While big cities like Raleigh and Charlotte are making their mark with a high-end, ever-developing ‘foodie culture,’ we’d like to think the heart of true, delicious North Carolina cuisine lies in our small towns. Here, the food is local, made with love, and always served with a little down-home comfort. These 12 small towns might fly under the radar, but their restaurants do not. Here are the best foodie towns in North Carolina!

1. Mike's Farm, Beulaville
1600 Haw Branch Rd, Beulaville, NC 28518, USA
Google/Bryan Henchey
Mike's Farm is a one-of-a-kind experience offering down-home cuisine in a family-style atmosphere with all of your southern favorites. Located on a farm, you'll have plenty to see and explore prior to your meal. The front porch rocking chairs are perfect for relaxing after a big meal! In addition to their popular restaurant, guests can also enjoy their gift shop and bakery as well.
2. Artisanal Restaurant, Banner Elk
1200 Dobbins Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604, USA
Artisanal NC
Located in a beautiful converted barn, you'll find Artisanal Restaurant. Staying true to their name, they offer farm-to-table American fare in a unique dining atmosphere. With an impressive wine cellar, this restaurant offers an upscale and unique dining experience. Come dressed in business casual - no jeans or hoodies here!
3. Chef & The Farmer, Kinston
120 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501, USA
Facebook/ Chef & The Farmer
You might've heard of Chef & The Farmer, as the restaurant was featured on the PBS show 'A Chef's Life'. They offer unique, innovative, and upscale American fare served in a rustic yet cozy environment. Owner of Chef & The Farmer is a chef and author who is also a PBS personality. Guests enjoy the warm and inviting ambiance and rave about the high quality and delicious dishes coming from the kitchen.
4. Hillbilly Hideaway, Walnut Cove
4375 Pine Hall Rd, Walnut Cove, NC 27052
Facebook/Hillbilly Hideaway Restaurant
If you find Hillbilly Hideaway, you won't regret it! The 'home-trained' cooks dish out some of the most delectable southern cuisine. The atmosphere is family-friendly and wildly unique. Hillbilly Hideaway might just be one of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina. The list of best small town restaurants in the state simply wouldn't be complete without Hillbilly Hideaway!
5. Snappy Lunch, Mt. Airy
125 N Main St, Mt Airy, NC 27030
Google/Tilly Lo
Snappy Lunch is no-frills, just darn good food. This local landmark and "Mayberry' classic offers delicious sandwiches, breakfast plates, and southern fare. If Andy mentioned Snappy Lunch to Barney, you know it's good! Stop in to try their world-famous pork chop sandwich and other delicious favorites since the restaurants opening in 1923.
6. Johnson's Drive In, Siler City
1520 E 11th St, Siler City, NC 27344
Google/Gary Pearce
When you visit Johnson's Drive In, grab a seat at the bar and be prepared for one of the best burgers you've ever had! The old-school diner is like stepping back to a simpler time. While here, you must try a Velveeta burger! The restaurant has celebrated over 75 years of the business of good food served fresh to the local community.

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7. Pass the Salt, Currituck
138 Courthouse Rd, Currituck, NC 27929
Google/Pass The Salt Café
Skip the tourist-trap restaurants and try Pass the Salt Café instead. Our list of the best small town restaurants continues with this small eatery. It is home to big flavor with classic, delicious dishes like biscuits and gravy (I don't think you'll need to pass the salt). Plus, the bright, uniquely decorated interior sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.
8. Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro
230 Market St, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Google/ The Fearrington House Restaurant
Creative and unique American fare awaits your taste buds in this elegant yet cozy restaurant and Inn. Visit The Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro for seasonal menus and try their hot chocolate soufflé. Everything they create comes from the freshest ingredients from local farms.
9. On the Square, Tarboro
115 E St James St, Tarboro, NC 27886
Google/Sherri Barham
You never know what awaits you at this quaint, amazing American bistro. The menu is ever-changing but the food is always delicious. At On the Square, guests can expect to find an impeccable wine selection and a menu based on seasonal ingredients, so you just know you are getting the best.
10. Shatley Springs, Crumpler
407 Shatley Springs Rd, Crumpler, NC
Tripadvisor/ T9-Orca
You haven't had breakfast until you've dined at Shatley Springs. While you might be drawn to the rich, aromatic coffee, you'll find yourself falling in love with the classic southern options and delicious biscuits. Aside from breakfast, Shatley Springs is a one-stop for southern comfort food galore making it an excellent choice for the best small town restaurants in North Carolina. The fried chicken and perfectly cooked green beans are second-best only to Momma's.
11. Big Oak Drive-In & BBQ, Salter Path
1167 Salter Path Rd, Salter Path, NC 28575
google/David Massey
Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q might seem a bit unassuming with its classic, window-service exterior, but you're guaranteed to get one of the best shrimp burgers on the North Carolina coast!
12. Sims Country Bar-B-Que, Granite Falls
6160 Petra Mill Rd, Granite Falls, NC 28630
facebook/ Sims Country BBQ
Sims Country Bar-B-Que is about as down-home as it gets. In this 'shed' you'll find both a place for amazing bluegrass music and a restaurant with amazing BBQ. Come on the weekends for live music and a little two-step, but don't forget to try the BBQ...and vice versa! This rustic eatery offers great fun and entertainment, making it one of the best small town restaurants in North Caroline.

Those of us lucky enough to call North Carolina home know that its a foodie paradise. Even in the smallest towns, you can find remarkable places to grab a bite and share with friends. Visit any of these great towns and their restaurants for amazing food and make some fun memories along the way.

Did your favorite small town restaurant make the list? Tell us in the comments!

If you’re still hungry for more, then you’ll enjoy these 12 Bucket List Worthy Restaurants right here in North Carolina!

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More to Explore

best foodie towns in north carolina

Christina Arrascaeta | September 23, 2022

Where can I dine at the most beautiful restaurant in North Carolina?

There are many restaurants in North Carolina that offer their guests a beautiful ambiance as well as a delicious meal. Try visiting Ryan’s Restaurant in Winston-Salem. This fairytale restaurant is located in the middle of a forest. The restaurant receives constant praise for its steak and wine selection, among others.

Are there any all-you-can-eat restaurants in North Carolina?

If you’re feeling hungry, then you’re already in the right state to find all-you-can-eat food! Restaurants like Casey’s Buffet in Wilmington will please any hungry appetite with barbecue and seafood. Or, hop over to Charlotte for Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant where you can fill up on as many tacos, enchiladas, seasoned rice, and much more!

What are the most iconic restaurants in North Carolina?

A trip to beautiful North Carolina is not complete without a visit to the Outer Banks. There, you’ll find Sam and Omie’s restaurant. The restaurant’s history dates back to 1937, making it one of the most iconic in the state. For another iconic eatery, try The Open Kitchen in Charlotte, where they’ve been serving arguably the best Italian flavors in the area for more than 60 years.

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