20 Best Restaurants in North Carolina

Google Map - Photo by Juju Durham

North Carolina offers so many good eating places which are very recommended to visit.

Tripboba put together the best 20 restaurants in North Carolina.

There are four different cities in North Carolina that Tripboba put on this list.

Raleigh, Asheville, Charlotte, and Durham are the cities in North Carolina that we recommended some must-visit restaurants in North Carolina.

Do not think twice to enjoy the delicious dishes at least one of these 20 restaurants while coming to North Carolina.

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1. SECOND EMPIRE RESTAURANT AND TAVERN

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is an elegant American restaurant that you can visit while coming to Raleigh.

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is located at 330 Hillsborough Street, starts open from 5.00 until 10.00 PM every Tuesday to Saturday, and offers great service, a very cool atmosphere, and delicious food at reasonable prices.

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern also has tasty dishes such as Ahi Tuna Tartare, Braised Painted Hills N.C. Short Rib, Empire Style Cioppino, Local Blue Sky Farms Tender Greens Salad, Crispy Point Judith Calamari, Hinsdale Salad, Marinated Grilled Kvarøy Arctic Salmon, Grilled Beeler Farms Iowa Pork Chop, Empire Seafood Paella, Roasted Five Spice Pennsylvania Duck Breast, and Grilled Australian Lamb Rack.

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

The restaurant is setting in a historic 1879 Second Empire house.

Great place to go on a date night.

Very romantic setting.

The food is superb, the ambiance is magical.

The staff delivers the highest level of service and courtesy.

perfect wine pairings and an amazing "reality show" from the highly skill kitchen team.

Address : 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603, United States

2. BIDA MANDA

Bida Manda is a modern Laotian restaurant in Raleigh with a great atmosphere, fantastic service, and wonderful foods. You can go to 222 S Blount Street to reach Bida Manda and it's open from 5.00 PM until 10.00 PM.

Bida Manda has appetizers and entrees menu which include many delicious fares such as Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps, Roasted Anaheim Pepper, Chicken Wings, Mekong River Watercress Salad, Tom Ka Gai, Crispy Pork Belly Soup, Sweet Chili Salmon, Tom Khem, Basil Stir-Fry, Pad Thai, Chicken Fried Rice, Sea Bass Mok, Khao Soi, Beef Larb, Whole North Carolina Fish, Pad Lao, Stir-Fry Cashew Ginger Chicken.

Bida Manda

Located in the Moore Square district of downtown Raleigh, Bida Manda is one of the first Laotian restaurants in the U.S.

Bida Manda is a thoughtful gathering place celebrating the diverse food traditions and culture of Laos.

The menu offers a full array for all appetites and the combinations of ingredients are guaranteed to thrill your taste-buds.

Address : 222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1408

3. NEOMONDE MEDITERRANEAN RALEIGH

Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh is one of the best Mediterranean restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina. Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh serves Lebanese light fares, open every day from 11.00 AM until 8.00 PM, and has tasty dishes, wide selections of food, and excellent service. For the food selections, you have Falafel, Beef & Lamb Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma, Grilled Steak, Grilled Chicken, Lamb Kafta, Chicken Salad, Lasagna Platter, Chicken Kabob, Steak Kabob, and more.

Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh

Neomonde Mediterranean Restaurant in Raleigh Serves Healthy Middle Eastern Food in Raleigh & Surrounding Areas.

Neomonde Mediterranean Restaurant offers healthy, fresh, Middle Eastern food that is inspired from authentic Lebanese recipes.

This Restaurant have a wide variety of gluten free and vegan/vegetarian options as well.

Address : 3817 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607-5244

4. BIG ED'S CITY MARKET RESTAURANT

If you are looking for the best breakfast eateries in Raleigh, Big Ed's City Market Restaurant might be the best choice for you. Big Ed's City Market Restaurant is located at 220 Wolfe Street, open daily from 8.00 AM until 2.00 PM, and offers all the guests a wide selection of breakfast.

You have several tasty dishes on the menu which include Sliced Pork Tenderloin, Aged Ribeye Steak, Fried Cajun Chicken Breast, French Toast with Powdered Sugar, Fried Catfish, Bologna beef, Smoked Sausage, Grilled Cheese, Big Ed's Deluxe Hamburger, and Big Ed's Deluxe Cheeseburger.

Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

Big Ed's is a gem near the Moore's square in downtown, Raleigh.

It is a great place for either breakfast or lunch.

They have one of the best Pancakes in Raleigh.

Address : 220 Wolfe St, Raleigh, NC 27601-1824

5. BREWERY BHAVANA

Brewery Bhavana is located at 218 S Blount Street, start from 4.00 until 10.00 PM and it has delicious dumplings, dim sum, and amazing Peking Duck. There are some tasty dishes that you can try such as Crab Rangoon, Duck Egg Roll, Cabbage Rolls, Chicken Curry Bao, Jiaozi Chicken Dumplings, Char Siu Bao, Scallion Pancakes, Edamame Ginger Dumplings, Seafood Dumplings, Pork Bao, Xiao Long Bao, and Sichuan Cucumber Salad.

Brewery Bhavana

If you're looking for one of the best asian food, especially dimsum, this acclaimed restaurant and brewery is a must-visit restaurant when you arrived at Raleigh.

Brewery Bhavana has an amazing atmosphere and service that really makes you feel welcomed.

The food and beer selection is amazing as well and tasty.

Address : 218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States

6. SITTI

Sitti is a modern Lebanese restaurant that you can find in Raleigh and one of the best in this city. Sitti is situated at 137 S Wilmington Street and it opens daily from 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM, so you can visit this restaurant every day with your family, friends, or your lovely one.

Then, you have a few of food selections such as Chicken Artichoke, Warak Anab, Falafel with Vegetables, Spring Lamb, Malfouf Mahshi, Samkeh Harra, Mouhamra, Hummus, Feta Cheese Dip, Curried Lamb Stew, Chicken Kabob, Kafta Kabob, Laban Bi Khiar, Chicken Shawarma, Goat Cheese Stuffed Peppers, and many more.

Sitti

Located in heart of downtown Raleigh, Sitti offers authentic Lebanese cuisine made fresh in house daily.

This Restaurant has created a fresh and authentic menu featuring an extensive offering of mezze, entrees and house-baked flatbreads.

Address : 137 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

7. GLENWOOD GRILL

Located in Glenwood Village, Glenwood Grill is a perfect destination to enjoy Southern coastal cooking and it's open from 11.30 AM/5.00 PM until 9.00 PM. Glenwood Grill also offers you some good things such as a cozy ambiance, delicious fares, quality food, and really nice music alongside.

For Appetizers and Entrees menu, you can enjoy some tasty dishes which include, Fried Green Tomatoes, Orange Chili Pork Belly, Baked Seafood Dip, Chopped Wedge Salad, Poached Mussels, Lump Crab Cakes, Grilled Rack of Lamb, Salmon & Risotto, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Seared Rare Ahi Tuna, and Grilled Swordfish.

Glenwood Grill

The Glenwood Grill offers cuisine inspired by the coastal Carolinas & the American South are made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Glenwood Grill serve flavorful, elegant food, paired with a stellar wine list and professional service.

Address : 2603-151 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27608-1044

8. POSANA RESTAURANT

Posana Restaurant is an American restaurant that offers contemporary American cuisines featuring local ingredients with a cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices. This restaurant is open from 5.00 PM until 9.00 PM on Wednesday to Sunday, and it offers variants of American food available.

There are Soup du Jour, Kale Salad, Local Greens Salad, Sherry Roasted Beets, Cornmeal Crusted Oyster Mushrooms, Purple Carrot Gnocchi, Quinoa Hush Puppy, Heritage Farms Pork Meatballs, Fried Tofu, Joyce Farms Chicken, Sunburst Farms Trout, Heritage Farms Pork Chop, and Brasstown Beef Short Rib.

Posana Restaurant

Posana is a contemporary American restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville on Historic Pack Square.

Come with a focus on serving local, seasonable, and sustainable cuisine.

