Last Updated on September 25, 2023
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With so many fantastic options, overwhelm is inevitable when searching for the best Winston-Salem restaurants. Luckily, we’ve spent quite a bit of time ordering from menus downtown and elsewhere and are more than happy to share our favorite locally-owned spots to grab a bite.
We’ve even talked with more than a few chefs and restauranteurs who were proud to show us that many use local sources and employ sustainable practices.
And we’ve brought a diverse bunch to you, with everything from grandmother’s pan-fried chicken recipe, French-inspired cuisine that honors a Winston-Salem icon, to authentic Tex-Mex that’s sweeping through the Triad.
These are not just our favorite places to eat in Winston-Salem. They’re where you should go too, regardless of what you’re craving or the occasion.
If you’re looking for something specific, here’s how we’ve organized this guide:
- Breakfast restaurants in Winston-Salem
- Casual restaurants in Winston-Salem
- Date Night Winston-Salem Restaurants
Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the area and are wondering, “Where is the best food near me in Winston-Salem?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!
Read More: 40+ Fun Things to Do in Winston-Salem and Nearby
Map of the Best Winston-Salem Restaurants
Visually plan your foodie adventures with our Central North Carolina Map and our North Carolina Travel Map. Before that, you’re welcome to keep reading about the best restaurants in Winston-Salem NC.
Note: Our food guides are always expanding. So if we left something off, it’s because our stomachs are only so big! Let us know if there is a place we missed and we will try it out for our next visit to Winston-Salem.
Breakfast Restaurants in Winston-Salem
Start your day out with something sweet, savory, or healthy. Here are some of our favorite breakfast restaurants in Winston-Salem NC!
Note: Each area is listed in ABC order.
Bobby Boy Bakeshop
Address: 1100 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
Yes, there will be a line. And yes, it will be worth it. Bobby Boy Bakeshop is sweeping the Triad as one of the best French-inspired bakeries in the Triad. Make your first stop of the day at Bobby Boy Bakeshop and everything else will be extra sweet.
This Winston-Salem restaurant serves flaky croissants, savory tarts, and delicious espresso drinks. There is an outdoor patio to sit and enjoy the weather or grab a couple of extra pastries for the work fam if you’re in a hurry.
Camino Bakery
Downtown Address: 301B W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Brookstown Address: 300 S Marshall St, Winston-Salem, NC
Camino Bakery began under Krankies Coffee and continues kneading fabulous baked goods and sandwiches while giving back to the community.
Any leftover pastries and bread go to Sunnyside Ministry, an organization that supports those in crisis. In addition to this generosity, Camino highlights a local organization each month and donates a portion of coffee sales to them.
Camino also keeps their partnerships local, sourcing from nearby farms and vendors. And their focus on sustainability through compostable materials makes everything at Camino that much sweeter!
Founders
Address: 150 Marshall St SW, Winston-Salem, NC
If you are looking for a more elevated breakfast restaurant in Winston-Salem, check out Founders. Located inside of the historic The Shaffner’s Inn, Founders serves delicious chef-driven breakfast.
I highly recommend ordering their New Orleans-style Shrimp and Grits! It had a wonderful spice, andouille sausage, and giant shrimp!
Breakfast is included for guests staying at this historic Winston-Salem hotel, but it is open to the public every day except Monday.
Krankies Coffee
Address: 211 E 3rd St, Winston-Salem, NC
Krankies Coffee began with a vision and not a dollar to the owners’ names. Friends, Dave and John, wanted to bring Winston-Salem “a space to experience original and thought-provoking art.”
Krankies started as a destination for artists and musicians to perform, work and play known as “The Wherehouse.”
And through a fascinating turn of events, that Wherehouse turned into an iconic coffee roaster with the most delectable biscuits in Central North Carolina. Yes, you MUST order the Texas Pete and honey chicken biscuit!
The original vibe of the event space still lives and breathes in Krankies; just walking in you can feel it acts as a cultural hub.
