North Carolina cuisine is synonymous with southern cooking, featuring everything from fried chicken to shrimp and grits. The state offers far more than traditional southern-style home-cooking, however. Need proof? Visit Greensboro, North Carolina, where you’ll find an array of top-quality restaurants featuring all types of cuisines, from Mexican to Vietnamese.
Situated about 25 miles east of Winston-Salem, Greensboro is part of the Piedmont Triad. The city is a thriving textile and agricultural center and is further home to The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Whether you come here for school, business, or pleasure, one thing is for sure: You won’t leave hungry.
Read on for a list of the best Greensboro, NC, restaurants.
25 Top Restaurants in Greensboro, North Carolina
The Greensboro, NC, restaurant scene truly has something to suit every person’s taste. Here’s an overview of the diverse assortment of eateries you’ll find in this bustling southern city.
1. Bandito Bodega (Mexican-Asian Fusion)
If you’re in the mood to spice things up with traditional Mexican cuisine, head to Bandito Bodega. This food truck can be found all over town and can even be found further afield in other cities in the Piedmont Triad area. What stands out are their Mexican-Asian fusion dishes, however. Try the Thai Beef Salad or Asian Tacos for something different.
2. Blue Denim (Cajun and Creole)
If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, you can’t go wrong with Blue Denim. This restaurant features a stunning exposed brick exterior and an intimate dining experience, making it the perfect spot for romantic dates. You’ll enjoy traditional creole and cajun-inspired dishes, from crawfish beignets to crawfish etouffee. Wash down your food with a local craft beer or a selection from the extensive wine list.
3. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Southern)
Of course, no list of Greensboro, NC, restaurants would be complete without some solid southern food — and it doesn’t get any more southern than chicken and waffles. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles offers hearty menu plates that are sure to leave you satiated. At this place, you can get waffles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4. Cheesecakes by Alex (Cheesecake)
Need to satiate your sweet tooth? Cheesecakes by Alex has you covered. Many locals would say you can’t get a better dessert at any other Greensboro, NC, restaurant. You can choose from 20 different flavors of cheesecake, including seasonal varieties. Expect crispy crusts and melt-in-your-mouth filling.
5. Hops Burger Bar (American)
Craving red meat? Hops Burger Bar has you covered. They serve certified Angus Beef and only use locally sourced dairy and produce. Select from a 6, 8-, or 12-ounce patty, depending on how hungry you are. Don’t forget to check out their delicious sides while you’re there. For all-American dining, this is a top pick.
6. Green Valley Grill (Mediterranean)
Here’s another fancier option if you’re looking for a spot to spend a special night out. Located in the O. Henry Hotel, Green Valley Grill offers Mediterranean-inspired seasonal dishes. What really makes this place stand out is the gorgeous outdoor patio, perfect for enjoying al fresco dining. Don’t forget to peruse the comprehensive wine list.
7. Crafted the Art of the Taco (Tacos)
Don’t head to Crafted the Art of the Taco expecting traditional Mexican food. This eatery puts an international twist onto the Mexican classic. Check out the Big Truck Taco with pulled pork and bacon BBQ sauce, or try the Dirty South Nachos with sweet potatoes. Another must-try is the Island Gangnam-style, featuring kimchi, blackened tuna, and pineapple aioli.
8. Cafe Pasta (All American)
Cafe Pasta is a neighborhood staple on State Street and has been serving up home-cooked all-American cuisine for more than 35 years. The menu offers a wide variety of meat and seafood dishes and (no surprise here) plenty of pasta options. This cafe also hosts regular wine and craft beer tastings. You can also catch live music on weekends. It’s just as much about the ambiance as the fantastic food. Insider tip: Try the chicken parmigiana.
9. Banh Mi Saigon Sandwiches (Vietnamese)
You should never judge a book by its cover. Banh Mi Saigon Sandwiches is the perfect testament to this fact. Located in an unassuming shopping center, this Vietnamese restaurant is one of the best in Greensboro. Their sandwiches are renowned, thanks to the flaky, crispy French bread they’re served on. These bites are great if you’re on the go.
10. Boba House (Vietnamese and Thai, Vegetarian/Vegan)
For a more formal Asian dining experience, check out Boba House. Their chefs serve up a 100% vegan and vegetarian-friendly menu featuring fresh takes on traditional Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Try the Hula Pot, an aromatic red curry with sweet potato, lemongrass, and bamboo shoots.
11. Jerusalem Market on Elm (Middle Eastern)
This restaurant has been a cornerstone of the Greensboro, NC, restaurant scene for over 30 years. After one visit, you’ll understand why. Jerusalem Market on Elm dishes up authentic Middle Eastern food, freshly prepared. This is a family-run restaurant, and the kids continue the tradition, still working with their father’s original recipes. This is also an excellent option for to-go orders.
12. Liberty Oak Restaurant (Southern)
Liberty Oak Restaurant is another long-standing Greensboro institution, in business since 1980. Their chefs dish up modern takes on Southern classics. Try their shrimp and grits if you want something more traditional, or sample the fried goat cheese salad with bourbon-soaked cherries for a more innovative dish. They also offer a fantastic seafood risotto carbonara.
