6 Best Restaurants in Central North Carolina, North Carolina

Krankies Coffee

$ | Downtown Fodor's choice
Winston's hippest coffee joint is known for its biscuits and burgers as much as its espresso. A warehouselike interior offers plenty of room to spread out, and ample outdoor tables fill with locals relaxing or working on sunny days.
Breakfast Lunch Quick Bite Southern $ Fodor's Choice
211 E. 3rd St., Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101, USA
336-722--3016
krankiescoffee.com
Known For
  • a chicken biscuit marinated in honey and Texas Pete
  • miel iced coffee lattes, flavored with spices and honey
  • full bar to get your midday drink on
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

$$$ | Friendly Fodor's choice
Gourmet meets fried catfish at this staple of Greensboro fine dining for three decades. A remodel in 2020 brought the chic dining room up to par with the elevated, Delta-inspired cuisine. Cocktails like the peach-honeysuckle margarita are as grand as the hearty jambalaya, a rich amalgam of andouille sausage, pulled chicken, and Carolina shrimp.
Lunch Dinner Brunch Southern $$$ Fodor's Choice
1421 Westover Terr., Greensboro, North Carolina, 27408, USA
336-370--0707
lucky32.com
Known For
  • silky sweet she-crab soup
  • short ribs braised in sweet tea
  • skilled, friendly service
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Beasley's Chicken + Honey

$ | Downtown

James Beard Award--winning chef Ashley Christensen (also behind Poole's Diner) opened this hip fried chicken spot, which serves the namesake dish as well as modern takes on Southern classics. Sit at the bar and wash down the restaurant's hearty cuisine with a craft cocktail or glass of champagne. Brunch is also a hit on the weekends.

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Herons

$$$$

At this elegant hotel restaurant, the menu shifts with the seasons and is always filled with new twists on traditional Southern dishes and international fare. Truly farm to fork, the restaurant uses produce from its own sustainable farm, which is less than a mile away.

Mozelle's

$$$ | Downtown
Located in the historic West End neighborhood, this small, cheery café with shaded sidewalk seating offers Southern fare with a touch of elegance. The menu is based on seasonal local ingredients, with standouts that include the Southern spring rolls, bacon-wrapped meat loaf, and fried chicken with peach chutney. The bistro also regularly hosts curated wine dinners. On the weekends, brunch with sake Bloody Marys and tomato pie is a hit.
Lunch Dinner Brunch Southern $$$
878 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101, USA
336-703--5400
www.mozelles.com
Known For
  • inspired Southern fare based on the freshest ingredients
  • legendary tomato pie
  • weekend brunch with both light and hearty options
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

Sweet Potatoes

$$ | Downtown
This restaurant's full name is Sweet Potatoes (Well Shut My Mouth!), and once you have a taste of these Southern classics, you'll know why. Expect friendly service and more food than you could possibly eat.
Lunch Dinner Southern $$ Brunch
607 Trade St., Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101, USA
336-727–4844
www.sweetpotatoes.ws
Known For
  • fried chicken, biscuits, and other Southern staples
  • namesake-worthy sweet potatoes (including in fry and pie form)
  • delicious Sunday brunch
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.