Louie and Honey’s Kitchen
Address: 401 W End Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC
“Serving the Best Buns in Winston!” And yes, there is a T-shirt too! Louie and Honey’s Kitchen is a mother-and-daughter team that decided to bring their family’s traditional Amish cinnamon roll recipe and delight the Triad.
These buns will send you to another world! Giant, gooey, soft, and just the right sweetness.
If cinnamon rolls aren’t your thing, Louie and Honey’s Kitchen serves fantastic coffee and other equally delicious sweet treats. It is one of Winston-Salem’s newest restaurants, and we’re coming back for the buns!
Village Juice & Kitchen
Address: 205-O S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem NC
With all this Southern food, your body might be craving a different pace. Village Juice serves fresh-pressed juices, smoothies, and healthy breakfast and lunch options that are to die for!
Using local ingredients and never compromising freshness, we grabbed a couple of juices and their delicious bacon, egg, and avocado toast. The decor is bright and inviting, and so is the staff.
They have two locations in Winston-Salem as well as a location in Charlotte.
Young Cardinal Cafe and Co.
Address: 424 4th St NW, Winston-Salem, NC
What’s better than brunch? Brunch all week long! Young Cardinal Cafe and Co is a downtown Winston-Salem restaurant that serves up delectable brunch favorites like biscuits and gravy, huevos rancheros, and a crave-worthy fried hot honey chicken sandwich.
And what’s brunch without some booze?! Get your coffee spiked or check out their full list of mimosa choices for a meal you won’t forget.
Casual Winston-Salem Restaurants
You don’t have to show up in your best, though it’s still welcome, at these casual restaurants in Winston-Salem NC.
Alma Mexicana
Address: 492 Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC
From the same owners of Canteen and The Porch, Alma Mexicana is a fun casual Mexican joint that is known for its fresh salads and crave-worthy tacos.
Located in Bailey Park, Alma is a hit during lunch but also serves amazing cocktails for when you’re off the clock!
The vibe from lunch and dinner are much different. Lunch keeps things fast and casual whereas dinner focuses on small tapas-style plates for a communal meal.
Campus Gas
Address: 1231 Polo Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
If you are looking for casual eats with serious flavor, Campus Gas is the ticket! Gas Station turned bar and grill, this is a perfect fit for our favorite casual Winston-Salem restaurants.
Campus Gas is perfect for hanging with your friends and enjoying a pint or cup of coffee.
Order up a pimento cheese dog, a Carolina burger, and a pint of your favorite brew (either from Winston-Salem, throughout North Carolina, or elsewhere). Or visit on Sunday for a brunch-only menu.
Make sure to save room for a hands-on milkshake topped with vanilla wafers!
Chad’s Chai
Address: 617 N Liberty St, Winston-Salem, NC
Personally, I don’t care if you don’t consider a teashop a restaurant. Because Chad’s Chai is just so good that it deserves to be on a list for foodies in Winston-Salem.
Chad’s Chai blends tea with the finest ingredients using the best ingredients. And the teashop- a total vibe.
Sit on cushions on the floor, enjoy a cozy seat by the window, or catch up with friends while your kids enjoy their beautiful alcove stocked with books and games.
Where else can you get a tea flight?! They also serve pastries if you are hankering something to eat too! They make all their pastries in-house, and during a recent visit, I noticed a tahini honey biscotti and Japanese milk bread that looked divine!
Cheesecakes by Alex
Address: 625 N Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Got a sweet tooth? Then making a stop at Cheesecakes by Alex is a MUST! There are 20 year-round flavors and two seasonal varieties. The original location in Greensboro was so insanely popular that they knew the foodies of Winston-Salem needed their own velvety location!
Starting out as a request to please his mother-in-law, Alex set out to make the perfect cheesecake. He failed multiple times and eventually found success, which we have researched to confirm.
Start with a slice, take home an entire cheesecake, or bring some friends and enjoy a cheesecake flight!
Either way, this is one of the restaurants in Winston-Salem that you must not pass up.
