Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s food scene offers something special for every hungry visitor. From smoky barbecue joints to fancy dining rooms, the Tar Heel State is packed with amazing places to eat. Local food lovers have their favorites that keep them coming back for more. These restaurants aren’t just about good food – they’re about experiences that make folks feel at home while tasting the best flavors North Carolina has to offer.
Haywood Smokehouse – Dillsboro
Texas-style barbecue with Carolina charm awaits at this mountain gem. Recently landing at #11 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., Haywood Smokehouse has also claimed the crown for Best Brisket in North America.
The secret? Perfectly smoked meats that spend hours in the pit, developing that signature bark and pink smoke ring that barbecue enthusiasts crave. Locals rave about the fall-apart tender brisket and homemade sides that complement every plate.
Family-owned and community-focused, this Dillsboro destination draws visitors from across the state who don’t mind the drive for a taste of barbecue perfection.
Odeh’s Mediterranean Kitchen – High Point
Authentic flavors transport diners straight to the Mediterranean at this family-owned treasure. Ranked #43 on Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 list, Odeh’s has become High Point’s culinary crown jewel.
The menu showcases generations-old recipes brought to life with fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Fluffy housemade pita bread arrives warm at your table, perfect for scooping up silky hummus drizzled with olive oil and za’atar.
Locals swear by the shawarma – tender, marinated meat stacked high and sliced to order. Each plate comes with such attention to detail that first-time visitors almost always become regulars.
Freeman’s Grub & Pub – Greensboro
Comfort food gets a gourmet makeover at this beloved Greensboro gastropub. Landing at #49 on Yelp’s national rankings, Freeman’s has mastered the art of elevated pub fare that satisfies both traditional tastes and adventurous palates.
The low-cooked brisket sandwich stands as their signature creation – tender meat piled high on toasted bread with just the right toppings. Craft beer enthusiasts appreciate the rotating local taps that perfectly complement the hearty menu.
Weekend brunches draw crowds seeking their famous chicken and waffles, while the relaxed atmosphere makes it equally suitable for casual lunches and date nights.
The Table – Asheboro
Farm-fresh ingredients shine at this Asheboro gem where the farm-to-table concept isn’t just marketing—it’s a way of life. Ranked #54 on Yelp’s national list, The Table has earned its reputation through unwavering commitment to local sourcing.
Seasonal menus change based on what local farmers harvest that week, creating an ever-evolving culinary experience. Morning visitors line up for scratch-made biscuits and locally roasted coffee, while lunch brings creative sandwiches on house-baked bread.
The restaurant’s warm, rustic interior feels like dining in a friend’s country kitchen, complete with mismatched vintage chairs and tables that invite guests to linger over their meals.
Skylight Inn BBQ – Ayden
Barbecue history lives and breathes at this Eastern North Carolina institution. Since 1947, Skylight Inn has been cooking whole hogs the traditional way – slowly over wood coals until the meat reaches perfect tenderness.
The menu remains refreshingly simple: chopped pork with crispy skin bits mixed in, served with cornbread and slaw. No frills, no fancy sauces – just pure, vinegar-based Eastern-style barbecue that has earned them the nickname “The Capital of Barbecue.”
The distinctive dome atop the building (modeled after the U.S. Capitol) stands as a proud symbol of their barbecue prominence. Three generations of pitmasters have maintained the same cooking methods, creating a time-honored taste that defines North Carolina barbecue.
Herons at The Umstead – Cary
Culinary artistry meets Southern hospitality at this five-star dining experience. Nestled inside The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Herons delivers sophisticated seasonal cuisine worthy of its Forbes five-star rating.
Executive chefs transform North Carolina’s finest ingredients into visually stunning plates that tell the story of the region. The signature tasting menu unfolds like a culinary journey, with each course more impressive than the last.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of carefully manicured gardens and a serene lake, creating an atmosphere of refined tranquility. For special occasions or moments that deserve celebration, locals consistently name Herons as their top choice for an unforgettable dining experience.
Fearrington House Restaurant – Pittsboro
Old-world charm meets contemporary cuisine at this restored farmhouse near Chapel Hill. For decades, Fearrington House has maintained its reputation as a culinary landmark where Southern hospitality meets European refinement.
Set amid rolling pastures where Belted Galloway cows graze contentedly, the restaurant occupies a historic homestead transformed into an elegant dining destination. The chef’s tasting menu changes with the seasons, featuring ingredients from the property’s own gardens alongside local specialties.
The chocolate soufflé has achieved legendary status among dessert lovers – perfectly risen, deeply flavored, and worth planning your entire meal around. Many North Carolina couples celebrate anniversaries here, continuing traditions started generations ago.
Kindred – Davidson
Magic happens in this restored 1920s pharmacy where family recipes meet modern techniques. The Davidson community rallied around Chef Joe Kindred and his wife Katy when they opened their namesake restaurant, quickly making it a local institution.
The milk bread alone causes a stir – pillowy, warm, and sprinkled with flaky salt, it starts every meal on a high note. Handmade pasta dishes showcase seasonal ingredients, while the cocktail program rivals those found in much larger cities.
Housed in a historic building with original brick walls and hardwood floors, the space feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary. Reservations remain coveted, especially on weekends when Davidson College parents come to town.
Lantern – Chapel Hill
Eastern flavors meet Southern ingredients at this pioneering Asian fusion restaurant. Chef Andrea Reusing, a James Beard Award winner, created Lantern as a love letter to Asian cuisine filtered through North Carolina’s agricultural bounty.
The tea-smoked chicken has earned cult status – aromatic, tender, and unlike anything else in the region. Students celebrate special occasions here, while professors and locals gather at the intimate bar for craft cocktails with Asian-inspired ingredients.
The dining room glows with the restaurant’s namesake lanterns, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels special without being stuffy. After nearly two decades in business, Lantern continues to innovate while maintaining the quality that made it a Chapel Hill landmark.
The Dining Room at Biltmore Estate – Asheville
Gilded Age splendor meets contemporary cuisine at America’s largest home. Dining within the prestigious Biltmore Estate offers a glimpse into the luxurious world of the Vanderbilts while enjoying food that honors North Carolina’s agricultural heritage.
White tablecloths, crystal chandeliers, and attentive service create an atmosphere of refined elegance. The menu showcases ingredients from the estate’s own farm and gardens, with estate-raised beef and locally foraged mushrooms frequently making appearances.
Massive windows frame breathtaking mountain views, especially spectacular during sunset hours. For generations, North Carolina families have marked milestone celebrations here, creating memories against the backdrop of this architectural marvel.
