Top 10 Most Famous Restaurants in North Carolina (Currently Open)
North Carolina is a culinary treasure trove where Southern tradition meets creative innovation. From barbecue shacks and oyster houses to upscale farm-to-table gems, the Tar Heel State’s dining scene is as diverse as its landscape. Whether you’re savoring smoky pulled pork in Lexington, coastal seafood in Wilmington, or modern Southern cuisine in Raleigh, there’s always something that satisfies both the soul and the palate.
Let’s explore the top 10 most famous restaurants in North Carolina (currently open) — a delicious mix of old-school favorites and modern culinary legends that keep food lovers coming back for more.
1. Crook’s Corner – The Icon of Chapel Hill Flavor
Located in the heart of Chapel Hill, Crook’s Corner has long been considered a Southern dining landmark. Known for turning humble ingredients into unforgettable meals, this restaurant has been a go-to for locals and visitors for decades.
Signature Experience:
Famous for its Shrimp and Grits, a dish that helped put North Carolina on the national food map.
Offers Southern staples like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and Hoppin’ John that taste just like home — only better.
Why It’s Famous:
Crook’s Corner helped define modern Southern cuisine while preserving the spirit of its roots. Its art-covered exterior and lively atmosphere make it both casual and iconic — the perfect representation of Chapel Hill’s charm.
2. Angus Barn – A Raleigh Legend for Fine Dining
When it comes to steakhouse royalty, The Angus Barn in Raleigh stands tall. Open since 1960, this rustic red barn is one of the most beloved dining institutions in the South.
Signature Experience:
Serves top-quality aged beef, seafood, and decadent chocolate chess pie.
Guests are treated to impeccable service and an old-school atmosphere that radiates Southern hospitality.
Why It’s Famous:
The Angus Barn is more than a restaurant — it’s a Raleigh tradition. With over 1,000 bottles of wine in its cellar and a menu that hasn’t lost its soul to time, it’s the kind of place where families celebrate milestones and visitors mark special occasions.
3. Mama Dip’s Kitchen – Home-Cooked Comfort in Chapel Hill
If you’re craving authentic country cooking, Mama Dip’s Kitchen is a must. Founded by the legendary Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, this Chapel Hill gem has been serving Southern comfort food since the late 1970s.
Signature Experience:
Try the fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and banana pudding — each dish made with love and tradition.
Family-style portions and a welcoming vibe make it feel like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.
Why It’s Famous:
Mama Dip’s represents the heart and soul of North Carolina cooking. Generations have eaten here, and its legacy continues with the same recipes that built its fame.
4. Lexington Barbecue – The King of Carolina ‘Cue
No trip through North Carolina is complete without barbecue, and Lexington Barbecue, often known as “The Honeymonk,” is a pilgrimage site for smoked meat enthusiasts.
Signature Experience:
Classic pork shoulder cooked low and slow over hickory wood.
Served with signature Lexington-style red slaw and hush puppies.
Why It’s Famous:
Lexington Barbecue has been around since 1962 and embodies North Carolina’s unique barbecue identity. Its smoky aroma alone can make your mouth water before you even step inside.
5. The Fearrington House Restaurant – Elegance in Pittsboro
Located in the picturesque Fearrington Village near Pittsboro, The Fearrington House Restaurant is where fine dining meets farm-fresh ingredients. Housed in a charming farmhouse, it’s one of the few restaurants in the Southeast to hold both Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond awards.
Signature Experience:
Seasonal menus crafted with produce from local farms.
Elegant plates such as seared duck breast, caramelized scallops, and exquisite soufflés.
Why It’s Famous:
It’s not just about food here — it’s about a complete sensory experience. From the manicured gardens to the impeccable service, every detail feels refined and intentional.
6. Chef & the Farmer – Farm-to-Table Pioneer in Kinston
In Kinston, a small town that became a culinary hotspot thanks to Chef Vivian Howard, Chef & the Farmer revolutionized the idea of modern Southern cooking.
Signature Experience:
Seasonal dishes inspired by local ingredients — think butterbean hummus, crispy pork belly, and okra fritters.
An ever-changing menu that celebrates Eastern North Carolina’s farming community.
