North Carolina isn’t just about barbecue and sweet tea—it’s home to some of the most unique dining experiences in the South. From restaurants nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains to quirky, themed spots that transport you to another world, every meal here is an adventure. This state blends Southern charm with a creative twist, offering dining venues that are as memorable as the dishes they serve.
Dig into smoked barbecue at The Pit in Raleigh, enjoy farm-to-table fare at The Gamekeeper in Boone, or grab fresh seafood at Dockside in Wilmington. Don’t miss dining in the treetops at The Orchard in Cashiers or indulging in donuts at Asheville’s iconic Hole Doughnuts.
Ready to explore NC’s wildest eats? Let’s uncover 20 unforgettable dining spots in the Tar Heel State!
👉 Pro Tip: The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour is perfect for craft beer lovers. You’ll sample local brews and seasonal favorites while getting insider tips from your guide. Come thirsty and ready to explore Charlotte’s beer scene!
Unique Restaurants in North Carolina: 20 Incredible North Carolina Eateries
From pirate-themed adventures to meals with mountain views, North Carolina’s unique restaurants have it all. Get ready to explore these one-of-a-kind places that make eating out an unforgettable experience.
1. Deluxe Fun Dining
- 📍 Location: Uptown
- 💲 Price range: $70 – $120+ per person (Often tasting/prix fixe menu)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Southern / Fine Dining / Chef Vivian Howard
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Vivian Howard, historic bank building, upscale/innovative Southern.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Special occasion splurges, Chef Howard fans, and refined Southern dining.
Experience culinary offerings at Chef Vivian Howard’s Deluxe Fun Dining in the renovated O’Neil Hotel, Kinston. This is more than a meal; it’s an exploration of innovative modern Southern cuisine. The elegant ambiance reflects the building’s grand history, and the aroma of local ingredients is captivating.
Try exceptional dishes such as the seared Carolina grouper with butterbean succotash and tomato-chili relish, the rich slow-roasted heritage pork shoulder with collard green pesto and sweet potato gratin, and the delightful blueberry-lavender panna cotta with candied pecans. It’s a must-visit for culinary adventurers.
2. Supperland
Set in a beautifully restored former church, Supperland brings Southern hospitality to new heights in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood. The space is airy and whimsical with stained glass, towering ceilings, and the original pews now lining communal tables. Their menu is an adventurous twist on classic steakhouse fare – the prime rib comes sizzling in a cast iron skillet with a rich jus, while the Hot Honey Fried Chicken is sweet, spicy, and ridiculously crispy. The cocktails are on another level, crafted at the coolest bar tucked inside an old bank vault. My tip: arrive early and get a drink at the vault-bar for some serious Instagram cred. After dinner, stroll down to Resident Culture Brewing just a block away. Supperland’s vibe hits that sweet spot between special-occasion and easygoing, and I couldn’t stop talking about the crunchy deviled eggs topped with caviar.
3. Double D’s Coffee and Desserts
- 📍 Location: Asheville
- 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Coffee Shop / Desserts / Cafe
- 🔥 Standout Features: Housed in a red double-decker bus, quirky/charming atmosphere, great coffee/sweets.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Unique coffee breaks, Instagrammable spots, and sweet treat lovers.
All aboard for a caffeine fix with a serious dose of charm at Double D’s Coffee and Desserts in Asheville! This isn’t your average coffee shop; it’s uniquely housed inside a bright red, vintage London double-decker bus, creating an incredibly quirky and memorable spot. The cozy interior and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet treats are simply delightful.
Be sure to grab one of their expertly made lattes, a rich hot chocolate, and pair it with one of their delicious homemade brownies or pastries. It’s a wonderfully whimsical and utterly charming place to relax and refuel. This is a photo op you can drink!
- Read Next: 12 Best Areas to Stay in Asheville, NC
4. Saltbox Seafood Joint
This Durham seafood shack proves you don’t need a white tablecloth to serve the freshest, most flavorful fish around. Saltbox is all about the catch of the day, chalked up on a sign out front. Order the famous Hush-Honeys – bite-sized, honey-kissed cornmeal fritters – along with a box of flash-fried soft shell crabs or whatever just came in off the boat. There’s no indoor seating here, just picnic tables beneath cheery umbrellas, but that’s part of the charm. Everything feels unpretentious and totally local. You’ll find the joint a quick drive from Durham’s buzzing Central Park district, which makes it easy to tack onto a day exploring the city. The chef’s passion jumps off every plate; I’ve never been so happy to get greasy fingers from eating seafood outdoors.
