From historic (and iconic) barbecue joints to upscale dining, you’ll want to visit these amazing restaurants in Greenville NC and its surroundings in Pitt County.
From legendary Eastern North Carolina barbecue to upscale dining experiences, Greenville, NC, is home to incredible restaurants that showcase the region’s vibrant and diverse food scene.
Known for more than just a college town, Greenville offers a mix of local favorites, trendy new eateries, and hidden gems worth seeking out.
In this guide, we share our firsthand picks for the best places to eat in Greenville, NC, along with standout restaurants in nearby Pitt County towns like Winterville, Farmville, and Ayden. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, fresh farm-to-table fare, or global flavors, we’ve got you covered.
So if you’ve been searching for “best restaurants near me in Greenville, NC” or planning your next foodie adventure in Pirate Country, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re a local, a new resident, or just visiting, this guide leaves no detail behind—come hungry!
This article will tell you where to find the best barbecue and best restaurants in Greenville NC, as well as elsewhere in Pitt County.
If you’re searching for something specific in this guide, we’ve organized things into the following sections (Categories in Bold followed by Subcategories):
- Eastern-Style Barbecue Quick Guide
- Greenville Barbecue
- Winterville Barbecue
- Ayden Barbecue
- Beyond Barbecue
- Breakfast in Greenville (Coffee, Too!)
- Greenville Lunch and Dinner Options
Read More: Exciting Things to do in Greenville (NC BBQ, Outdoor Adventures, and More!)
Vote for your favorite North Carolina spots for the Annual Best of NC 2025! From scenic getaways to local BBQ joints, your voice matters.
Eastern-Style Barbecue Quick Guide
Before we get into our favorite restaurants in Greenville, we want to offer a quick refresher on Eastern-style barbecue.
Why? Because Pitt County is where you will find the highest concentration of Eastern-style barbecue pits and wood-smoked whole hog.
But what exactly is Eastern-style North Carolina barbecue? Simply put, it’s whole hog and vinegar-based.
Except it really isn’t all that simple. The pigs of Pitt County are all smoked with love and years of pitmasters perfecting their techniques.
We cover Eastern-style ‘cue in more detail inside our guide to North Carolina barbecue.
Greenville Barbecue
These Greenville barbecue restaurants are among the best in North Carolina, if not the entire world!
B’s Barbecue
Address: 751 B’s Barbecue Rd, Greenville, NC
Website
Sitting on the corner of aptly named Barbecue Road in Greenville, B’s Barbecue is a North Carolina legend. The tiny blue building has a take-and-go window and a seating area.
Wood-smoked long and slow, you’ll pick up a whiskey bottle to pour your vinegar sauce on the meat. And those hush puppies? They come in stick form and are one of a kind to North Carolina barbecue.
When B’s runs out of food, they close up shop. So make sure to come early if you have your heart set on barbecue!
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
Parker’s Barbecue
Convention District Address: 3109 S Memorial Dr, Greenville, NC
ECU Address: 2020 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC
Windsor Address: 1801 East Arlington Blvd, Greenville, NC
Website
Starting in Wilson but also beloved in Greenville, Parker’s Barbecue is an iconic whole hog barbecue restaurant. After the success of the original Wilson location, the Parkers opened the first of three additional restaurants in Greenville.
Known for their quick service, perfectly fried chicken, and servers donning old-school white paper hats, Parker’s is a must-eat spot in Greenville!
Winterville Barbecue
We’ll move away from Greenville and explore the rest of Pitt County’s barbecue scenes. The first stop is Winterville.
Sam Jones BBQ
Address: 715 W Fire Tower Rd, Winterville, NC
Website
If there were an iconic representation of North Carolina barbecue, Sam Jones would be that hero.
His family has been wood-smoking whole hogs since Skylight Inn opened in 1947. Today, Sam runs both Sam Jones BBQ and Skylight Inn.
While Skylight Inn remains the same old-fashioned barbecue joint that has earned national acclaim, Sam wanted to open a restaurant that offered more than pork.
You’ll find Spare Ribs, catfish bites, and even mac n’ cheese at his Winterville restaurant. The pork is the same at both restaurants, so expect to get that burst of flavor and crunchy cracklings in each bite.
Read More: Restaurants in Raleigh
Ayden Barbecue
Ayden is another small town that packs a mighty punch when it comes to NC barbecue. These places deserve as much attention as any others we’ll feature on NC Tripping.
Skylight Inn Barbecue
Address: 4618 Lee St, Greenville, NC
Website
Featured in National Geographic in 1979 as the best barbecue in the United States, Skylight Inn is the one barbecue restaurant near Greenville where you must eat.
These pits even won a James Beard award in 2003 and continue to produce the perfect combination of smoked, juicy pork and crispy pork skin.
Personally, that last bit is what makes Skylight Inn stand out. If you haven’t visited yet, we promise a barbecue tray here is one meal you will remember for the rest of your life.
