16 Downtown Winston-Salem Restaurants You Must Try This Year (2023)

Having lived outside of Winston-Salem my entire life, it has truly become a great foodie destination. Downtown Winston-Salem has a wide variety of restaurants ranging from Mediterranean to Tex-Mex to Italian.

If you're planning a trip to Winston-Salem soon, I hope you find this list helpful as you plan your meals while in town.

I've only included restaurants in the center (or very close by) so this doesn't even scratch the surface of all the restaurants in town!

One of my favouritesThings to do in Winston Salemis to eat in the center or to work in one of thelocal cafes.

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The 16 best restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem

1. Bernardino

If you didn't know it was there, you could walk right past Bernardin without even realizing it. Located in an old brick house, they have a lovely outdoor seating area built next to a fountain.

They close the patio seats in the winter so they can still be used, but the seats inside the house are very comfortable. This is the perfect place for a family outing, celebration or anniversary. We have now gone to celebrate a few events.

I tried their filet and five cheese ravioli and was very happy with both options. However, the menu changes frequently, so there is always something new to try.

You spend $20-$45 per entree here, but everything you try on the menu is worth it.

Don't skip dessert - their cinnamon bread pudding is to die for. My dad also loves his chocolate mousse cake but be warned it's delicious!

ADDRESS:901 West Fourth Street |Website: Bernhardiner

2. Meridian-Restaurant

The Meridian Restaurant opened in 2007 and has since become a very popular restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem. Most menu items are Mediterranean-inspired, and include dishes like homemade pasta and delicious meats. The restaurant also offers catering services and a private chef.

The price at the restaurant is similar to the others, and most dishes range from $25 to $40. The atmosphere in the restaurant is very classy, ​​but not stuffy. It's the perfect spot for a Winston-Salem date night or to celebrate a graduation or important birthday.

ADDRESS:411 Calle Marshal Sur |Website: Meridian-Restaurant

3. Sixth and Vine

This trendy wine bar is a popular downtown spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. In fact, I ate here for my 21st birthday.

They have a great outdoor patio which is pretty cool at night with the fairy lights and very tidy. They have great drinks and lots of dishes to share, making it the perfect place to meet friends after work or at the weekend.

The shrimp and grits are a fan favorite, but they also have great salads and sandwiches. Their wine list is fantastic, that's what they're known for and they have half price glasses on Thursdays.

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays and you really shouldn't miss it. Shareables and sandwiches are $14 to $20 and entrees are $25 to $32.

ADDRESS:209 West 6th Street |Website: 6to y vid

4. The Katharine Brewery and Bar

Katharine Brasserie & Bar is an upscale restaurant serving a menu that blends French and Southern delights, making it an incredibly unique place to dine. Located in the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, the building was actually the architectural inspiration for the Empire State Building.

Striving to provide an intimate experience for both tourists and locals visiting Winston-Salem, the restaurant is named for the wife of the man who ran the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company.

Again, prices at Katharine Brasserie & Bar are in line with other upscale restaurants, ranging from $25 to $40 depending on the dish. The interior of the restaurant is very modern with unique lighting and historical elements.

ADDRESS:Main Street 401 North |Website: la katherine

5. Jeffrey Adams in fourth place

This is my sister's absolute favorite restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem. Sometimes I literally have to force them to go to different places.

Don't get me wrong, I love Jeffrey Adams too, but I like to try other places from time to time. The interior of the restaurant is elegant but not too fancy, and there is some outdoor seating.

Prices are mid-range, with most items on the menu ranging from $15 to $25. Of course, they also offer fine wines, which can cost up to $100 or more, depending on the bottle.

Their salmon is amazing (my sister's favourite) and you can't go wrong with one of their steaks. Above is her seafood risotto. This is something I wouldn't normally get, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

Working downtown one summer, this was my favorite place for lunch when I wanted to treat myself.