5. Fearrington House Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Pittsboro (Fearrington Village)
- 💲 Price range: $100 – $200+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining / New American / Southern
- 🔥 Standout Features: Relais & Châteaux property, stunning country inn/garden setting, exquisite seasonal tasting menus.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate romantic splurges, luxurious fine dining, and idyllic countryside escapes.
Enjoy culinary perfection at The Fearrington House Restaurant, a gem in Fearrington Village. This Relais & Châteaux property offers a unique fine dining experience with seasonal tasting menus highlighting regional ingredients, many from their own gardens. The ambiance features understated elegance and serene beauty.
A meal here is a journey through artful dishes; for dinner, savor seared scallops or roasted squab. Their afternoon tea service is also very popular, and the legendary chocolate soufflé is a showstopper. The service is impeccable, ensuring a luxurious experience.
6. Cúrate Bar de Tapas
Cúrate in Asheville rewrites the rules when it comes to Spanish cuisine. Imagine a dazzling room with open rafters, an open kitchen buzzing with energy, and a massive mural that sets the scene for a seriously good time. Standout dishes include the melt-in-your-mouth Jamón Ibérico and the wildly aromatic gambas al ajillo – sizzling shrimp in garlic oil. Don’t miss the gin-tonics here, served in oversized goblets and infused with botanicals. The vibe is lively and a bit theatrical; you’ll probably overhear someone reminiscing about a trip to Barcelona. Cúrate is right downtown, steps from Asheville’s lively galleries and breweries. I left convinced I’d found the most joyful dining experience in town – my friends are already planning a return visit.
7. Dan’l Boone Inn Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Boone
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $35 per person (Family-style, all-you-can-eat)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern / Home-Style / Family-Style
- 🔥 Standout Features: Legendary family-style Southern feasts, all-you-can-eat country cooking, historic inn atmosphere.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Hearty appetites, traditional Southern food lovers, and big family meals.
Loosen your belt and feast at Dan’l Boone Inn Restaurant in Boone! This legendary spot offers all-you-can-eat, family-style Southern dinners in a charming, historic atmosphere. Platters of down-home goodness keep coming to your table, with the aroma of fried chicken and baking biscuits filling the air.
Come hungry and ready to eat their incredible fried chicken, fluffy biscuits with country ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, and so much more. It’s a true taste of Appalachian hospitality and a Southern food lover’s dream come true!
8. The Cowfish® Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish in Raleigh is what happens when a sushi bar collides with a burger joint – and the results are as wild as they sound. This place is pure fun: neon-lit, quirky murals everywhere, and even burger-shaped booths. What do you order? Try the “Burgushi” – that’s burger + sushi, like the All-American Bacon Double Cheeseburgooshi roll. Or go for a classic bento box that lets you sample a bit of everything. Milkshakes here come in mad scientist flavors, and there’s even a sushi train for the kids. It’s a perfect spot for groups or families who can’t decide between burgers and sushi. Plus, it’s just across from North Hills Mall, making it easy to walk off your food coma. I never thought I’d eat a cheeseburger rolled up like sushi – now I’m hooked.
9. Death & Taxes
- 📍 Location: Raleigh (Downtown)
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $90+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern American / Wood-Fired / Seafood & Steak
- 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Ashley Christensen restaurant, wood-fired cooking, historic bank building.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Sophisticated foodies, wood-fired flavor fans, and upscale downtown dining.
Enjoy a unique dining experience that’s anything but certain (except for being good!) at Death & Taxes, Chef Ashley Christensen’s renowned Raleigh restaurant. Located in a restored bank building, it highlights the primal appeal of wood-fired cooking for rich, smoky flavors. The ambiance is stylish and sophisticated, illuminated by the hearth’s warm glow.
A wise choice involves trying their perfectly grilled steaks, fresh wood-roasted seafood, or any of their inventive embered vegetable dishes kissed by the flames. Their thoughtful cocktails are also a highlight. It’s where elemental cooking meets culinary artistry.
10. MACHETE
Greensboro’s Machete shakes up traditional Mexican in the best way possible. The dining room is industrial-chic – black steel, warm wood, and bold murals inspired by Mexican pop art. The tacos are wild: think soft-shell crab tempura, or short rib topped with smoked salsa. The hand-selected tequila and mezcal list is HUGE; ask for their wild house cocktails, which come with fresh herbs and fancy garnishes. There’s usually a buzzy crowd at the bar, and the patio is perfect on warm nights. Downtown Greensboro is steps away, so you can easily combine dinner with a brewery crawl. I still dream about their elote street corn, loaded with chile-lime crema and salty cotija.
