Several cities in North Carolina such as Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham are developing reputations for their variety and quality of restaurants.
The culinary experiences I had on this nine day trip left me wanting more every time.
In fact, here are restaurants you should not miss out on so you can have a gastronomic North Carolinian experience!
General tip:
If you want to diversify your palate and try local specialties wherever you go,
***Set a budget for your meal and ask your server the following question:
“Within this price range of $_____ and $______, if you are an out-of-towner and can only have one meal here, which would you suggest?”
Charlotte
The Asbury
You cannot complete a Charlotte trip without eating at The Asbury housed in the city’s only historic hotel, The Dunhill.
Charlotte Magazine named it one of the top five restaurants in the city in 2018.
The Daily Meal also picked The Asbury as North Carolina’s top hotel restaurant for 2019.
Executive Chef, Mike Long, celebrates the different seasons by blending seasonal ingredients into his unique Carolinian, Modern and Southern restaurant menu offerings.
“There is a strong tie to heirloom ingredients native to our area, lost to time and modernization, and specialty items grown by small, family farms throughout the local region,” according to The Asbury Dining press details.
I got to enjoy their delicious food during brunch one day, and dinner on another.
I had NBA All-Star weekend media commitments on the day I attended brunch, so since my time was limited, I only sampled one item. Speaking of the NBA, check out this recent guide on the ultimate Duke college basketball gameday experience.
I chose the brunch sandwich.
- Braised bison, gochujang slaw, over medium fried egg, with warm kale salad (with bacon included, yummmmm…..).
- Kale is so much more delicious served warm.
- The bison was tender and flavorful for those who have never had it. It didn’t taste gamey at all.
- I thought the gochujang slaw was a delicious, tangy and sweet fusion between American and Asian flavors.
I returned for dinner, which afforded me the time to eat more of Long’s delectable and memorable dishes.
By the way, Chef Long is one of the most personable and creative chefs I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat the food of.
I started off with the smoked duck hearts.
- Gochujang vinaigrette instead of beet-maple puree (for my dairy allergy purposes), winter vegetables and spiced walnuts.
Next, I had the steelhead trout crudo.
- Smoked trout caviar, yuzu vinaigrette, radish, apple, sorrel.
Then, I had the pork cheeks.
- Sweet potato mash (instead of whipped potatoes for my dairy allergy purposes), apple and mustard demi.
The Nadia wine from Santa Barbara, CA was suggested by the server to accompany the pork cheeks.
I finished up with the hibiscus and lychee sorbet. I have sampled many unique sorbet flavors in my travels, but this was my first hibiscus and lychee dessert.
It had a smooth texture and was low on the sweetness scale. I enjoyed this because I don’t favor the sickeningly sweet sorbets on the market.
The concept of seasonal dining is on trend and makes perfect sense if the goal is serving the freshest local ingredients for exquisite dishes that also support the local community farmers and suppliers.
Each dish was appealing to the eye and the palate.
The decor was comfortable and homey and made me feel like I was eating in someone’s dining room.
Everything was satiating, delicious and the dining ambiance is one you won’t want to leave.
In keeping with supporting the local community, The restaurant’s artwork is from regional artists featured in the local Sozo Gallery.
When the seasonal menu changes, the restaurant features a new exhibition of artwork on the wall.
The staff comprises true, friendly professionals, and I had fantastic experiences with Chef Mike Long and waitstaff Kristen and Patrick.
Break free from the chain restaurants and treat yourself to the unique and mouth-watering dishes served at The Asbury.
Mert’s Heart and Soul
When I was growing up, restaurants I visited used dairy in their barbecue, so I couldn’t eat it. Because of this, I was hesitant to try barbecue in my travels.
However, I learned in trips to Austin, New Orleans and Carolina that the best restaurants use better ingredients than butter.
While butter is used in some of their foods, according to staff member Kierra at Mert’s Heart and Soul (watch my video for my conversation with Kierra), there were many safe options for me. They offer vegan and vegetarian fare as well.
