Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food

Reviews

• Jim E.

  star star star star star 18 July 2026

  Out for a Sunday drive and I had found Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul Food via a Yelp listing.  But, it is in the CityScape portion of the town center; hence, no signs on the street to indicate that this place is inside.  Anyway...
  
  Found CityScape and then went inside.  At the time of our visit (i.e., Early September 2019), there were four other food places inside CityScape.    First good indicator was that only Johnny Ray's had any customers.
  
  We ordered the fried catfish, fried okra, and green beans; and, the wings with cole slaw and more friend okra.  The fried foods were done perfectly with no grease taste and served fresh, right out of the fryer.
  Corn bread was cold, but, a nice contrast to the hot food.  
  
  I grew up eating friend catfish in the South and Mid-Western parts of the USA.  This was excellent and happy reminder of when I was much younger.  All in all, a great experience.  We do plan to return!

• Nichole W.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 18 July 2026

  I am not proud that I have to give them 1 star, but everything went wrong for us at their new establishment in leesburg. We ordered the wings with a few sides that took forever to be made. No worries, we were thinking... At least it's freshly made. After taking a few bites, we both agreed that the food was way too salty and the sweet potatoes were way too sweet. They also forgot our order of mac n cheese and by the time I had to remind them, we were already done with our food so we took it to go. The lady are the counter said, "good thing u told
  us, bc we forgot".
  No apology... Just a here you go. Mind u, it wasn't crowded and we paid for our order.
  They were better in Herndon, but we won't be back.
  
  Too bad, but I wish them the best.

• Brian K.

  star star star star star 8 July 2026

  Johnny Ray's is one of the restaurants in the ChefScape. I ordered the whiting platter with collards and fried okra - let me tell you - this Southern Boy was delighted by the taste, the freshness, and the quantity - excellent.  
  
  Breading was light but extremely flavorful.  The fish was very fresh and flaked - perfect.  
  
  Growing up with tons of church "fish frys" - this was a trip down memory lane and just as delicious.  Highly recommend.

• Rashonda J.

  star star star star star 7 July 2026

  OMG! The wings!! Order the wings!! They are ao freaking good and so on point!! When I tell you that I've never had wings this good in Northern VA.
  
  Once again, my coworker and I were looking for a place to get lunch. He chose this restaurant because we were feeling soul food. It took us a while to find it though. It's located inside of ChefScape. If you're trying to locate it by using Google Maps, you will be frustrated. Just find ChefScape in the town center and go in. There are other establishments inside, including a bar.
  
  Back to the wings - so we ordered their wing lunch deal, which included 6 wings and a side. I chose the greens which has turkey in it. Now, the greens were just okay. They didn't have much flavor to me. I ended up putting hot sauce on mine. Those wings were a different story. The sauce that he puts on them is phenomenal. I cannot lie! They're sweet, sticky, a bit spicy and just all around good. The fact that the wings are meaty makes it better. The meal also came with a small piece of cornbread. Look, I could've had just the wings and would've been satisfied. I wish I could jump back into my car and go there now. If I'm back in the area, I will definitely be back for those wings. Well, I may try the catfish and get some wings to go. Lol!

• Ryan D.

  star star star star star 21 June 2026

  Located inside Chef Scapes in Leesburg's town center, Johmny Ray's is a MUST! We ordered the wings with Johnny Ray's special sauce which is a mix of sweet and spicy that is sticky and addictive, the colossal pork chop smothered in gravy (ask for it smothered, it's the most tender, savory deliciousness you'll ever have!). The Mac and cheese is creamy without being watery, peppery without being too spicy, the noodles have a great texture and all in all just perfect. Candied yams taste like something straight out of a Thanksgiving dessert and the cornbread is crisp on the outside and pillowy soft inside. Above all, the service is fantastic, friendly, and attentive. Johnny Ray's Sultry Soul food is an instant classic and we will become regulars.