11. Kindred Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Downtown, Davidson
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: New American / Farm-to-Table / Small Plates
- 🔥 Standout Features: James Beard-nominated, iconic milk bread, located in a historic building, seasonal menu.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Serious foodies, special occasion dinners, and a taste of culinary excellence.
Prepare for a truly special dining experience at Kindred in Davidson. This acclaimed restaurant, helmed by James Beard nominees Joe and Katy Kindred, is celebrated for its warm hospitality, stylish setting, and incredibly delicious modern American cuisine focused on seasonal ingredients and house-made everything.
You absolutely must start with their legendary milk bread, served warm and pillowy. Their house-made pasta dishes, which change frequently but are always phenomenal, are a highlight. Expect creative small plates and perfectly executed entrees showcasing the best of North Carolina’s bounty.
12. Bida Manda
Laotian food is rare in North Carolina, and Bida Manda in downtown Raleigh nails it. The interior is magical: floor-to-ceiling bamboo, hand-woven lanterns, and rich woods that instantly transport you. Must-try dishes include the lemongrass pork sausage and the crispy pork belly soup, both packed with explosive flavors and fresh herbs. The cocktails feature Southeast Asian ingredients like pandan, makrut lime, and tamarind. I recommend booking ahead, as this place fills up for both dinner and lunch. Moore Square is right out the door for a pre- or post-dinner wander. Every bite reminded me why this spot is a local obsession – the bamboo fish curry blew my mind.
13. Mike’s Farm
- 📍 Location: Beulaville (Eastern NC, agri-tourism destination)
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $35 per person (Often family-style/buffet, event-dependent)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern / Country Cooking / Family-Style
- 🔥 Standout Features: Agri-tourism farm with restaurant, seasonal events (hayrides/Christmas lights), all-you-can-eat Southern feasts.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Fun family outings, down-home country cooking, and seasonal agri-tourism experiences.
Experience Southern hospitality and farm-fresh fun at Mike’s Farm in Beulaville! More than a restaurant, it’s an agri-tourism destination with seasonal events like hayrides and stunning Christmas light displays, centered around delicious all-you-can-eat family-style Southern feasts. The aroma of fried chicken and baking pies fills the rustic dining hall.
Come hungry and ready to eat their incredible fried chicken, savory pork tenderloin, sweet candied yams, and all the classic country fixin’s. It’s a wonderfully wholesome and entertaining experience for the whole family.
14. Seabird
If you love oysters, Seabird in downtown Wilmington is your happy place. This light-filled restaurant celebrates coastal North Carolina with a daily-changing selection of raw and roasted local seafood. Start with a shellfish tower or the photogenic blue crab toast topped with edible flowers. They do the classics right, but there are always a few creative surprises – like hush puppies with smoked trout roe. Decor is breezy and nautical without ever feeling cheesy; think rattan chairs, pale blues, and reclaimed wood. It’s a quick stroll to the historic Wilmington boardwalk, so save room for an after-dinner walk. I could eat their smoked fish dip by the spoonful.
15. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
- 📍 Location: Raleigh (Downtown, Dodd-Hinsdale House)
- 💲 Price range: $60 – $100+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fine Dining American / Continental / Historic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Stunning Victorian mansion setting, elegant fine dining upstairs/cozy tavern downstairs, award-winning cuisine/wine list.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Ultimate romantic splurges, historic fine dining, and impeccable service.
Enjoy an evening of unparalleled elegance and Victorian grandeur at Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern in Raleigh. Housed in the magnificent, meticulously restored Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), this restaurant offers a truly exceptional fine dining experience upstairs, with a cozier, more casual tavern downstairs. The ambiance is pure, historic sophistication.
The menu features award-winning contemporary American cuisine, with popular choices such as pan-seared Foie Gras, New Zealand rack of lamb, or the grilled certified Angus beef® filet mignon. Their extensive wine list is equally impressive. It’s a timeless choice for a very special occasion where every detail is perfect.
