Fayetteville is a melting pot of International diversity creating a rich, variegated food scene. Explore the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC from its small mom and pop diners and its modern Southern local spots, to unique authentic ethnic eateries for delicious meals.
Best Restaurants in Fayetteville, NC
I was born and raised in Fayetteville. This is my home town. Because I am a food blogger, I am obviously a huge FOODIE!
Therefore, I thought I would share with you the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC. We have a lot of hidden local jewels that are unique and special to Fayetteville itself.
Here is my list, in no particular order:
Fowler's Southern Gourmet
This is my favorite local barbecue joint, and I am not the only one! Fowler’s Southern Gourmet has been featured in Our State Magazine and City View Magazine.
Using Cheshire Pork and only high-quality ingredients, Fowler’s offers a selection of barbecue, ribs, chicken, and traditional Southern sides with a gourmet twist.
EVERYTHING is made in house to include the ketchup! They are only open for lunch and they are known to sell out, therefore come EARLY!
The menu changes seasonally. If you see burnt ends, ribs, poutine, or a burger… you better order it while you can; these sell out first!
Fowler's is located on West Rowan Street. With the new road construction and road re-routes, it can be a little tricky finding it.
Just be patient and follow the re-routes in your navigation. It is worth the hunt if you are new to the area!
Fowler's made the best restaurants in Fayetteville list for its quality and uniqueness. EVERYTHING at Fowler's is delicious, but here are a few recommendations: Mixed Meat Plate (because the more meat, the merrier!) Burger, Ribs, Pulled Pork, Burnt Ends, The Angry Hawaiian, Caesar Salad, Baked Beans, Jalapeno Slaw, French Fries (better than Five Guys!), and Collard Greens.
Address: Fowler's Southern Gourmet, 723 W Rowan St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Circa 1800
Circa 1800 is a locally own restaurant featuring Southern food with a modern gourmet twist. It definitely ranks in the top 10 of the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC.
Circa sources most of their ingredients are locally from North Carolina. Located in downtown Fayetteville, it is a great place for a date night or special night out. They serve craft beers and signature cocktails.
They make PERFECT dirty martinis. Visit on a Sunday if you like brunch. Sundays have a special brunch that includes a Bloody Mary Bar.
Circa accepts reservations Monday thru Thursday. If you want to dine on the weekend, get there a little early and enjoy a signature cocktail while you wait for your seat.
Circa's menu changes seasonally. The steak, bone in pork chop, tuna nachos, and scallops are always a hit. For brunch, try the chicken and waffles, french toast, or cinna-bun burger! Circa 1800 does not take reservations, so arrive early to grab a table.
Address: 108 Person St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Gohan Bistro
Gohan Bistro is a cute little mainstream sushi/poke/ramen restaurant. The sushi is individually handcrafted with their own special twist on the ingredients.
You can select from one of their authentic Japanese ramen bowls or pick a base and create your own. Vegetarian options are availabe also.
Gohan Bistro has a variety of fresh poke selections to choose from such as yellow fin tuna, spicy salmon, pork belly, crabmeat, chicken, or barbecue eel. It is served on rice or lettuce.
Gohan Bistro is located in a little shopping center on South Reilly Road. The restaurant is kind of hidden, mixed in with the other stores. You might almost miss it when you drive by looking for it if you are not careful.
This made the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC list for their hand crafted sushi and poke. Some suggestions to try are: Fire Torched Salmon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Tucker's Baja Style Sriracha Ramen, Pork Belly Ramen, Spicy Tuna/Crab and Avocado Hand Rolls, and Gohan Classic Poke.
Address: 524 S Reilly Rd #102, Fayetteville, NC 28314
E Tae Won Restaurant
E Tae Won serves authentic traditional Korean dishes. Lunch time brings in a large crowd for its daily lunch buffet ( Sunday is menu only). The buffet is clean, and kept fresh and warm.
Friday and Saturday there is a larger selection on the buffet. The food is made in house. The friendly owner tries to make time to greet each guest.
On the buffet, you can find a variety chicken, beef, pork, and fish dishes. They have noodles, rice, soups, and salad dishes also.
They are known for their raw crab with spicy sauce, Korean bbq, spicy wings, bulgogi, and seafood soup. If you prefer, you can order off the menu.
