Winston-Salem, North Carolina — a city where tobacco warehouses stand shoulder to shoulder with art galleries, where the scent of biscuits and barbecue mingles with the laughter of students and the wisdom of old-timers, where every street corner pulses with the energy of makers, dreamers, and families who’ve called this place home for generations. Here, the city’s soul is stitched together by the legacy of Moravian settlers, the rhythm of jazz and gospel, and the promise of new beginnings. It’s a place where food is more than sustenance — it’s a story, a gathering, a celebration of the city’s ever-changing, ever-welcoming heart.
Winston-Salem is a city that knows how to eat — and how to feed the spirit. From the hush of historic Old Salem to the hum of Trade Street, from the aroma of wood-fired ovens to the clink of glasses in cozy corners, this is a city where every meal feels like a homecoming. The food scene here is a living mosaic: Southern comfort, global flavors, and inventive twists, all woven together by chefs who honor tradition and chase inspiration. This is a city where the table is always set for one more, where strangers become friends over plates that taste of memory and hope.
This is a city where the best restaurants aren’t just places to eat — they’re places to gather, to linger, to savor the flavors and stories that make Winston-Salem unforgettable. These five restaurants capture the flavours, stories, and spirit of Winston-Salem — soulful, surprising, and unforgettable.
Sweet Potatoes (Well Shut My Mouth!) – Winston-Salem
It’s the kind of place where the cornbread is warm, the laughter is easy, and the scent of fried chicken floats through the air. Sweet Potatoes is a downtown staple, a celebration of Southern comfort with a twist. Start with the Yam Fries — crisp, golden, and addictive — then move on to the Fried Chicken & Waffles, the Shrimp & Grits, and the Carolina Catfish Sandwich. Don’t miss the Banana Pudding for dessert. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming — families, college students, visiting foodies, and locals who treat Sweet Potatoes like a second living room. It’s Winston-Salem’s soulful kitchen — warm, generous, and deeply satisfying.
The Katharine Brasserie & Bar – Winston-Salem
It’s the kind of place where marble floors echo with conversation, where cocktails are crafted with care, and where French classics meet Southern hospitality. The Katharine, nestled in the historic R.J. Reynolds building, offers Steak Frites that melt in your mouth, Bouillabaisse rich with local seafood, Duck Confit, and a Croque Monsieur that’s pure comfort. The Oysters on the Half Shell are a must for the adventurous. The atmosphere is elegant yet unstuffy — business travelers, artists, couples celebrating, and locals who treat The Katharine like a Parisian escape. It’s Winston-Salem’s cosmopolitan heart — refined, vibrant, and unforgettable.
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro – Winston-Salem
It’s the kind of place where sunlight pours through big windows, where the menu changes with the seasons, and where every plate feels like a love letter to the South. Mozelle’s is famous for its Tomato Pie — flaky, savory, and unforgettable — but the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Shrimp & Grits, and Pimento Cheese Fritters are equally beloved. The Key Lime Pie is the perfect finish. The atmosphere is bright and bustling — families, young professionals, date-night couples, and locals who treat Mozelle’s like a neighborhood treasure. It’s Winston-Salem’s sunlit table — fresh, inventive, and deeply comforting.
Cugino Forno Pizzeria – Winston-Salem
It’s the kind of place where the wood-fired oven glows, where flour dusts the air, and where every pizza is a work of art. Cugino Forno brings Neapolitan tradition to the heart of North Carolina. Try the Margherita Pizza — blistered and bubbling — or the Diavola, Quattro Formaggi, and Nutella Pizza for dessert. The Caprese Salad is a bright, fresh start. The atmosphere is casual and communal — families, teens, pizza aficionados, and locals who treat Cugino Forno like a Friday night ritual. It’s Winston-Salem’s slice of Italy — lively, authentic, and utterly delicious.
Slappy’s Chicken – Winston-Salem
It’s the kind of place where the line stretches out the door, where the fried chicken is legendary, and where the hot sauce is made with love. Slappy’s is all about Fried Chicken — crispy, juicy, unforgettable — but the Mac & Cheese, Collard Greens, and Cornbread are stars in their own right. Don’t skip the Banana Pudding for a sweet finish. The atmosphere is down-home and joyful — families, students, construction workers, and locals who treat Slappy’s like a beloved secret. It’s Winston-Salem’s fried chicken haven — bold, joyful, and soul-satisfying.
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