Address : 1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

9. CHAI PANI ASHEVILLE

The first Indian restaurant on this restaurant and you can visit while coming to Asheville, its name is Chai Pani Asheville. This Indian eatery has located at 22 Battery Park Ave and starts open from 11.30 AM until 9.00 PM every day.

You have a few choices to choose your favorite Indian cuisines which include, Aldo Tiki Chaat, Chicken Pakoras, Bhel Puri, Desi Salad, Lamb Burgers, Paneer Tikka Roll, Chicken Tikka Roll, Crispy Masala Fish Tikka Roll, Sloppy Jai, Saag Paneer, and Butter Chicken.

Chai Pani Asheville

If you are looking for a good Indian restaurant in Ashville that has a lot of foods option, Chai Pani should be on your list.

The Indian food in this restaurant is very authentic and delicious. Chai Pani also have great vegan and vegetarian options on the menu.

Address : 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA

10. SUNNY POINT CAFé

If you are looking for a place that opens 12 hours a day and has top-quality food in Asheville, Sunny Point Café is the best place to visit. Then, you can enjoy a lot of food available such as Biscuits and Gravy, Breakfast Burrito, Breakfast Salad, Carrot Hotcakes, Shrimp & Grits, Blackened Grit Tostada, Pecan Crusted Fried Green Tomato, and some kid's menu such as Kid’s Carrot Hotcakes, Kid’s French Toast, Kid’s Fried Chicken Dinner, Kid's Grilled Cheese, and Kid’s Cheese Quesadilla.

Sunny Point Café

Sunny Point Café is a family owned, independent restaurant serving upscale comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sunny Point Café restaurant featuring a covered, outdoor dining area and an on-site production garden providing fresh produce just steps from the kitchen.

Address : 626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806, USA

11. MCKOY'S SMOKEHOUSE AND SALOON

McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon is a comfortable place to enjoy BBQ and other tasty food in Charlotte. Situated in Old Pineville Rd, this restaurant has a great vibe surrounding, friendly staff, attentive service, and delicious BBQ and it opens from 11.00 AM until 11.00 PM on Monday to Saturday.

For the food options, you can try Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Pulled Chicken Sandwich, Buffalo Shrimp, Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich, Quesadillas, Grilled Chicken Wrap, Veggie Wrap, Half BBQ Chicken, Grilled Salmon, Southern Fried Chicken, Peanut Butter Pie, Chocolate Brownie Sundae, and Bowl of Premium Vanilla Ice Cream.

McKoy's Smokehouse and Saloon

Nice atmosphere to enjoy a meal.

They offer prawns, ribs, salads, BBQ pork, fried pumpkin and beer all great.

Address : 4630 Old Pineville Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA

12. DEL FRISCO'S DOUBLE EAGLE STEAKHOUSE

One of many steak houses in Charlotte that you should visit, it's Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse. This steak house is located in Piedmont Town Center, open daily from 5.00 PM until 10.00 PM, and offers clean restrooms, excellent service, and tasty dishes.

You'll be offered many variants of tasty food such as Oysters Shucked, Broiled Alaskan King Crab, Tuna Tartare, Shanghai-style Fried Calamari, Salmon, Seared Chilean Sea Bass, Petite Lobster Tail Trio, Broiled Lobster Tail, Roasted Chicken, Colorado Lamb Rack, Filet Medallions, and Roasted Cauliflower Steak.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, North Carolina

Best Reataurant in Town! I felt in love . Great food, lamb and steak were amazing! Great location, great environment. I felt safe, very clean and appropriate social distance.Definitely will come back.

A great place for a business lunch The salmon with the lobster sauce was unbelievably great. I highly recommend. The chocolate mousse was an excellent treat for a guy who has been dieting for two months. The setting next to their...

Very slow service We had a 7:15pm reservation on Saturday night. We arrived at 6:45pm to sit int he bar. Checked-in and were we told immediately they were running behind. say many people get the same message as we waited to get...

Address : 4725 Piedmont Row Dr Suite 170, Charlotte, NC 28210-4270

13. MAMA RICOTTA'S

An Italian restaurant that you should visit while coming to Charlotte because it serves traditional Italian cooking and New Haven-style pizza. Located in Midtown Terrace, Mama Ricotta's starts open from 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM every day and offers all the guests wonderful service, yummy food, and the real Italian atmosphere surrounding.

