Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina, Love and Hominy has carved a distinctive niche in the culinary landscape by marrying Southern tradition with innovative flair. The restaurant’s menu is a celebration of heritage ingredients and contemporary techniques, offering diners a unique exploration of flavors that evoke warmth, comfort, and creativity.
Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the rich textures and bold tastes that define Southern cuisine, yet presented with a modern sensibility that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
From the moment guests peruse the menu, they encounter a striking balance between familiar favorites and unexpected combinations. The use of hominy, a staple ingredient in Southern cooking, is elevated throughout the offerings, serving as a foundation for dishes that are both hearty and refined.
The menu’s design emphasizes seasonal produce and locally sourced elements, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and community. This dedication not only enhances flavor but also ensures that every plate tells a story rooted in place.
The Love and Hominy menu is more than just food; it is an experience that invites diners to connect with the South’s culinary roots while embracing a vibrant, evolving food culture. Whether savoring a savory skillet or indulging in a decadent dessert, patrons find themselves immersed in a dining journey that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Appetizers: A Flavorful Prelude
The appetizer selection at Love and Hominy sets the tone for the meal with a curated mix of traditional Southern bites and inventive small plates. These starters are designed to awaken the palate and provide a glimpse into the restaurant’s culinary philosophy.
Each appetizer highlights hominy or other regional ingredients, offering a spectrum of textures and flavors from crispy to creamy, spicy to mild. The menu encourages sharing, making it ideal for groups seeking a communal dining experience.
Signature Starters
One of the most popular appetizers is the Hominy Hush Puppies, golden-fried morsels that combine the nuttiness of hominy with subtle hints of jalapeño and cheddar. Served with a tangy remoulade, they perfectly balance crunch and creaminess.
Another standout is the Wood-fired Oysters, which are topped with a savory herb butter and a sprinkle of parmesan, offering an umami burst that complements the smoky undertones of the wood fire cooking method.
- Hominy Hush Puppies with spicy remoulade
- Wood-fired Oysters with herb butter
- Pickled Okra and Local Cheese Plate
- Smoked Trout Dip with house-made crackers
“Our appetizers are crafted to invite conversation and curiosity, each bite revealing layers that speak to the South’s rich culinary tapestry.” – Chef Steven
Entrées: Comfort Meets Creativity
The entrée offerings at Love and Hominy reflect a masterful blend of comfort food staples and inventive dishes. These plates are designed to satisfy hunger while showcasing the diversity of Southern ingredients.
Each entrée emphasizes fresh, seasonal produce and proteins sourced from local farms. The use of hominy is a recurring theme, featured in various textures and preparations that add depth and character to the dishes.
Featured Entrée Highlights
The Smothered Pork Shoulder is a standout classic, slow-cooked to perfection and served atop a bed of creamy hominy grits. The rich gravy incorporates caramelized onions and fresh herbs, creating a dish that is both rustic and elegant.
For seafood lovers, the Cast Iron Catfish is pan-seared with a crispy cornmeal crust and paired with a vibrant tomato and hominy succotash, highlighting the interplay between crunchy and tender textures.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Smothered Pork Shoulder | Pork shoulder, hominy grits, caramelized onions, gravy | Rich, savory, hearty |
| Cast Iron Catfish | Catfish, cornmeal crust, tomato, hominy succotash | Crisp, fresh, slightly sweet |
| Vegetarian Summer Plate | Grilled vegetables, hominy salad, local greens | Light, earthy, refreshing |
Sides: Elevating Traditional Fare
Sides at Love and Hominy are thoughtfully composed to complement and enhance the main dishes. These offerings bring classic Southern ingredients into the spotlight with a touch of refinement.
Each side dish incorporates seasonal vegetables and grains, with hominy often serving as a base or accent. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures that even the simplest accompaniments are bursting with flavor.
Popular Side Selections
The Charred Brussels Sprouts are tossed in a light vinaigrette and finished with candied pecans, balancing bitterness with sweet crunch. This side is a refreshing counterpoint to richer entrees.
Another favorite is the Hominy and Black-Eyed Pea Salad, featuring a medley of fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty citrus dressing. This dish offers a satisfying textural contrast and bright acidity.
- Charred Brussels Sprouts with candied pecans
- Hominy and Black-Eyed Pea Salad
- Collard Greens with smoked turkey
- Sweet Potato Fries with chipotle aioli
“Sides are not an afterthought here; they are essential players in the symphony of flavors on every plate.” – Restaurant Manager Claire
Breakfast and Brunch: Southern Mornings Redefined
Love and Hominy’s breakfast and brunch offerings invite diners to start the day with nourishing, inventive dishes that celebrate Southern tradition. The menu features hearty options as well as lighter fare, accommodating a range of preferences.
Hominy shines once again, featured in both savory and sweet preparations that provide energy and comfort. Seasonal fruits and local eggs play a pivotal role in many selections.