Read More: How to Survive Woods of Terror in Greensboro (7 Crucial Tips!)
Cugino Forno
Address: 486 N Patterson Ave Suite 115, Winston-Salem, NC
Get a true taste of Italy when at Cugino Forno! Three cousins spent years perfecting their craft and researching the best Neapolitan style pizza so they could dish it up to you.
Located next to Incendiary Brewing (a great Winston-Salem brewery!), expect true authentic and fresh ingredients. With 80% of the ingredients imported directly from Italy and the pizzas fired in a 900º Napoli oven, we guarantee this is the best pizza you’ll have in your entire life!
Cugino Forno also has locations in Greensboro, Clemmons, and Durham!
Earl’s
Address: 121 W 9th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Earl’s in Winston-Salem is totally a vibe- and we’re here for it! Serving up Nashville-style food with an impressive whiskey selection, Earl’s is where you go to hang out and kick back.
Bringing some of the best country and bluegrass musical acts, Earl’s is always a party whether you’re dining for lunch or staying out late.
Get the salt and vinegar pork rinds and dip them in ranch. Seriously… I’m not a ranch person, and my server recommended it and it blew.my.mind!
The Mac’n cheese comes topped with a crushed cheez-it topping and the flavors are bold and delicious. This Winston-Salem restaurant is the life of the party!
Read more: Incredible Breakfast Restaurants in North Carolina
East of Texas
Address: 907 S. Broad St, Winston-Salem, NC
Look, we know barbecue in North Carolina. But we aren’t that good at Tex-Mex. So Claire Calvin, Winston-Salem restaurant extraordinaire, decided to open a restaurant that highlights her past life in her new home. East of Texas serves anyone who loves good smoked meat.
I missed the pineapple refrigerator pie during my visit, but rest assured- it is a crowd favorite and will be on my tray the next time I’m looking for a restaurant in Winston-Salem!
This Winston-Salem restaurant is counter-service with a menu that has everything from brisket tacos to a smoked salmon salad. The patio at East of Texas is huge, pet and kid-friendly, and inviting for group hangs.
This NC barbecue lover approved of the Del Rio pork tacos!
Mission Pizza Napoletana
Address: 707 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, NC
You’ll recognize Mission Pizza’s space-themed mural as you ride around the Downtown Arts District and immediately know it’s a place you want to visit. Only the best ingredients find their way inside Mission’s 900-degree oven.
Mission Pizza is a complete osteria that offers more than just soft, crisp, and traditional Napoletana pies. They serve pasta, salads, and pour small-scale Italian wines to pair with the dishes that come out nicely.
The menu changes often and includes weekly specials.
One thing to note at Mission Pizza is their pride; one example is that they discourage take-out. From the time the pizza hits the cardboard of a pizza box, it changes the way it’s supposed to taste.
That attention to detail and quality is another reason to appreciate this Winston-Salem restaurant.
Mojito Latin Soul Food
Address: 723 N Trade St, Winston-Salem, NC
We were all saddened by the closing of Mary’s Diner in 2020, but luckily her legacy and love for great food still live on.
Mojito is located in the Mary’s Diner location and the owner, Chef Michael Millan, was both chef and part-owner of Mary’s since 2018.
Today, Chef Michael Millan and his wife Michelle have expanded their popular food truck, Mojito Mobile Kitchen into the former Mary’s location. The menu at Mojito reflects the authentic Latin flavors and uses only the best ingredients.
A Cuban sandwich is a must and the maduros are some of the best I’ve ever had. Prepare for an incredible meal at this new Winston-Salem restaurant.
The Porch Kitchen and Cantina
Address: 840 Mill Works St, Winston-Salem, NC
Some people think fresh ingredients and a pitcher of margaritas from The Porch are all you need to make it a winning meal out! And after trying some Tex-Mex ala Carolina (yes, that’s right!) at The Porch, we tend to agree.