This made the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC list for their delicious Korean dishes. I personally love the bulgogi, spicy wings, yaki mando (dumplings), Gochujun (Korean stuffed peppers), glass noodles, kimchi, pickled radishes, bean sprout dish, fried fish, Korean bbq, and shrimp.
Address: 594 S Reilly Rd #100, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Napkins Restaurant
Napkins Restaurant is located at Dirt Bag Ales Brewery and Taproom. While it is in a standing building, food is ordered at a counter window creating a food truck vibe.
Seating is shared with Dirt Bag Ales Brewery and Taproom, therefore you can order your food and grab a beer while you wait.
Their menu items are locally sourced and made fresh. The menu changes seasonally with daily specials.
They are famous for their juicy handmade burgers made to order with hand cut fries or sweet potato fries.
In addition to their big juicy burgers, you MIGHT find: fried catfish, wings, chicken wraps, prime rib sandwiches (a big seller), hot dogs, crab cakes, egg rolls, tacos, nachos..... YOU JUST NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU SHOW!
On Sunday mornings, Dirt Bag Ales holds a farmers market. Napkins Restaurant shops the market's vendors that morning to prepare for their Sunday brunch menu.
Next, Napkins gets creative in the kitchen and creates sexy gourmet brunch plates. I am talking beautiful, colorful, fresh, made from scratch DELICIOUS FOOD!
This is something you don't want to miss out on. However, when they run out, they run out, so order early!
EVERYTHING Napkin's Restaurant prepares is PERFECTION!!! I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday than to shop Dirt Bag Ale's Farmers Market, grab some delicious brunch, drink a local beer, and hang out listening to live music. Can you?
Address: 5435 Corporation Dr, Hope Mills, NC 28348
Bruce and Mickey's
When my friends and family come down from up North, the first thing they ask is where to get the best fried chicken... and the first place that comes to mind is Bruce and Mickey's.
Bruce and Mickey's is another little mom and pop diner serving barbecue, fried chicken, fried shrimp, fried flounder, and deviled crab.
The fried chicken and fried shrimp are what it is all about! The breading is light and crispy. If you order the fried shrimp, they pile it high on your plate. If you try the fried chicken, it will be piping hot, juicy, and delicious!
Unfortunately, the new median on Legion Road has significantly hurt their business.
People find it hard to get to their side of the road if they are on the opposite side. It is worth it to drive to a turn around and make your way there. The food is inexpensive and a huge value for the money.
Other menu suggestions: If you see the chicken and pastry on the daily special, splurge and get it. You can't go wrong.
Address: 3154 Legion Rd, Hope Mills, NC 28348
Antonella's Italian Ristorante
Antonella's Italian Ristorante is a small, cozy, romantic place for delicious Italian food. The Italian food is made fresh from scratch and delicious. Antonella's is located downtown with indoor and outdoor seating.
They do not accept reservations and they only seat a few tables. You will want to get there early to wait for your table. It is worth the wait.
This made the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC list for their atmosphere and homemade Italian dishes. A few suggestions include: Frutti De Mar, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Caprese, Chicken Picatta, Tiramisu, and Cannoli.
Address: 300 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Pharoh's Village
Love Mediterranean food? I do. And I also love Pharoh's Village. Pharoh's Village offers an extensive menu of authentic Mediterranean cuisine featuring lamb, gyros, tabbouleh, and other traditional favorites.
The portions are big and the prices are reasonable. Every dish is plated beautifully.
I loved the hummus, stuffed grape leaves, Greek salad, and Pharaohs Kofta.
A few additional menu suggestions include: Kosharri, saffron rice, tabbouleh, falafel, chicken kofta, kebab platters, and baklava.
Address: 2425 Hope Mills Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Blue Moon Cafe
The Blue Moon Cafe is a small little cafe located in the heart of downtown Fayetteville with indoor and outdoor seating. They offer a wonderful selection of gourmet sandwiches, salads, soups, flatbreads, and small plates. Everything is handmade and served from fresh ingredients.
They have vegan and gluten free options for those with dietary restrictions. Blue Moon Cafe also serves craft beer and wine.
On Sundays they offer a brunch and mimosas. On a nice day, it is the perfect place great place to sit outside and enjoy the downtown scenery.
The menu changes seasonally. My favorites have been the tuna melt, chicken salad, crab dip, turkey panini, salmon panini, and vegan ciabatta. Anything with their sriracha tahini is AMAZING!