16. Herons
Dining at Herons inside the Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary is like stepping into a serene jewel box. The white-tablecloth setting is elegant yet not intimidating, and the walls are lined with museum-worthy art. This is the place for special occasions: Chef’s tasting menus feature locally sourced, artfully plated dishes such as the signature ginger-cured trout and their exquisite carrot dessert (yes, carrot – trust me). The wine pairing is spot-on every time. For an ultra-romantic touch, try a window seat overlooking the sculpture garden. As a bonus, they have a world-class spa just upstairs, making it perfect for a full-on pampered getaway. Herons made me feel like royalty for the night.
17. Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant
- 📍 Location: Morehead City (Coastal NC)
- 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern / Seafood / Eclectic
- 🔥 Standout Features: Charming historic house setting, lovely garden patio, creative Southern/seafood dishes.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Coastal dining with Southern charm, fresh seafood lovers, and relaxed upscale meals.
Savor the flavors of the Carolina coast with a side of Southern charm at Floyd’s 1921 Restaurant in Morehead City. Housed in a beautifully restored historic home with a lovely garden patio, this spot offers a delightful atmosphere for enjoying creative Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh, local seafood. The gentle coastal breeze and the aroma of delicious food create a perfect setting.
You’ll certainly want to try their inventive shrimp and grits, fresh catch-of-the-day preparations, or their famous crab cakes. It’s a wonderful blend of coastal casual and Southern sophistication.
18. Hillbilly Hideaway
- 📍 Location: Walnut Cove (Rural, near Hanging Rock State Park)
- 💲 Price range: $15 – $25 per person (Often family-style/all-you-can-eat)
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Southern / Country Cooking / Family-Style
- 🔥 Standout Features: Quirky/rustic “hillbilly” theme, all-you-can-eat country cooking, unique/offbeat roadside attraction.
- 🎯 Perfect For: A fun/kitschy themed meal, hearty appetites for Southern food, and an unpretentious, down-home experience.
Yeehaw! Get ready for some down-home cookin’ and a heapin’ helpin’ of quirky fun at Hillbilly Hideaway in Walnut Cove! This legendary spot is a full-on celebration of Appalachian kitsch, with a rustic, “hillbilly” themed decor and an all-you-can-eat, family-style approach to Southern country cooking. It’s loud, it’s a little bit corny (in the best way!), and it’s a whole lot of fun.
Prepare to eat endless platters of fried chicken, country ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, and all the fixin’s. It’s an unpretentious, belly-busting good time that’s pure country charm.
11. The Angus Barn
- 📍 Location: Raleigh
- 💲 Price range: $50 – $100+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Classic American Steakhouse
- 🔥 Standout Features: Iconic Raleigh steakhouse institution, massive/rustic barn setting, award-winning wine cellar/cheese & crackers.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Steak connoisseurs, traditional fine dining fans, and milestone celebratory dinners.
Prepare for a steakhouse experience of legendary proportions at The Angus Barn in Raleigh! This iconic institution in a rustic red barn has served incredible steaks and Southern hospitality for decades. The ambiance is grand yet cozy, featuring crackling fireplaces and an award-winning wine cellar that offers tours (don’t miss the cheese and crackers!).
A wise choice here is to try one of their perfectly aged, hand-cut steaks, like a classic New York strip, a ribeye, or a filet mignon. It’s a timeless choice for a truly special occasion or an unforgettable steak dinner.
19. The Melting Pot
- 📍 Location: Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville & other NC cities
- 💲 Price range: $40 – $70+ per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fondue / Interactive Dining
- 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-course fondue, private/cozy booths, interactive cooking.
- 🎯 Perfect For: Romantic dates, group celebrations, and leisurely, hands-on meals.
Get ready to dip, swirl, and delight at The Melting Pot! With locations across North Carolina, this restaurant provides a fun fondue experience where you become the chef at your table. Settle into a cozy booth for a multi-course adventure of molten cheese, savory entrees, and rich chocolate.
Many start with a bubbling pot of savory cheese fondue, then cook their own meats, seafood, and veggies in a flavorful broth, and finally, share a luscious chocolate fondue for dessert. It’s a fantastic, leisurely, and delicious way to connect with friends or a special someone over a shared meal.
20. Pirates Landing Steak and Seafood
- 📍 Location: Elkin
- 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
- 🍽️ Cuisine Style: American / Steak & Seafood / Pirate Themed
- 🔥 Standout Features: Fun pirate-themed decor, family-friendly atmosphere, classic steak/seafood/comfort food.
- 🎯 Perfect For: A playful family meal, themed dining fans, and satisfying classic American cravings.