Brunch Favorites
The Hominy Pancakes are a crowd-pleaser, fluffy and slightly sweet, topped with seasonal berries and a drizzle of honey butter. They perfectly capture the essence of Southern hospitality in a dish.
For a savory option, the Biscuits and Gravy with Hominy Sausage combines flaky biscuits with a rich sausage gravy, accented by the distinctive texture of ground hominy in the sausage blend.
| Dish | Key Ingredients | Serving Time |
| Hominy Pancakes | Hominy flour, eggs, seasonal berries, honey butter | Breakfast and Brunch |
| Biscuits and Gravy with Hominy Sausage | Buttermilk biscuits, sausage with hominy, cream gravy | Brunch |
| Avocado Toast with Pickled Onions | Local bread, avocado, pickled onions, microgreens | Breakfast |
Desserts: Sweet Southern Indulgence
Ending the meal on a high note, the dessert menu at Love and Hominy offers a selection of sweets that pay homage to Southern classics with a contemporary twist. These desserts are designed to delight the senses and provide a satisfying conclusion.
Ingredients like buttermilk, pecans, and seasonal fruits are prominently featured, creating rich textures and balanced sweetness. Each dessert is thoughtfully plated to enhance presentation and appeal.
Signature Sweet Treats
The Buttermilk Pie is a timeless Southern favorite here elevated with a hint of lemon zest and a flaky crust that melts in the mouth. It offers a luscious, creamy filling that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Another highlight is the Hominy Pudding with Caramel Sauce, a unique take on traditional corn pudding. This dessert showcases the versatility of hominy, delivering a silky texture paired with deep caramel notes.
- Buttermilk Pie with lemon zest
- Hominy Pudding with caramel sauce
- Pecan Tart with bourbon whipped cream
- Seasonal Fruit Cobbler
“Dessert is our chance to tell a story of sweetness and tradition, inviting guests to savor every moment.” – Pastry Chef Lila
Beverages: Complementing Every Dish
The beverage menu at Love and Hominy is crafted to enhance the dining experience, featuring a curated selection of cocktails, wines, craft beers, and non-alcoholic options. Each drink is thoughtfully paired to complement the robust flavors of the food.
Local ingredients and seasonal flavors are often incorporated into cocktails, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to regional sourcing and creativity. Non-alcoholic beverages include house-made sodas and artisanal coffee blends.
Drink Selections
The Peach Bourbon Smash is a signature cocktail that blends fresh peach puree with bourbon and mint, offering a refreshing yet bold flavor profile that pairs well with rich or spicy dishes.
For wine enthusiasts, the menu highlights a rotating selection of regional and international wines chosen to harmonize with the diverse menu. The staff provides expert recommendations tailored to individual preferences.
| Beverage | Type | Flavor Notes |
| Peach Bourbon Smash | Cocktail | Fruity, sweet, herbal |
| Local IPA | Craft Beer | Hoppy, citrusy, crisp |
| Chardonnay | Wine | Buttery, oak, tropical fruit |
“Our drinks are designed to be as memorable as the food, each sip enhancing the story on your plate.” – Beverage Director Marcus
Special Dietary Options: Inclusive Dining
Understanding the diverse needs of its guests, Love and Hominy offers a range of dishes that accommodate various dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor or quality. This approach ensures that everyone can enjoy a full and satisfying meal.
The kitchen is adept at crafting vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-conscious options, often incorporating hominy as a versatile ingredient that fits many dietary profiles.
Inclusive Menu Highlights
The Grilled Vegetable Plate features a colorful assortment of seasonal produce paired with a tangy herb vinaigrette and a side of hominy salad, making it a hearty yet healthful choice.
Gluten-free diners can enjoy the Black-Eyed Pea Cakes, which are pan-seared and served with a vibrant tomato chutney, providing a satisfying texture and bold flavors.
- Vegetarian Grilled Vegetable Plate
- Vegan Hominy Salad
- Gluten-Free Black-Eyed Pea Cakes
- Nut-Free Desserts Available
“Creating dishes that everyone can enjoy is at the heart of our philosophy; food should bring people together, not limit them.” – Executive Chef Steven
Love and Hominy’s menu is a masterful expression of Southern culinary heritage infused with modern creativity. Each section of the menu—from appetizers to desserts—reflects a deep respect for tradition while embracing innovation.
The thoughtful use of hominy as a central ingredient not only underscores the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors but also showcases the remarkable versatility of this humble grain. Paired with locally sourced produce and expertly crafted beverages, the dining experience here is both rich and accessible.
Diners leave Love and Hominy with more than just a satisfied appetite; they depart having engaged with the story of the South’s evolving food culture. The menu invites exploration and celebration of flavors that feel both familiar and exciting, making every visit memorable.
Whether seeking comfort food with a twist or refined dishes that honor heritage, guests find themselves immersed in a culinary journey that speaks to the heart and soul of Southern cuisine.
