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Best Restaurants In Fayetteville
Are you moving to Fayetteville and looking for the best restaurants? Check out these ten great places to eat in Fayetteville, NC!
Moving to a new city means discovering all its flavors, and Fayetteville, North Carolina, has an impressive dining scene that reflects both Southern tradition and modern innovation.
Fayetteville is an old but ever-growing city in the Sandhills. It offers excellent real estate, entertainment, museums, outdoor recreation, shopping, and great places to eat.
This beautiful city has a population of over 209,749 and is the sixth-largest city in the state. Adjacent to Fort Bragg, the largest military base in the United States by population, many service members, families, and young professionals live in Fayetteville.
The city's unique position as a military hub has created a wonderfully diverse food culture, where traditional Southern comfort food meets international cuisines brought by military families worldwide.
From elegant fine dining establishments housed in historic buildings to casual spots serving authentic and flavorful dishes, Fayetteville's restaurant scene tells the story of a community that embraces its Southern roots and global connections.
What sets Fayetteville apart is how local restaurants have embraced farm-to-table concepts, partnering with regional farms and producers to showcase the best of North Carolina's agriculture. You'll find restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients, North Carolina seafood trucked in fresh from the coast, and craft beverages made here in the state.
Whether you're relocating to the area or planning a visit, these ten exceptional restaurants showcase the best of what Fayetteville's culinary landscape has to offer.
Here are the ten best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC
1. Circa 1800
Address: 108 Person Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Cuisine Type: Southern
Located on Person Street in the heart of downtown's historic Haymount district, Circa 1800 is Fayetteville's premier fine dining destination. It is dedicated to sourcing ingredients locally and partners with area farms to bring you the freshest vegetables, local honey, grass-fed beef, and free-range pork.
The restaurant regularly hosts live music events, creating a perfect blend of exceptional dining and entertainment. Their menu features elevated Southern classics like pan-seared duck, ribeye steaks, and their signature shrimp and grits.
Circa 1800 collaborates with North Carolina craft distilleries to showcase local spirits and celebrate the state's evolution from moonshine roots to premium craft distilling.
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2. Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar
Address: 528 N McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Cuisine Type: Italian
Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar is one of the best restaurants in Fayetteville, serving the area since 1982. This upscale establishment brings authentic Italian flavors to Fayetteville with a menu that balances traditional recipes with contemporary presentation.
Luigi's stands out for its extensive wine selection and commitment to Italian classics and premium steakhouse offerings, making it perfect for special occasions or business dinners.
Luigi's Italian Chophouse and Bar offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu, dessert menu, family-style to-go menu, and specials menu. Offering high-quality menu items served at moderate prices, this restaurant is a must-visit when in Fayetteville.
3. Hook and Reel Cajun Seafood Bar
Address: 1498 Skibo Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Hook and Reel Cajun Seafood Bar is a vibrant spot that brings Louisiana's bayou country's bold, spicy flavors to Fayetteville. Hook & Reel specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils served in bags with your choice of spice level and signature sauces. The casual, hands-on dining experience encourages sharing and creates a fun, social atmosphere.
The restaurant features a "bag experience" where your seafood is seasoned and cooked to order, then served in a bag for a truly authentic Cajun dining experience you won't find at traditional seafood restaurants.
4. Olea Mediterranean Kitchen
Address: 1992 Skibo Road, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Cuisine Type: Mediterranean
Olea brings the fresh, healthy flavors of Mediterranean cuisine to Fayetteville. It emphasizes olive oils, fresh vegetables, and traditional Mediterranean cooking methods. The restaurant offers both familiar and adventurous Mediterranean dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
It is a fast, fresh, and casual restaurant that serves delicious Greek food that customers love and appreciate. With locations in Swansboro, Fayetteville, and the surrounding area, people visit Olea Kitchen for fresh and healthy options alongside house-made spreads and dressings.
5. Pierro's Italian Bistro
Address: 217 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Cuisine Type: Italian
Pierro's Italian Bistro is another great Fayetteville restaurant best known for its classic Italian dishes and laid-back atmosphere. Their menu focuses on the rustic cuisine of Italy, offering pasta dishes, antipasti, specialty options, brick-oven pizzas, and delicious desserts.
At Pierro's, the focus is on quality, value, and authenticity. They are passionate about introducing new and creative dishes that exceed expectations. Pierro's has also won awards, including the overall best restaurant, entrees, appetizers, and an Iron Chef challenge.
Pierro's offers four menus: the Chef's special menu, the lunch menu, the dinner menu, and the features menu. There is also an upscale Sky Lounge nestled within the restaurant that features one of the most diverse wine selections in the area.
The Sky Lounge is the best place to get the whole Pierro experience and features a modern, big-city vibe. The Sky Lounge offers food, drinks, live music, live DJs, and dancing.
6. KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot
Address: 419 Cross Creek Mall T-30, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Cuisine Type: Korean
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot offers an interactive dining experience where guests cook meals at the table using Korean BBQ grills and hot pot equipment. Located in Cross Creek Mall, this all-you-can-eat concept lets diners explore Korean and Japanese flavors while enjoying a social, hands-on meal preparation experience.
