The Top 5 Restaurants in NC

Nowadays, with the grasp social media has on our lives, trusted reviews are important. For most of us, before we go to any new city we immediately pull up Yelp and look at reviews. With how much media runs society, trusted reviews are oftentimes the best source of information to gauge a restaurant's quality. 

While fine dining restaurants are not always on college students' radars, it’s important to keep these in mind for future celebrations or special occasions. In recent years, North Carolina has taken advantage of what the land has to offer and has utilized its fresh, local produce. While North Carolina does not have any Michelin star restaurants under its belt, it's got some good ones. Here are five of the top-rated restaurants in NC. 

NanaSteak Restaurant 4.6 stars ($$) — Durham, NC

Photo by Tyler Vanderzee

Nana’s Restaurant, in Durham, has been experimenting with flavors and ingredients since 1992. With menus updating monthly, there are always new dishes to try at Nana’s. Guests have an option to try their tasting menu, which comes with a wine pairing selected by the chef. While the food is innovative and experimental, Nana’s atmosphere is unpretentious and casual. 

Peek at their menu:

  • Charcoal Roasted Herbed Chicken, Potato and Leek Gratin, Roasted Garlic Jus

  • Seared Scottish Salmon, Curried Lentils, Celery Root Purée, Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette

  • Curried Lentils, Celery Root Purée, Asparagus with Lemon Zest and Shallots

The Fearrington House Restaurant 4.6 stars ($$$) — Chatham, NC

Photo by the Fearrington House Restaurant

The Fearrington House Restaurant is located in Fearrington Village just outside Chapel Hill. Upon arrival at Fearrington Village, you’re welcomed with the smell of green grass and cows strolling within the white picket fences. For nearly 40 years, the Fearrington House has partnered with local farms to provide the freshest local ingredients. With menus changing seasonally, the Fearrington House ensures the best possible ingredients are harvested for its guests. They have been ranked among the top restaurants in the country on numerous occasions. Its quiet, homey and simple elegance is what drives Fearrington House’s excellence. 

Peek at their menu:

  • Braised Pork with Smoked Polenta

  • Braised Salsify with Egg Jam

  • Seared Halibut with Curry & Mango

  • Beet & Mushroom Tart with Roasted Vegetable Tea

The Dining Room at the Biltmore Estate 4.7 stars ($$$) — Asheville, NC

The Dining Room at the Biltmore offers cuisine with estate-raised and local ingredients with excellent service inspired by the Vanderbilts. The Dining Room is meant to give that fine dining experience like the Vanderbilts experienced at the largest privately-owned house in the US. This experience is created through fine china, crystals, and linen tablecloths. They embrace the Biltmore's history through traditionally Appalachian ingredients including beef and lamb. Elegant attire is required upon entry. Awarded Four Stars by Forbes Travel Guide in 2019 and named One of the 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America in 2016, this dining experience is hard to beat. 

Peek at their menu:

  • First Course: Carolina Style Crab Cake

  • Second Course: Caramelized Diver Scallops 

  • Dessert: Vanilla Bean Cheesecake 

Herons at the Umstead 4.7 stars ($$$) — Cary, NC

Photo by Herons Restaurant

Herons is a signature restaurant of The Umstead Hotel and Spa and is annually acclaimed for being among the best restaurants around Raleigh. Herons is famous for its luxury, receiving multiple accredited awards to appreciate its quality. As their menus change seasonally, they offer new items on their breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. Herons works to revamp its already-loved cuisine to be the best it can be. They take simple dishes but reinvent new flavors and presentations. The intimate dining experience offers a full-view kitchen, curated private art collection and a floor-to-ceiling window view of the surrounding gardens and grounds. 

Peek at their menu:

  • First Course: Gazpacho (strawberry, cucumber, rhubarb, lemongrass, green tomato)

  • Second Course: Scallop (walnuts, poached leeks, nasturtium, caviar-whey broth)

  • Entrée: Lamb (barbecue chicory, carrot, garlic-pine nut purée, meyer lemon jus)

  • Dessert: Strawberry (sakura cherry blossom tea, rhubarb, raspberry namalaka poha)

The Gamekeeper 4.8 stars ($$) — Boone, NC

Open since 2000, The Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar is located between Boone and Blowing Rock. Known for its delicious interpretations of Southern classics, The Gamekeeper blends traditional dishes with exotic ones that satisfy both meat and veggie lovers. The Gamekeeper commits to serving farm meat raised humanely and local vegetables. They work to combine fine dining with comfort food to create a fusion of artisanal classics with a modern twist. 

Peek at their menu:

  • Elk Denver Leg

  • Anteloaf

  • Ramp Pesto Pasta with Shrimp

  • Duck Breast

If you ever get a chance to visit one of these renowned North Carolina restaurants, tell us about your experience and send us photos @theedgemag. 

TravelKelley Gosk