Bum’s BBQ Restaurant
Address: 566 3rd St, Greenville, NC
Website
Home cooking but with that smoky flavor is what you’ll find at Bum’s, which was the first commercial barbecue establishment in the nation.
The barbecue is incredible, and the vegetables and sides are also made with that same attention to detail. And DO NOT skip on the banana pudding!
Bonus Challenge (Pitt County Brews and Cues Trail)
If you want a fun challenge, the Pitt County Brews and Cues Trail will take you through these five incredible and historic eastern barbecue restaurants. You can also explore five innovative breweries, too, because this area’s barbecue and beer pair very nicely.
More Restaurants in Greenville (Beyond Barbecue)
There are more places to eat in Greenville, NC, beyond barbecue. If you want a break from the whole hog, these incredible places to eat are worth further investigation!
Breakfast in Greenville (Coffee, Too!)
Start your day with breakfast at one of these amazing Greenville restaurants!
Backstage Coffee
Address: 304 S Greene St, Greenville, NC
Website
Dubbed as the “Sparkly Neighborhood Coffeeshop”, Backstage Coffee is a vibe. Creative and inclusive, you’ll find knick-knacks, concert posters, and even a Harry Styles-themed room.
Not only is Backstage Coffee like a cup of dopamine, but they also offer themed menus, most notably their Gilmore Girls theme, which went viral on social media.
This Downtown Greenville café sources its coffee from the Lanoca Coffee Institute (Pitt County, Farmville!) and doubles as a vintage clothing and performance space in partnership with Cook’s Closet.
In the back of the building is Moosie’s Catering Co, which serves Argentine-inspired bites. I highly recommend trying their empanadas and enjoying some fresh air on the back patio.
Coastal Fog
Address: 210 E 14th St, Greenville, NC
Website
Coastal Fog is probably one of the most beautiful coffee shops I’ve ever been in. But it is much more than just a beautiful, cozy spot to get some work done or catch up with a friend.
It is a beautifully curated design-forward retail shop with homewares, artful décor, and gifts that reflect a refined, coastal-chic aesthetic.
The café serves handmade breads, pastries, seasonal paninis, and specialty coffee (or an early evening glass of wine).
With 25,000 square feet of space, Coastal Fog also hosts creative workshops, private events, and community events.
Oh, and parents can rejoice with an enclosed playspace for babies and toddlers!
The Scullery Coffee House & Creamery
Address: 431 Evans St, Greenville, NC
Facebook
The Scullery is a place that is beloved by locals and visitors alike. It’s a casual, art-lined café that serves scratch-made breakfast and lunch using locally sourced ingredients, and don’t miss the homemade ice cream.
With a relaxed vibe, it’s perfect for a creative morning or afternoon of people-watching and chilling.
It’s highly rated and beloved locally for its cozy atmosphere and hearty comfort eats.
Read More: How to Join Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree on Ocracoke Island
Greenville Lunch and Dinner Options
There are so many incredible lunch and dinner restaurants in Greenville that it is sometimes hard to choose your next meal.
From farm-to-table restaurants like Starlight Cafe & Farm or Ford + Shep to more casual upscale eats like Native Diner, it quickly becomes clear that Greenville is a foodie-friendly town!
Amante Tacos & Spirits
Address: 601 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC
Website
Amante is an open-air, Downtown Greenville gem offering Latin-inspired cuisine in a stylish, outdoor-only setting.
With hand-pressed tortillas, fresh ingredients, and an eclectic menu, Amante is perfect for groups, date nights, or casual vibes.
With a stunning mural as its backdrop and plants surrounding the dining area, it feels like a refreshing escape in the heart of the city.
And while I didn’t get a chance to sample the drinks, I’ve heard they have delicious margaritas!
Julep Contemporary Kitchen
Address: 207 B Greenville Blvd SW, Greenville, NC
Website
Julep is a contemporary American restaurant helmed by Chef‑Owner Lucas Owens (who you’ll hear more about below at Native), offering a refined take on Southern comfort food in a stylish, elegant setting.
This Greenville restaurant delivers contemporary American cuisine rooted in Southern traditions.
Think thoughtfully composed comfort food, such as Dr. Pepper braised short ribs or Cheerwine-soaked sponge cake, prepared with seasonal ingredients and a refined touch.
The bar program at Julep is equally intentional: no neon mixers or syrupy cherries here. Instead, expect craft cocktails made with house‑made syrups, bitters, muddled fruits, fresh herbs, and carefully measured builds, alongside a curated wine list and even the namesake juleps.
Ford + Shep
Address: 718 Dickinson Ave #103, Greenville, NC
Website
Ford + Shep is part speakeasy (tucked behind an unassuming entrance and a sleek monochrome hallway) and part laid-back California modern.
Housed in a former bank teller building, this Greenville, NC restaurant features an outdoor bar connected to the main space by a glass conservatory, which is something you must see.
Chef-owner Brandon Qualls crafts a globally inspired, ever-changing small menu, built around locally sourced ingredients and updated every few days to keep things exciting.