For the menu selections, there are Mussels, Mozzarella and Tomatoes, Calamari, Bruschetta, Zuppa Del Giorno, Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad, Chicken Oreganata Pizza, Chicken Sausage Pizza, Tonarelli Carbonara, Lasagna, Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato Basil, Chianti Braised Short Rib, Chicken Parmesan, Pollo Romano, Veal Marsala, and Salmoni Arrostiti Olivada.

Mama Ricotta's

Traditional Italian cooking & New Haven-style pizza in a warm, roomy setting with a covered patio.

Good food at a reasonable price I visited with my family that includes some very young grandchildren, and this place met all of our needs. It was good food, the atmosphere was nice, and the service was good. I will come back for...

Awesome Italian!!! Great food, great service, we all enjoyed everything we had from apps to deserts and didn't break the bank. Will definitely go back if we are in town again.

Address : 601 S Kings Dr Ste Aa, Charlotte, NC 28204-2932

14. THE REFECTORY CAFE

If you have a plan to go to Durham and looking for the best restaurants there, then you need to visit The Refectory Cafe. Located at 2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, The Refectory Cafe is open daily from 9.00 AM until 8.30 PM and you can enjoy fantastic service, a very good atmosphere, and an amazing food selection.

The Refectory Cafe can make all the guests happy and comfortable with delicious foods available such as Crispy Duck Leg, Chicken Marsala, Boxcarr Creamery Cheese Plate, Herb Roasted Half-Chicken, Calamari, Charcuterie Splurge, Seafood Risotto, Grilled Faroe Island Salmon, Maryland Lump Crab Cake, Garlic Shrimp Linguine, and Pan-Seared Fresh Catch.

The Refectory Cafe

Breakfasts, brunches & casual American food, with vegan options, in a colorful, casual setting.

Amazing Restaurant! This is my second time here and it never disappoints. EVERYTHING takes fresh and prepared with TLC. Service is amazing, Lee is the best providing us with samples that we later took orders for take out! Want a...

Phenomenal Food and Service Went in for lunch and was blown away by the service and food. We tried multiple breakfast and lunch items and the staff even allowed us to try things before ordering! It was obvious how much they care...

Address : 2726 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd Academy Road intersection, Durham, NC 27707-2870

15. BURGER BACH - DURHAM

Burger Bach - Durham offers you so many good things and can make you comfortable such as well service, a nice atmosphere, and a great selection of burgers, starters, and others menu available.

Located in Shops at Erwin Mill, Burger Bach - Durham is open daily from 11.00 AM until 10.00 PM and you can visit this eatery every day with your family or friends. For the food selections, you have Rockefeller Oysters, Pulled Pork Nachos, NZ Nachos, Guacamole, Crab Cakes, Blackened Tuna Bites, Original Burger, Wellington Burger, French Chick, Caesar, Young Spinach, and Southwest Black Bean.

Burger Bach - Durham

A nice play to enjoy a nice Saturday or Sunday meal.

The outdoor patio is year round with gas heaters and fans installed.

Address : 737 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

16. FOSTER'S MARKET

Foster's Market serves breakfasts, sandwiches, and salads on the menu. You can go to 2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd to reach up this restaurant and it's open from 9.00 AM until 3.00 PM on Thursday to Monday. Then, you can the delicious dishes here which include, Breakfast Burrito, Spinach Quesadilla, Avocado Toast, Tarragon Chicken, Tuna Salad, Pimiento Cheese, Kids Grilled Cheese, Three Cheese Grilled Cheese with Apples, Greek Grilled Cheese, BLT Sandwich, Grilled Italian Grinder, Cubano, and Black Forest Ham.

Foster's Market

Cafe serving breakfasts, sandwiches & soups made from scratch, attached to a gourmet food market.

Good food. Interesting atmosphere. Ive had several of their sandwiches on my lunch break and liked everyone one of them. I really like their cubano and reuben.

Always delicious choices We have been going to Foster’s for the last two years and I have to say it is always enjoyable! There is a large array of choices for everyone, from salads, soups, sandwiches, breakfast, And desserts....