If you have a dairy allergy, or another allergy, the staff at some non-chain southern restaurants will take the time to work with you to ensure your meal will be safe. They were agreeable to customize dishes.
Like The Asbury, I suggest you include Mert’s on your priority A list for Charlotte restaurants.
I had a wonderful meal there.
First, I had an appetizer of the salmon cakes.
- Fresh poached salmon blended with the Cajun Trinity (celery, onion and peppers) and spiced with their homemade remoulade sauce.
Next, I had the red beans and rice (no cheese) with smoked turkey sausage.
Then, I followed with a course of the green beans, the black-eye peas and the collard greens.
Owner James, daughter Kiana and the rest of their family run such such a warm and welcoming vibe inside of Mert’s.
The ambiance includes a retro vibe including the artwork and music. If you are looking for eateries with a cool, trendy ambiance, you will love our visitor’s guide to the best restaurants in New Orleans French Quarter.
The Mayobird
The chicken salads, breads and coffees are superb!
They use a delicious mayonnaise for their chicken salads, and then you select the flavor you want with it.
I chose dill because I love me some pickles (or at least the flavors of a pickle)!
It is a great place to get work done on the road or meet with a friend, as it is a chill, funky breakfast and lunch spot.
Mimosa Grill
At Mimosa Grill, you’ll see a variety of fresh local ingredients and seafood on the menu.
I loved executive chef Thomas Marlow’s cooking.
An interesting tidbit, it was the first Charlotte restaurant to use regional ingredients back in 1996.
I had the Grilled Ancho Rubbed Chicken.
- Tomato & avocado salsa – blackened tomato aioli, spicy jack cheese (I left the cheese off because of my dairy allergy), sweet onions & peppers.
- And the bread was delicious.
There of plenty of small bites, southern food options, entrée salads, sandwiches, seafood and meat options and sides that’ll grab your attention on the menu.
It was fantastic!
The King’s Kitchen
The King’s Kitchen serves local, healthy and Southern food from Carolina farmers.
But get this… It’s a non-profit restaurant!
The profits and proceeds from The King’s Kitchen go towards feeding the homeless.
For that reason alone, it should be on your list of Charlotte restaurants to try.
Zada Jane’s Corner Café
Known for its soul food, you’ll find Zada Jane’s Corner Café, a turquoise-painted building, in the heart of Plaza Midwood.
They serve breakfast all day, including French toast, pancakes, omelettes, ground coffee and more.
And the lunch menu is extensive. You’ll see good soup, salads, and sandwich options.
They have two separate grills for the meats and vegetables, indicative of their half vegetarian and half meat menu.
Living Kitchen
Living Kitchen is one of the few vegan restaurants I found in North Carolina.
The menu also comprises raw foods with smoothies, juices, nuts and seed milks.
It’s perfect for those vegan travelers and those seeking a quick, healthy option during their travels.
Coffee Shops
Trade and Lore Specialty Coffee Shop
For a chill vibe, good breakfast and numerous coffee drinks, this is a good choice, especially if you desire vegan options.
Amélie’s French Bakery and Café
I loved their Café Marcotter.
- Espresso, vanilla bean, almond milk, caramel sauce and sea salt.
The ambiance resembles a Parisian café.
Try their tartines. They look as good as they taste.
I had the bacon and fig, the portobello, and the tomato and pesto tartine, all dairy-free.
Raleigh
The Warehouse District in Raleigh is a great place to begin your culinary adventures.
The restaurant selection is tremendous and Raleigh is rapidly developing into a foodie city.
This six-block district has former industrial buildings, galleries, an art museum, a gourmet chocolate factory, Carolina barbecue, hand-sewn denim, coffee and sake shops, nightlife and locally brewed beer.
Fiction Kitchen
Tasting Head Chef Caroline Morrison’s food made my evening. If I weren’t leaving the next day, I definitely would have returned for more.
