Hungry and in Winston Salem? Then you’re in the right place! We’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Winston-Salem you must visit. One of our favorite things about traveling is trying out new restaurants and local dishes.
We hadn’t ever heard of Winston Salem being a foodies scene, but it should. There are some amazing restaurants in Winston-Salem and award-winning chefs that call North Carolina home.
Best Restaurants in Winston-Salem
1. Spring House
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or out on date night, the award-winning Spring House is the place to go. Chef Timothy Grandinetti serves up Southern dishes with a refined twist in a 1920s house that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The setting is as unique as the dishes.
If you aren’t hungry for dinner, come and have a drink at the cozy bar in the library. Everything on the menu is made from scratch and sourced locally, and the menu changes seasonally. Reservations are suggested, and you can make them online.
Recommended Dishes: Fried green tomatoes with low & slow North Carolina Pork, Pork Medallions, Lamb Loin
2. Sweet Potatoes
The #1 best restaurant in Winston Salem on Trip Advisor serves up real Southern food with the best fried chicken in Winston-Salem. As their name suggests, the menu is very sweet potato heavy with sweet potato fries, sweet potato buns, sweet potato pie, etc.
Sweet Potatoes is located right in downtown Winston Salem on Trade Street. The locals say the brunch is amazing but it’s only served on Sundays from 1030am-3pm. We fueled up for lunch on a busy day hitting up all the things to do in Winson Salem.
Recommended Dishes: fried chicken & waffles, Mambo chicken sandwich, PBJ which is a fried pork chop with peanut butter & banana aioli with bacon, cheese, and tomato jam on a sweet potato bun
3. Foothills Brewery
If you’re a beer lover, head to the best brewery in Winston Salem for not only the beer but some good food, too. They have 28 beers on tap at their tasting room and several at the brewpub. If you have time, we highly suggest taking their brewery tour, followed by tons of sampling.
Make sure to check their daily specials to save a few dollars. On weekdays they have $5 appetizers specials 4 pm-6 pm
Recommended Dishes: Shrimp & Grit cakes, Dirty South Burger, Brewhouse Pork Rips
4. The Tavern in Old Salem
Located in historic Old Salem, The Tavern was built in 1816 as a replica of the historic 1784 Tavern in Salem. The restaurant serves authentic Moravian dishes served by staff in traditional Moravian attire. It’s located right in the heart of Old Salem and the best restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Recommended Dishes: Moravian Chicken Pie
5. Mary’s Gourmet Diner
If you are a breakfast lover you’ll love Mary’s, it’s the best breakfast in Winston-Salem. Mary’s Gourmet Diner serves up breakfast all day and also has a sandwich menu for non-breakfast lovers all day too.
Everything is made fresh from scratch and it’s amazing. We went for breakfast and were stuffed until dinner. Mary’s is a funky place with great art and don’t forget to stop at the Artomat machine to pick up a $5 piece of art.
Recommended Dishes: Mary’s Gritz Bowls, Breakfast Nachos
6. Original Krispy Kreme Donut
The Original Krispy Kreme was located in Old Salem, but sadly, that building no longer stands. Krispy Kreme was started in 1937 and now has locations all around the world. There are several Krispy Kreme locations around Winston-Salem to swing by and pick up a fresh donut.
Recommended Dishes: any fresh hot donut is a solid choice
7. The Bistro At Childress Vineyard
Just outside of Winston-Salem there are some amazing vineyards and wineries. The Bistro at Childress Vineyard serves lunch daily with great food & wine paired with an epic view of the vineyard. Before or after a winery tour we suggest having lunch at the bistro.
If you like to try wines, consider ordering the trifecta which is three courses paired with a wine-paired. If you’re not that hungry grab a bottle of wine and the North Carolina local cheese board. Reservations are recommended, ask for the table in the corner by the windows for the best views.
Recommended Dishes: Blackened Salmon, Pimento Cheeseburger
8. The Katharine Brasserie & Bar
Located in the Kimpton Hotel, The Katharine Brasserie & Bar serves up traditional French food with a Southern twist. The menu changes from season to season, so it’s always locally sourced and fresh.
The best thing to do is pick the waiter’s brain, ask them what’s good right now? What are the specials? What’s their favorite? Everything on the menu looked good, and we devoured everything that came out!
Recommended Dishes: Shrimp & Grits, Carolina Rainbow Trout “Grenobloise”, Banana Creme Brulee
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