An on-site urban garden supplies fresh herbs and produce for both the kitchen and the bar, which adds an extra level of thoughtfulness.
But what’s with the name?
Well… like many parents, our most significant source of inspiration and drive comes from our kids. Redford and Shepherd. “We hope one day their palates will expand beyond goldfish and PB & J sandwiches.” (I can relate.)
Nash Hot Chicken
Address: 114 E 5th St, Greenville, NC
Website
Nash Hot Chicken brings Nashville-style hot chicken, a full bar, and live entertainment to Downtown Greenville. The menu features scratch-made Southern comfort dishes, hand-breaded chicken dressed in varied heat levels, and cold craft beers.
Not only is the food delicious, but Nash has incredible live music. It’s become a local favorite for its spicy flavors, lively events, and casual charm.
Native Fine Diner
Address: 907 Dickinson Ave, Greenville, NC
Website
I will admit, it is very rare that I eat at the same restaurant twice when I’m traveling. There are always new spots opening or somewhere I missed last time.
But Native is one that I keep going back to. It’s beautiful. It’s thoughtful. And I’ve never had anything but exceptional meals at this Greenville restaurant.
Native Fine Diner offers a modern twist on classic greasy spoon favorites, crafted by the highly regarded Chef Lucas Owens.
With over 14 years in the industry, Owens’ journey has taken him from Raleigh kitchens to notable North Carolina restaurants like Vivian Howard’s Boiler Room Oyster Bar and Chef & the Farmer.
Located in the beautifully restored, century-old home of Greenville’s historic Carolina Grill Diner, Native blends mid-century modern design with nostalgic touches from its original 1903 roots.
It truly is a photographer’s (and foodie’s) dream spot!
Starlight Cafe & Farm
Address: 104 W 5th St, Greenville, NC
Website
Starlight Cafe & Farm is a true family-owned and operated business.
This restaurant in downtown Greenville was founded by Susan and Alan Boutilier in 2000, starting from a tiny space next to a bakery. By 2002, their son Tobias had joined them as Executive Chef.
In 2008, they expanded into the building next door to accommodate an oyster bar and additional dining seats.
Their farming dream came to life in January 2011, when they discovered a 22-acre, century-old farm just minutes from the restaurant. Now, this patch of land hums with heritage livestock, buzzing bees, berries, produce, and pecans—all grown with care through sustainable and organic practices.
Their mission? To serve up food that’s as local and seasonal. The vibes are perfect for a date night or a great conversation with an old (or new!) friend.
Starlight Cafe has consistently been one of the most highly recommended restaurants in Greenville, NC.
Sup Dogs
Address: 213 E 5th St, Greenville, NC
Website
I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t mention that yes, Greenville is home to East Carolina University. Which means there is plenty of room for fast casual bites on the way to class.
However, when I was in college, I didn’t have anything nearly as cool as Sup Dogs! Known for their all-beef hot dogs with fun toppings, the inside is filled with collegiate memorabilia and a sense of nostalgia.
But one of the things that you cannot leave Greenville without trying is their signature Sup Crush.
Made with their own distilled vodka from across the street (Crush), the Sup Crush is made with a whole orange, squeezed in front of your face, triple sec, and a splash of Sierra Mist.
It’s dangerously delicious, but remember… you aren’t in college anymore, and you definitely can’t drink like you did in college either.
More Restaurants in Farmville and Winterville
If you are searching for somewhere to eat outside Downtown Greenville, there are options in Farmville and Winterville!
Café Madeleine offers scratch-made cakes and pastries along with an impressive wine selection. One of the best places to get oysters in the area is Main & Mill Oyster Bar & Tavern in Winterville.
Read More: How to Explore the NC Oyster Trail (10+ Adventurous Ways!)
Ready to Dig Into Greenville NC’s Best Restaurants?
Legendary barbecue and farm-to-table upscale dining are just some of the amazing highlights you’ll find when searching for the best restaurants in Greenville. All of the people behind these local businesses pour their hearts into providing delicious food and enjoyable experiences.
So if you’re in the area and hungry, support them. Grab some takeout or sit down for some of the finest meals you’ll find in North Carolina.
More Things to Do in Greenville
We’ve featured the Greenville’s best restaurants in a few of our NC travel guides. Here are a few examples.
Hi
If are a foodie searching for truly family owned restaurants this list is missing a lot of great restaurants like NinoS, CafeDuo, ATavola and Rickhouse. These restaurants are all close to each other right in the center of shopping centers and other small boutiques . Also going towards Winterville you’ll find close to famous SamJones LaFamiglia and Basils. Have fun exploring Greenville!
I agree!
We recently had some of the best sushi in Greenville – a newer restaurant that just opened near Falls/Reddy park called Konnichiwa.
The Mr. Krab roll is incredible. A great option for something different!
Where is Falls/Reddy Park in Greenville? We lived in Ayden right outside of there when we lived in Eastern NC, I’m not familiar with those roads. We used to eat sushi at a Japanese restaurant by Walmart on Greenville Blvd.