Wake Forest restaurants have come a long way since the day my family’s moving truck arrived at our home in 2001. I was seven when we moved here from Fayetteville, and I’ve adored it ever since.
Harrison and I just built our first home here in Wake Forest, and I’m thrilled I get to raise my children here too. It’s a special place, but that doesn’t mean the food always reflected that!
For years, national chains dominated our town. We were hard-pressed to find many local restaurants, and when one did open, it often closed a couple of years later.
I’m so proud to see Wake Forest’s great strides in opening and supporting small businesses. If I’m being honest, I think there’s still a way to go, but I’m hopeful that the foodie scene will continue to improve as locals are intentional about supporting their neighbors.
I have found some excellent gems in my hometown that I’m excited to share with you. As always, I only include restaurants that I have personally tried. If my list is missing your favorite, please let me know so I can make sure to try it out!
I hope this article helps guide you to some delicious Wake Forest restaurants.
Let’s start with dessert, shall we?
One of the best parts of being an adult? We get to start with dessert if we want! Wake Forest excels in some of its dessert options, so I think starting my list with indulgent sweets is fitting.
Dairy Depot
Dairy Depot is my family’s favorite spot for a fun, refreshing treat. They specialize in soft-serve ice cream and have lots of creative options.
We always order a cotton candy train wreck– a thick milkshake with mix-ins. With cotton candy flavored ice cream, crunchy candy mix-ins, and topped with cotton candy, this might sound like “too much,” but it’s everything you need.
Everyone in my family is obsessed with these, and I swear by them! If you’re too chicken to order a cotton candy overload, they have plenty of other delicious options like dole whips, sundaes, and more.
Sweet Traditions
If I’m craving a decadent cupcake close to home, Sweet Traditions is always the move. They have delicious cupcakes with rotating flavors, and I’ve enjoyed them all!
Lumpy’s Ice Cream
Lumpy’s Ice Cream is Wake Forest’s homemade ice cream icon. They use only fresh, local ingredients without additives or preservatives. Their flavors are very unique, ranging from Ecuadorian chocolate to strawberry-basil. It’s creamy, natural, and delicious.
Plant Cakes Bake Shop
Plant Cakes Bake Shop is a 100% plant-based, organic bakery serving donuts, cupcakes, muffins, cookies, and more. In addition to plant-based goods, they have a gluten-free case as well. The goodies are so yummy that even locals with no dietary restrictions love coming here!
Goodberry’s Frozen Custard
I’ve said it before (like in my list of Cary restaurants), and I’ll repeat it: Goodberry’s makes the best frozen custard in the world. There are multiple Triangle area locations, and I’m sure glad Wake Forest has one, or I would not have built my house here. Kidding… maybe.
Heritage Donuts
Heritage Donuts makes the best donuts in the Triangle, and you can quote me on that. I’m pinching myself that they chose Wake Forest for their shop. Thankfully, it’s not just a dream; I can get these perfect donuts any day I want! Please try them if you haven’t yet!
Fast-casual Wake Forest restaurants that we love
As parents of a three and one-year-old, we often frequent fast-casual restaurants for their rapid service and family-friendly atmosphere.
Tikila Tacos & Mezcal
Tikila is a newer Mexican eatery in Wake Forest with festive vibes, great food, and a full bar with great drinks. It’s one of the few places around serving birria!
Smith’s Smokehouse & Smoothies
Smith’s Smokehouse is a veteran-owned barbecue restaurant specializing in smoked meats and smoothies. Yes, smoothies. Don’t knock it ’til you try it (especially the banana pudding smoothie!).
The menu rotates and changes, but you can always expect quality meat and delicious fixings. We love their macaroni and cheese!
The Empanada Factory
The Empanada Factory specializes in Latin street food that will make your taste buds sing.
A husband-and-wife team opened this spot to share their family recipes, and I love them for it. They have tons of empanada varieties, including dessert ones that blew me away and tacos, bowls, nachos, and more.