Address: 310 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Bowls On a Roll
If you are watching your waistline or trying to eat healthy, Bowls On A Roll is the place to go. Bowls On a Roll is a healthy bistro offering all meals under 500 calories with no added sugar or salt.
They serve something for every type of diet from low carb, high protein, clean eating, and vegetarian. The food is portioned controlled and made fresh to order.
They also are a meal prep restaurant. The meal prep meals are also all under 500 calories, and sold for a great value: 5 for $42, 10 for $72, 15 for $102.
Fridays are food truck days... MY PERSONAL FAVORITE DAY... because they sell low carb tacos and quesadillas in their food truck in their parking lot.
The taco shells and quesadilla shells are made out of cheese!! They are DELICIOUS!
This made the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC list for their healthy 500 calorie or under food menu. Some other favorites include: Cheeseburger Bowl, Veggie Melt, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Poppin Peruvian Cherry Pepper Panini, Chili, and Tomato Soup.
Address: 306 Owen Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Southern Coals
I am also a huge fan of Southern Coals. They are serving up Fayetteville with a friendly smile, some good, quality, Southern barbecue and smoked meats.
The pulled pork is moist and the brisket comes out tender. Both have incredible flavor.
They also offer delicious ribs, chicken, pork chops, and sausage dogs. I had the smoked chicken on my last visit and it was FANTASTIC.
I haven't tried their hot dog (I love a hot dog), but I want too. I am always distracted by the other smoked meats.
If you are a sauce person, (I totally am! I love to drown my food in a good sauce), then you won't be disappointed. Try some of that, "Redneck Yum Yum" or "Big Daddy Hump" sauce on any of the meats. They are soooo good!
Save room for the sides. The mac and cheese is cheesy, the fried okra is crispy, and the boiled potatoes are tasty.
Menu suggestions: You can't go wrong with the pulled pork, chicken, or brisket, but the pimento cheese sandwich is good too! Come hungry. The portions are a good size.
Address: 3319 C Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Drop By The River-Straight Drop Seafood
If you love seafood, Drop By the River-Straight Drop Seafood is your place!!! Straight Drop offers a large variety of fresh seafood from steamed to fried. Every platter is HUGE, so prepare for leftovers. The food is of high quality and delicious.
Straight Drop offers a large variety of seafood from lobster, crab clusters, oysters, shrimp and crawfish.
Straight Drop is famous for their "buttery" sauce. The sauce is mixed and poured over the steamed seafood platters. Personally, I like to have the sauce on the side and dip my seafood in it. The sauce can get very messy with the peeling and cracking of the seafood. But to each his own....
Straight Drop has 2 locations. For a casual setting or to-go platters and plates, visit: 594 S. Reilly Road Suite 116. For sit down and a larger menu selection, visit: Drop By the River 1130 Person St.
A few suggestions include: King Albert, Lobster and Shrimp, Fried Seafood Platter, Shrimp Po Boy, Fried Cheesecake.
Address: 1130 Person St, Fayetteville, NC 28312
Fayetteville Pie Company
Fayetteville Pie Company makes beautiful handmade pies using quality locally sourced ingredients. Each order includes one individual savory pie and one individual sweet pie of your choice.
The menu changes daily. The hours are for lunch only.
Each pie is unique and special. They are all delicious.
We enjoyed the truffle mac and cheese pie and the strawberry rhubarb. The pepper steak and cheese pie was tasty as well.
The pies are very filling. We ate half of each and saved the leftovers for lunch again the next day.
The pies are so delicious even Alton Brown had to make a stop in when visiting Fayetteville!
A few suggestions: I personally love all the sweet pies with fruit. You can't go wrong with any of those! People swear by the sweet potato pie, chicken pot pie, and chicken cordon Bleu. However, the menu changes daily, so anything is fair game. You will not be disappointed.
Address: 253 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar
Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar features homemade Italian dishes, hand cut Black Angus steaks, and fresh seafood. They use quality ingredients and EVERYTHING is DELICIOUS!
Their lasagna and spaghetti with meat sauce are my favorite in town. While their pasta dishes are always delicious, I absolutely love their steaks and pork chops. They also have a fantastic dirty martini... just ask for extra olives.
