Top restaurants list
10 Best North Carolina Restaurants
- 10 restaurants
- North Carolina
- Updated December 13, 2025
The top 10 best North Carolina restaurants are The Angus Barn, Lexington Barbecue, Chai Pani, The Market Place, Good Hot Fish, Ajja, Brodeto, Stanbury, M Sushi, and Nanas. The state of North Carolina offers famous foods such as Lexington-style and Eastern-style barbecue, fresh seafood, and classic Southern dishes. The annual Lexington Barbecue Festival celebrates the state's most famous dishes and historic establishments like The Angus Barn and Lexington Barbecue are foundational to the state's food culture.
The best restaurants in North Carolina are tied to its deep-rooted culinary traditions. Cities like Asheville, known for its farm-to-table movement, and Lexington, the epicenter of its namesake barbecue style, are some of the best places to eat in the state.
Among the most famous restaurants in North Carolina, Chai Pani stands out for winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, its unique and vibrant Indian street food, and its accessible, energetic atmosphere. The most iconic fast-food option is Bojangles. For fine dining, The Angus Barn is a top choice, known for its classic steakhouse experience and world-renowned wine cellar.
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Lexington Barbecue is a historic pit-cooked barbecue destination in Lexington North Carolina known for slow-smoked pork shoulders, tangy vinegar-and-ketchup dip, and red slaw. Diners regularly order signature items such as...- Item Prices
- 67
- Average Item Price
- $5.23
Lexington Barbecue Menu PricesMore about Lexington Barbecue
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Barbecue Joint
Type of Food:
Lexington-Style Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
Chopped Barbecue Plate, Sliced Barbecue Plate, Barbecue Sandwich, Red Slaw
Location:
100 Smokehouse Ln, Lexington, NC 27295
Special Feature:
The restaurant cooks its pork shoulders for 8 to 10 hours over pits of wood coals, a traditional method that defines the Lexington style.
What Makes It Special:
Lexington Barbecue is considered a benchmark for North Carolina barbecue and won a James Beard Foundation America's Classics Award in 2003.
What Sets It Apart:
Its strict adherence to the traditional, wood-only cooking method and its focus on a simple, perfected menu make it a pillar of North Carolina's barbecue culture.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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2
Vegetarian Indian AsianChai Pani is a popular restaurant chain in the US that serves authentic Indian street food. Chai Pani is known for traditional snacks and Parsi-style sandwiches inspired by the roadside...- Item Prices
- 104
- Average Item Price
- $8.83
Chai Pani Menu PricesMore about Chai Pani
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Indian Street Food
Signature Dishes:
Bhel Puri, Sloppy Jai, Okra Fries, Matchstick Okra Salad
Location:
32 Banks Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:
The restaurant's menu is designed to capture the experience of eating on the streets of India, with a focus on bright, complex, and layered flavors.
What Makes It Special:
Chai Pani won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in America in 2022, one of the highest honors in the U.S. restaurant industry.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant presents Indian food in a fun, accessible, and non-traditional format, moving beyond the standard curries to highlight the diversity of Indian street snacks.
Operating Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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The Market Place is a fine dining restaurant in downtown Asheville that has been a pioneer of the city's farm-to-table movement since 1979. The menu features contemporary American cuisine crafted with ingredients sourced from local farms and producers.- Item Prices
- 120
- Average Item Price
- $20.51
The Market Place Honey Roasted Turkey and Cheddar Sandwich Price The Market Place Spinach and Kale Chicken Caesar Salad PriceThe Market Place Menu PricesMore about The Market Place
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
New American, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:
The menu is seasonal and changes frequently. Past dishes include Pan-Seared Scallops, Heritage Pork Chop, and seasonal vegetable plates.
Location:
20 Wall Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:
The restaurant maintains direct relationships with local farmers, cheesemakers, and artisans, with its purveyors listed on the menu.
What Makes It Special:
For over 40 years, The Market Place has been a cornerstone of Asheville's dining scene, consistently championing local and sustainable agriculture.
What Sets It Apart:
Its long-standing history and unwavering commitment to a farm-to-table ethos make it a foundational and influential restaurant in the region.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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4
Nanas is a fine dining restaurant in Durham that recently reopened after a hiatus. The restaurant has a long history as a pioneer of Durham's dining scene and now serves a menu of New American cuisine with global influences, particularly from India and Italy.- Item Prices
- 36
- Average Item Price
- $11.26
Nanas Menu PricesMore about Nanas
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
The menu is seasonal. Past dishes have included Scallop Crudo, Ricotta Gnocchi, and Rohan Duck.
