We are sharing our top picks for where to eat in Greensboro, a lovely city in central NC rich in entertainment and history.
Greensboro is known for its massive Science Center as well as the International Civil Rights Center, the birthplace of the historic and inspirational sit-in movement in 1960. In addition to its educational and entertaining destinations, Greensboro has a rapidly growing food scene.
We’ve enjoyed our visits to Greensboro and have a few favorite establishments to satisfy our hunger, along with a few spots that we can’t wait to try in the future.
Enough introductions, right? Let’s get to what you really want: our list of best restaurants in Greensboro.
Crafted the Art of the Taco
Our favorite place to grab a bite to eat when in Downtown Greensboro is Crafted the Art of the Taco. The vibe is trendy and inviting and the food is exceptional.
You’ll find a menu full of creative and mouth-watering dishes with a Mexican flair. We come for the tacos, of course. Our favorite is the Wayfarer which includes bulgogi short rib, rice, Korean red sauce, and kimchi. You can pick any two tacos so be sure to mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Vegan friends, they have plenty of options for you too!
Print Works Bistro
Print Works Bistro is one of the most charming restaurants I’ve had the pleasure of dining at. From its elegant interior to its romantic patio overlooking a trickling creek, it’s an experience that begins the minute you step on property.
Inspired by French bistros, this restaurant serves locally sourced food for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. We’ve only enjoyed brunch here and it was the perfect setting to indulge in homemade cinnamon rolls and eggs benedict surrounded by gardens. Simply put, it’s dreamy.
Kau
Kau is a restaurant I always feel confident recommending to people because there are so many options and the quality of food is top notch.
They have a butcher’s shop attached to the restaurant selling quality cuts of meat and their menu showcases delicious dishes that take your favorite comfort foods to the next level.
Their Soul Roll appetizer takes fried chicken, rice, bacon, pimento cheese, and collards and wraps them up in a fried egg roll with a tangy bbq sauce for dipping. See what I mean about comfort food being taken to the next level?
As quality meat is their thing, it’s the perfect place for meat-lovers. There are a few vegetarian options if that’s more your speed though!
Stamey’s Barbecue
Stamey’s has been the answer to where to eat in Greensboro since 1930. They’re famous for their Lexington style barbecue cooked low and slow over hardwood coals.
Harrison’s parents grew up in Greensboro so this restaurant holds a special place in our hearts…and our stomachs. The food is outstanding, making it the perfect place to grab a bite of old-fashioned North Carolina ‘cue.
Dewey’s Bakery
Dewey’s Bakery is an iconic North Carolina bakery based out of Winston-Salem that specializes in Moravian treats. They have a location in Greensboro and it’s a great place to try some pastries, or create your dream ice cream concoction. You can customize a cup of ice cream layered with your choice of cookies, cake, and toppings!
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Dame’s is one of the best restaurants to indulge in chicken and waffles, with locations in Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Greensboro. You haven’t had chicken and waffles like theirs, trust me.
It’s all about the shmears and sauces that range in flavor. The shmears are butters infused with sweet, delicious flavors like peach-apricot and orange-honeycomb which pair wonderfully with their equally unique waffles.
The sauces, like cashew-caramel and honey-dijon, are made for drizzling over the crispy, juicy fried chicken. Okay, I think I’ve convinced you now, right?
Cugino Forno
Cugino Forno makes some of the best Neapolitan style pizzas, using quality ingredients imported from Italy and cooked in a 900 degree oven.
Their white pizza is fantastic, but I’m confident that all of the pizzas are worth ordering.
Cheesecakes by Alex
Some of the most satisfyingly delicious cheesecakes in the state can be found in a little shop called Cheesecakes by Alex. They offer 22 flavors all year, with two additional seasonal flavors! That’s a lot of cheesecakes to pick from and based on the few I’ve had the pleasure of trying, you can’t go wrong.
These cheesecakes are scratch-made which is evident in their perfect texture and quality flavor. A must-try treat!
Hops Burger Bar
One of the most famous burger spots in the state is Hops Burger Bar and when we finally made it there, we were not disappointed!
They serve unique burgers with quality beef– my favorite being the Spicy Goat, which comes topped with goat cheese, bacon, and a sweet & spicy pepper jelly. Although they’re known for the burgers, they’ve also made waves with their poutine which can be ordered as a side. It’s really delicious!
Where to eat in Greensboro: Spots we are excited to try!
We obviously have not had the chance to try every restaurant in Greensboro, but we wanted to give a quick shout out to the spots we’ve heard great things about and hope to try soon.