To start, I had a local baguette with vegan pimento cheese and onion jam.
Next, I tried the house-smoked bbq “pork” (vegan restaurant) with apple cider vinegar, crushed red pepper and garlic, served with local smashed potato, sorghum molasses dijon slaw and I added black beans with chipotle “buttermilk” plus cilantro.
The Apple Cake Special caught my eye. It tasted even better than it looks!
- Sliced apples, apple crumble, rum, coconut whipped cream, coconut ice cream, and it had a strong and delicious caramel-like flavor.
Smokey’s BBQ Shack
It’s in Morrisville, smack in between Raleigh and Cary, but is well-worth the extra time it takes to get there.
The menu items are a mix of Eastern and Western BBQ styles (below), containing platters & sandwiches of BBQ pulled pork, brisket & more, plus Southern sides.
- Eastern North Carolina style – With chopped pork and a clear sauce of vinegar, pepper and salt.
- Western North Carolina style – With chopped or sliced pork with a red sauce that includes ketchup and sugar, along with the other ingredients.
It is a family-owned, hole-in-the-wall restaurant where the staff is helpful, kind, authentic and knowledgeable about allergies and dietary limitations.
Some Raleigh and Cary locals say Smokey’s is their go-to BBQ spot. I totally understand why, because it’s very good.
I had the chopped brisket platter with their homemade fries. The chef makes some of their sides on shared equipment with the dairy ones, so I didn’t take my chances.
Martha is sweet, and so is the rest of her family who owns Smokey’s.
Jose and Son’s
Eating at this farm-to-table contemporary Mexican cuisine was a Raleigh highlight for me.
Mmm……
First off, it being in a warehouse building was unique. It was hip.
Second, the staff is wonderful and one in particular whom I bonded with was my waitress Ashley.
Third, the menu is attention-grabbing.
Lots of healthy options combined with innovative meat and sides selections made Grasshopper Greg happy.
Fourth, I loved the chips and salsa, the plaintainwich:
- Jibbarito “Steak Plantainwich” – Crisp plantain, sliced hanger steak, lettuce, tomato, Duke’s Mayonnaise, chimichurri, queso fresco (I ordered without cheese), choice of side (I had the rice and black beans).
… and the house margarita.
It sets the bar high for all other Mexican restaurants. Since Jose and Son’s is farm-to-table, supporting the local community, this Mexican restaurant is a cut above.
I found it to be quite the culinary dining experience, a memorable one for sure.
Morgan Street Food Hall
There are over 60 upscale food stalls inside Morgan Street Food Hall.
With Cow Bar Burgers, Oak City Fish and Chips, Raleigh Raw and more, the variety is tremendous!
There is not much overlap in cuisine and everything from southern food, seafood, Japanese, Mediterranean, Indian and more can be found there.
I looked at the unbelievable dessert menu at Cocoa Forte Desserts and inquired if any were dairy-free.
When Nicole realized there were none, she got the pastry chef to make dairy-free dark chocolate covered strawberries. That was very sweet of her, and boy were they amazing!
The recent opening of the food hall was an exciting time for the Warehouse District neighborhood.
In creator Niall Hanley’s words:
“Raleigh’s a place where cultures come together. The community in the city is a welcoming one. It’s also expanding as new businesses flock to the area, including startups and Apple. It was time Raleigh had its own food hall, liken to those I grew up with in Ireland. I love that this is a place that brings people together; whether groups of friends or families, they’ll connect at this unique location through food and drinks that encompass a variety of cross-cultural cuisines.”
It’s cool how diverse cities in the deep south are becoming.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant
If you like family-owned, authentic, old-world Italian cuisine and atmosphere, this fits the bill.
Owner Mario Longo makes this a cozy, family-friendly restaurant locals love to frequent.
I ordered the Saltimbocca alla Romana, made of veal wrapped with prosciutto and sage; marinated in wine, oil and saltwater.
Roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables were the sides.
Soooo good!
The Pit
It’s Carolina-style barbecue. Need I say more?
Heirloom
I liked the exotic coffee roasts.
I had the Ethopia Worka from the Yirgacheffe region.
It contains jammy peach preserves, dark sweet berries and soft cocoa.
They have sandwiches and beer too! It is a nice place to catch up with a friend or get work done.
Heirloom
It’s a specialty coffee shop, tea house, and sake bar.
The food menu is Asian-inspired.
After tasting their hot sake and coffee, along with hanging out and getting invigorated by the upbeat, modern urban atmosphere, I understand why locals flock here.
Brigs
The brunch dining experience at Brigs is nice.
You’ll have plenty of breakfast and lunch options to choose from, as the menu spans many pages.
I read in multiple press news outlets they rated Brig’s as Raleigh’s (also other locations around the state) best breakfast spot. The staff is ultra-accommodating with food allergies and requests.
I had the Carolina Classic breakfast:
- Eggs scrambled with zesty pimento cheese (I had avocado instead), smoked turkey, bacon and assorted bell peppers with their homemade BBQ sauce.
Durham
Bullock’s Bar-B-Que
Be aware that the chopped and sliced pork, as well as the hushpuppies are uber popular. Get there early, so you don’t miss out!
Hand-chopped barbecue comes as a sandwich or platter. They also offer country ham, fried chicken and “Brunswick stew.”
- Brunswick stew – thick and hearty mix of pulled pork, chicken (or turkey), vegetables, seasonings, tomato sauce, and BBQ sauce
The Skillet Southern Cookery – On Duke University’s Campus
It has authentic barbecue with their Lexington-style sauce.
From ribs and fried chicken to hand-chopped barbecue, Hog Heaven won’t let you down!
It has won several reader’s choice awards for outstanding quality.
The Skillet Southern Cookery – On Duke University’s Campus
The Skillet Southern Cookery combines the regional flavors of North Carolina cuisine, capturing the flare and character of local meals.
It’s in the West Union building. I found it to be the nicest college food hall I’ve seen by far! It was renovated a couple years back.
Southern Fast Food Options
On your trip to North Carolina, it is essential to keep some Southern Fast Food options in mind. Not everyday do you have enough time to sit down and eat at classy restaurants. At the same time, your value travel budget may not allow for constant dining out. Luckily, there are some classic fast food staples you need to try either way. One of the most popular Southern food chains is Bojangles. Everything at Bojangles is Southern, deep fried, probably greasy, and delicious. Another North Carolinian staple is Cookout. Anything you order at a Cookout is guaranteed to be delicious. Especially since most Cookout restaurants are open 24/7, making it the perfect late night treat to end the night. Whatever you order, be sure to order a milkshake to wash it all down.
Biscuits
Before you leave North Carolina, you need to endulge in some delicious biscuits. Extra-large biscuits, sometimes called catheads, are a stable at many authentic local eateries throughout NC. Often, these are topped with fried chicken, country ham, gravy, cheese, and eggs. Surely, these delicious treats make for the perfect breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Top them off with some delicious maple syrup to add a sweet taste to this savory, gourmet item. If you are still hungry, check out these incredible Native American travel food experiences that you need to try this year.
Go to some of these restaurants to enhance your time in North Carolina!
Learn How I Saved Over $15,274 On Booking Flights, Hotels, & Entire Vacations
This expert guide on "Travel Hacking Tactics To Slash Vacation Costs" has personally saved me over $15,274. Within the guide, you will learn how to:
Understand Credit Report
Impact On Travel
Leverage Travel Hacking
Credit Cards
Earn Substantial Travel
Miles & Points
Maximize Credit Card
Loyalty Programs
1 comment
I have never been to North Carolina so thank you for such great detail and information. These look like great food destinations and now you have gotten me interested in going to some of these places. I love Bar-B-Q