ADDRESS:321 West Fourth Street |Website: Jeffrey Adams in fourth place

6. Brows in the foothills

yes this is aBrewery in Winston Salembut they are also a full service restaurant and a very good one at that.

If you like good beer and creative food, head to the Foothills. The tavern is very cozy in an industrial style, but with a lot of wood.

Their smoked wings are great, the burgers are amazing, and the ranchhouse chicken sandwich is amazing. The elote pasta is also fantastic, but it was a bit spicy for me; I really started to feel it after I ate about half the plate.

Sandwiches and appetizers can range in price from $15 to $25, making it a pretty reasonable eatery in downtown Winston-Salem.

ADDRESS:638 West Fourth Street |Website: Pre-Alps Brewery

7. The old gas station on Fourth Street

This hot spot is by far one of my favorite restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem. Located in the West End, it is very popular for lunch during the week and weekends. In fact, I've never been to dinner, but I hear great things.

I love their outdoor patio. There is a brick wall around it so it feels private and they have umbrellas for shade. Part of the terrace is also completely covered.

Prices are reasonable, with most menu items ranging from $15 to $25. Most entrees are American favorites like pasta, seafood, and burgers. As you can see from the photos I love their sandwiches.

Oh, and they have the best sweet potato fries.

This is the perfect location when spending a day shopping or sightseeing in downtown Winston.

ADDRESS:871 West Fourth Street |Website: Old gas station on Fourth Street

8. Potatoes

The best place for delicious southern food is Sweet Potatoes. This restaurant was founded in 2013 by two women who have won countless awards since opening.

One of the co-founders, Vivian Joiner, has a background in hospitality, while the other co-founder, Stephanie Tyson, is known as a creative chef. Together they are an unstoppable duo.

The menu is reasonably priced, with most entrees around $15. This is one of the more affordable restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem, but the food is spectacular. The casual restaurant serves everything from chicken and waffles to fried okra.

You can't go wrong with anything on the menu here and you're better off ordering dessert. Order any dessert that consists of sweet potatoes. thanks me later

We ate here for my mother's birthday a few years ago and we're still talking about it. In my opinion it is by far one of the best restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem.

ADDRESS:607 trade route NO |Website: sweet potatoes

9. The porch kitchen and canteen

The Porch Kitchen and Cantina is one of the best spots for Tex-Mex in Winston. The menu includes everything from delicious fajitas to tasty sliders. Most of the entrees on the menu are around $15.

In addition to fresh food, The Porch Kitchen & Cantina also offers grab-and-go meals if you're in a hurry.

This can come in handy when you don't want to cook dinner one night but still want to have a delicious meal. The atmosphere of the restaurant is very fun and relaxed, making it a great place for the whole family.

They have great cocktails and this is just a fun place to spend a weekend. You can also find your meals in places likeArrangement of poppiesjsupermarket.

ADDRESS:Mühlenwerkstraße 840 |Website: The Porch

10. Cin Cin Burger-Bar

The Cin Cin Burger Bar is one of the family-run restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem best known for its gourmet burgers. They also serve a wide variety of bowls, salads, and sandwiches on their menu. The price is mid-range so it can be an affordable place to get some tasty burgers.

The restaurant opened in 2016 and is owned by a family who own some other great restaurants in the area. The interior of the restaurant is relaxed and comfortable, with alcoves and comfortable chairs.

ADDRESS:1425 First West Street |Website: Cin Cin Burger-Bar

11. Mozelle's Cool Southern Bistro

Mozelle's Fresh Southern Bistro is another Southern restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem. The menu includes salads and great entrees like gourmet meatloaf and shrimp and grits.

However, my personal favorite here is the fried chicken. Served with peach chutney, macaroni and cheese, and green beans. Yummy.

We went for Tyler's birthday and it was the perfect place for a date night. We also tried their caramel peach cobbler and I basically ate it on its own.

Prices are fairly typical $15-$30 and they have both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating is right on the sidewalk, making it perfect for people-watching.