It is family owned and operated for over 50 years. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. It is a great place for family dinner, date nights, or drinks.
They have live music on the weekends. Luigi's does get packed and also accepts reservations. I recommend reservations if you can plan a head.
A few suggestions include: Ahi Tuna, Mozzarella Caprese, Antipasto Salad, Lasagna, Spaghtetti, Parm Crusted Double Bone Rack of Pork, and Ribeye.
Address: 528 N McPherson Church Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Chris's Steak and Seafood House
Chris's Steak and Seafood House is a great place for date night for steak and seafood. Locally owned and operated for over 50 years, Chris's serves hand-cut Angus and U.S.D.A. Beef, cooked to temperature over hardwood coals in an open hearth.
Dinners are served with homemade cheese and crackers, fresh rolls, and a salad bar featuring homemade salad dressings.
Pair dinner with one of their selections of fine wine or a craft cocktail. I personally love their martinis and Bloody Marys. Wednesday nights are ½ off wine at the bar.
A few suggestions from the menu include: Stuffed Mushrooms, Lamb Pops, Prime Rib, Ribeye, Shishkabob, Ahi Tuna, and Alaskan King Crab Legs.
Address: 2620 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
2 Rim Khong Restaurant
If you want fresh, made from scratch, authentic Thai food, add 2 Rim Khong Restaurant to your bucket list!! The portions are huge. EVERYTHING is DELICIOUS!
They have all of your favorite Thai favorites on the menu from fresh spring rolls, cheese wontons, fried spring rolls, Thai soups, Thai salads, noodle dishes, curry dishes... it goes on and on.
Hot is HOT! Make sure you order accordingly. They don't play with the hot levels here.
They do offer delivery. I loved the Tom Kha, Yum Nuer, spring rolls, and Pud Thai.
A few additional suggestions: Steamed Chive Dumplings, Tom Yum, Larb, Panang Curry, and Thai Three Flavored Fish.
Address: 6451 Yadkin Road C, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Mash House Brewing Company
The Mash House Brewing Company serves great beers and incredible food. I think they have the best prime rib in Fayetteville.
Their food is made fresh to order with high quality ingredients. The salad dressings are homemade. The portions are large.
It is a great place for to grab a beer, go on a date night, or for a fun night out.
A few suggestions from the menu include: Prime Rib (worth every penny!), calamari, steakhouse salad, sesame seared tuna, ghost burger, and prime rib hoagie.
Address: 4150 Sycamore Dairy Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Hong Kong Kitchen
If you love Chinese take-out, then you must try Hong Kong Kitchen.
The food is cheap, portions are big, the dishes are delicious.
The menu is large with several dishes to choose from. They cook your order to go QUICK!
I love their crab rangoons, hot and sour soup, and General Tso's chicken. Order several dishes and eat family style. The dishes are definitely big enough for sharing.
A few other suggestions from the menu: Pork fried rice, vegetarian fried rice, egg rolls, rib sticks, fried fish, sesame chicken, moo shu pork, and fried bisquits.
Address: 169 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Zorba's Gyro on a Spit
Zorba's is a great little family restaurant that has been serving Fayetteville since 1974. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner at affordable prices.
Breakfast is fast and cheap. They serve everything from bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, omelets, biscuits, and French Toast. The "Zorba's Special" offers 2 eggs, grits or hash browns, 2 pancakes or toast for only $4.29!
My personal favorite is the handmade Gyro on a spit. They combine ground beef with special seasonings and cook it upright on a rotisserie grill. When you place your order, they slice the meat and place it on a pita with your favorite toppings.
I prefer my gyro "all the way," with lettuce, tomato, onions, feta, homemade dressing, and homemade tzatzki sauce. Their souvalki, Greek marinated chicken, and spanakopita are also must tries when visiting.
My daughter always, always orders the spaghetti with meat sauce. This is her favorite.
Their french fries are thick. Order them crispy with cheese and a side of tzatzki to dip them in. You will thank me for that later!
A few other suggestions from the menu: pizza, Italian sub, onion rings, hamburger, meatball sub, grilled chicken breast pita, Mediterranean Greek Salad.
Address: 101-499 Marlborough Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Saigon Market
UPDATE: Due to COVID, the market is temporarily closed. They do hope to open in the near future.
