I'm a big fan of hidden gem restaurants in North Carolina. From Wilson to Fuquay-Varina, don't be misled by the size of these six tiny but mighty restaurants in North Carolina. They actually cook up some of the best food in the state. While some are a bit out of the way and may be easy to miss, it is worth the drive to these tiny delicious eateries in North Carolina. Let's take a look at some of the best places to eat in North Carolina.

1. Cafe Root Cellar, Pittsboro

Cafe Root Cellar showcases the imaginative Chef Sera Cuni's culinary skills. Enjoy dinners and Sunday brunch inside or the view with patio dining at one of the best hidden gem restaurants in North Carolina.

Take a look at the hearty Beef Birria Street Tacos.

This plate of glory is made with cheddar, herbs, Mexican street corn, and jalapeno ranch in crispy corn tortillas, and is served with fresh plantains. What??? Yes, fresh plantains.

2. WatersView Restaurant, Littleton

The scenic drive to WatersView Restaurant is amazing enough, but wait until you see the inside and outside of this beautiful place, complete with moody fire pits on the deck.

Try the chef's dinner special when offered. It consists of fresh grilled swordfish with spicy and sweet house-made peach salsa. One of the best places to eat in North Carolina, I've got this one on my list to visit the next time I am in the area.

3. Salty Shores Seafood Calabash Style, Wilson

Another great restaurant near me in North Carolina, Salty Shores Seafood is a tiny, family-run eatery offering daily specials based on what's in season, such as butterfish, spots, soft-shell crabs, and herring.

Check out the size of these yummy crabcakes, with a side of crinkly fries.

4. Little Portugal, Fuquay-Varina

The authentic recipes from Little Portugal come from loving traditions passed down from a Portuguese family.

One of the most celebrated dishes at this hidden gem restaurant in North Carolina is the Portuguese char-grilled chicken, white or dark, with fries and vegetable rice.

5. Irregardless, Raleigh

Enjoy live music and elegant art at Irregardless, a vegan and vegetarian cafe.

One of the best places to eat in North Carolina, the beautiful space has a global menu of locally sourced cuisine, like this vibrant and colorful Chile Relleno, to cheer you on a chilly day.

Who would have thought to put pomegranate seeds on a stuffed pepper?

6. Carolina Smoke Barbeque Grill & Copper Still, Morganton

The meats smoking at Carolina Smoke Barbecue Grill & Copper Still every night are quite a draw with their luscious scent wafting through the prairie. It is definitely a must when it comes to restaurants near me serving meat!

One result is a whopping 12-hour applewood-smoked half-pound pulled pork sandwich with creamy house-made slaw and garlic dill pickles.

Have you been to any of these restaurants near me in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments!

Looking to extend your time while visiting restaurants? Check out what Booking has for accommodations.

While you're exploring the Tar Heel State, check out some of these trails in North Carolina that lead to unforgettable places.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/best-hikes-in-north-carolina/