ADDRESS:878 West Fourth Street |Website: from Mozella

12. Willow-Bistro

Willow's Bistro is a local restaurant serving New American cuisine. The atmosphere is very cozy and the interior decoration is incredibly unique. The walls are adorned with artworks by local artists. They have plenty of seating, both inside and outside, making it a great place to enjoy a spring or fall cocktail.

The restaurant was opened in 2009 by Will Kingery and Norbert Cooper. The main idea behind the restaurant was to bring food from local farms to each dish. Most items on the menu cost around $15, and there's also an award-winning wine list that's sure to pair perfectly with any entree of your choice.

ADDRESS:Freedom Street 300 S |Website: sauce

13. Primo Forno Pizzeria

Cugino Forno Pizzeria is one of the premier casual dining spots in downtown Winston-Salem. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and are located in the Bailey Power Plant right next to the Incendiary Brewing. The pizza ingredients come directly from Italy and who doesn't love Italian pizza?

Most of the pizzas on the menu cost around $20 but are meant for sharing. They also sell salads, but their specialty is definitely pizza. My favorite is the Supremo Italiano.

You can even find Italian classics like ice cream and cannolis to satisfy your sweet tooth after eating their delicious cake.

The pizza here reminds me a bit of The Black Sheep Pizza which was one of my favorites.Restaurants in Beaufort, North Carolina.

ADDRESS:486 N. Patterson Avenue |Website: cousin oven

14. Mission neapolitanische Pizza

Mission Pizza Napoletana is another excellent pizza restaurant in Winston-Salem. They have medium prices and most pizzas are between $10 and $20. In addition to pizzas, they sell desserts, alcoholic beverages, pasta, and delicious appetizers like salads and meatballs.

The pizza is prepared in a wood-fired oven to pay homage to the way pizza was made in Naples, Italy. Founded in 2014 by Peyton Smith, it was the first pizzeria of its kind in Winston-Salem. The restaurant's decor is rustic but charming and contributes to a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends.

ADDRESS:707 trade route NO |Website: Missionspizza

15. West End Café

If you are looking for a casual restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem with great prices and fantastic food, do yourself a favor and visit the West End Cafe. I was absolutely blown away.

First, they have tons of options on the menu, from salads to sandwiches to gyros, appetizers and more. Then they have their specialties.

I visited in early 2023 while doing research to update this article, and their specialties were a Caribbean grilled pork tenderloin sandwich with pineapple salsa and a black and blue steak wrap. I had to go with the grilled pork tenderloin and it was incredibly tasty.

I knew I had to order dessert when one of their offerings was a hot chocolate cheesecake. It was like eating a hot fudge sundae but with cheesecake instead of ice cream.

I was more than impressed with the West End Cafe and will make it my regular lunch spot.

ADDRESS: 926 West 4th Street |Website: West End Cafe

16. Bossy Beulah

Bossy Beulah's is the perfect place to satisfy your chicken sandwich craving. They have their usual sandwich, The Beaut, with pickles and Duke's mayonnaise on a copain bun. You can also get it with a slice of cheese or the Hot Thighs Sandwich where it's drenched in hot sauce.

I love that they use Joyce Farms chicken as it is a local farm. He had The Beaut and Tyler went with Hot Thighs. The sandwich was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, absolutely perfect. I also loved the bun.

Just keep in mind this is pricey for lunch, $15 for a combo. One order of fries is more than enough for two.

However, the space is light and airy and there is plenty of outdoor seating. Their parking lot is small, so I recommend getting there during off-peak hours.

ADDRESS: 1500 West 1st Street |Website: Bossy Beulahs

Map of downtown Winston-Salem restaurants

Summary: The best restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem

Now you know the best restaurants in downtown Winston-Salem! From fine dining to casual gourmet burgers, there's a restaurant here for every foodie.

Many of these restaurants get busy at peak times, so you might want to make a reservation or try to sneak in just before or after lunch or dinner.