North Carolina’s food scene in 2026 is hotter than ever, combining Southern comfort, global cuisine, and fine dining excellence. From historic Raleigh mansions to cozy casual spots, this guide gives you the full picture of where to eat in NC, including what makes each restaurant special, signature dishes, pricing, and tips to make your visit smooth.
1. Death and Taxes — Raleigh
Location: 105 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Price: $100+ per person
Vibe: Upscale, modern Southern, lively but refined
Chef: Ashley Christensen, James Beard Award Winner
Website & Booking: Death and Taxes Official Site
Why Visit:
Death and Taxes is famous for its live-fire cooking style, giving every dish a smoky, earthy flavor. It focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, which means the menu changes regularly.
Signature Dishes:
Grilled oysters with smoked butter
Bone marrow with charred herbs
Seasonal vegetable sides inspired by North Carolina farms
Tips for Visitors:
Make reservations at least 2 weeks in advance, especially for weekend dinners.
Parking is nearby on-street or public lots in downtown Raleigh.
2. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern — Raleigh
Location: 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Price: $100+ per person
Vibe: Historic elegance, romantic atmosphere
Chef: Meghan Quinn
Website & Booking: Second Empire Restaurant
Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion, Second Empire is perfect for celebrations. The restaurant blends French culinary techniques with American ingredients and seasonal produce.
Signature Dishes:
Duck confit with local root vegetables
Lobster bisque with cream and fresh herbs
Artisanal desserts like chocolate ganache tart
Tips for Visitors:
Ideal for anniversaries or special occasions.
Ask about their chef tasting menu for a full experience.
3. Herons — Cary
Location: The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513
Price: $100+ per person
Vibe: Luxury fine dining, elegant and serene
Chef: John Euliano
Website & Booking: Herons at The Umstead
Herons is Michelin Guide recommended and consistently recognized for combining European culinary technique with Southern ingredients. The dining experience is luxurious yet approachable.
Signature Dishes:
Pan-seared foie gras with seasonal fruits
Carolina shrimp with hand-picked vegetables
Local cheese and charcuterie selection
Tips for Visitors:
Dress code: smart casual or upscale
Reserve at least 1 month in advance for weekends
4. Stanbury — Raleigh
Location: 938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Price: $60–$100 per person
Vibe: Modern, creative, intimate
Chef: Jason Stanbury
Website & Booking: Stanbury Official Site
Stanbury focuses on inventive Southern-American dishes with a seasonal twist. It’s perfect for those who want creative comfort food in a stylish but not formal environment.
Signature Dishes:
Smoked trout with pickled vegetables
Hand-crafted pasta with seasonal mushrooms
House-made desserts like spiced apple tart
Tips for Visitors:
Small space, so booking early is essential
Great for a date night or food exploration
5. Bida Manda — Raleigh
Location: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Price: $20–$30 per person
Vibe: Casual, warm, globally inspired
Chef: Bee Pham
Website & Booking: Bida Manda Official Site
Bida Manda brings Laotian cuisine to NC with bold flavors, authentic recipes, and comfort food vibes. It’s consistently praised for its lively ambiance and exceptional service.
Signature Dishes:
Laap (minced meat salad)
Papaya salad with peanuts
Coconut sticky rice with mango
Tips for Visitors:
Ideal for casual lunches or dinners
Vegan and gluten-free options available
6. Crawford and Son — Raleigh
Location: 1317 Cameron St, Raleigh, NC 27605
Price: $50–$80 per person
Vibe: Modern American, cozy, neighborhood charm
Chef: Clay Davenport
Website & Booking: Crawford and Son
Crawford and Son is celebrated for its farm-to-table approach, inventive tasting menus, and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant emphasizes local ingredients and innovative preparations.
Signature Dishes:
Wood-grilled chicken with seasonal vegetables
House-cured meats and charcuterie
Seasonal vegetable-centric tasting menu
Tips:
Reservations are recommended; intimate space fills quickly.
Try the tasting menu to experience the full creativity of the chef.
7. Neomonde Mediterranean — Raleigh & Durham
Location: 9010 Strickland Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 (Raleigh)
Price: $15–$30 per person
Vibe: Casual, family-friendly, authentic Mediterranean
Chef: Local culinary team specializing in Mediterranean cuisine
Website & Booking: Neomonde
Neomonde is a local favorite for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, offering fresh pita, hummus, and falafel. Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner with family or friends.
Signature Dishes:
Hummus with lamb
Falafel plates with fresh herbs and tahini
Baklava and other Mediterranean desserts
Tips:
Casual dining, so walk-ins are usually welcome.
Try their catering or bakery section for authentic Mediterranean treats.
8. Irregardless Café — Raleigh
Location: 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Price: $10–$25 per person
Vibe: Artsy, quirky, comfort-food-focused
This long-standing café offers creative comfort foods with a Southern twist. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or casual dinners. The quirky, eclectic interior adds to its charm.
Signature Dishes:
Shrimp and grits
Southern-style pot pies
Vegetarian-friendly seasonal dishes
Tips:
Perfect for casual visits, coffee, and brunch.
Expect a vibrant atmosphere with local art and live music occasionally.
