This place has only gotten better since they first opened. Customer service is outstanding. The pot-roast is amazing! The cabbage is so flavorful. This place never misses! Only good soul food spot out here! read more

I ordered 2 combos, the smothered pork chops and the oxtail. the food is perfectly seasoned, super tender, and the portions were HUGE! there was only a little of the oxtail left so the girl behind the counter offered some pieces of chicken to make up for it, so definitely make it in early if that's what you're looking to order everyone working was so warm and welcoming! will be coming back for sure! and won't forget to order dessert next time lol read more

My husband and I went out to try something different yesterday and ended up at Messi Soul. I was surprised at first how homemade everything looked. The food was great and so was the employee George. Such a great guy, he gave us samples and so we knew we would really loved what we got. The menu is rotating and so we have to go back for the Brisket read more

Gotta day this was some of the best food I've had in a very long time. Nothing on the plate let you down everything was made to perfection. For my first time trying this place i gotta day i think they got me hooked. (Note we picked chicken legs for my son since he doesn't eat as much) read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Meatloaf, mac & cheese, collard greens, corn bread - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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New soul food spot near me that I tried for the second time this week. Had pork chops, greens and black eyed peas the first time. Went back today and got this: fried chicken, mac and cheese with red beans and rice. DELICIOUS both times. Check these guys out. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Fried chicken, mac and cheese with red beans and rice. - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

If you have a taste for soul food with great flavor Messi Soul Kitchen in Riverside is the place to go. My experience there was well worthy it. The place was clean and the food was cooked fresh the atmosphere was friendly and warm welcoming. I recommend everyone to head over there for lunch are dinner. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

The reviews for Messi are great. It is what motivated to buy this for dinner Friday night. I placed my order through GrubHub. It indicated that food would be ready for pick up in 15-25 minutes. I then received a notice that my food was ready while I was enroute. But it appears that Messi is closed. I hope it is temporary. It is unfortunate if we have lost another restaurant to Covid. I would suggest that if they are closed to contact GrubHub. It is waste of my time to order food, pay for food, drive to the restaurant and not have anyone there. Sorry that I missed out on this restuarant. read more

I'm conflicted af! I would give this negative reviews but I support black businesses. That's all. Spoke to the owner lady who was rude, that's ok. ‍ read more

Down home cooking at its best. I tried the meatloaf over rice with gravy. Huge portions! Green beans and collard greens. I tasted the pot roast and the pork chop. All good. The pot roast and the meat loaf were over the up. the chop was thick. Very nice staff that make you feel welcome here. No way typi will leave hungry. Will return for sure. read more

The food was phenomenal. I had pot roast today so tender over rice with a gravy delicious. The Mac and cheese it was delicious every single bite, it was truly on a different level 5 cheeses - good good. I loved it. The best Mac and cheese I've ever had I also had the green which they were so tender and delicious as well. It's a must try. Messi Soul food is a must try absolutely loved it. The portion sizes don't disappoint. I will be going back, and promise you stopping anytime I'm in Riverside and they're open read more

Messi Kitchen was an excellent experience. The meatloaf, chicken, oxtails, mac n cheese and beans were good. Customer service was top notch and the place was VERY clean which is always important to me. read more

If i could give this place 10 stars I definitely would , I got the meat loaf, mac and cheese , greens and pot roast and yams and for dessert kool aid and banana pudding and was all so delicious and savory. Now the service was excellent as well the owner was super nice and laidback and chill very and very respectful. And The place was nice and clean. read more

This place was surprisingly good for a Riverside soul food place. The food was hot and right there in front of you (think staff served buffet line). We were in and out pretty quickly since everything is pre-made. I would of gave it 5 stars but they didn't answer the phone when I called-one time they picked up then hung up in my face. I was calling to see if they were open (you know, Covid and all). It wasn't too far from my house so I just took the ride over. They were open. read more

Great atmosphere, great people and the food was hands down a solid 6 Star! Walked past this place while staying at the Hampton Inn and decided to give it a try. Usually not every part of your meal makes your taste buds explode but this did! Try it and you will see what I'm talking about. I will be back again when work brings me into the area. If I lived within an hour of this place I would be there multiple times a week! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pork Chop, Greens and Red Beans - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Love it! Always good food and the vibe is always on point def recommend everyone try it :)

This place is amazing! Food is fire remind me of my grandma! Lol just moved to the area and was looking for some good southern food and found it! For sure will be back 5 stars! Omg peach cobbler cheesecake will make you say on my God! Lol thanks! read more

First time here and the food tasted really good. It took a long time to order. Not sure why when the food is served in front of you. Staff was nice but I do think there could be more efficiency getting customers in and out. Takes away from the experience. Maybe more runners so the front staff can focus on packaging the food. And AC for everyone, customers and staff. I truly value customer service and know the little things make a huge difference. But I do understand a lot goes on in restaurants . Again food is on point. I wish this company alll the best. read more

