Though High Point, North Carolina may be small, it has many restaurants to keep locals and visitors alike satiated. And there are many hungry visitors!
High Point’s claim to fame is furniture, which draws crowds to its semi-annual High Point Furniture Market. High Point is also part of the Piedmont Triad, a population and industrial hub in the northwest part of the state, which includes Greensboro and Winston-Salem.
High Point restaurants offer many options for all dietary needs and palettes. To make choosing easier, here is a list of ten of the best restaurants in High Point. Keep in mind that many restaurants in High Point are offering take-out and outdoor seating when possible due to COVID-19 limits on dine-in options.
1. Sumela: Turkish and Mediterranean Restaurant
805 North Main Street Ste 101, High Point, NC 27262
Sumela’s has been a High Point staple for over two decades, though it was called Main Street Grill before 2008. Sumela is owned and operated by a family from Trabzon, Turkey and the menu reflects their Turkish culinary traditions.
Sumela prides itself on serving fresh and healthy Mediterranean food, which includes plenty of fresh veggie and meat options. Among the popular menu items are the Baba Gounush (roasted eggplant puree), the Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), and the Shishkebab (juicy pieces of grilled lamb, beef, or chicken). The Baklava (flaky pastry filled with gooey nuts and honey) is a must for dessert.
2. Magnolia Blue Southern Fare
807 N. Main St. High Point, NC 27262
Magnolia Blue is a fairly new addition to the High Point restaurant scene, but it’s already a crowd-pleaser. It’s operated by the owner of several other popular High Point restaurants, including Blue Water Grille, Lulu and Blu, Blue Bourbon Jacks, and Blue Rock Pizza.
Magnolia Blue offers up savory Southern fare that includes plenty of fish, BBQ, and steak options. You will also spot a hint of Cajun influence on the menu with items like the Bayou Shrimp and Crab Pasta, Jambalaya, and Creole. On Saturday and Sunday, the restaurant serves brunch, with mouthwatering options like Chicken & Waffles and a Creole Omelet. You can order a refreshing cocktail with any meal.
3. Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurant
131 W Lexington Ave, High Point, NC 27262+
A visit to Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurant in High Point is also a trip into history. Mayberry used to be a chain of over 40 ice cream shops founded in 1969. Today, this High Point restaurant, along with nearby restaurants in Greensboro and Winston Salem, is one of the remaining seven Mayberry Ice Cream Restaurants in North Carolina.
While you will definitely want to sample Mayberry’s 30+ flavors of ice cream, as well as ice cream sundaes, splits, and shakes, you can also enjoy a wide menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. The fare includes American staples like burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Don’t miss the bean and bacon soup that locals rave about!
4 . Mi Pueblo Mexican Grill
3911 Tinsley Dr, High Point, NC 27265
There are two Mi Pueblos in the Piedmont Triad, the original in Winston-Salem and the High Point location. Mi Pueblo’s owners are from Mexico and have worked in southwestern restaurants before opening their own.
There is a lot of experience and authenticity that went into the menu; you can taste it in everything from the Chimichangas to the Fajitas. The Golden Chicken Flautas appetizer is also a great way to start your meal.
While you might be distracted by the extensive menu, don’t miss Mi Pueblo’s margarita selection. Try the Pom Jalapeno Margarita if you want a kick or the Panther Rita for a sweeter, less intense flavor.
5. Barberitos Southwestern Grille & Cantina
1231 Eastchester Dr #118, High Point, NC 27265
Full disclosure, Barberitos is not local to High Point. It’s a chain founded in Georgia in 2000 and now has 50 locations in 7 states and counting. Don’t be put off, though. Unlike other major Mexican-style chains, Barberitos stands by its southwestern roots.
You won’t be disappointed by Barberitos’ fresh, customizable burritos, the complimentary chips and salsa bar, and the hand-made guacamole. Barberitos also offers a health-minded menu that features low-calories and gluten-free options.
6. Giannos Pizza
1124 Eastchester Dr, High Point, NC 27265
The pizza oven is the heart of Giannos. It produces light, authentic crusts that those lucky enough to have had Giannos pizza, rave about non-stop.
Giannos is not just a pizza restaurant, though. Its menu offers an extensive list of classic Italian staples, like Chicken Piccata, Seafood Fra Diavolo, and Homemade Lasagna, which is also baked in the pizza oven. For a little Italian fusion, try the Italian nachos before your entree comes out.
The restaurant offers various wines to pair with your meal, and the ambiance is perfect for a date night.
7. Tacos Julio
119 Greensboro Rd, High Point, NC 27260
There is no shortage of southwestern and Mexican-style restaurants in High Point. But the honor of being one of the best Mexican spots in High Point actually goes to a food truck. The Tacos Julio truck has perfected the craft of making drool-worthy tacos and tortas, the only items on their menu!
The truck features a spit, so the meat is tender and juicy no matter what time of day hunger strikes. The toppings include fresh veggies and sauce.
Tacos Julios brings the street to street tacos. You can order and be on your way in a matter of minutes.
8. 98 Asian Bistro
1800 N Main St #106, High Point, NC 27262
Before even getting to the food, 98 Asian Bistro is worth visiting for the decor and ambiance. The dining room features Thai Buddha and Elephant statues, intricate paneling, beautiful dark food furnishings, and lanterns in vibrant colors. After you finish gawking at your surroundings, good luck picking just one dish off the enticing Asian fusion menu.
You won’t regret getting a classic, like 98 Asian Bistro’s Pad Thai or the Spicy Basil Fried Rice. But, if you’re feeling adventurous, try some less mainstream dishes, like Beef Massaman and the Grilled Salmon Banana Leaves. If you are in the mood for something lighter, 98 Asian Bistro has a huge sushi selection.
9. Simply Thai And Sushi Bar
122 E Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282
Simply Thai And Sushi Bar is worth the drive to Jamestown, just to the northeast of High Point. It is operated by a brother and sister team of Laotian descent, who also operate the restaurant’s original location in Elon.
The atmosphere inside Simply Thai and Sushi Bar is so stylish and sleek that you will want to stay a little when celebrating a birthday or enjoying a date. And, the food is so good, you will definitely come back for more.
It’s hard to choose, but the best dish on the menu is probably the Spicy Basil Fried Rice, with the Pad See Ew With Prawns and Thai Pepper Steak in close second and third place. Do not miss the Alaskan Fire Roll, the Kamikaze Roll, or the Oh Baby Sushi Shot on the sushi menu.
Simply Thai and Sushi Bar also has a great selection of wine, beautiful cocktails, and beers to pair with your meal.
10. Thai Bangkok Restaurant
3935 Brian Jordan Pl #101, High Point, NC 27265
Thai Bangkok Restaurant is consistently one of the top-rated Thai restaurants in High Point. The homey ambiance lacks some of the glitz of other Asian restaurants in the area, but you will be too busy enjoying your meal to pay attention to your surroundings.
You can count on Thai Bangkok to deliver incredible flavor to Thai classics, like Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Panang Curry. You can adjust the spiciness level to the level of zing you prefer or can tolerate. There is a lot of variety on the menu and other recommended items include the Thai Curry Puffs, Larb Salad, and the Pineapple Fried Rice.