This place is where you go to get your nacho fix and a Mexican burger, but even further outside your comfort zone. The Porch serves your Tex-Mex favorites like burritos stuffed with fries or chicken-stuffed poblanos.
We also think the Dr. Pepper Trailer Pot Pie and their Sweet Pete Puffy Tacos are exactly what you need to soothe your soul.
Slappy’s Chicken
Address: 200 Acadia Ave, Winston-Salem, NC
Slappy’s Chicken is an institution in Winston-Salem. Even after being closed for two years for renovations, Slappy’s reopened with the same vigor and enthusiasm from the community as before.
The menu is simple. Choose your fried chicken, sides, and whether or not you want it dipped in their secret sauce. The owner grew up in Statesville and is cultivating a NC style of hot chicken. Breaded, fried, and dripping with a perfectly seasoned spicy sauce.
Sweet Potatoes
Address: 607 N Trade St, Winston-Salem, NC
Sweet Potatoes sits in the heart of the Downtown Arts District and is more than just a restaurant named after our state vegetable. Owners Vivián Joiner and Stephanie Tyson have taken the sweet potato and are honoring it!
Their signature dishes and true homestyle Southern cooking have made this a must-eat restaurant in Winston-Salem.
Start your meal with an order of freshly fried pork rinds and maybe some Slap Yo’ Mamma Ribs! Lunch is best started with Mambo Chicken or Fried Bologna Sandwich.
No matter what, you should end your experience with a slice of Sweet Potato pie.
You can try to recreate the Sweet Potatoes magic at home with Stephanie Tyson’s Well, Shut My Mouth! We included it in this guide to essential cookbooks by North Carolina chefs and food writers.
Date Night Winston-Salem Restaurants
These are the best restaurants in Winston-Salem NC for date night or to treat yourself!
Note: This section is listed in ABC order.
1703 Restaurant
Address: 1703 Robinhood Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
I’m a sucker for a restaurant that has a daily menu- especially if they put the time and thought into it like Chef de Cuisine Curtis Hackaday does at 1703 Restaurant & Catering.
Tucked away off Reynolda Road, 1703 Restaurant is a delightful date night restaurant in Winston-Salem that uses seasonal ingredients to captivate tastebuds.
The menu during my visit included a crispy pheasant with the most delightful muscadine sauce that had me scrapping the plate.
Paired with an extensive wine list, I’m confident that any meal at 1703 Restaurant would be perfect for a nice celebration or romantic occasion.
Bernardin’s
Address: 901 W Fourth Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Bernardin’s is in a historic building in the heart of Winston-Salem and delights both locals and visitors alike.
With its charming ambiance and a menu brimming with exquisite flavors, Bernardin’s offers a unique dining experience showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Not only can you dine inside the beautiful historic building, but the outdoor patio at Bernadin’s is one of the best in Winston-Salem!
From farm-fresh ingredients to carefully curated wine selections, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a memorable dining adventure.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to savor a delightful meal, Bernardin’s is the go-to restaurant for foodies seeking a taste of Winston-Salem’s finest.
Read More: 10 Great Outdoor Activities in Winston-Salem to Keep You Moving!
Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse
Address: 2000 Reynolda Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
Located in Buena Vista near Wake Forest University, Fratelli’s brings out certified Angus Beef steaks with a touch of elegance and sophistication. Each steak is seasoned and seared at 1200-degrees, giving it a nice, crisp exterior while keeping things flavorful and juicy inside.
And Fratelli’s is more than just incredible steaks, with Italian classics like Chicken Mushroom Marsala and house-made Lasagna on the menu.
Add in a cozy and intimate vibe and you’ve got the most perfect of Winston-Salem restaurants for a special occasion, especially for date night!
The Katharine Brasserie
Address: 401 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC
The Katharine Brasserie sits inside the iconic RJ Reynolds building, now home to the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel. This Winston-Salem restaurant is an homage to the feminine strength and delicacy it took to build an empire.
Conceptualized around Katharine Reynolds, the matriarch of the Reynolds family, The Katharine serves French-inspired food as a nod to the fond memories she and RJ created during their honeymoon in France in 1905.