(The Empanada Factory closed but reopened in July 2023!)
Charlie’s Kabob Grill
Charlie’s Kabob Grill is one of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants around. Charlie is from Lebanon and travels back to his home country frequently, each time returning with more spices and recipes to use in his shop.
They make delicious gyros, kabob plates, and fries. They recently added Lebanese wraps to their menu, which are also outstanding.
The Burger Shop
Growing up here, Wake Forest restaurants always had a gaping hole where fresh burgers should have been. They were desperately needed.
So I was thrilled when The Burger Shop opened here, serving classic burgers and hand-cut fries. It’s a fun lunch spot, and Harrison loves their burgers.
Village Deli
Village Deli is a well-loved restaurant making from-scratch food, including sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and more. It’s a welcoming, casual environment perfect for lunch with friends and colleagues or a family outing.
My followers told me their chicken salad is amazing, so I tried it, and they were right! It was delicious, and the crispy crinkle-cut fries sealed the deal.
Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs
Shorty’s is a Wake Forest institution and has been since 1916! As the oldest restaurant in the area, Shorty’s is still owned by the same family. They specialize in red hot dogs, which is a fun, tasty glimpse into the past.
The Lemon Tree
The Lemon Tree is a quaint café in Downtown Wake Forest that has a rotating menu of sandwiches, soups, quiche, prepared salads, desserts, and more. I recently tried the two-slider lunch special, which allowed me to taste a nice variety of sandwiches and salads.
The staff is always lovely, and it’s an excellent spot for a quick bite of familiar favorites.
Mario’s Pizzeria
Mario’s recently opened in Wake Forest and is now our favorite NY-style pizza place in town.
The owner made the pizzas at a pizza restaurant that used to be our favorite for its taste but lacked consistency and service. So, we were thrilled to follow him when he left to open his own restaurant.
It’s great pizza, and the penne a la vodka is something special too!
Sugar Magnolia Café
Sugar Magnolia Café is a charming eatery that not only serves tasty sandwiches and salads but is one of the few places in the Triangle area with tea service. I can’t wait to schedule a tea party here soon!
Tacos el Gordo
Tacos el Gordo is a taco truck parked at 927 Cloverleaf Park, and we absolutely love their food. The tortillas are fresh, handmade pieces of heaven, and the meats are bursting with flavor. We come here all the time!
Sit-down Wake Forest Restaurants that belong in your rotation
Wake Forest is home to some amazing sit-down restaurants that we keep revisiting for their delicious food and lovely atmospheres.
Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant
Amalia’s is a restaurant that I cannot believe we are fortunate enough to have here in our town. Located in an enchanting historic home, Amalia’s is an Italian restaurant that blew us away.
The chef graduated top of his class from a world-renowned culinary school in Italy, and we are so lucky he brought his talents here. As an Italian, it’s hard for me to find Italian food I love outside of my mom’s kitchen, so this place gets two thumbs up from me.
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
Gonza is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in North Carolina. While their tacos are great, we are hooked on their Mexican flag enchiladas, chicken tinga nachos, and a dish called el platano which has a whole ripe plantain, steak, cheese, sauce, and beans.
The flavors on their menu are great, and the restaurant has a fun, festive vibe.
Curry House
My family always talked about how badly we wanted an Indian restaurant in Wake Forest, so I couldn’t believe our luck when Curry House opened! Not only did an Indian restaurant finally open, but it was fantastic!
We love Curry House and everything we have tried there.
Over the Falls
Over the Falls is one of those restaurants with a little bit of everything on the menu, making it an excellent choice for groups with differing tastes.
I go for the sandwiches. My favorite is the Cali Pastrami, which has pastrami, avocado, habanero jack cheese, fried onion, and chipotle mayo on a pretzel roll. It is outstanding.
Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum
Bodega is one of the few special occasion Wake Forest restaurants that excel in ambiance and taste. Small plates with worldwide influences, along with plenty of drink pairings, make this restaurant a great experience all around.
