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

   

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

2. Di Lisio's Italian 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

3. Forsyth Seafood Market & Café
   ($$)

   

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

4. Foothills Brewpub
   ($$)

   

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 pint of their famous citrus-forward Jade IPA or the rich People’s Porter for a perfect lunch in Winston-Salem. 

638 West Fourth St. 
Winston-Salem, NC 27101 
(336) 777-3348

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

   

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

6. Krankies
   ($)

   

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

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

   

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

8. Mozelle’s
   ($$)

   

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

9. Heff's Burger Club
   ($)

   

This funky, no-frills burger spot in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem has amassed a cult-like following from locals. They focus on high-quality, local ingredients and smash burgers made to perfection. You can expect eclectic vibes, vintage decor, rotating sandwich specials, and a small but effective menu that recently expanded beyond just their staple burgers.

Don't miss dish: The Ladykiller burger is an absolute classic with red onions and black garlic sauce, but for a taste of a Carolina burger, go for the Mama Possum. This new addition to the menu has NC beef chili, firecracker slaw, Lusty Monk mustard.

285 W 4th St
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 813-9473

10. East of Texas
    ($-$$)

    

East of Texas is a modern approach to classic Southern comfort food. With a full menu of smoked meats, fresh sides, and a full bar (hello, margarita Monday!), you can enjoy their eastern Texas-inspired fare inside the restaurant or outside on the expansive, dog and kid friendly patio.

Don’t miss dish: Their juicy brisket- slow smoked on site- is the ultimate comfort food. If you're going with a group, try one of the family-sized meals so you can try a bit of everything!

907 S Broad St.
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 422-7076

11. Thai Harmony 
    ($$-$$$)

    

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