The restaurant combines Korean BBQ and hot pot in one location, making it an excellent place for family dinners and date nights. It uses premium ingredients and offers an all-you-can-eat format that encourages culinary exploration. There is even a full bar and a nightlife atmosphere.
7. Bubba's 33
Address: 500 Westwood Shopping Center, Fayetteville, NC 28314
Cuisine Type: American
Bubba's 33 is best known for its pizza, burgers, and beer in Fayetteville. All the food served here is made from scratch daily, including the sauces on their wings and dressings on their salads.
The ribeyes at Bubba's 33 are hand-cut, marinated, seasoned, seared, and char-grilled to perfection. All menu items are made with fresh, quality ingredients.
Bubba's 33 also has a vast selection of craft beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere at this top-rated restaurant is fun and laid-back, providing enough space to hang out while enjoying your food. The walls are filled with sports memorabilia, neon lights, and large TVs.
8. 316 Oyster Bar
Address: 316 Owen Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28304
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Located on Owen Drive, 316 Oyster Bar brings the North Carolina coast to Fayetteville with an impressive selection of fresh seafood. The restaurant is famous for its oyster shooters, including the signature "Rooster" and "Super Shooter" varieties, which add spice to the traditional raw oyster experience.
The casual bar atmosphere creates a lively environment where guests gather around the brightly lit bar to enjoy fresh catches. The restaurant trucks in fresh fish daily from the North Carolina coast and cuts it in-house, ensuring maximum freshness.
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9. Mac's Speed Shop
Address: 482 N McPherson Church Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Cuisine Type: Barbecue
This unique restaurant combines two Southern passions: barbecue and motorsports. Mac's Speed Shop offers authentic Carolina-style barbecue in an atmosphere filled with racing memorabilia and automotive culture, creating a distinctly regional dining experience.
Their journey began in 2005 when Wynn Davis and Hall Johnston were motivated to run a restaurant on BBQ, beer, and bikes. Years later, they now have nine locations. Mac's Speed Shop has live music, events, and a dog-friendly patio.
Everything at Mac's is made from scratch daily to elevate your comfort-food favorites. They also have drink specials, including local craft beer and wine, and a vast liquor menu specializing in cocktails, bourbon, and scotch whiskey. Mac's has won multiple awards, including first place in sauce, third place in pork shoulder, first place in chicken, and third place in brisket.
10. Antonella's Italian Ristorante
Address: 300 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Cuisine Type: Italian
A longtime Fayetteville favorite, Antonella's Italian Ristorante has built its reputation on authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant prides itself on made-from-scratch pasta and traditional Italian cooking methods that transport diners to Italy.
Many of their recipes are family heirlooms, and the restaurant maintains old-world cooking techniques, including handmade pasta prepared fresh daily using traditional Italian methods.
Methodology
Factors such as reviews and ratings, menu items, and awards were considered to determine the best restaurants in Fayetteville, NC.
FAQs
What is Fayetteville, NC, best known for?
Fayetteville is best known as the home of Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world. It is also home to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command and the 82nd Airborne Division.
What is the famous street in Fayetteville, NC?
One of the most famous streets in Fayetteville, NC, is Hay Street. Located in the heart of downtown, it is best known for its historical significance. It is also the center of many Fayetteville businesses and fun activities.
What is good to eat in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville, NC, is home to many delicious and top-rated restaurants. Its diverse culinary scene features options ranging from southern comfort food to international cuisine, making it a great city to try new food.
What is the wealthiest neighborhood in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville features many sought-after neighborhoods, but the wealthiest areas in the city include downtown Fayetteville, Kings Grant, and Haymount for their central location, higher home values, desirable school district, and larger properties.
Best Restaurants in Fayetteville, NC - Final Thoughts
Fayetteville's restaurant scene reflects the city's diverse population, including influences from nearby Fort Bragg and the area's rich cultural heritage. From upscale dining experiences showcasing local ingredients to casual spots celebrating regional traditions, these restaurants offer something for every palate and occasion.
Whether settling into your new Fayetteville home or exploring the area as a visitor, these dining destinations will help you discover the flavors that make this North Carolina city special. Each restaurant contributes to Fayetteville's growing reputation as a food destination, offering everything from international cuisines to elevated Southern classics.
It's safe to say that Fayetteville has numerous delicious restaurants. The city offers cuisines of all types to satisfy your cravings. Most of the restaurants in Fayetteville also have gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options for those who prefer. While there are many things to do in Fayetteville, the restaurants are some of the best, and one of the reasons people visit the city.
Are you ready to explore Fayetteville's culinary scene? Start with any of these exceptional restaurants, and you'll quickly understand why food lovers are drawn to this vibrant North Carolina city.
If you are ready to call Fayetteville home, Raleigh Realty is here to help you find the perfect home in this exciting city with its thriving restaurant scene. Contact us today to learn more about Fayetteville's neighborhoods and what makes each area special.