Location:
2514 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707
Special Feature:
The restaurant is a celebrated revival of a beloved Durham institution, now led by a new generation of chefs.
What Makes It Special:
The original Nanas was a foundational restaurant for Durham's culinary reputation, and its reopening has been a major event for the local dining community.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant carries the legacy of a local landmark while pushing forward with a new, modern culinary vision.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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5. The Angus Barn
The Angus Barn is a large, upscale steakhouse in Raleigh housed in a restored red barn. The restaurant has been in operation since 1960 and is known for its classic American steakhouse menu, extensive wine cellar, and rustic, grand atmosphere.More about The Angus Barn
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Steakhouse
Type of Food:
American, Steak
Signature Dishes:
Prime Rib, Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Chocolate Chess Pie
Location:
9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a world-renowned wine cellar with over 1,700 selections, which has won the Wine Spectator Grand Award annually since 1989.
What Makes It Special:
The Angus Barn is a Raleigh institution, celebrated for its consistent quality, hospitality, and traditional steakhouse experience for over 60 years.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of its massive, barn-like structure, museum-quality decor, and award-winning wine program creates a unique destination dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Friday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMSaturday & Sunday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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6. Good Hot Fish
Good Hot Fish is a casual, counter-service restaurant in Asheville from chef Ashleigh Shanti. The restaurant serves a menu inspired by classic Southern fish camps, featuring fried fish sandwiches, plates, and seasonal sides.More about Good Hot Fish
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Southern Seafood
Signature Dishes:
Fish Sandwich, Fried Fish Plate, Smoked Fish Dip, Seasonal Sides
Location:
10 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Special Feature:
The menu is simple and focused, centered on high-quality, sustainably sourced fish prepared in a straightforward Southern style.
What Makes It Special:
Chef Ashleigh Shanti is a James Beard Award-winning chef, and the restaurant reflects her modern approach to Appalachian and Southern food traditions.
What Sets It Apart:
The restaurant elevates the humble fish shack concept with a chef-driven focus on ingredient quality and precise execution.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PMMonday & Tuesday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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7. Ajja
Ajja is a restaurant and bar in Raleigh's Five Points neighborhood that serves a menu inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The space features a large, vibrant patio and a menu centered around dishes cooked over a wood-fired grill.More about Ajja
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Signature Dishes:
Lamb Ribs, Charred Carrots with Labneh, Whole Grilled Fish, various dips with fresh pita
Location:
209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Special Feature:
The restaurant has an expansive, colorful outdoor patio with its own bar, making it a popular destination for al fresco dining.
What Makes It Special:
Ajja was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit in 2023.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a fun, vacation-like atmosphere with a menu of shareable, fire-kissed dishes creates a lively and social dining experience.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 8:30 PMMonday & Tuesday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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8. Brodeto
Brodeto is a fine dining restaurant in Charlotte that offers a menu inspired by the coastal cuisines of Croatia and Italy. The restaurant is centered around a large, live-fire hearth where much of the food is prepared.More about Brodeto
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Croatian, Italian
Signature Dishes:
Brodeto (Croatian fish stew), Hearth-Roasted Whole Fish, Handmade Pasta, Grilled Steaks
Location:
2201 Iron Works Dr suite 137, Raleigh, NC 27604
Special Feature:
The open kitchen is dominated by a 14-foot-long live-fire hearth, which is the primary cooking method for the menu.
What Makes It Special:
Brodeto is a new concept from the acclaimed team behind the restaurant Kindred, bringing a unique and focused culinary perspective to Charlotte.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on the hearth-cooked, seafood-centric cuisine of the Adriatic coast is a distinct and ambitious concept for the region.
Operating Hours:
Daily: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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9. Stanbury
Stanbury is a neighborhood restaurant in Raleigh that serves a creative, constantly changing menu of New American cuisine. The restaurant is known for its adventurous dishes, focus on whole-animal butchery, and a lively, no-reservations atmosphere.More about Stanbury
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
New American
Signature Dishes:
The menu changes daily. Past dishes include Bone Marrow, Crispy Pig Head, and various crudos and handmade pastas.
Location:
938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Special Feature:
The menu is written daily on a large chalkboard in the dining room, reflecting the freshest available ingredients.