My husband and i decided to visit Soul Kitchen,a cousin of my husband recommended it to us. Service very good , staff very nice, establishment clean. I've eaten soul food all my life from a small girl to an adult woman ,have some of the best cooks in my family and I know what every item is supposed to taste like the pork chops that we ordered were a bit large but they were good I prefer the smaller ones myself gravy Silky and smooth but a little salty for my taste green beans good but a little salty for my taste rice a bit Mushy but it was OK you know when someone knows how to cook soul food by the way their yams taste the greens taste and their mac & cheese taste these are staple items to soul food, I didn't order the mac & cheese my husband did and I didn't get a chance to taste it but the yams I'm sorry I'm so used to eating them that I know the texture in the Taste just wasn't on point for me my opinion of them they taste canned with spices added sugar added butter added but that taste i can't get it out my mind if they weren't then the recipe really does need to change I want to give this new business a chance and because we live so close it would be a treat to have home cooking without doing it yourself every once in a while now everything that they have on that menu I've made but to go and have it prepared for you it is a treat and again because we are so close we will give this business a chance and if I'm wrong about the yams I'm sorry but I would recommend you revamp the recipe I just couldn't get that taste and enjoy it I will be trying the other items to decide whether or not I will be visiting this establishment again. read more

i have to do this in all caps im from chicago and this is the closest you gone get to yo momma/granny cooking 100/10!! great service and food definitely hitn a few spots!! read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Pot roast rice greens and macaroni/ baked chicken double mac with the apple crumb and can't forget the kool aid - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

First time here. Food was great. I highly recommend it and definitely will return. Smothered pork chops and meatloaf were great. Friendly staff too. read more

This IS the real deal! This is true comfort food. The portions are generous and so very flavorful! I was disappointed that they were out of Banana Pudding. If it's anything like the candied yams, collard greens, Mac & cheese, meat loaf etc....it must be BOMB! This is soul food prepared with love. Go getchya some right now!!! read more

OMFG. Bruuuuuuhhh this food is so good it should be illegal. I immediately told everyone I know about this spot after eating. I don't even know where to start. I ordered he smothered pork chops on top of white rice with Mac and cheese and yams. It also came with cornbread and I got banana pudding. First off the portions are huuuge. One plate is forsure enough for two people. The pork chops were perfectly tender and seasoned. The gravy was amazing ( ask for extra gravy so you have some for your leftovers because the rice soaks it up overnight). The Mac and cheese was creamy and the yams were the perfect combo of sweet, and buttery but also peppery which was different. The cornbread though! I could cry it was so good. Soft, fluffy, buttery, a slight crunch on the crust. 20/10. Ahh and the banana pudding is better than any other one you u have ever had trust me. Just all around outstanding my new favorite spot hands down read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered Pork chops Mac n Cheese Yams - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

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Great place for really GOOD soul food in the Riverside area. The dining area was very clean and nicely decorated. The staff very nice and helpful. Now the best part... THE FOOD. First off, they offer samples of the entrees and sides offered up-front.*WHAT?!?* *Gasp* That was impressive. Awesome sell point for people to know what they're getting before they buy. When I tell you that I tried every side dish before they brought out my food to go. Every. Single. Thing. Was. Good. Mac and cheese, yams, collard greens, cabbage, black eyed peas, red beans, cabbage, green beans. All of it was good. My top 3 would be the cabbage, yams and green beans. So delicious. I also got to sample meatloaf, jerk chicken, and smothered pork chops. All so good as well. By the time they brought out my catfish nuggets, it was like I had a whole meal. The nuggets and hush puppies were good too. I even had the nerve to buy a peach cobbler cheesecake for dessert. *Yikes* Haven't tasted it yet, but if its good like the food. I'm in trouble. They give you hearty portions as well. If you're in the area and like soul food, please give this place a try. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. read more

24.99 for a plate and the rice was mushy as hell, I don't know how you burn all sides of the cornbread but they did, biting into the greens and oaxtail was like eating a spoonful of lawerys seasoning, the oaxtail was cooked perfectly but that shit gon give you high blood pressure, a little piece of stem from the greens literally tasted like a can of salt was dumped on it, mac in cheese was alright it gave krafts dinner mac couldn't even finish the shit 3 bites in I'm dehydrated asf read more

My husband and I decided to come here and order for takeout. I absolutely love comfort food like this and definitely wanted to try it. I ordered the pot roast, yams, and mac and cheese and my husband ordered the meatloaf, yams, and mac and cheese. As my son and I are about to share my plate, I see a hair. Okay, I pick it out, no problem. My son liked the pot roast, the meat was nice and tender, but the rice underneath was like mush. The yams were okay, nothing special. The noodles in the mac and cheese were just mush as well, but good flavor. My husband thought it was just okay. The meatloaf was over-salted and rice was a mix of mushy and hard. We also ordered the kool-aid and lord have mercy, that was like syrup. I can forgive the mushy rice, maybe even the hair, but that kool-aid was so sweet, like liquid sugar. We decided to just throw everything away. Whatever we did eat, made us sick to our stomachs. My husband threw up as soon as we got home, I still have a massive headache with nausea. read more

The Mac and cheese is so good and their greens are too! The meat is always so tender and I am always satisfied when I order food from here.

