It’s not just a dining experience; it’s a heartfelt connection to the flavors of our Southern heritage. Come by, and let Josephine’s delightful dishes transport you to a place where every bite feels like home.

Takeaway
Dine-in

Cierra M

13/12/2025

The best soul food in Northern California reminds me of food my grandma used to make. The food was cooked with love. Everything was so good I enjoyed it so much I brung my entire family. Everything was so fresh hot and cooked to perfection. The vibes were so family oriented and friendly. The owner was the most sweetest lady ever. You have to try this place it was an amazing experience. It felt like home!!

C Meriwether

01/12/2025

This the best soul food in the Bay Area! Her Mac and Cheese is top tier and her greens are on a different level! No hot sauce needed with her greens! Will definitely be back.

Teo&Kalina Gebeyehou

21/10/2025

Honestly this is come of the best soul food I’ve had in a long time. Greens are amazing, Mac and cheese is good. Chicken cooked very well. The red beans and rice was my favorite. Great customer service .

Elliot Leet

05/10/2025

Josephine is the sweetest woman and makes some amazing food. I love soul food and this did not disappoint. The only thing is I wish the Mac & Cheese was more crisy on top with a bit more flavor. Chicken was super crispy and collard greens were perfectly done. Cornbread was to die for and is a business I will go back to many times.

Cynthia Lopez

23/09/2025

I absolutely loved Josephine's! The fried chicken was so crispy and flavorful, and the mac & cheese was creamy, cheesy, and comforting.. just how it should be. The greens had that slow-cooked, homemade taste, and the cornbread was soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. Everything felt made with love and care, like a real Southern kitchen. You can tell they take pride in their food. I left full and happy, definitely coming back soon!

Bout Fetti

29/08/2025

I came to this place with very high hopes for the food and to be honest with you I was not disappointed. My favorite thing on this menu is the mac & cheese Every time I go now I order an entire Pan. My kid loves it I do too. I definitely recommend this place to anyone if you don’t like it then you don’t have good taste.

Emily Anne Reyes

27/08/2025

Great food! Good sized portions, flavorful. Everything is made to order, so it was hot and fresh! She was nice, helpful and overall good vibes. I've been following her since she was doing pop ups at the Hayward Farmers Market, I'm so happy she is expanding and growing!

Dawn Simola

20/08/2025

Sooo so good !!! We got the combo plate which had the Best fried chicken, Mac n cheese, mustard greens, and candied yams. With some amazing peach cobbler and sweet tea. Im not a sweet tea fan but my bf is, and let me tell you that tea changed my mind on sweet tea 1000%. There was so much food we had it for lunch and dinner. And even lunch the next day !! Highly highly reccomend! 5 stars across the board ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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