Ahoy, mateys, and prepare for a feast fit for a pirate captain at Pirates Landing Steak and Seafood in Elkin! This fun, family-friendly spot is decked out in full pirate regalia, with treasure chests, ship wheels, and maybe even a talking parrot or two. The menu features classic American steak and seafood favorites.
You’ll be happy with their juicy steaks, fresh fried shrimp, or hearty burgers. It’s a swashbuckling good time for the whole family, with tasty food and a playful, adventurous atmosphere. Shiver me timbers, it’s good!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Unique Places to Eat in North Carolina
Got questions? Our North Carolina restaurant guide’s FAQ section is here to help you explore the state’s dining options.
What food is unique to North Carolina?
North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, especially pulled pork. Cooked slowly over low heat, the meat becomes tender and flavorful. It’s often served with a vinegar-based sauce, a staple in the state. Another unique dish is livermush, a pork product mixed with cornmeal and spices. These foods reflect the state’s rich culinary traditions.
Where to eat when visiting NC State?
When visiting NC State, check out the best restaurants in North Carolina nearby. Raleigh, the city that homes NC State, boasts a vibrant food scene. From farm-to-table eateries to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to try local barbecue spots or seafood restaurants that highlight the state’s coastal catches.
What food is Charlotte famous for?
Charlotte’s restaurants offer a diverse culinary scene, with the city’s famous dish being Carolina-style barbecue, particularly pulled pork. Charlotte also excels in soul food, offering dishes like fried chicken and collard greens. For a unique local experience, explore the city’s food trucks, which serve everything from gourmet burgers to international bites.
What sweets is North Carolina known for?
North Carolina is known for its Moravian cookies, particularly in Winston-Salem. These thin, crisp cookies come in flavors like ginger and sugar. Sweet potato pie, made from North Carolina-grown sweet potatoes, is another favorite. Don’t forget to try Cheerwine, a cherry-flavored soft drink, for a sweet taste unique to the state.
What are some scenic places in NC to eat?
North Carolina offers dining with breathtaking views. Enjoy meals overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains or along the Outer Banks for ocean vistas. Restaurants in Asheville and Boone provide mountain scenery, while coastal towns like Wilmington and Morehead City offer waterfront dining. These spots combine great food with stunning landscapes.
Where can I find cheap eats in North Carolina?
For cheap eats in North Carolina, explore local diners, food trucks, and barbecue joints. Cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro have food halls where you can taste different cuisines at affordable prices. Look for daily specials at local restaurants, too. Many places offer deals that let you enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
What are some themed restaurants in North Carolina?
Themed restaurants in North Carolina offer unique dining experiences. From pirate-themed eateries on the coast to train-themed diners in small towns, there’s a fun setting for every taste. Asheville has a restaurant inside a double-decker bus, and Charlotte boasts a diner that feels like you’re in an old movie. These spots add an extra layer of excitement to dining out.
How can I experience North Carolina’s food culture?
To dive into North Carolina’s food culture, attend food festivals and local farmers’ markets. Try dishes like Eastern-style barbecue, fresh seafood, and local wines and beers. Visit historic diners and family-run restaurants to taste recipes passed down through generations. Exploring the state’s food scene is a journey through its history, communities, and traditions.
What are the must-try dishes for first-time visitors to North Carolina?
First-time visitors must try North Carolina barbecue, known for its vinegar-based sauce. Another must-try is shrimp and grits, showcasing the state’s coastal seafood. Don’t leave without tasting Lexington-style barbecue as well, which features a ketchup-based sauce. These dishes offer a taste of North Carolina’s diverse food scene.
Where can I find the best seafood in North Carolina?
For the best seafood, head to the coastal areas. Towns like Wilmington, Morehead City, and the Outer Banks are home to restaurants serving fresh catches daily. Look for spots that offer Calabash-style seafood, a local favorite known for its light, crispy fried fish and shrimp. These coastal gems provide not just amazing seafood but also beautiful ocean views, making them some of the top places to live and visit in North Carolina.
Final Thoughts On Unique North Carolina Restaurants
We hope you enjoyed exploring our North Carolina restaurant guide. From mountains to coast, this state has flavors for everyone. Whether you’re craving barbecue, seafood, or something sweet, North Carolina’s got it.
Remember, dining here is not just about food. It’s about the experience, the views, and the people. Next time you’re in North Carolina, dive into our guide. Discover new favorites and make memories around the table while basking in North Carolina’s beauty. Thanks for joining us on this tasty journey!