Farm Table
Farm Table is a lovely restaurant focusing on in-season produce with a changing menu. The interior is beautiful and modern-rustic, and the food is comforting, well-crafted, and delicious.
It’s a go-to date night spot for us! Our favorite dish there is the short ribs with wild mushroom risotto.
Norse Brewing Company
Norse Brewing is a restaurant and brewery that serves Scandinavian food with a Southern twist. They embrace Viking culture in their decorations, food, and vibe.
I know it sounds juvenile, but their chicken tenders are the best, and I stand by that. They also have great burgers, meatballs, beer cheese tots, and more.
Shuckers Oyster Bar and Grill
Shuckers is one of our favorite restaurants for a few reasons: the food is delicious, the hushpuppies are bottomless, and it was the location for our wedding rehearsal dinner.
It’s a fantastic seafood restaurant with the best hushpuppies, oysters, shrimp & grits, and bacon-wrapped scallops.
Sushi Siam
Sushi Siam is our usual sushi spot in Wake Forest because it’s BOGO all day, every day, even for carryout, which is typically how we choose to enjoy our sushi. It’s a reasonable price, and we enjoy their rolls and some Thai food.
Brigs
Brigs is an iconic breakfast restaurant with a few locations throughout the Triangle, including Wake Forest, where it is well-loved. I especially enjoy their seasonal waffles and pancakes!
Tlaquepaque Mexican Cuisine
Tlaquepaque is one of the more popular traditional Mexican restaurants in Wake Forest. I have enjoyed their tacos and guacamole, but my favorite dish is Enchiladas Tlaquepaque: corn tortillas stuffed with queso fresco, topped with shredded pork carnitas, and covered with tomatillo sauce.
It’s one of the first places I think of when I want a big portion of cheesy carbs…which is daily.
Asian Bistro
Asian Bistro is among the best restaurants for quality Chinese takeout and other Asian specialties. The Mongolian beef and sesame chicken are both fantastic, along with their Thai options! I enjoyed everything I ordered from there.
Korean Kitchen
Korean Kitchen is a delicious restaurant specializing in Korean food, and we keep returning for their crispy, sticky, flavorful Korean fried chicken wings!
Thai Cafe
Thai Cafe has been a beloved restaurant in Wake Forest for years now, and it’s not hard to understand why when you try their food. They make outstanding Thai dishes, and I always order the green curry.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
Cape Fear Seafood is one of my favorite seafood restaurants in the state, so I was thrilled when they announced a Wake Forest location. The food is just outstanding!
Have a favorite that’s not on our list?
Even though we’ve tried tons of great Wake Forest restaurants, we have quite a few we still need to try. Leave us a comment telling us where you’d like to see us visit and your go-to order!
Gotta try Pacos Pizza! I fully believe they have the best pizza in WF! I drive an extra ten minutes to there instead of Mario’s/George’s. Absolutely NY style and delicious!
Bangkok Thai in Wakefield. Another vote for Hayashi, as well. So glad to see Curry House on your list!
George’s Pizza on White Street
Hey there! I simple would like to give you a big thumbs up.
1250 Heritage for the food and the views
I’ve actually heard 1250 Heritage is good and have been meaning to try it. Thanks for the recommendation, Amy!
Casa Cubana! It’s an absolute must! Great atmosphere, drinks, decor, and food! They serve empanada factory empanadas, as well. Try it and you’ll love it!
I love Casa Cubana! Just didn’t include it because it’s technically North Raleigh.
Need to remove Main St Grill. Sadly it is gone. 😞
Definitely try the Real Mccoys in wake forest!
After how many times it has been suggested, we will definitely have to try it! Thanks, Hanna.
Some great options on here! We also love Real McCoy’s (my wife tries to steer clear of carbs and they have keto options of many of their dishes, which is awesome, and typically hard to come by when dining out!) and Don Julio’s (my wife’s favorite cheese dip in the area, while I’m a big fan of their Burrito Guadalajara — their menu refers to it as a “big burrito,” and they ain’t kidding’, LOL!).