What Makes It Special:
Stanbury has been a consistent local favorite and a multiple James Beard Award semifinalist, celebrated for its innovative and unpretentious food.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a relaxed, neighborhood feel with a highly ambitious and adventurous "nose-to-tail" culinary philosophy makes it a unique dining spot.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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10. M Sushi
M Sushi is a modern, upscale sushi restaurant located in downtown Durham. The restaurant offers an a la carte menu as well as a multi-course omakase experience, with a focus on high-quality, seasonal fish sourced from around the world.More about M Sushi
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining, Sushi Bar
Type of Food:
Japanese, Sushi
Signature Dishes:
Omakase (Chef's Tasting Menu), Nigiri, Sashimi, M's Signature Roll
Location:
311 Holland St, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:
The restaurant offers a Grand Omakase, a comprehensive tasting menu that provides a curated journey through different styles of sushi and Japanese dishes.
What Makes It Special:
M Sushi is widely regarded as one of the best sushi restaurants in North Carolina, known for its exceptional fish quality and precise preparation.
What Sets It Apart:
Its commitment to a high-end, authentic sushi experience, particularly its omakase, sets a standard for Japanese fine dining in the region.
Operating Hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PMFriday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$60 to $150 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Food is North Carolina Famous For?
North Carolina is famous for its distinctive style of barbecue, fresh seafood from the coast, and classic Southern side dishes. The state's food identity is defined by its two primary styles of barbecue: Lexington-style in the west and Eastern-style. For food tourism, the "Historic Barbecue Trail" is a major draw, featuring classic, wood-smoking pits that have been in operation for decades. A unique local creation is the "red slaw" or "barbecue slaw" found with Lexington-style barbecue, which is vinegar-based and tinted red with ketchup. Other local specialties include Calabash-style fried seafood, Moravian chicken pie, and the soft drink Cheerwine.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in North Carolina?
The average cost of a meal in North Carolina at an inexpensive restaurant is $16. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant costs an average of $70. Prices for meals at fine dining establishments in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Asheville start at $75 per person and vary based on the specific restaurant and menu selections.
What are the Most Popular Fast-food Restaurants in North Carolina?
The most popular fast food in North Carolina includes major national brands and a very strong presence of beloved Southern chains. Bojangles, a chain founded in Charlotte, is a state icon. Cook Out is another North Carolina-based chain with a massive following. These restaurants are listed below.
- Bojangles: A North Carolina-based chain famous for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, and "Bo-Rounds."
- Cook Out: A North Carolina-based chain known for its extensive menu of char-grilled burgers, barbecue plates, and over 40 flavors of milkshakes.
- Chick-fil-A: A Southern favorite specializing in chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
- McDonald's: A global chain serving its classic menu of burgers, fries, and breakfast items.
- Wendy's: Known for its square burgers, chili, and Frosty desserts.
- Taco Bell: Serves a menu of Mexican-inspired fast food.
- Zaxby's: A fast-casual chain specializing in chicken fingers, wings, and salads.
- Hardee's: A chain with a strong presence in the South, known for its "Made from Scratch" biscuits and charbroiled "Thickburgers."
- Biscuitville: A North Carolina-based chain that specializes in breakfast, with a focus on fresh-baked biscuits made every 15 minutes.
What are the Newest Restaurants in North Carolina?
North Carolina's new restaurants offer fresh concepts and flavors across the state, particularly in the Triangle area. Recent openings include Aaktun, offering Latin-Asian fusion, and Brodeto, a Croatian-Italian restaurant. These best new North Carolina restaurants are listed below:
- Aaktun: A multi-concept establishment that functions as a coffee shop, restaurant, and tiki bar, serving a menu of Latin-Asian fusion cuisine. Located at 704 Ramseur St, Durham, NC 27701.
- Atomic Clock Brewing: A brewery and casual eatery that serves a menu of elevated bar food, including empanadas and corn ribs. Located at 501 Washington St # A, Durham, NC 27701.
- Brodeto: A Croatian-Italian restaurant from Chef Scott Crawford that features a seafood-heavy menu in a modern, Adriatic-inspired space. Located at 2201 Iron Works Dr Suite 137, Raleigh, NC 27604.
- Crawford Brothers Steakhouse: An upscale, modern steakhouse at Fenton in Cary, serving a menu of classic American dishes and prime aged beef. Located at 401 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511.
