April 19, 2023

11 Fabulous Restaurants in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem's dining scene is rooted in fresh ingredients and Southern hospitality. Every corner of this quintessentially Southern city is steeped in rich history and regional cuisine, with a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs building on classic recipes and flavors. From quick bites to fine dining, take advantage of our foodie paradise on your next trip to Winston-Salem and eat like a local with our dining guide.

  1. Bernardin's Restaurant at the Zevely House
    ($$$)

    Outdoor patio with greenery and overhead lights

Relax and enjoy soothing music in this upscale, sophisticated restaurant housed in a charming, 205-year-old Moravian home specializing in seafood, lamb, veal, and beef. Perfect for groups of all sizes, this fine-dining favorite has been a staple in Winston-Salem for over 30 years.

Don’t miss dish: What do the locals get? The juicy, flavorful Cab Filet Mignon!

901 West Fourth St.,
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 725-6666


  1. Di Lisio's Italian Restaurant
    ($$-$$$)

    Exterior photo of a small restaurant

Voted the best Italian restaurant in Forsyth County, this neighborhood favorite around the corner from Old Salem offers authentic Italian-American comfort food for the whole family.

Don’t miss dish: The lobster ravioli is a favorite for a reason, creamy Italian comfort bursting with flavor!

301 Brookstown Ave.
Winston Salem, NC 27101
(336) 546-7202


  1. Forsyth Seafood Market & Café
    ($$)

    A large plate of fried shrimp and fish accompanied by dipping sauces

When you’re in Winston-Salem and looking for fresh seafood, Forsyth Seafood Market & Café is the place to go. This multigenerational family-owned business offers fresh-caught seafood in their market and the café serves up a wide variety of seafood, complimented with homemade coleslaw, hush puppies, and other Eastern North Carolina specialties.

Don’t miss dish: The popcorn shrimp plate, one of their most popular dishes, is served with two sides and hush puppies.

108 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 748-0793


  1. Foothills Brewpub
    ($$)

    A plate of chicken wings with celery and dipping sauce

Located in the heart of Downtown Winston-Salem’s “Restaurant Row” on Fourth Street, Foothills Downtown Brewpub serves up elevated pub fare and locally brewed craft beer. The first craft brewery to set up shop in Winston-Salem, you’ll find a draft menu of award-winning porters, ales, lagers, IPAs, and more.

Don’t miss dish: Awarded “the best wings in Winston-Salem”; add a pour of their famous citrus-forward Jade IPA or the rich People’s Porter for a perfect lunch with friends.

638 West Fourth St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 777-3348


  1. The Katharine Brasserie & Bar
    ($$$$)

    A group of four people dining at a restaurant

Located in the historic, former RJ Reynolds Building and named for the family's matriarch, The Katharine offers a warm, lively spirit and art-deco design to accompany their menu of traditional Parisian brasserie meets upscale American Southern. With an extensive wine list, impressive cocktail selection, private dining options, and prime location; you’ll want to add this to your list of stops on your next trip to Winston-Salem.

Don’t miss dish: If you’re looking to indulge, go for the seared duck breast (Canard à l'Orange)! Drizzled with a Grand Marnier & bitter orange Jus, you get equal parts exciting and comforting.

401 North Main St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 761-0203


  1. Krankies
    ($)

    A line up of various breakfast and lunch foods on a counter with barstools for seating

A downtown Winston-Salem hot spot, Krankies is known for their delicious biscuits, fresh coffee roasted in-house, and quirky atmosphere. They offer breakfast, brunch, and lunch with vegetarian and vegan options as well as a full bar.

Don’t miss dish: Their iconic “Krankies Classic” fried chicken biscuit slathered in Texas Pete and honey, a sweet and spicy take on a classic Southern breakfast.

211 E. Third St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 722-3016


  1. Milner's American Southern
    ($$-$$$)

    A cheeseburger with fries

Milner’s American Southern is a family-owned restaurant featuring a menu of Southern American classics, re-imagined with contemporary culinary techniques. Feel at home when you stop by for drinks with friends at the bar, or plan a night out with the whole family.

Don’t miss dish: You’ll want to try their Moravian ginger cookie & pecan encrusted salmon, a nod to the Winston-Salem’s Moravian heritage.

630 S. Stratford Rd.
Winston-Salem, NC 27103

(336) 768-2221


  1. Mozelle’s
    ($$)

    A slice of tomato pie on a plate

Offering a traditional American Southern menu, this charming restaurant is more than just aesthetically pleasing. From a modern take on a classic meatloaf to creamy shrimp and grits, take in the flavors of the region in their cozy dining room.

Don’t miss dish: It may sound a bit strange if you aren’t from the area but trust us, a trip to Mozelle’s is not complete without a slice of their rich and cheesy tomato pie!

878 W. Fourth St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 703–5400


  1. Rooster's A Noble Grille
    ($$$$)

    A table of various plates of food including mussels and fried oysters

Sourcing regional ingredients, Roosters- A Noble Grill creates an upscale menu of Southern dishes with modern flare. Complimented by a full bar, this local favorite is perfect for a lunch date, special occasion dinner, and large groups.

Don’t miss dish: Their menu rotates seasonally, but don’t miss their staple fried oyster salad!

380 Knollwood St.,
Winston-Salem, NC 27103

(336) 777-8477


  1. Ryan's Restaurant
    ($$$-$$$$)

    Indoor dining tables in a wood paneled room

Overlooking a peaceful stream near Wake Forest University, Ryan's Restaurant is an upscale steakhouse that offers an extensive wine list and tranquil atmosphere. Seating is available in their dining room and outdoor patio, and reservations can be made online.

Don’t miss dish: You can’t beat the classics, so go for the Prime Filet: a local favorite!

719 Coliseum Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27106
(336) 724-6132


  1. Thai Harmony
    ($$-$$$)

    Assorted Asain noodle and soup dishes

Located on the ground floor of Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, Thai Harmony serves a wide variety of authentic Thai dishes for lunch and dinner, including sushi. The owners, mother-daughter duo from Bangkok, perfectly blend a mix of traditional Thai comfort food with modern, Asian fusion options.

Don’t miss dish: Try the Thai Roasted Chicken dinner (kai yang) glazed with a sweet chili garlic sauce and served with a side of sticky rice.

102 W. Third St.,
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 842-5532