Some restaurants get their name from a marketing meeting. Julia Belle’s got its name from a great-grandmother, and that difference shows in every plate.
This mom-and-pop restaurant in Florence has spent over a decade serving genuine Southern comfort food with a Lowcountry twist, and locals have made it the top-ranked spot in the entire city.
How Julia Belle’s won Florence’s hearts
Julia Belle’s is named after Julia Belle, the great-grandmother of owner Fran, whose life and legacy inspired the restaurant’s love for authentic Southern cooking. 🏡
Fran and her husband Warren have run the restaurant together for nearly a decade, first operating out of an old mule barn on the original Pee Dee State Farmers Market grounds before eventually relocating to a larger, easier-to-access spot right off I-95 in the summer of 2020.
The philosophy behind the kitchen has always stayed simple: put out food they genuinely enjoy making and take real good care of every guest.
That approach has turned Julia Belle’s into one of the most talked-about spots for Southern comfort food in the Pee Dee region.
Diners regularly plan entire road trips around a stop at Julia Belle’s, with one traveler picking up a slice of the White Russian Pecan Pie to go before continuing their drive to Columbia.
For anyone searching for real Lowcountry cuisine in Florence, this family-run spot has become the clear answer.
Food Highlights
- Grammie’s Pot Roast – Slow-cooked pot roast served over rice, a signature dish named after the family’s own recipe.
- Fried Green Tomatoes – Golden, crispy fried green tomatoes that regulars specifically call out as a must-order starter.
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Shrimp & Grits – Creamy grits topped with seasoned shrimp, a traveler favorite frequently mentioned alongside the fried chicken.
- Crab Cake Sandwich – Pan-seared crab cakes served sandwich-style, a Lowcountry-inspired staple on the regular menu.
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BBQ Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with BBQ, one of the restaurant’s most requested starters.
- Blue Plate Special (Fried Pork Chops) – Fried pork chops served with a warm buttery biscuit and choice of two sides, a daily comfort food favorite.
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Blackened Catfish Over Rice – Blackened catfish served over rice, a Southern classic that’s remained a menu favorite.
- White Russian Pecan Pie – A rich pecan pie made with Kahlúa and white chocolate, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Atmosphere
Julia Belle’s keeps things casual and cheerful, the kind of counter-service diner where nothing feels fancy but everything feels genuine. 🍽️
The dining room has a warm, welcoming vibe that matches the restaurant’s down-to-earth approach to Southern hospitality.
It’s comfortable enough for a quick lunch off the interstate and cozy enough for a relaxed family dinner. The overall feel is unpretentious, friendly, and unmistakably home-cooked.
Bottom Line
Visit for a great-grandmother’s legacy brought to life through Grammie’s pot roast, standout fried chicken, and the famous White Russian Pecan Pie. Add friendly counter service and genuine Southern hospitality, and it’s easy to see why Julia Belle’s has become Florence’s top-rated restaurant.
Address:
2106-50 W Lucas St, Florence, SC 29501
📞 (843) 407-4686
🕔 Mon–Thu 11 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat 8 AM–9 PM (closed Sun)