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Rhubarb & Cúrate Named Top 25 NC Restaurants by Only In Your State

by Eating Asheville

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25 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 even amazing eateries located in unassuming small towns. 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, these 25 are an absolute MUST TRY, guaranteed to give you that ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.

1. Mateo, Durham
1. Mateo, Durham
Yelp / Melody K.
o (2)
Yelp / Tonya P.
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.
2. Artisanal, Banner Elk
2. Artisanal, Banner Elk
Artisanal NC
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.
3. Rhubarb, Asheville
3. Rhubarb, Asheville
Trip Advisor
Rhubarb is an award-winning, chic Asheville eatery that specializes in farm-to-table American fare. Stop by on Sunday nights for the ‘supper menu.’
4. Kindred, Davidson
4. Kindred, Davidson
Yelp / Kim S.
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.
5. Herons, Cary
5. Herons, Cary
Yelp / Ron W.
Located in an upscale hotel setting, Herons is perfect for a chic, five-star date night.
6. Angus Barn, Raleigh
6. Angus Barn, Raleigh
Angus Barn
Angus Barn is an amazing steakhouse in a unique location. If you’re looking for that perfect medium rare filet, go here!
7. Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro
7. Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro
Fearrington House
Exotic, creative, and unique cuisine awaits your taste buds in this rustic yet cozy farmhouse restaurant and hotel outside of Chapel Hill.
8. The Dining Room, Biltmore
8. The Dining Room, Biltmore
The Dining Room Biltmore
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.
9. Chef and the Farmer, Kinston
9. Chef and the Farmer, Kinston
Yelp / Ed. U
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.
10. Snappy Lunch, Mt. Airy
10. Snappy Lunch, Mt. Airy
Yelp / David H.
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!
11. B’s BBQ, Greenville
11. B's BBQ, Greenville
Flickr / Southern Foodways Alliance
If you’re looking for some of the best Eastern style Q in the state…B’s BBQ should be top of your list!
12. Ryan’s Restaurant, Winston-Salem
12. Ryan's Restaurant, Winston-Salem
Ryan’s Restaurant
Ryan’s is 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.
13. The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, Boone
13. The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar, Boone
The Gamekeeper / Facebook
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.
14. The Copper Door, Hayesville
14. The Copper Door, Hayesville
Yelp / The Copper Door
The Copper Door is a quality steakhouse that won’t break your budget. Intimate yet rustic, it’s perfect for date night.
15. On the Square, Tarboro
15. On the Square, Tarboro
On the Square
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.
16. Lexington Barbecue, Lexington
16. Lexington Barbecue, Lexington
Lex BBQ
Located in the birthplace of Lexington BBQ, ‘the honemonk’ is THE place to stop for the best Lexington style Q.
17. Cúrate, Asheville
17. Cúrate, Asheville
Yelp / Jeff L.
There’s no denying Asheville is a foodie haven. One must-stop is Cúrate. Enjoy uniquely delicious spanish inspired tapas.
18. Amos Mosquito’s, Atlantic Beach
18. Amos Mosquito's, Atlantic Beach
Yelp / Rick N.
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.
19. Heritage Food & Drink, Waxhaw
19. Heritage Food & Drink, Waxhaw
Facebook / Heritage
While Charlotte has plenty of amazing restaurants, you won’t mind driving to the suburbs to try Heritage. All ingredients are locally sourced and the plating is a pure work of art.
20. Colington Cafe, Kill Devil Hills
20. Colington Cafe, Kill Devil Hills
The Colington Cafe
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.
21. Dame’s Chicken and Waffles, Durham
21. Dame's Chicken and Waffles, Durham
Yelp / Mollyann R.
If you’re a lover of chicken and waffles, or just soulful southern comfort food…Dame’s should be top of your list. So much deliciousness!
22. Price’s Chicken Coop, Charlotte
22. Price's Chicken Coop, Charlotte
Yelp / Bruce K.
And for some of the best fried chicken you’ll ever have in your life…you have to visit the famous Price’s in the Queen City.
23. Johnson’s Drive-In, Siler City
23. Johnson's Drive-In, Siler City
Yelp / Robin H.
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 at Johnson’s.
24. River’s End Restaurant, Bryson City
24. River's End Restaurant, Bryson City
NOC
For a restaurant with a view, River’s End is one of the best. 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.
25. Fiction Kitchen, Raleigh
25. Fiction Kitchen, Raleigh
Heather B.
For some of the best vegan and vegetarian dishes you’ll find in the Tar Heel state…you have to try Fiction Kitchen.

Category iconBest Asheville Restaurants,  Foodtopia,  Press Tag iconAsheville best restaurants,  Asheville Dining,  Asheville NC,  Asheville Restaurants,  Asheville's Best Restaurants,  Cúrate,  John Fleer,  Katie Button,  Rhubarb

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