Last year, I rounded up my favorite meals from across North Carolina on Instagram in a two-part series on my feed (part 1 | part 2) + a reel of our annual Christmas Eve tradition. I got this idea from Lindsay of Welcome to Raleighwood because she shared some of her favorite dishes that she had tried around the Triangle in 2022 and I loved it so much. I decided to make this a permanent fixture annually where I highlight my favorite meals after having so much fun writing my article last year! Also, you can check out the three-part series on my Instagram feed here: part 1 | part 2 | part 3. So without further adieu, here are my 30 favorite meals from 2023.
For more North Carolina favorites, be sure to follow along on my 100-county tour here.
30 Meals I Enjoyed in 2023
Where I Ate & What I Ordered in Eastern North Carolina
Barley & Burger – Rocky Mount
I finally got to cross Barley & Burger off of my list of NC places to eat and it did *not* disappoint. Go for the burger but stay for the tots @barleyandburger. I ordered the Rocky Balboa, which is the epitome of a perfect burger, IMO: American cheese, pickles, lettuce, onion, tomato, and housemade sauce.
Pino’s Italian Restaurant – Roanoke Rapids
I have fond memories of this restaurant and the steak & cheese sammie from Pino’s in my hometown reigns supreme!
Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop – Manteo
We dined at Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop for both dinner and lunch when we were in Manteo. I loved the Greek Wrap @poorrichardsmanteo and wish I could find somewhere in the Raleigh area that makes a comparable one!
Where I Ate & What I Ordered in Central North Carolina
Akami Sushi Bar – Apex
I love good food at unpretentious places, so you *know* I love that there is a gas station sushi spot in Apex! I ordered The Phat Boy & Rainbow Roll @akami.sushibar and would absolutely order again.
Beasley’s Chicken & Honey – Raleigh
We visited a trusted Raleigh staple where I ordered B’s LT from @beasleys_raleigh with a side of fries and green bean casserole. A delicious take on a traditional BLT.
Benchwarmer Bagels – Raleigh
I love a BLT and I love an everything bagel so this BLT on an everything bagel from @benchwarmersbagels is a match made in Heaven. And *of course* it was served with Duke’s mayo!
Colletta – Cary
Colletta is located in Cary’s hip Fenton shopping center and their entire menu is delicious. However, you cannot go wrong with any of the pizzas @collettacary, but especially the Spicy Soppressata and the Regina Colleta!
Elliotts on Linden – Pinehurst
Our whole dining experience was delicious, though I was especially fond of the scallops with caviar @elliottsonlinden.
Fearrington House Restaurant Bar – Pittsboro
In my opinion, one of the biggest hidden gems in the area is the delightful menu at the Bar at Fearrington House Restaurant. A few favorites include the burger, scallop toast, and gnocchi @fearrington_house bar!
J.Betski’s – Raleigh
This Raleigh staple has long been on my list of places to try and thanks to Offline, I finally got there last year! Favorite dishes included: Cheese Spaetzle & potato crips @j.betskisofficial.
Longleaf Swine – Raleigh
You know I am an Eastern North Carolina BBQ snob and I am proud of it. I love the patio here and will always recommend you start with the Frito pie. Then, you should absolutely order the p.ulled pork sammie with a side of pimento mac & cheese @longleafswinebbq.
Merritt’s Grill – Chapel Hill
I had a meeting in Chapel Hill one afternoon, so I drove over early to treat myself to the iconic BLT @merritts_grill.
Players’ Retreat – Raleigh
This Chopped Salad with Chicken Retreats @theplayersretreat is my go-to order there always & forever,
Oak Steakhouse – Raleigh
Honestly, all the sides @oakraleigh. I loved the peach and burrata salad, deviled eggs topped with fried oysters, and the Brussels sprouts!
Standard Beer & Food – Raleigh
Standard Beer + Food is getting a coveted two-meal spot here. The first is the Wedge Salad with chicken tendies and the second is the Smashburger & Queso Tots @standard_beerfood.
St. Roch – Raleigh
The pimento’d oysters @strochraleigh always & forever, y’all. You won’t catch me ordering anything else unless I’m ordering to sample with others, in which case, I will still order my own pimento’d oysters.
Tazza Kitchen – Raleigh
Whether it is for brunch or lunch, I love the Mixed greens salad with a crabcake from @tazzakitchen.
Where I Ate & What I Ordered in Western North Carolina
The Cardinal – Boone
Part of our annual trip to Valle Crucis includes a stop for a Cobb salad with a side of fried okra from @thecardinalboone.
Carriage House Sundries – Burnsville
We absolutely loved our trip to Burnsville and I still think about the Breaky BLT with *the best* home fries @carriagehousesundries.
Dairy Center – Mt. Airy
Whenever you are in Mt. Airy, you have to order the ground Steak Sammie with fries from Dairy Center finished with seasonal homemade ice cream. I don’t make the rules. You have to try it.
Dough-Joe’s – Winston-Salem
Listen, I do not consider myself a big donut girlie. I am more of a savory type of gal. However, the key lime donut @doughjoesnc is a must! It’s the cutest space, too, located in beautiful Reynolda Village.
Flat Rock Wood Room BBQ – Hendersonville
David and I are big pizza fans and the Buffalo chicken & pepperoni pizza Flat Rock Wood Room (@jamie.guay) lives rent-free in our heads. Order the piggy pretzel to start. You won’t regret it!
The Historic Magnolia House – Greensboro
I love the work that the Historic Magnolia House does for the historic preservation of this amazing property and its significance to Black history. We had brunch here and the Catch 42 @thehistoricmagnolia was the best shrimp, fried fish, and grits of my life.
Mozelle’s – Winston-Salem
Don’t even think I’m going to make one of these lists and not highlight the tomato pie @mozelles.
The Powder Room– Winston-Salem
Get thicken & Orzo Salad from the oh-so-fabulous @thepowderroomcafe! I’ll never stop talking about how much I adore this spot! It’s like a look inside my brain!
The Pure & Proper – Black Mountain
I am in love with Black Mountain and the Pure and Proper all-day eatery would be my hangout spot if I lived there. For dinner service, order the Brussels sprouts (with whipped ricotta!!!!) and flat iron steak, served with black garlic aioli @thepureandproper.
RH Rooftop – Charlotte
I dined here for an unofficial happy hour situation, which included this delicious burrata with grilled veggies and, not pictured, crispy artichokes that I still think about on the regular.
Where I Ate & What I Ordered Beyond North Carolina
And Son Steakeasy – New York City
I will never not tell you about the steakeasy @andsonnyc because it was one of the best meals of my life to date. We got the mashed potatoes & mac & cheese carbonara. David ordered the garlic lemon chicken while I got the steak special. And whatever you do, get the filthiest martini. There are two locations in Manhattan and I loved the Upper East Side location.
Kramer’s All Day – Washington, D.C.
When David and I went to D.C. in September, I had the Lobster Cobb Salad @kramerbooks. It wins the best take on a Cobb salad because it comes with DEVILED EGGS. No notes. Not a one.
I can’t wait to share more food adventures in 2024! If you have any recommendations, I’d love for you to drop those in the comments below!