Called to put order in. Was put on hold. Lady never came back to the phone. I could hear her in background laughing and talking with customers. read more

We got some food from here yesterday. My yams were too greasy and the mac n cheese as well. I hope others have a better experience.

Wooooooooow !!!! Myself and 2 other friends came during quarantine time so we had to do take out. THIS PLACE IS FKN BOMB !!! The OXTAILS IS POPPPPPIN!!! The chicken and sides is also amazing !!!!! Definitely one of the best soul food spots in the Inland Empire. Staff is super friendly and super clean environment!!! Will come bac ASAP lol read more

The food was good. I like that everything is right there for you to pick from and see what looks good. Give it a try it won't hurt. Staff is friendly. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Smothered pork chops with rice and gravy, greens and Mac and cheese. - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California

Yessss!!! Noticed this spot yesterday, mmmhmmm so good ,modern,clean,and great customer service My boys loved it ! So delicious perfect for our #foodie cravings read more

We finally had the opportunity to try this place since I live across town. I had to admit we were not disappointed at all. The first time I was slightly disappointed because my food portion was smaller than my boyfriend's portion. We thought it was because he had chicken while I had the Ox tails. The second time he had Ox tails and I had pork chops and this time his portion was much more than the one time I had the Ox tails. The third time they did both of us equally small ox tail portions. 5 stars for the flavor though and 3 stars for uneven portions. read more

I don't have any photos of the food mainly because it's always so good we can't wait long enough to take a photo. I will make a point of getting a photo next time. The smothered pork chop, the meatloaf, the fried chicken, the red beans, the macaroni and cheese, the cornbread all sooooo good. Oh but those greens, don't forget the greens they are The Best. Great friendly service. We will be back soon. This is definitely in my top 5 places to eat. Not real close to home but worth the drive. read more

Well too be honest, I was kind of disappointed to eat here. I love soul food, I lived in the south for years and it's my favorite stuff. But the chicken , well let's just say it was sad. The chicken was bland. I also had a side of Mac and cheese. Taste like unflavored melted cheese. It was strange. And all this for 20 bucks. Head down to Kountry folks for real comfort food. read more

Love the food! Love the service! Best soul find you'll find in SoCal! Every cheat meal I get, they're definitely on my top 3 list! Their roast and oxtails are scrumptious! read more

This place has been my family's spot for almost two years now. I have two little girls under three that are the pickiest eaters on earth and they clean their plates when we come here. The meatloaf is amazing, my daughters favorite. Try ALL the sides when you go in. It's hard to pick just two so we always end up ordering extra sides. Their staff treats us like family anytime they see us. We've used them to cater thanksgiving, family gatherings and birthday parties. The chef always comes through for us w any special requests we have. So it's not just the food it's the people as well. We recently moved to a different city but I still have full intentions of continuing our routine of coming here once a week. It's Thursday so I woke up thinking about meatloaf and peach cobbler! This place is the GO TO. Hands down, no questions. read more

This LIT the best soul food place I had in the fast food industry. No lies . I mean sometimes they they over use the salt but that shit still good asf omm. I used to fw a restaurant similar to Messi's up the street but they ain't got SHHHHIT on Messi frfr !! read more

Really great southern food here. You can have to meals in one full combo order. So good you'll comeback

Without ever visiting this restaurant, I reached out to see if they could cater my mom's funeral repast on short notice (one week's notice). This restaurant did not disappoint. On short notice, they were able to prepare all the food and deliver it, and it was delicious. They even individually sliced and wrapped the dessert. We ordered baked chicken, fried chicken, mac n cheese (it was sooo gooey and delicious), green beans, cabbage, yams, sweet potato pie, chocolate cake, and cheesecake. It was all very good. If I have any events in the future, I will be sure to call them up again. Well done ladies. read more

I just discovered this place by accident driving in the area. This is the second time visiting Messi Soul Food. The food is delicious and I plan to come back again. It's comfort food that I don't have to spend all day preparing for a taste of southern comfort near the Corona area. read more

Messi Soul Kitchen - Soul Food Near Me - Riverside, California