Good suggestions! We will have to try them out.
Great list! Looking forward to the next review!
Mizu!!
Dropped by Main Street Grille Cafe & Bakery the other day and it was permanently closed… Does anyone know why??
Main st grille is now closed
We definitely love Backfins – crabs, shrimps, crab cakes, flounder and so much more! Same parking lot as Kohls on Capital.
Gotta love seafood! We love Backfins too.
Oh my gosh…..where is The Forks Cafeteria?? The Forks is at the top of my list for great southern, home-style cooking….best fried chicken anywhere!!
It is definitely top of our list to try next in Wake Forest! Thanks for the recommendations.
The new Gastropub 101 (attached to Wine and Beer 101, same owners) slightly upscale unique menu is definitely a hidden gem!
We will have to check it out! Thanks, Christina.
I am a huge fan of Backfins! They have two types of clam chowder and both are delicious — I now order a scoop of each in my bowl! They have a light fry coating on their items, as well as offer fresh crabs when they are in season. I’ve never been disappointed there, and I hope y’all agree 💗
Great list, but….you’re missing this one:
https://www.919islandcuisine.com/
I went there once and I enjoyed it. I should go back so I can feature it! Thanks, Thomas.
I think they have Raleigh addresses but for most of us they’re considered part of Wake Forest. Wakefield Tavern has some of the best salads and wings around. IMO, Hayashi will always have the best sushi around here and Cravin Confections Dessert Bar is quite popular!
Thanks for the recommendations, Stephanie!
Hong Kong restaurant next to Big Lots. First Watch is my current favorite but it’s probably part of a chain so may not be eligible. Just across Capital are Milton’s and Pickled Onion.
All good spots to check out. Thanks, Greg!
Definitely Pat Murnane’s Irish Pub. Great food
Thanks for the recommendation, Debbie!
Las Margaritas is one of our family favorites! It’s also one of the oldest in town. The atmosphere is very unique in the basement of one of the corner storefronts.
Love Las Margaritas! I grew up going there.
Courtney’s NY Bagel & Deli, 929 Heritage Lake Rd., Wake Forest
22 kinds of bagels made fresh, on site, daily. Gourmet cream cheeses. Breakfast sandwiches, try a bacon, egg and cheese on a everything bagel. Lunch sandwiches, wide variety to choose from.
Thank you for the recommendation Jeanne! That was a favorite spot for me during my high school years but I haven’t been back since! Time for a return trip!
Big Al’s is the best BBQ joint I’ve found north of 540. I dream of Las Margaritas. Wakefirld Tavern has the best burger in the State, according to my hubby! They rock some fish&chips as well. And craft cocktails and pizza…
All great recommendations! Thanks, Jess.
Las margaritas, real McCoys ,Leli’s diner, gatehouse tavern, big Al’s bbq, forks, Norse, hong Kong, are all locally owned.
Love supporting locally owned. We’ll have to try them!
Thank you!!! We have been struggling to find good places to eat here. There are a few here we’ve tried, but you’ve given us much more 🥰.
You’re so welcome, Cristie! Hope this list can guide you to a few new favorites!
Gatehouse Tavern
Thanks for the recommendation, Robin!
1250 Heritage Golf Club
(Restaurant and Bar)
Will add this to my list to try! Thank you!
Am excellent restaurant with fantastic ambiance is Casa Cubana. Please add this one to your list. Is a hidden gem.
I love Casa Cubana! I am good friends with the owner.
Asuka….. definitely check it out.
Thanks for the response, Dori!
Big Al BBQ and Stewarts Bistro for an amazing breakfast and coffee!
I’ve had my eye on these! Can’t wait to try them!
Gatehouse Tavern is always good. Same owners as Farmtable and share a kitchen. And next to Asian Bistro is Lin’s Garden which we love.
Thanks for the recommendation, Tom!
Stewart’s Bistro……great breakfasts and staff!