Located in a little Asian market off Santee Dr is Fayetteville's best kept secret for Vietnamese food. The Saigon Market is a small little Vietnamese restaurant with an inexpensive menu. Everything is homemade, authentic, and DELICIOUS!
If you like Pho, this is your place (Pho-Sure!). The Pho comes out in a large bowl fresh and piping hot. It comes with a large plate of fresh garnishes such as sprouts, cilantro, basil, and jalapenoes.
Grab a combo of the Banh Mi and eggroll with drink for under $8.00. The Banh Mi is filled with your choice of meat (I like the combo of ham, pate, and pork), and it is topped with cucumbers, carrots, cilantro, soy sauce, and jalapenoes served on a fresh baguette.
This place does get packed. The parking is limited and they only have a few tables. You can join a stranger's table (I did, who knows you might make a friend?) or you can take it to-go if you can not find seating.
This made the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC list for their Pho Noodle Soup and the Banh Mi sandwiches. However, don't skip out on the egg rolls. They are authentic and FANTASTIC. The rice combos and vermicelli combos are great also.
Address: 824 Santee Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Elizabeth's Pizza on Skibo
If you like New York style pizza, then Elizabeth's Pizza on Skibo Road is your place to go. Elizabeth's is another locally family owned restaurant that has been around for years serving some of the best pizza in town.
The restaurant has been recently renovated creating a "swanky" atmosphere perfect for a date night or a family night. The menu is reasonably price.
Besides the AMAZING pizza, the Antipasto salad is a MUST! It is big enough to share. We usually order it as an appetizer for the table.
If you like dessert, Elizabeth also serves fantastic desserts that will satisfy your sweet tooth. You can't go wrong with the cannoli or tiramisu.
Some other menu suggestions: Stromboli, calzones, chicken parmiagana, cheesesteak, fried zucchini, caprese, linguine sapore di mare, stuffed shells
Address: 1800 Skibo Rd #154, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Mary Bill's Cafe and Elbow Room
If you love breakfast and brunch, then Mary Bill's Cafe and Elbow Room is a must stop. This little cafe gets really packed, so be prepared to wait for seating on the weekends.
Mary Bill's serves great breakfast food from biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, omelets, waffles, and pancakes. My husband loves the Spicy Piggy which is an omelet stuffed with capicola ham, mushrooms, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and pepper jack cheese.
I like the homemade hash and "Burrito It" which is a burrito stuffed with eggs, sausage, green chilies, and onions, then topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa.
Mary Bill's is also famous for their homemade cakes and pies. These sell out and are first come, first serve.
A few additional menu suggestions: SOS, French Toast, Cordon Bleu, Patty Melt, Reuben, and Capicola Ham on Sourdough Bread.
Address: 801 Elm St, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Grilled Ginger Vietnamese Restaurant
Grilled Ginger is an incredible place for authentic Vietnamese food!!
The atmosphere is nice, the waitstaff are helpful and friendly, and the food is DELICIOUS!
The crab rangoons are filled with cheese and crab filling. The egg rolls are made homemade.
They are known for the best chicken "Pho" in town.
They offer an extensive menu from appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. They have a full cocktail bar.
Some other menu suggestions: Spring rolls, papaya salad, chicken curry, spicy beef noodle soup, and bubble tea.
Address: 5052 Yadkin Rd #101, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Have I missed your favorite? Leave a comment and let me know. I love to try new places and I might not of heard of it. Also, I will be updating this list as I check out other new favorites. Stay tuned for more!!!!!
BB
Great list!
Olea is another fantastic Mediterranean restaurant off of Skibo before one would turn right on Cliffdale.
Eliade Gensler
Thanks for the Great list! I have had my eye on a few of these. Today I tried Gohan Bistro! Amazing food!
Belinda Joy
I really enjoyed this post. Fayetteville is my hometown and I have my favorites (also on your list) I always have to have when I come to town. But there were a few on here I never knew existed! Looking forward to trying those out in the future!
JanetBaxley Hall
Thanks Katie for doing the work and sharing the best. We will be planning to try them all, some of which we didn’t even know we had in Fayetteville.
Stephanie
First Watch in Freedom Town Center off of Cliffdale Rd. is new to Fayetteville. They have a wonderful breakfast, brunch and lunch menu!!
Heather
You left out The Fried Turkey Shop! It’s been featured in “Our State” magazine as well and everything there is fabulous!