Wonderful dishes coming out of this kitchen include French classics like French Onion Soup Gratinée and a grand seafood feast in the Le Gran Plat Katharine. Taste anything from this menu and we’re sure it will make your meal a special one.
And don’t just come for dinner, though you should spend at least an evening sitting in the dining room. Swing by for a casual yet elevated lunch. Their menu is filled with delicious small plates and eats to break up your day.
Or you can grab a seat at one of the best bars in Winston-Salem for an expertly made cocktail.
Mozelle’s
Address: 878 W Fourth St, Winston-Salem, NC
Mozelle’s sits in a cozy spot in Winston-Salem’s historic west end. It’s an intimate Southern bistro that will make you wish every meal in your life happened here.
Mozelle’s sources food from local farmers and supports their neighbors of Winston-Salem, which is an added touch to familiar favorites like tomato pie and creamy succotash.
The gourmet meatloaf with Havarti and tomato marmalade isn’t what your Granny served for Sunday Supper. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of their highly requested sidewalk tables, you will likely stay a while longer over a bottle of wine.
In addition to a carefully curated seasonal menu and weekend brunch, Mozelle’s pulls out all the stops for a monthly wine dinner experience. If you want in, contact them in advance because it often sells out.
Read More: 20 Awesome Wineries near Charlotte (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Quanto Basta
Address: 680 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC
Run by the same marvelous chef as the Spring House, Quanto Basta – “qb” for short gives full license to indulgence. “Quanta basta” means “as much as you like, as much as you need”, and you are sure to find that in the dishes here.
The wine list is not to be missed either, with more than 200 wines covering both local North Carolina wineries to more than 50 Italian wines, this is a restaurant to explore and expand your palate.
In true Chef Timothy Grandinetti style, everything is freshly prepared, even the pasta. Like at Spring House, even his antipasti shines as much as the main dish.
So come hungry, leave happy.
Read More: 25 Wonderful Wineries Near Asheville (Vineyards Within 2 Hours)
Six Hundred Degrees
Address: 450 N Patterson Ave, Winston-Salem, NC
Six Hundred Degrees is a brand new Winston-Salem restaurant in the Bailey Power Plant district that is making quite a name for itself.
The live-fire kitchen and elegant bar catch your eye as you walk in, but the menu and expertly crafted dishes will be what will keep you coming back for more.
Dine on perfectly seasoned and cooked Certified Angus Beef Filet, tender Korean short ribs, or let the flavors of the cast ion enchant your venison dish. Six Hundred Degrees is one of the best date night restaurants in Winston-Salem!
Read More: Central North Carolina (and 100+ Amazing Places to Visit)
Spring House
Address: 450 N Spring St, Winston-Salem, NC
Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen, and Bar serves up expertly conceptualized dishes from the award-winning Chef Timothy Grandinetti. The place sits in the former Bahnson House, a 1920 residence that is the last remaining home in Winston-Salem’s famed Millionaire’s Row.
The menu at Spring House features elevated New American dishes guided by seasonal ingredients. Chef Grandinetti is known for his creative farm-to-table dishes and inventive approach to them.
One of the best ways to experience this most delicious of Winston-Salem restaurants is through the Chef’s Tasting Menu—a three-course sampling of each day’s featured dishes.
Ready to Dig Into these Winston-Salem Restaurants?
We think you should come hungry to Camel City because these Winston-Salem restaurants are just the beginning of your eating adventure! With an always-evolving food scene, there’s a healthy balance of mainstay restaurants and new kids on the block.
So no matter what brings you to Winston-Salem, we know these places to eat will never leave you hungry after your meal.
Which of these restaurants would you visit first when in Winston-Salem? Got any to add? Let us know in the comments and we’ll happily investigate further!
More Things to Do in Winston-Salem
We’ve created many more NC travel guides, including where to eat in Winston-Salem, things to do in the city, and places to visit nearby. Here are a few of them.