9. 131 Main — Charlotte
Location: 131 E Main St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Price: $50–$100 per person
Vibe: Upscale, contemporary, urban
131 Main blends modern American cuisine with southern influences in an intimate, stylish Charlotte setting. Known for attentive service and inventive plating.
Signature Dishes:
Pan-seared scallops with seasonal puree
Grass-fed beef tenderloin
House-made desserts with locally sourced ingredients
Tips:
Reservations recommended for weekend dinners.
Ideal for special occasions or business dinners.
10. Easy Like Sunday — Charlotte
Location: 400 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Price: $15–$25 per person
Vibe: Brunch-focused, casual, trendy
A Charlotte favorite for brunch lovers. This spot focuses on fresh, locally sourced breakfast and brunch dishes in a bright and welcoming environment.
Signature Dishes:
Avocado toast with seasonal toppings
Buttermilk pancakes and waffles
Creative coffee and mimosa offerings
Tips:
Arrive early on weekends; seating fills fast.
Perfect for casual dates or weekend family brunch.
11. The Fig Tree Restaurant — Charlotte
Location: 1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204
Price: $50–$100 per person
Vibe: Romantic, historic, fine dining
Chef: Jimmy Crippen
Nestled in a historic bungalow, The Fig Tree is known for elegant, French-inspired cuisine with Southern ingredients. Perfect for date nights or special occasions.
Signature Dishes:
Filet mignon with truffle sauce
Seared scallops with seasonal vegetables
Decadent house-made desserts
Tips:
Reservations are essential, especially for weekends.
Dress smart casual for the full experience.
12. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar — Charlotte
Location: 4315 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209
Price: $20–$50 per person
Vibe: Fun, family-friendly, casual
The Cowfish is famous for its unique sushi and burger fusion menu, making it perfect for adventurous eaters and families alike.
Signature Dishes:
Burgushi (sushi-burger hybrid rolls)
Wagyu beef burgers
Specialty cocktails and sake
Tips:
Reservations recommended on weekends.
Kid-friendly with creative menu options for younger diners.
13. Fig & Olive — Raleigh
Location: 800 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Price: $30–$60 per person
Vibe: Mediterranean, casual fine dining
Specializing in Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Fig & Olive highlights fresh olive oils, seasonal produce, and vibrant flavors.
Signature Dishes:
Olive oil-poached fish
Tapas selection of Mediterranean favorites
Seasonal salads and flatbreads
Tips:
Great for brunch or dinner with friends.
Share dishes to try more flavors.
14. Lexington Barbecue — Lexington
Location: 111 N Main St, Lexington, NC 27292
Price: $10–$20 per person
Vibe: Casual, authentic North Carolina barbecue
Website & Info: Lexington Barbecue
A must-visit for true North Carolina barbecue enthusiasts, Lexington Barbecue has been serving slow-smoked pork for decades. The restaurant keeps the tradition alive with its famous vinegar-based sauce.
Signature Dishes:
Pulled pork sandwich with Lexington-style sauce
Coleslaw and hush puppies
Brunswick stew
Tips:
Arrive early for lunch; lines can be long.
Casual dress, iconic local experience.
15. Nana’s — Asheville
Location: 7 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
Price: $20–$45 per person
Vibe: Cozy, intimate, Southern comfort
Located in Asheville, Nana’s brings Southern comfort food with a modern twist. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and perfect for casual dining.
Signature Dishes:
Shrimp and grits with a spicy twist
Buttermilk fried chicken
Seasonal cobblers and pies
Tips:
Small restaurant; booking ahead is smart.
Perfect for brunch or a relaxed dinner.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina is a food lover’s paradise in 2026. From Raleigh’s upscale fine dining to Asheville’s cozy Southern comfort spots, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re after Michelin-recommended elegance, creative modern American, or authentic local cuisine, this guide gives you the best restaurants across the state.
Some key takeaways:
Book ahead: Many of these restaurants fill up fast, especially weekends.
Try seasonal menus: NC chefs love to highlight fresh, local ingredients.
Mix experiences: Enjoy a balance of upscale, casual, and traditional dining to fully experience North Carolina’s culinary diversity.
Local flavor matters: Don’t miss iconic North Carolina staples like barbecue in Lexington or seafood along the coast.
Exploring these restaurants is not just about food—it’s a journey through culture, creativity, and community in North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the must-try dishes in North Carolina?
North Carolina is famous for barbecue, especially pulled pork with vinegar-based sauce in Lexington, and coastal seafood like shrimp and grits. Fine dining spots offer seasonal dishes, live-fire grilled meats, and inventive Southern cuisine.
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2. How much should I budget for dining in North Carolina?
Casual restaurants: $10–$30 per person
Mid-range/family-friendly: $30–$60 per person
Fine dining: $100+ per person
3. When is the best time to visit these restaurants?
Weekdays for a quieter experience, weekends for the full energy. Make reservations in advance for upscale restaurants, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and fall).
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4. Are there vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Many restaurants like Bida Manda, Neomonde, and Stanbury offer vegetarian and vegan options, with seasonal vegetable-focused dishes and creative plant-based alternatives.
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5. Can I combine sightseeing with these restaurants?
Absolutely! Many top restaurants are near popular attractions:
Raleigh: Near museums, historic downtown, and breweries
Charlotte: Near Uptown attractions, parks, and galleries
Asheville: Near the Blue Ridge Mountains and local art districts
