North Carolina Restaurants

From the massive Blue Ridge Mountains in the west to the coastal islands of the Outer Banks, North Carolina is filled with impressive displays of nature. A state teeming with gorgeous imagery and historical significance, North Carolina is quite simply, one of the best places in America to take your family on vacation. Antique shops, museums, nature reserves and many other attractions are just a few of the things that lure visitors in and often, keep them returning. The state's major cities are some of the best-kept secrets in the U.S., and North Carolina's restaurants serve up some of the best food on the East Coast. Here are a few noteworthy North Carolina restaurants to keep in mind on your next visit.

Charlotte, North Carolina's Best Restaurant: Upstream

Located in fashionable Phillips Place, Upstream caters to the sophisticated lover of seafood. Chef Tom Gordon's incredibly fresh menu overflows with selections influenced by Asian and American South cuisines. Very trendy, Upstream is where all the important people like to grab a bite and the wine list is considered one of the city's best.

Raleigh, North Carolina's Best Restaurant: Jibarra

The multi-layered Mexican delicacies of Jibarra are a refreshingly spicy change of pace from the state's overwhelming number of seafood restaurants. Chef Ricardo Quintero prepares an incredible menu of sublime dishes, like Borrego con Chichilo y Corundas (Seared Lamb Loin served with Chichilo Negro of semi-burnt tortilla and a light essence of cacao; served with a leek-ash and cumin, green leek tamal). Other entrees feature everything from seafood, duck, venison and goat among other choices. For an exhilarating time, have a seat at the Tequila Bar!

Chapel Hill, North Carolina's Best Restaurant: IL Palio Ristorante

Located in one of the most gorgeous North Carolina hotels, the Siena Hotel, IL Palio Ristorante offers decidedly Italian cuisine in a luxurious setting. At this AAA Four Diamond Award winning restaurant, the quality is impeccable and the dishes are delicious. Chef Adam Rose offers a delightful Market Tasting Menu in addition to the three-course regular dinner menu. There's simply nothing better than sitting down, in a finely decorated restaurant and dining on Prosciutto di San Daniele followed by Burrata Pansotti with a main course of Grilled Porcini Dusted Rib-Eye. Delicioso!

These are just a few of the trendsetting restaurants to be found across North Carolina. To locate the best North Carolina restaurant in the area you will be visiting, take your search online. There's a wealth of travel related information on the web, including restaurant reviews in North Carolina, designed to help make your visit as enjoyable, and as tasty, as it can possibly be.