Must-see restaurants in North Carolina

  • The Trading Post; Southern Food & Spirits

    Coastal North Carolina

    Drop into this casual restaurant for the warming fish stew – it's just like Southern grandmothers would make it. Other Southern treats include chicken and…

  • Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn

    Coastal North Carolina

    The burritos are big and tasty at Flaming Amy's, a scrappy barn filled with kitschy decor from Elvis to Route 66. Burritos include the Philly Phatboy, the…

  • El's Drive-In

    Coastal North Carolina

    The food is brought right to your car at this old-school drive-in and legendary seafood spot, open since 1959. It serves fish fillets, po'boys and hot…

  • Tortugas' Lie

    Outer Banks

    The interior isn't dressed to impress – surfboards, license plates – but who cares? The reliably good seafood, burritos and burgers go down well with the…

  • Optimist Hall

    Charlotte

    This sprawling new food hall and retail space, in a former textile mill, is set to revitalize the neighborhood of Optimist Park. Look for beloved local…

  • Front Street Grill at Stillwater

    Coastal North Carolina

    The view reigns supreme at this inviting seafood spot overlooking Taylor's Creek. Nibble chili-lime shrimp tacos at lunch or seared backfin crab cakes at…

  • Ocracoke Bar & Grille

    Outer Banks

    A surf-themed bar and restaurant with ceiling and walls decorated with boards, and surf footage playing on screen all day. Try the Clam Box with 20 to 30…

  • Woodlands

    Charlotte

    Dining here is a no-frills experience, from the dreary setting to the humdrum dining room, but if you enjoy Indian vegetarian food it’s well worth it. The…

  • The Hungry Pelican

    Outer Banks

    Top spot for a sandwich to go, ahead of a cruise or hike. This cafe serves curb-sized creations like The Godfather – with hot Italian ham, salami,…

  • Tupelo Honey

    Asheville

    The flagship downtown location of this Asheville-based chain is renowned for New Southern favorites, such as shrimp and grits with goat's cheese – even if…

  • Aqua Restaurant

    Coastal North Carolina

    Just off Front St, Aqua is heavy on local produce and seafood, with some gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options for good measure. The cast iron–seared…

  • Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar

    Coastal North Carolina

    For an unpretentious local seafood and craft beer, it has to be this surf-themed bar-restaurant. Boards hang from the ceiling, sport plays on screens,…

  • Howard's Pub

    Outer Banks

    A big old renovated wooden pub that's been an island tradition for beer and fried seafood since the 1850s. Good selection of local craft beer. Gluten-free…

  • Breakwater Restaurant

    Outer Banks

    This restaurant beside the sound has been serving food for nearly 30 years. Come here for steamed seafood, fresh fish and and big daddy crab cakes.

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