If you’ve been to North Carolina before, you know that it has some of the best restaurants in the country. From farm-to-table spots to barbeque joints, there are so many amazing places to eat and drink that it can be overwhelming. When it comes to finding the best restaurants in North Carolina, you have a lot of options. You could stick with tried and true classics or try something new. There are so many different kinds of restaurants (and bars) serving up everything from lobster mac and cheese to hot chicken that choosing just 8 is not easy! But trust us when we say these are all worthy spots worth visiting. From coast to mountain, here are 8 restaurants in North Carolina that will blow your mind. It is no secret that North Carolina has some of the most amazing restaurants in the entire world. From New York City to Paris, there are mouth-watering eateries in every corner of the globe. But even so, it’s hard to top our state when it comes to having so many scrumptious establishments. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or an upscale dining experience, you can find something that will satisfy your taste buds no matter where you are in North Carolina. So if you’re ready to book a trip and see what all the fuss is about, check out these 8 restaurants in NC that will blow your mind.
What are the best restaurants in North Carolina?
- The Fearington House Restaurant
- The Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate
- Herons at the Umstead
- The Gamekeeper Restaurant
- La Shanga: A Spanish Restaurant
- Sanitary Restaurant
- Artisanal Restaurant
- Nana’s Restaurant
The Fearington House Restaurant
If you want to eat like a king, you’ll want to visit the Fearington House Restaurant in New Bern, North Carolina. This upscale eatery features an extensive wine list, a seasonal menu, and incredible desserts. You’ll find everything from filet mignon to crab cakes and scallops, plus you can also sample some interesting seafood dishes like crawfish etouffee.
The Fearington House Restaurant is a beautiful restaurant in New Bern that has been around for more than 35 years. You’ll feel like you’ve transported to another era thanks to the gorgeous interior design, but you’ll be completely at home with the excellent service. If you’re looking for a special place to eat while visiting New Bern, the Fearington House is a fantastic choice.
The Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate
If you’re on a budget and can’t afford one of Biltmore’s classic weddings, you can still enjoy a meal inside the mansion by eating at the Dining Room. This upscale restaurant overlooks the stunning gardens and the French-inspired architecture of the historic estate, making it the perfect setting for a romantic meal.
You’ll find everything from sandwiches to steaks and seafood on the menu, plus the Dining Room also offers seasonal specialties. If you’re visiting in the fall, you’ll find an apple cider brined pork loin on the menu, while winter brings a warm pear and blue cheese salad. If you visit Biltmore anytime between October and December, you’ll also want to make sure you catch the annual Christmas dinner that’s served in the Dining Room.
Herons at the Umstead
If you want to enjoy a romantic dinner while also taking in some stunning views, Herons at the Umstead is the perfect restaurant. This eatery is situated right on the banks of the Umstead State Park, so you’ll be able to look out over the picturesque landscape while dining.
Herons offers a seasonal menu that typically includes seafood, steaks, and classic Southern fare like fried chicken. You’ll find both a buffet and a la carte options at Herons, so there’s something for every taste. If you visit on the first weekend of October, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy various festivals, which has been described as “bourbon country meets Charlotte.”
The Gamekeeper
If you’re more of a Seafood and Sides kind of person, you’ll want to visit the Gamekeeper in Pinehurst, North Carolina. This rustic restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and endless variety of sides, and you can also enjoy live music while you eat.
The Gamekeeper features a limited menu that’s updated every day, so you can try something new every time you visit. The seafood boil is a customer favorite, but you can also choose from a variety of other options like fried chicken and steak. If you’re visiting in the fall, you’ll also want to make sure you visit the pumpkin patch that’s located on the premises.
La Shanga: A Spanish Restaurant
If you’re in search of a unique dining experience, you can’t go wrong with La Shanga: A Spanish Restaurant in Durham, North Carolina. This tapas and flamenco-inspired eatery is unlike anything else in the state, and it’s a truly authentic Spanish experience.
La Shanga features a wide variety of small plates that you can share with friends, and many of the ingredients are locally sourced. You can also sample sangria and Spanish desserts while you’re there, and you can even catch a flamenco show if you like. La Shanga is open for dinner each night, and it’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends.
Sanitary Restaurant
If you’re looking for a place to eat that’s both beautiful and incredibly tasty, you’ll want to visit Sanitary Restaurant in Durham. This old-school restaurant is famous for its hot dogs and milkshakes, and it’s also beloved for its vintage aesthetic. You’ll find a hot dog and milkshake on the menu at Sanitary, but there are also plenty of other options if you’re not feeling like a classic.
There’s also a veggie burger, and you can add a variety of toppings to create the perfect sandwich. While there aren’t any reservations at Sanitary, you will find a line frequently wraps around the block, so be sure to visit early in the day if you want to avoid a wait.
Artisanal Restaurant
If you’re looking for a restaurant in North Carolina that’s completely unique, you’ll want to visit Artisanal Restaurant in Raleigh. This eatery is unlike anything else in the state, offering a molecular gastronomy experience that’s unlike anything else around. You’ll find everything from Asian-inspired tasting menus to Italian-inspired dishes at Artisanal, and you can also sample some experimental cocktails if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
You’ll find a rotating menu at Artisanal, so there’s always something new to try. If you’re looking for something special, you can also make a reservation for one of the private dining rooms, where you and a group of friends can enjoy an exclusive tasting menu.
Nana's Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Southern Comfort Food, you’ll want to visit Nana’s Restaurant in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This casual eatery is known for its fried chicken, but you won’t find anything fancy or pretentious here.
You can enjoy Nana’s famous fried chicken with a side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw, and you can also try other Southern classics like meatloaf and biscuits and gravy. If you’re visiting Nana’s Restaurant during the fall, you’ll want to make sure you catch the annual Haunted Chicken Dinner, where you can eat fried chicken while it’s dark outside and enjoy some spooky treats.
Conclusion
If you’ve been to North Carolina before, you know that it has some of the best restaurants in the country. From farm-to-table spots to barbeque joints, there are so many amazing places to eat and drink that it can be overwhelming. When it comes to finding the best restaurants in North Carolina, you have a lot of options. You could stick with tried and true classics or try something new. There are so many different kinds of restaurants serving up everything from lobster mac and cheese to hot chicken that choosing just 8 is not easy! But trust us when we say these are all worthy spots worth visiting. From coast to mountain, here are 8 best restaurants in North Carolina that will blow your mind.
