Winston-Salem may be steeped in tobacco-town history, but its food scene tells a different kind of story—one full of modern flavors, quiet surprises, and a strong sense of place. I came here not just to eat, but to listen—to the rhythm of bistros and steakhouses, to the clink of cocktails and the hush of historic dining rooms. And what I found were restaurants that felt honest. Each one, in its own way, invited me to sit a little longer and savor a little deeper.
This wasn’t flashy dining. It was thoughtful, rooted, and full of Southern hospitality—whether it came wrapped in French linen, nestled in fire-kissed steaks, or served beside a centuries-old hearth.
Best Restaurants in Winston-Salem, NC
For Romantics: Katharine Brasserie and Bar
Stepping into Katharine Brasserie felt like a scene from a travel novel—high ceilings, brass accents, and the gentle clink of wine glasses echoing across tile floors. I eased into a leather booth and thought, "This is Winston-Salem, but with a French accent."
What I Loved Most: The mix of bistro charm and Carolina warmth. The staff was polished but never pretentious, and the space hummed with low-key elegance.
My highlights? I started with the French onion soup—deep, savory, with cheese bubbled just right. Then the steak frites, classic and done perfectly, served with a red wine jus that lingered long after the bite. I finished with a lemon tart that snapped with citrus. “It’s like Paris tucked inside a tobacco town,” I thought, watching the city lights flicker through the window.
Katharine Brasserie & Bar At a Glance
- Location: 401 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC
- Vibe: Sophisticated, European, timeless
- Best Time to Go: Dinner date or slow Sunday brunch
- Must-Try: French onion soup, steak frites, lemon tart
- Cost: $$$ – upscale brasserie fare
- Hours: Daily: 7AM–10PM
For Fine dining fans: 1703 Restaurant
1703 had the feel of a local secret—tucked away, understated, and quietly elegant. The kind of place that doesn’t need a crowd to prove it’s worth your time. I stepped in, was greeted like an old friend, and thought, "This is what quiet excellence looks like."
What I Loved Most: The calm. The lighting was soft, the service thoughtful, and everything felt designed for conversation, not spectacle.
My highlights? I ordered the scallops, perfectly seared and resting in a citrus beurre blanc over creamy risotto. The salad was light and fresh, and the wine list was balanced and precise. For dessert? A flourless chocolate cake that was pure velvet. “It’s not trying to impress—it just does,” I thought, smiling between sips of Pinot Noir.
1703 Restaurant At a Glance
- Location: 1703 Robinhood Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
- Vibe: Understated, refined, intimate
- Best Time to Go: Date nights or business dinners with a side of peace
- Must-Try: Scallops, citrus beurre blanc, flourless chocolate cake
- Cost: $$$ – refined without the fuss
- Hours: Tues–Sat: 5:30PM–9PM, Sun–Mon: closed
For History lovers: Bernardin’s Restaurant at zevely House
Bernardin’s felt like stepping into history—with creaky wood floors, candlelight flickering against centuries-old brick, and a hush that made every bite feel important. Housed in the oldest residence in Winston-Salem, it had a graceful presence that made me think, "Some places aren’t just restaurants—they’re keepers of stories."
What I Loved Most: The blend of heritage and refinement. You could feel the past, but the food was bold, fresh, and forward-looking.
My highlights? I ordered the pistachio-crusted lamb chops, seared and tender with a red wine demi-glace, alongside garlic mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables. The foie gras appetizer was rich and silky, and I ended with their signature crème brûlée. “This is dining with roots,” I thought, gazing at the antique glass windows.
Bernardin’s @ Zevely House At a Glance
- Location: 901 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC
- Vibe: Historic, intimate, fine-dining
- Best Time to Go: Special occasions or slow, romantic evenings
- Must-Try: Pistachio lamb chops, foie gras, crème brûlée
- Cost: $$$$ – refined and unforgettable
- Hours: Tues–Sat: 5:30PM–9:30PM, Sun–Mon: closed
For Steak lovers: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds was warm and loud in the best way—open flames, the scent of char and spice in the air, and a menu full of things that make you hungry just reading it. I sat at the bar with the glow of the kitchen in my periphery and thought, "This is comfort food dressed up for a night out."