MACHETE is a restaurant I’m dying to try as it has won countless awards and has even been nominated for the James Beard award. The food looks absolutely exquisite.
I’ve had my eye on Blue Denim for some time now and hope to make it there soon to try their take on southern, cajun, and creole cuisine!
Don’t see your favorite on the list?
Let us know! We always take readers’ recommendations into account and we are excited to continue exploring Greensboro’s food scene!
The Sage Mule is always good. Definitely one of my favorites!
Embur Fire Fusion – Peruvian /Italian – their Arroz Chafa, yuca fries, salads, and empanadas and more are amazing!
I saw someone mention Jamestown and if you haven’t went to Southern Roots it’s a must.
Another suggestion is Indian restaurant I think technically it’s in High Point. It’s called Agni Restaurant and Bar. Delicious.
Mac’s Speed Shop, Dirty Fries, and Smokiin’ Macs food truck!
Hi! Some other good ones are M’Coul’s, Porterhouse Burger Co, Bourbon Bowl, Natty Greene’s, Green Valley Grill, Fishbones.
Hi! Thanks for the recommendations, Taylor!
Wicked Burgers Tacos and Brews! Fabulous creative burgers, homemade tortillas for their unique tacos and quesadillas , burrito bowls, wings and so much more. All of their salsas and sauces are made fresh in-house❤️ They also have an on-site Axe Throwing venue! They’ve been open a little over a year.
Chez Genese in downtown Greensboro! Make sure you read the back of the menu. 💖
Southern Roots in Jamestown
Lindley Park Filling Station is a local favorite and across from Sticks and Stones! They make homemade sandwiches, soups and salad! My husband and I also love Sage Mule for brunch! You must get their Cinnamon Roll of the week or just a traditional Cinnamon Roll!
We’ll have to try it out. Thanks for the suggestion, Kelsey!
Best mexican breakfast-Bagner and Alexa’s
Best coffee-Common Grounds
Best cookie Donna Dune lemon cloud
found at Common Grounds Coffee
Oooh sounds delicious!
Almost in Greensboro, totally worth the short drive is the best BBQ around Black Powder Smokehouse.
Thanks, Suzanne! I will have to give it a try.
Chez Genese is fantastic for brunch! Check it out!
Will do! Thanks, Charly.
cille & scoe!!
Thanks for the recommendation, Audrey!
You should definitely try Big Burger Spot! Enjoy your burger in the pet garden at the Battleground location to picnic with your pooch. My favorite is the Hawaiian Chicken – except I substitute the chicken for a buffalo patty, it’s fantastic!!
Then check out elakatreats.com for some amazing new Indian inspired ice cream flavors. She has a store on S. Elm-Engine St and is often found at Farmers markets around the Triad as well.
Thanks for the suggestions, Joan! Harrison always loves a good burger spot.
You have to try Sticks and Stones
Noted! Thanks, Rachel!
Blue Denim was great pre-pandemic, just haven’t had a chance to try it again.
We go see shows on Sunday evenings at the Tanger Center, and unfortunately most restaurants are closed. Will have to check these recommendations out to see what their hours are. Thanks!
That sounds like a fun tradition! Glad we could help!
You nailed it! Print Works is good for brunch, but honestly not great for dinner (or there are better places). Undercurrent, Salvinos, and White and Wood are other ones to try! Also SouthEnd Brewery has a great kitchen for being a brewery. And not in Greensboro, but best BBQ is by far Black Powder in Jamestown – relatively new on the scene!
Thanks for the advice, Lindsay! I will have to try Black Powder. My Father in Law grew up and went to high school in Jamestown.
‘cille & ‘scoe is a must add to this list!!
Luxe Lounge in Greensboro is yummy!
Definitely next to try on my list!
We were in Greensboro the other day and really enjoyed Chez Genese for brunch!
We will have to try it next time we’re in town. Thanks, Seton!
I’ve been to Machete a few times and I don’t love it but it seems I’m the minority, so it’s worth a try! Blue Denim is amazing…I recommend the crawfish dishes but you can’t go wrong with anything they serve!
All great tips, thanks!
We love Machete, Blue Denim, and White and Wood for dinner. Lewis and Elm is a fun place to try out some wines and small plates (they have beer too.) Southend is our favorite brewery because of the delicious food and great atmosphere. Sage Mule is the perfect place for brunch on a nice day. so many great little coffeeshops popping up downtown! I’m looking forward to Yokai opening next to Neighbors and Pangea just opened as well.
Definitely try Scrambled! One of the best brunch places I have ever eaten!
Thanks for the suggestion, Madison! I will have to go check it out.