Why It’s Famous:
This restaurant gained national recognition from the PBS show “A Chef’s Life.” But beyond the fame, it’s the authenticity and care behind each dish that make it unforgettable.
7. Stamey’s Barbecue – A Greensboro Institution
For those who love traditional pit barbecue, Stamey’s Barbecue in Greensboro is a must-visit. Since 1930, it’s been serving some of the best hickory-smoked pork in the state.
Signature Experience:
Famous barbecue trays with pork, slaw, hush puppies, and a side of sweet tea.
Traditional vinegar-based sauce that captures Piedmont-style perfection.
Why It’s Famous:
Few restaurants can claim a legacy as long and storied as Stamey’s. It’s a gathering place for locals, travelers, and anyone who believes good barbecue is more than a meal — it’s a memory.
8. Poole’s Diner – Modern Southern Magic in Downtown Raleigh
Poole’s Diner, led by Chef Ashley Christensen, brings a fresh, modern twist to Southern comfort food. Located in downtown Raleigh, it’s both nostalgic and trendsetting.
Signature Experience:
The macaroni au gratin is legendary — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly golden.
Offers elevated versions of comfort classics like chicken pot pie and meatloaf.
Why It’s Famous:
Chef Christensen, a James Beard Award winner, has helped put Raleigh on the national dining map. Poole’s Diner blends old-fashioned flavor with contemporary style in a way that’s distinctly Carolina.
9. The Oyster Bar – Wilmington’s Seafood Haven
Down by the coast, The Oyster Bar in Wilmington has become synonymous with fresh, locally sourced seafood and a lively atmosphere that captures coastal charm.
Signature Experience:
Fresh-shucked oysters, shrimp and crab boils, and grilled mahi-mahi.
Known for its laid-back vibe and ocean-to-table freshness.
Why It’s Famous:
This spot celebrates North Carolina’s coastal bounty. Whether you’re here for a casual meal or a seafood feast, The Oyster Bar delivers a taste of the Atlantic that’s pure and authentic.
10. Rhubarb – Farm-Fresh Creativity in Asheville
Nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, Rhubarb is a love letter to Appalachian ingredients and community-driven dining. Chef John Fleer, another James Beard nominee, crafts seasonal dishes that feel both rustic and refined.
Signature Experience:
Menus featuring items like braised rabbit, wood-fired trout, and heirloom vegetable plates.
Warm, communal atmosphere that captures the spirit of Asheville’s creative culture.
Why It’s Famous:
Rhubarb is where the mountains meet the plate. Every meal feels like a celebration of North Carolina’s land and people, blending local produce with global inspiration.
Honorable Mentions – More NC Favorites Worth Visiting
North Carolina’s culinary scene is overflowing with great eats. If you have time, don’t miss these additional gems:
B’s Barbecue in Greenville – A roadside legend for smoky pork and homemade sauce.
Skylight Inn BBQ in Ayden – Often called the “Capital of Barbecue.”
Tupelo Honey in Asheville – Modern Southern with a sweet twist.
Kindred in Davidson – Refined dining with inventive plates and family warmth.
Spoon River Artworks & Market in Belhaven – A hidden gem mixing art, food, and creativity.
The Flavors That Define North Carolina
What makes North Carolina’s restaurant scene so special is its ability to merge heritage and innovation. From pitmasters who’ve kept the same recipes for generations to chefs reinventing farm-to-table cuisine, every meal tells a story.
You can spend a week traveling across the state — from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks — and never eat the same dish twice. It’s a state that celebrates diversity in flavor, culture, and people.
Conclusion: Taste the Best of the Tar Heel State
From the timeless barbecue joints of Lexington to the refined tables of Pittsboro and Asheville, North Carolina is truly a food lover’s paradise. These top 10 most famous restaurants in North Carolina prove that great dining isn’t just about fancy ingredients — it’s about passion, heritage, and community.
So whether you’re planning a culinary road trip or just looking for your next unforgettable meal, make sure North Carolina is at the top of your list. Bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for good food — because in this state, every bite is a story worth savoring.
Ready to taste North Carolina’s best? Your next meal might just become your favorite memory.