Address : 2694 Chapel Hill-Durham Rd, Durham, NC 27707

17. BLEU OLIVE

Bleu Olive is a Mediterranean restaurant with outdoor seating that serves some delicious food, top-notch service, and a great place to eat in a very nice atmosphere.

Located in Croasdaile Commons, Bleu Olive starts open from 11.00 AM until 2.30 PM and opens again from around 5.00 until 9.00 PM every Monday to Saturday. For the food options, you have Artisan Lettuces, Beet Tartare, Baby Spinach, Steak Frites, Herb Roasted Lamb Loin, Heritage Pork Chop, Moussaka, Local Grass Fed Bone-in Ribeye, Lamb Burger, Scottish Salmon, Shrimp Tourkolimano, Paella, and Spiced Lamb Bolognese.

Bleu Olive

Mediterranean bistro with outdoor seating serving inventive fare in a white-tablecloth setting.

Stopped here for lunch today. Stopped here for lunch today. Excellent service and great food. I had the Lamb Kefte Pita for lunch, and it was cooked perfectly. If I lived in Durham, it would be high on my list of places to go...

Excellent Lunch Our first visit was very pleasant. We had the lamb kefte pita and a beet salad. Both were very tasty, and well presented. Service was very good: friendly and efficient. We recommend Bleu Olive and will return when...

Address : 1821 Hillandale Rd, Durham, NC 27705-2659

18. JUJU DURHAM

Located in Shops at Erwin Mill, Juju Durham is an Asian fusion restaurant with good service, lovely decor, and amazing foods. Juju Durham is open daily from 11.00 AM until 2.00 PM and opens again from 5.00 until 9.00 PM, so you can visit this restaurant every day with your family or friends who love Asian food.

Juju Durham has some tasty dishes on the menu such as BBQ Pork Belly Dumpling, Pulled Beef Short Rib Wonton, Spicy Tuna Bites, Thai Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps, Glazed Pork Belly Buns, Fried Chicken Buns, Leek Fried Rice, Charred Octopus, Pan-Roasted Diver Scallops, Lemongrass Grilled Hanger Steak, and a few tasty desserts like Chocolate Mousse Peanut Butter Cup, Doughnuts, and Brown Butter Pot De Creme.

Juju Durham

Asian fusion and tapasbar offers creative, small plates, Shochu and Sake choices & other spirits.

Address : 737 9th St #210, Durham, NC 27705, USA

19. ELMO'S DINER

Enjoy your free time in the morning by eating some delicious breakfast in Elmo's Diner. This restaurant is located at 776 9th Street, open every day from 7.30 AM until 8.30 PM, and offers a variety of food options, good service, and nice prices.

Elmo's Diner has so many delicious fares on the menu such as Grilled Chicken Breast, Salmon Cakes, Italian Meatloaf, Chicken & Dumplin's, Salmon Fillet Meal, Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Homestyle Turkey Meal, Onion Rings, Hummus Platter, Grilled Chicken Salad, Large Greek Salad, Chicken Burrito, Chicken Fajitas, and Enchilada Dinner.

Elmo's Diner

Breakfast anytime & other American square meals in homey digs with booths & a family-friendly vibe.

Address : 776 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA

20. TED'S MONTANA GRILL DURHAM

Ted's Montana Grill is an old west-style steakhouse and very recommended to visit while coming to Durham, North Carolina. Situated in Renaissance Center, Ted's Montana Grill is open every day from 11.00 AM until 9.00 PM.

For the food options, you have Bison Nachos, Homemade Chips, Grilled Shrimp on Ciabatta Toast, Ted's Bacon Cheeseburger, Canyon Creek, Absolute Best Fish Sandwich, Cedar Plank Salmon, New York Strip, and some desserts like Strawberry Shortcake, Kahlua Fudge Brownie, Cheesecake with Wildberries, and Vanilla Ice Cream.

Ted's Montana Grill, North Carolina

Old West-style steakhouse chain known for its burgers & chops made from bison.

If you are celebrating a birthday, they provide you with a choice of dessert.

Address : 7404 Waverly Walk Ave #1-3, Charlotte, NC 28277, USA