Nothing hits the soul quite like comfort food—and in North Carolina, it’s practically a way of life. Here, every bite feels like a hug, every plate carries a story, and locals proudly claim some restaurants can rival even grandma’s legendary cooking. We’re talking fried chicken with crackling skin, biscuits so fluffy they defy gravity, and mac and cheese baked to golden perfection. These aren’t just meals—they’re memories served hot, seasoned with love and tradition.
These 11 comfort food spots in North Carolina prove that sometimes the best way to feel at home is to sit down, pass a plate, and taste the kind of cooking that warms you from the inside out.
Poole’s Diner — Raleigh
Poole’s Diner in Raleigh transforms classic comfort food into an upscale dining experience. Chef Ashley Christensen has crafted a menu where familiar dishes like Macaroni Au Gratin become works of art. The thick, cheesy mac is topped with a deliciously crisp brûléed layer, offering a perfect blend of traditional and modern tastes.
Every dish feels like a page from Grandma’s recipe book but with a refined twist. Locals flock here for the warm camaraderie and comforting flavors that remind them of home, creating a cherished downtown dining landmark.
The Pit — Raleigh
In downtown Raleigh, The Pit is a shrine to North Carolina’s barbecue tradition. This eatery celebrates whole-hog cooking with an array of dishes like smoked meatloaf and Carolina-style ribs. Sides such as collards, slaw, and hush puppies complete the classic Southern meal.
The Pit’s method of slow-cooking over wood infuses a nostalgic smoky flavor that feels like a backyard gathering. It’s a go-to for locals showcasing Southern comfort food as a communal experience, making it a must-visit for a taste of authentic hospitality.
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey — Raleigh
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey in Raleigh is the ultimate destination for fried chicken lovers. Chef Ashley Christensen’s take on this Southern staple features crispy, juicy chicken finished with a honey drizzle. Accompanied by seasonal Southern sides, each dish strikes a balance between tradition and innovation.
The lively atmosphere and consistent quality make it a favorite spot for satisfying those comfort food cravings. Locals appreciate how Beasley’s combines familiar flavors with elevated presentation, reminding them of cherished family recipes.
Tupelo Honey (Downtown Asheville) — Asheville
Tupelo Honey in downtown Asheville reimagines Southern comfort food with a modern twist. The menu features Appalachian-inspired dishes like shrimp & grits and biscuit boards, offering a fresh take on nostalgic flavors. By pairing classic ingredients with local produce, each plate is both familiar and surprising.
The restaurant’s homey ambiance and inventive cuisine make it a staple in Asheville’s dining scene. It’s like visiting a relative who spices up traditional recipes, creating meals that are both heartwarming and exciting.
Sunny Point Café — Wilmington
Sunny Point Café in Wilmington is beloved for its homey, scratch-made meals. Known for its breakfast offerings, the café also serves up comforting lunches and dinners like fried-green-tomato BLTs and house-made biscuit plates.
The focus on seasonal ingredients ensures every dish feels fresh and lovingly prepared. Longtime locals adore the café’s welcoming environment, where sharing recipes and neighborhood news is common. Sunny Point Café embodies the spirit of community and comfort, making it a cherished spot for a taste of home.
Lexington Barbecue — Lexington
Lexington Barbecue is a renowned institution for authentic Western-Carolina style barbecue. Famed for its slow-pit pork shoulder and tangy tomato-based sauce, this eatery delivers comfort food that could grace any family reunion.
The straightforward approach to cooking produces nostalgic flavors reminiscent of traditional Southern gatherings. Locals and travelers alike flock here for a taste of genuine barbecue magic, making Lexington Barbecue a cornerstone of North Carolina’s culinary heritage.
Mert’s Heart & Soul — Charlotte
Mert’s Heart & Soul in Charlotte is synonymous with soul food excellence. This locally adored spot serves up generous portions of fried chicken, smothered pork chops, and peach cobbler, echoing the beloved staples of Southern family tables.
The warm service and homestyle gravies make each visit feel like a comforting hug. For those longing for tastes that remind them of Grandma’s kitchen, Mert’s delivers rich, familiar flavors that are deeply rooted in African-American culinary traditions.
The Blue Note Grill — Durham
The Blue Note Grill in Durham marries the joy of live music with the satisfaction of hearty Southern fare. Featuring BBQ, ribs, and loaded sides, this venue offers a relaxed atmosphere where food and music lovers unite.
Regulars praise the combination of soulful flavors and lively blues performances, making it a hub of community spirit. It’s the kind of place where good food and good company are in perfect harmony, defining the true essence of comfort dining in Durham.
Tonya’s Cafe (Tonya’s Cookies) — Chapel Hill
Tonya’s Cafe in Chapel Hill is a delightful homage to Southern cooking traditions. Adjacent to Tonya’s Cookies, this eatery serves homestyle sandwiches and desserts inspired by the Council family’s recipes. It’s a comforting bridge for locals mourning Mama Dip’s closure, offering flavors that resonate with family legacy.
Each dish served with bakery treats embodies the warmth and hospitality that made Mama Dip’s a beloved community fixture, ensuring the continuity of cherished culinary memories.
Biscuit Head — Asheville
Biscuit Head in Asheville is a celebration of the South’s quintessential comfort food: the biscuit. This eatery’s cathead biscuits, paired with inventive gravies and a jam bar, provide a hands-on, nostalgic breakfast experience.
Locals make it a weekend ritual to indulge in biscuits topped with fried chicken or smoked meats. It’s the kind of stick-to-your-ribs feast that evokes memories of family brunches, offering modern comfort food with a traditional heart.
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food — Charlotte, Cary area
Nana Morrison’s Soul Food serves up classic homey plates across several locations. With offerings like fried chicken, oxtails, and collards, this family-run operation provides flavors that feel like a warm embrace.
The daily specials and hospitable service have patrons claiming the food rivals or even surpasses their own Sunday dinners at home. Nana Morrison’s exemplifies community-centered cooking, where each dish carries the comforting essence of family traditions, making it a beloved choice for soul-satisfying meals.