24 Restaurants You Have To Visit In North Carolina Before You Die
North Carolina is a foodie paradise. You’ll find inventive, unique, and locally-sourced restaurants in Asheville, fine dining at the top of a mountain, and amazing eateries located in unassuming small towns along the coast. Nearly everywhere in North Carolina is home to a few amazing restaurants. But with so many to choose from, how does one even choose? Well, this list of the 24 best local restaurants in North Carolina is great places to start, and they’re guaranteed to give you that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Mateo appears on almost every food blog as one of the best restaurants in North Carolina. Mixing Spanish tapas with a southern touch...you'll get the best of both worlds in this extremely trendy and delicious restaurant.
Artisanal uses a farm-to-table approach sourcing the freshest local ingredients for tasty, unique dishes. Make sure to grab a table May-Nov when Artisanal is open.
Set among the quaint downtown district of Davidson, Kindred came on the scene and quickly rose to fame. This 'chef-driven' restaurant has an ever-changing menu that focuses on seasonal ingredients.
Exotic, creative, and unique cuisine awaits your taste buds in this rustic yet cozy farmhouse restaurant and hotel outside of Chapel Hill. Without a doubt, Fearrington House Restaurant is one of the best local restaurants in North Carolina.
Everyone deserves an elegant, five-star experience at least once. The Dining Room is perfect for that. All meat is farm-raised and the veggies come straight from the garden.
You might have seen Chef and the Farmer on PBS...but behind the scenes, this amazing restaurant is worth the 2-3 month wait. Chef and the Farmer is the perfect mix of subtle southern cuisine with a uniquely elegant approach.
The Snappy Lunch is half the experience and half the amazing food. You'll get the Mayberry vibe with Andy Griffith regalia adorning the walls. But you MUST order a pork chop sandwich!
Ryan's Restaurant offers a steak with a view. Located amidst dense greenery, you'll love the cozy setting. Ryan's pairs delicious dishes with an extensive wine menu. It's perfect for date night, celebrating with friends and family, or a Friday night out.
You haven't experienced high country dining until you've tried Gamekeeper.
Specializing in a wide selection of game, this rustic mountain eatery is a mingling of elegance and Appalachia charm.
Located in one of the oldest towns in the state, On the Square specializes in urban-inspired dishes minus the urban setting. Their fresh, ever-changing menu always offers something new. On the Square is a perfect mix of fine dining, yet comfortable and approachable.
On your next trip to the Crystal Coast, you must try Amos Mosquito's. Everything (besides the ketchup) is made from scratch in-house or locally sourced. It's a meal you won't forget. Not to mention the waterside patio is perfect for summer nights.
Colington is consistently ranked as the number one dining spot on the Outer Banks. You'll find it nestled beneath 300-year-old oak trees. Colington specializes in elegant dishes without sacrificing traditional, comfortable roots. Order up some fresh seafood and experience the best OBX has to offer.
This no-frills, straight-up joint is like stepping back in time. There's plenty of award-winning 'burger restaurants' in North Carolina, but the best one you'll find in the state is Johnson's.
For a restaurant with a view, River's End is one of the best local restaurants in North Carolina. Located at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, each seat promises a riverside view. Enjoy classic breakfast dishes like Fontana Hash Browns, or a hearty lunch after a morning of kayaking.
Address: 109 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Address: 1200 Dobbins Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Address: 7 SW, N Pack Square, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Address: 131 N Main St, Davidson, NC 28036, USA
Address: The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513, USA
Address: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA
Address: 230 Market St, Pittsboro, NC 27312, USA
Address: Biltmore Estate Dr, Asheville, NC 28803, USA
Address: 120 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501, USA
Address: 125 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030, USA
Address: 751 State Rd 1204, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
Address: 719 Coliseum Dr NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27106, USA
Address: 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC 28607, USA
Address: 2 Sullivan St, Hayesville, NC 28904, USA
Address: 115 E St James St, Tarboro, NC 27886, USA
Address: 100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC 27295, USA
Address: 13 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
Address: 703 E Fort Macon Rd #5425, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512, USA
Address: 1029 Colington Rd, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, USA
Address: 530 Foster St #130, Durham, NC 27701, USA
Address: 1614 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
Address: 1520 E 11th St, Siler City, NC 27344, USA
Address: 13077 US-19, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best local restaurants in north carolina
October 20, 2020
Beth C.
What’s the most famous restaurant in North Carolina?
As you might have gathered from our list outlining some of the best local restaurants in North Carolina, the Tar Heel State has no shortage of delicious dining options. If you’re curious to try one of the most famous restaurants in North Carolina, you’ll want to head to the Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate. Of course, the Biltmore Estate itself is one of the most-visited attractions in North Carolina, and the Dining Room is no different. If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up and pretend you’re living like a Vanderbilt, a trip to the Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate might do just the trick. Many of the menu items feature locally-grown ingredients, some of which come right from the Biltmore Gardens.
Where can I eat in North Carolina that only the locals know about?
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in North Carolina that fly under the radar, it’s a good idea to try a place off-the-beaten-path. One such example is Hillbilly Hideaway, a lovable restaurant that only the locals know about. It’s a classic roadside restaurant that specializes in home-cooking. Since 1977, Hillbilly Hideaway has been serving up classic American fare, such as fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans. When you visit, be sure to bring your appetite with you, as the portions are known to be quite generous! For more information about Hillbilly Hideaway, read our previous article.
Where can I find the best pizza in North Carolina?
North Carolina is positively brimming with delicious local pizza restaurants you’ll want to try. From classic Italian to wood-fired and New York-style, there’s simply no shortage of delicious pizza here in the Tar Heel State. If you’re looking for the best pizza in North Carolina, start with any of the following spots: Pizzeria Omaggio in Charlotte, Randy’s Pizza in Raleigh, Inizio Pizza Napoletana in Charlotte, Pure Pizza in Charlotte, Pizzeria Toro in Durham, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., Benny’s Pennello’s in Charlotte, Lost Province Brewing Co. in Boone, Lisa’s Pizzeria in Rodanthe, Sergio’s Pizza in Raleigh, and Amici Pizza in Charlotte.
Emory was born and raised in North Carolina. She enjoys writing, photography, filmmaking, travel, wine and cheese. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com
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