13. 1618 Midtown (Modern Fusion)
This casual wine bar and bistro provides a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy artisanal cocktails, microbrews, or wines alongside delicious nibbles. One 1618 Midtown signature dish you can’t miss is the duck confit with bourbon sweet potato mash. If you want something small, try the truffled pomme frites, seared scallops, or lamb lollipops.
14. Undercurrent Restaurant (New American)
This spot is directly in downtown Greensboro, set opposite the Marriott Hotel. Undercurrent Restaurant has repeatedly been voted one of the best elegant dining establishments in the city and offers a stylish bar where you can hang out if you want a drink and small bites. The kitchen serves up New American cuisine with French influences. If you’re interested in alfresco dining, they also have outdoor seating.
15. Reel Seafood Grill (Seafood, Oyster Bar)
If you’re after freshly shucked oysters, you can’t go wrong at Reel Seafood Grill. You’ll find a menu full of fresh local seafood, sourced directly from nearby Virginia and the Carolinas. Ask about their one-of-a-kind wine pairing dinners for a special occasion. You can also use their catering services for private parties.
16. Europa Bar & Cafe (European)
Europa Bar & Cafe brings some old-world charm to the Greensboro, NC, restaurant scene. You can expect classic European dishes and wines in a relaxed setting. Fan favorites include the Beef Bourguignon, Greek Spanakopita, and Cote De Porc La Charcuterie. Weather permitting, enjoy your dish on the open-air terrace, which features a soothing Italian fountain.
17. Leblon Churrascaria (Brazilian)
You don’t have to travel to Brazil to enjoy Churrascaria. This Brazilian-style steakhouse brings the classic cuts of meat to the American south. Leblon Churrascaria gives you endless meat skewers, freshly carved at your table. You can balance the protein-heavy dining with the extensive buffet-style salad bar, where you’ll also find other Brazilian dishes like Feijoada.
18. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen (Southern)
Farm-to-table dining has taken off in terms of popularity. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen meets the demand for locally sourced, fresh ingredients. This spot was well ahead of the trend, however, having served locals for over 20 years. Expect delicious southern fare, like jambalaya, fried chicken livers, johnnycakes, pulled pork, and cornmeal-crusted Carolina catfish.
19. Imperial Koi Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar (Sushi, Asian Bistro)
If you want a Greensboro, NC, restaurant where you can enjoy fantastic sushi, head to Imperial Koi Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar. You’ll find a creative menu awaits, mixing Japanese, Thai, and Chinese culinary influences. The menu has something to suit every taste, from pork gyoza to nigiri, sashimi, and maki rolls. Don’t miss the Dragon’s Nest, a signature dish made with sesame-spiced tuna and a whole avocado.
20. B. Christopher’s (Steak, Seafood)
This hotspot is set on the ground floor of Greensboro’s Center Pointe Building. The name of the game at B. Christopher’s is surf and turf. You will find fantastic fresh seafood and prime steaks served in a refined atmosphere. The interior features intricate woodwork, original artworks, and delicate mood lighting. You can expect top-quality cuisine here as the chefs source their ingredients locally and rely on ocean-fresh seafood, grass-fed meat, and organic dairy.
21. MJ’s Steak and Seafood (Surf and Turf)
For a more laid-back surf and turf option, head to MJ’s Steak and Seafood. This family-owned restaurant serves hearty meat and seafood dishes in a bistro-style setting. There is also a picturesque patio for dining outdoors. If you’re in the mood for lighter fare, don’t worry: They also have fresh salads on the menu.
22. Osteria Italian Restaurant (Italian)
For classic Italian, head to Osteria Italian Restaurant. This family-friendly spot offers all the classics, including ravioli, gnocchi, and fettucini, all served in flavorful, thick sauces. You will also find antipasti plates loaded with delectable Italian meats and cheeses — perfect for sharing with a group. A great list of Italian wines accompanies the comprehensive menu.
23. Positano (Italian)
Another option for casual Italian fare, Positano focuses on a different part of the country. The Positano region is set along the Italian coast, so it makes sense that you’ll find more seafood dishes on the menu here. The lobster ravioli is a must-try. They also have a pizza oven, so the wood-fired pizza and calzones are worth a shot as well.
24. Marisol (International)
If you’re looking for a lively ambiance, head to Marisol. This international restaurant doubles as a casual piano bar. In business since 1997, Marisol is known for fine dining featuring fresh ingredients and seasonal dishes. The constantly changing menu also features some off-beat meat options, like veal, ostrich, and rabbit.
25. White and Wood (New American)
White and Wood gets its name from the simple decor, which features white walls and wood tables. Don’t let the stripped-down appearance fool you, however. You can expect an exceptional dining experience. Local favorites include the fresh shellfish and seafood, prime steaks, and organic vegetables.
They also offer pasta dishes, making the noodles and sauces by hand. The chic interior also features a long bar overlooking the dining area and impressive artworks, making it a perfect space to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.
The Final Word on Greensboro, NC Restaurants
As the list above makes clear, you aren’t short of choices when looking for Greensboro, NC, restaurants. There is genuinely an eatery to satisfy every taste, whether you’re in the mood for a juicy steak or freshly shucked oysters. Whichever of the above options you choose, you can expect a memorable dining experience.