What I Loved Most: The fire. Literally. The wood grill brings everything to life, from steaks to seafood, and gives the space its name and heart.
My highlights? I had the wood-grilled salmon with a maple mustard glaze, served over a bed of Parmesan mashed potatoes. The smoked chicken wings were a smoky, crispy starter, and I couldn’t skip the crème brûlée cheesecake. “It’s classic, but it sparks,” I thought, leaving with a smile and a little scent of grill smoke in my hair.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill At a Glance
- Location: 1215 Creekshire Way, Winston-Salem, NC
- Vibe: Energetic, modern rustic, approachable
- Best Time to Go: Weeknight dinner or casual date night
- Must-Try: Wood-grilled salmon, chicken wings, crème brûlée cheesecake
- Cost: $$ – flavorful and reliable
- Hours: Daily: 11AM–10PM
For Italian Food: Fratellis Italian Steakhouse
Fratellis had a little bit of everything I love about a good Italian steakhouse—warm bread, soft lighting, and rich, savory aromas rising from every table. As the server set down my drink, I looked around and thought, "This is comfort dressed in elegance."
What I Loved Most: The portions, the pasta, the heart. It felt generous, welcoming, and designed for sharing.
My highlights? I ordered the filet with Gorgonzola cream sauce, paired with lobster ravioli as a starter. The meat was tender and the pasta, indulgent and rich. For dessert, the tiramisu arrived in a chilled dish with just the right coffee kick. “This is the kind of place where meals stretch into memories,” I thought, lingering a little longer than planned.
Fratellis Italian Steakhouse At a Glance
- Location: 2000 Frontis Plaza Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC
- Vibe: Upscale, cozy, family-rooted
- Best Time to Go: Weekend dinner or group celebration
- Must-Try: Filet with Gorgonzola, lobster ravioli, tiramisu
- Cost: $$$ – hearty and refined
- Hours: Tues–Sat: 4PM–9PM, Sun–Mon: closed
For Trendy diners: Jeffrey-Adams-on-Fourth
Jeffrey Adams felt like the downtown anchor—a place with just enough buzz to make it exciting, but enough polish to make it feel elevated. With dark wood and city views through the window, I thought, "This is where a casual night becomes something special."
What I Loved Most: The versatility. You could dress up or down, start with craft cocktails or jump straight into steak and seafood. It worked for everyone—but didn’t feel generic.
My highlights? I had the crispy pork belly to start—tender inside, crisp outside—then the pan-seared scallops over a lemon risotto that made me pause between bites. The craft cocktail menu surprised me in the best way. “Lively, local, and just elevated enough,” I thought as the lights outside flickered on for the evening.
Jeffrey-Adams-on-Fourth At a Glance
- Location: 321 W 4th St, Winston-Salem, NC
- Vibe: Modern, bustling, downtown energy
- Best Time to Go: Date night or cocktails and shared plates with friends
- Must-Try: Pork belly, scallops with lemon risotto, craft cocktails
- Cost: $$$ – lively and flavorful
- Hours: Mon–Sat: 11AM–10PM, Sun: closed
Where Every Table Has a Story
Winston-Salem’s restaurants don’t need to scream for attention. They know who they are—grounded, graceful, and quietly bold. From the classic charm of Bernardin’s to the urban glow of Jeffrey Adams, each spot felt like an invitation. An invitation to taste something familiar, but also to pause, to connect, to remember where you are.
If you’re passing through this Carolina gem or calling it home, you’ll find more than just good food here. You’ll find meals with memory built in. And in a world that moves too fast, that might just be what matters most.