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Best Restaurants for Lunch In The North Carolina Piedmont

Best Restaurants for Lunch In The North Carolina Piedmont - Amélie's French Bakery & Café in Charlotte
Amélie's French Bakery & Café in Charlotte

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Welcome to our culinary exploration of the best restaurants for lunch in the North Carolina Piedmont. From charming cafes to hidden gems, this region offers various options to satisfy your midday cravings.

In the Charlotte area, lunch-goers can enjoy a diverse range of flavors. Stop by Haberdish in NoDa for Southern comfort food with a modern twist, including fried chicken and delectable sides. For a lighter option, head to Luna’s Living Kitchen in South End, offering creative plant-based dishes bursting with flavor.

Venture to Raleigh-Durham and the Triangle region, where you’ll find many lunch spots. Visit Neomonde Mediterranean in Raleigh for fresh and flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine, including hummus, falafel, and gyros. Alternatively, grab a slice of pizza at Lilly’s Pizza in Durham, known for its creative toppings and cozy atmosphere.

In Greensboro and Winston-Salem, lunch enthusiasts can explore various dining options. Indulge in a classic Southern meal at Sweet Potatoes in Winston-Salem, where you can enjoy dishes like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. For a taste of global cuisine, head to Crafted: The Art of Street Food in Greensboro, serving inventive dishes inspired by street food worldwide.

For a relaxed lunch in the Pinehurst & Sandhills area, visit the Villager Deli in Pinehurst, a local favorite known for its delicious sandwiches and friendly service. Alternatively, head to The Bakehouse in Aberdeen for freshly baked goods and savory lunch options in a charming setting.

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From quaint cafes and casual diners to upscale restaurants, there’s no shortage of fantastic spots to enjoy a midday meal.

Let’s explore the top lunch destinations within the Charlotte area, Raleigh-Durham & the Triangle, Greensboro & Winston-Salem, and the Pinehurst & Sandhills areas.

1. Amélie’s French Bakery & Café

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Area)

Indulge in French-inspired pastries and savory delights at Amélie’s French Bakery & Café in Charlotte. With a cozy ambiance and an array of freshly baked treats, sandwiches, and salads, this beloved cafe is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.

Best Restaurants For Lunch In The North Carolina Piedmont - Amélie's French Bakery & Café Display Case
Amélie's French Bakery & Café Display Case

2. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Durham, NC (Raleigh-Durham & the Triangle)

Treat yourself to soulful Southern comfort food at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles in Durham. Specializing in crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles with various unique toppings, this iconic eatery offers a delicious and satisfying lunch experience.

3. Smith Street Diner

Greensboro, NC (Greensboro & Winston-Salem)

Satisfy your craving for classic diner fare at Smith Street Diner in Greensboro. Serving up hearty breakfast and lunch options, including omelets, sandwiches, and burgers, this charming diner is a local favorite for a tasty and affordable midday meal.

5. 300 East

Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Area)

Dine in style at 300 East in Charlotte. Housed in a historic building in the Dilworth neighborhood, this trendy restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring creative salads, sandwiches, and entrees made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Best Restaurants for Lunch In The North Carolina Piedmont - 300 East
300 East

6. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Cary, NC (Raleigh-Durham & the Triangle)

Savor Southern hospitality at Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in Cary. Known for its Southern-inspired cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, this popular restaurant offers a lunch menu featuring classics like fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and Carolina barbecue.

7. Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar

Winston-Salem, NC (Greensboro & Winston-Salem)

Enjoy contemporary Southern cuisine at Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar in Winston-Salem. Set in a historic mansion with panoramic city views, this upscale eatery offers a lunch menu featuring elevated Southern favorites and seasonal dishes.

8. Elliotts on Linden

Pinehurst, NC (Pinehurst & Sandhills)

Dine al fresco at Elliott’s on Linden in Pinehurst. This charming restaurant offers a menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, and seafood dishes, along with a selection of wine and craft beer, perfect for enjoying on the outdoor patio.

Elliotts on Linden
Elliotts on Linden

9. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey

Raleigh, NC (Raleigh-Durham & the Triangle)

Treat yourself to Southern comfort food at Beasley’s Chicken + Honey in Raleigh. Known for its crispy fried chicken, honey-drizzled biscuits, and Southern sides, this lively eatery offers a casual and delicious lunch experience.

10. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Raleigh, NC (Raleigh-Durham & The Triangle)

Experience the best of both worlds at The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar in North Hills (Raleigh). This unique restaurant combines sushi and burgers for an exceptional dining experience, with a diverse menu featuring creative fusion dishes perfect for lunch.

The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

Conclusion

From casual cafes and diners to upscale restaurants and farm-to-table eateries, the best restaurants for lunch in the North Carolina Piedmont offers an abundance of fantastic spots to explore.

Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, international flavors, or creative fusion dishes, these top lunch destinations promise delicious meals and memorable dining experiences in the heart of the Piedmont.

So, grab a friend or colleague, head out for lunch, and savor the flavors of this dynamic culinary landscape.

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