Some of the best-known restaurants in North Carolina by city, along with a brief description of their menu:
Raleigh – Poole’s Diner: Poole’s Diner is a modern diner that serves classic Southern cuisine with a twist. The menu includes dishes like mac and cheese, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits.
Charlotte – The Fig Tree Restaurant: The Fig Tree Restaurant is an upscale restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine with a Southern influence. The menu includes dishes like seared duck breast, pan-roasted salmon, and grilled ribeye steak.
Asheville – Cúrate: Cúrate is a Spanish tapas restaurant that offers a variety of small plates that are perfect for sharing. The menu includes dishes like patatas bravas, grilled octopus, and Spanish meatballs.
Durham – Dame’s Chicken and Waffles: Dame’s Chicken and Waffles is a Southern restaurant that specializes in chicken and waffles. The menu includes dishes like the classic chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and a variety of waffle toppings.
Wilmington – Caprice Bistro: Caprice Bistro is a French bistro that serves classic French cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. The menu includes dishes like escargots, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse.
Greensboro – Crafted: Crafted is a gastropub that offers a variety of craft beers and creative pub fare. The menu includes dishes like the pimento cheeseburger, fried chicken and waffles, and beer-battered fish and chips.
Winston-Salem – Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro: Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro is a Southern restaurant that uses fresh, local ingredients to create classic Southern dishes. The menu includes dishes like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and chicken pot pie.
Chapel Hill – Crook’s Corner: Crook’s Corner is a Southern restaurant that serves classic Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The menu includes dishes like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and pimento cheese.
Boone – Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar: Vidalia Restaurant and Wine Bar is a fine dining restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. The menu includes dishes like seared scallops, a rack of lamb, and beef tenderloin.
Asheville – Bouchon: Bouchon is a French bistro that serves classic French cuisine in a casual atmosphere. The menu includes dishes like escargots, steak frites, and coq au vin.