Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s food scene goes way beyond barbecue and biscuits. Hidden across the state are restaurants that offer not just meals, but unforgettable experiences. From converted buses to historic buildings with secret wine cellars, these unique eateries create memories that last long after the last bite. Pack your appetite and sense of adventure as we explore ten extraordinary dining destinations worth traveling for.
Cúrate: Spanish Magic in a Bus Depot
Stepping into Cúrate feels like teleporting to Barcelona without leaving Asheville. This acclaimed tapas bar occupies a transformed 1920s bus depot, where exposed brick walls and soaring ceilings create an atmosphere both industrial and intimate.
Chef Katie Button, a James Beard Award finalist, crafts authentic Spanish small plates that transport your taste buds across the Atlantic. The jamón ibérico, sliced paper-thin from legs hanging above the bar, melts on your tongue like savory butter.
Locals know to book weeks ahead for the coveted seats at the marble bar, where you can watch the culinary team perform their magic. The sangria flows freely while patrons savor traditional tortilla española and garlicky gambas al ajillo.
Kindred: A Family Affair in Historic Davidson
Housed in a charming 1920s brick building on Davidson’s Main Street, Kindred has become a culinary landmark that punches well above its small-town weight. The restaurant’s unassuming facade gives way to a bright, airy interior where food becomes art.
Family-owned in the truest sense, chef Joe Kindred and his wife Katy have created a menu that changes with the seasons but always delivers comfort with sophistication. Their legendary milk bread alone has inspired pilgrimages from across the state – pillowy, warm, and sprinkled with flaky salt.
The squid ink pasta has developed its own cult following, while the cocktail program rivals any big-city establishment. Reservations are essential at this James Beard-nominated gem.
Herons: Hidden Luxury in a Forest Setting
Tucked discreetly within The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Herons offers one of North Carolina’s most refined dining experiences. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame verdant forest views, creating a sanctuary-like atmosphere where culinary artistry takes center stage.
Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene presents “The Art Tour” – an immersive tasting menu inspired by artwork from local artists. Each meticulously plated course arrives like an edible masterpiece, often adorned with flowers and herbs harvested from the restaurant’s dedicated farm.
The service moves with balletic precision as sommeliers pour rare vintages into crystal stemware. Despite its five-star credentials, Herons maintains a warm Southern hospitality that keeps the experience from feeling stuffy.
Beefmastor Inn: No-Frills Steak Heaven
Don’t let the weathered roadside appearance fool you – Beefmastor Inn houses some of the finest steaks in the Southeast. This tiny Wilson institution has just 10 tables and a menu so simple it’s never written down: prime rib, cut to your specifications right at your table.
The ritual begins when the owner wheels out a massive slab of prime rib on a stainless steel cart. You point to your desired thickness, and minutes later, a perfectly cooked steak arrives alongside a baked potato and salad.
The wait for a table can stretch hours on weekends, with devoted carnivores leaving their names on a clipboard outside. Cash only, no reservations, and absolutely worth the pilgrimage for serious steak enthusiasts.
Saltbox Seafood Joint: Fresh Catch in a Tiny Shack
Chef Ricky Moore’s seafood sanctuary in Durham began as a humble takeout window and has become a James Beard Award-winning destination. The tiny building, reminiscent of coastal fish shacks, serves whatever was pulled from North Carolina waters that morning.
There’s no freezer on premises – just a chalkboard announcing the day’s catch. The Hush-Honeys (cornmeal-fried fish with honey) have developed a devoted following, while the signature Saltbox seasoning has locals buying it by the jar.
Lines form early, especially for the crispy fried spot or croaker with house-made slaw and corn cakes. Moore, a military veteran turned chef, can often be seen through the window, orchestrating his seafood symphony with precision and passion.
Double D’s Coffee: Espresso on a Double-Decker
Parked permanently in downtown Asheville sits an authentic British double-decker bus painted bright red – only instead of passengers, it transports coffee lovers to caffeinated bliss. This 1963 vintage vehicle has been ingeniously transformed into one of America’s most photographed coffee shops.
Baristas work their magic on the lower level, crafting lattes and mochas while customers climb the narrow staircase to enjoy their beverages in the cozy upper deck. The original bus seats have been replaced with small tables where you can watch Asheville’s street life unfold through the windows.
Beyond coffee, their homemade desserts have cultivated a following – especially the massive cookies that regulars claim are worth the visit alone. The perfect pitstop between Asheville’s art galleries and boutiques.
The Angus Barn: A Carnivore’s Wonderland
Rising from the countryside like a massive red barn from a storybook, this Raleigh institution has been serving exceptional steaks since 1960. Walking through its wooden doors feels like entering a luxurious hunting lodge where time slows down and hospitality reigns supreme.
Beyond its famous aged beef, the Angus Barn houses one of the state’s most impressive wine collections – over 25,000 bottles stored in a spectacular underground cellar. Lucky diners might score a reservation at the exclusive Chef’s Table in the kitchen, where culinary theater unfolds before your eyes.
Don’t miss the complimentary cheese and crackers while waiting, or the signature chocolate chess pie that arrives with a candle on your birthday. The Wild Turkey Lounge upstairs offers premium cigars and rare bourbons for after-dinner indulgence.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Where Movies Meet Gastronomy
Forget stale popcorn and nachos with questionable cheese – Raleigh’s Alamo Drafthouse has revolutionized dinner and a movie. This cinema-restaurant hybrid serves craft cocktails and chef-created dishes delivered silently to your plush recliner while you watch the latest blockbuster.
The lobby houses Video Vortex, America’s largest rental video store with over 75,000 titles, transformed into a retro bar where movie memorabilia covers every wall. Silent servers take orders on paper slips during films, bringing truffle-parmesan fries or Korean fried chicken sandwiches directly to your seat.
Film buffs appreciate the strict no-talking policy and themed menu items that change with featured movies. Come early to enjoy one of their famous boozy milkshakes in the lobby bar before the opening credits roll.
The German Café: Bavarian Oasis in Port City
Hidden within Wilmington’s historic Cotton Exchange building, this family-owned gem transports diners straight to Munich. Red-checkered tablecloths and authentic German décor create a cozy atmosphere where hearty Old World cuisine has been served for over three decades.
The schnitzel, pounded thin and fried to golden perfection, spans beyond the plate’s edges, while the housemade spaetzle soaks up rich mushroom gravy. Owner Detlef Schröder still works the kitchen, preparing recipes passed down through generations.
During Oktoberfest, the café transforms with special beers flowing from imported taps and accordion music filling the air. Regulars know to save room for the Black Forest cake – layers of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream that taste like a Bavarian grandmother’s kitchen.
Theodosia: Coastal Elegance in Duck
Perched on the edge of Currituck Sound, Theodosia offers breathtaking sunset views that rival its sophisticated coastal cuisine. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the changing colors of sky and water, creating a dining backdrop that changes hourly.
Chef Aaron Wooten crafts dishes that honor Outer Banks heritage while incorporating global techniques. The locally harvested sea scallops, caramelized and served atop Carolina Gold rice risotto, have become his signature. Each plate arrives looking like edible art, often garnished with flowers and microgreens grown in the restaurant’s rooftop garden.
Reserve well in advance for a coveted window table during golden hour, when the sun melts into the sound and waterfowl glide past in silhouette. The craft cocktail program features spirits from North Carolina distilleries.