- Daijobu: A modern Japanese restaurant that specializes in ramen and hand rolls in a sleek, dark setting. Located at 170 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601.
- Emmy Squared: A restaurant specializing in Detroit-style pizza, also serving a menu of burgers, salads, and pastas. Located at 905 W Main St #25A, Durham, NC 27701.
Are There Lunch Spots in North Carolina Worth Trying?
Yes, there are lunch spots in North Carolina worth trying, including Lexington Barbecue, Biscuit Head, and Parker & Otis. Lexington Barbecue is a historic, James Beard Award-winning institution that serves a classic, no-frills lunch of wood-smoked pork shoulders and red slaw. For a more modern take on Southern food, Biscuit Head in Asheville is a popular spot known for its giant "cathead" biscuits, a variety of gravies, and a fresh jam and butter bar. In Durham, Parker & Otis is a gourmet market and cafe that serves a menu of creative sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a bustling, eclectic space.
Are There Good Places for Dinner in North Carolina?
Yes, there are good places for dinner in North Carolina, such as The Angus Barn, Chai Pani, and Stanbury. These restaurants provide distinct dinner experiences, from classic fine dining to innovative casual fare. The Angus Barn in Raleigh is a landmark fine dining steakhouse in a massive red barn, known for its prime cuts of beef and an award-winning wine cellar. In Asheville, Chai Pani offers a vibrant and casual dinner of Indian street food and won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant in America. For a more chef-driven experience, Stanbury in Raleigh is a neighborhood restaurant with a daily changing menu of creative New American dishes and a focus on whole-animal butchery.
Which Restaurants in North Carolina Serve Vegan Food?
North Carolina offers a selection of restaurants serving vegan food, such as Plant, The Fiction Kitchen, and Living Kitchen. Plant in Asheville is an upscale, fine dining restaurant that serves an entirely plant-based menu of creative, chef-driven dishes. The Fiction Kitchen in Raleigh offers innovative vegan and vegetarian cuisine with a Southern flair in a funky, art-filled space. Living Kitchen, with locations in Charlotte and Raleigh, is a casual cafe that serves a 100% organic, plant-based menu of juices, salads, bowls, and burgers. In Charlotte, Oh My Soul is a fully vegan restaurant and bar with a large patio, serving comfort food classics.
Which Restaurants in North Carolina Serve Gluten-Free Food?
The restaurants in North Carolina that serve gluten-free food are Posana, BimBeriBon, and Fresh Levant Bistro. Posana in Asheville is a contemporary American fine dining restaurant with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, ensuring that 100% of its menu is safe for celiac diners. BimBeriBon, also in Asheville, is a globally inspired cafe and bakery that is entirely gluten-free, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In Raleigh, Fresh Levant Bistro is a Mediterranean-inspired cafe and bakery with a completely gluten-free menu of flatbreads, sandwiches, and pastries.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in North Carolina?
North Carolina's most famous cuisines are barbecue and Southern. The state's food identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural history and its distinct regional traditions. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in North Carolina.
- Barbecue: This is the most defining cuisine of the state. It is divided into two main styles: Eastern-style, which uses the whole hog and a vinegar-pepper sauce, and Lexington-style (or Piedmont-style), which uses only pork shoulder and a vinegar-based sauce with ketchup.
- Southern/Soul Food: This broad category encompasses the traditional comfort foods of the region. It includes dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, biscuits, and cornbread.
- Seafood: With a long coastline, North Carolina is known for its fresh seafood. Calabash-style, which means lightly battered and deep-fried, is a famous local preparation. Oysters, shrimp, and various types of fish are staples.
- Farm-to-Table: This modern approach is particularly strong in cities like Asheville and the Triangle region. It focuses on using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from North Carolina's farms to create contemporary American dishes.
- Appalachian: In the western part of the state, this cuisine reflects the food traditions of the mountains. It is characterized by ingredients like corn, beans, squash, foraged foods, and preserved goods, with a focus on simple, resourceful cooking.
More top restaurant lists in North Carolina
- 10 Best Asian Restaurants in Raleigh
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Asheville
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Charlotte
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Raleigh
- 10 Best Casual Restaurants in Winston-Salem
- 10 Best Charlotte Restaurants
- 10 Best Durham Restaurants
- 10 Best Hidden Restaurants in North Carolina
- 10 Best Indian Restaurants in Charlotte
- 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Asheville
- 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Charlotte
- 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Raleigh
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