Upscale Dining in Winston Salem
Winston-Salem and the surrounding towns have a handful of sophisticated establishments that are perfect for a fancy dinner. The following restaurants stand out as go-to spots for a nice dinner out.
Updated February 2023
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Sunday 3-9 PM
Enjoy a nice evening inside Mozeelle’s cozy indoor seating area or their outdoor patio. In the winter, you will find outdoor heaters and blankets at each seat on the patio. Their cuisine is southern-inspired and you will find classic dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, and shrimp & grits. One of their most popular items is the Tomato Pie. Be sure to leave room for their homemade desserts.
Village Tavern (Reynolda Village Location)
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DINNER HOURS | Monday – Thursday 4 – 09:30 PM
Friday – Saturday 4- 10 PM
Sunday 4 – 9 PM
For a romantic evening, head to Reynolda Village and enjoy dining at Village Tavern. Some favorite dishes include their nachos, shrimp & grits, and their pizzas. They also offer a variety of salads and have specials on drinks during the week. Be sure to walk around Reynolda Village before or after and get the whole experience.
Jeffrey Adams
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday 4-9 PM
Friday-Saturday 4-10 PM
You can expect quality food and friendly service at Jeffrey Adams. Located right downtown, owner Adam Andrews continues to set the bar high for the restaurant industry. Jeffrey Adams has a bar area, two floors of indoor seating, and outdoor seating in the warmer months. People rave about their steaks and scallops!
A Noble Grille
$$$
DINNER HOURS | Monday-Thursday 5-10 PM
Friday-Saturday 5-11 PM
A Noble Grille is a long-standing tradition in Winston-Salem offering the finest southern cuisine with unmatched service. General Manager Nick Allen started at the restaurant more than 20 years ago as a server and now leads the operation utilizing the same culinary standards established by founder Bill Noble. Diners can expect locally sourced food, indoor and outdoor seating, with an open kitchen featuring top-notch culinary action.
Ryan’s Restaurant
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DINNER HOURS | Monday-Thursday 5-9:30 PM, Friday-Saturday 5-10 PM
If you are looking for ambiance, Ryan’s is the place! Enjoy the panoramic view of large oaks and a rolling stream from the many window-side tables, or the large, starlight deck. From the crackling fire to white-tablecloths, this is the ideal “fancy night out.” Enjoy steak, seafood, bread service, and an extensive wine list.
Fratellis Italian Steakhouse
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Friday 4-10 PM
Sunday 4-9 PM
You can expect American steak & seafood entrees cooked to perfection and classic Italian dishes at Fratellis. Don’t be surprised if the owner stops by your table to check in on your meal. With its large fireplace, great wine and beer list, and delicious food even down to its salads, Fratellis is a 10/10 option for a nice evening out.
Three Bulls American Steakhouse
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Saturday 4-10 PM and Sunday 4-9 PM
Chef Sammy Gianopoulos or better known as “Sammy G” is on every local restaurant owner’s list of best owners. Undoubtedly he is a true leader in the local industry with countless successful concepts stretching region-wide. One of those restaurants capturing increasing attention is Three Bulls in Clemmons. Fans of Sammy’s popular restaurant Fratelli’s definitely want to plan a visit. Many items on the menu including their legendary salads, pasta, and steaks make guest appearances at Three Bulls under new titles. The atmosphere is kid friendly while also having the perfect vibe for date night, anniversary dinner, and graduation party.
Diamondback Grill
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 PM
Nestled in the Buena Vista neighborhood, Diamondback Grill has outdoor and indoor seating with a cozy atmosphere and stellar service. With an extensive menu ranging from seafood and steak to southern classics, Diamondback Grill has something for everyone. They also have plenty of options for dietary restrictions or vegans. Be sure to try their shrimp & grits, fried chicken, and bread pudding for dessert.
1703 Restaurant & Catering
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Sunday 5:30-9 PM
1703 Restaurant and Catering, located in Buena Vista, offers a fine dining experience. Their menu varies from day to day based on availability and the creativity of the chef. Enjoy sipping on a glass of wine from their award-winning wine list on their gorgeous outdoor patio.
The Downtown Grille
$$$
DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Thursday 4:30-9 PM and Friday-Saturday 4:30-10 PM
The Downtown Grille located on the ground floor of the newly renovated 500 West Fifth in downtown Winston-Salem is positioning its concept as a “sophisticated dining experience.” Led by veteran Chef Harrison Littell and former Six Hundred Sous Chef Brian Gebhard, the menu is uncomplicated and straightforward with meal options that even a less informed diner could select with ease. Chef utilizes regionally sourced ingredients, some with uncommon names, but not overwhelming. The menu is classical with just enough innovation to lure most foodies, seemingly embracing all the hometown favorites – steak, pork, chicken, seafood, and burgers.
Bernardin’s Restaurant
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DINNER HOURS | Monday-Saturday 5-8:30 PM
Bernardin’s is an upscale, contemporary restaurant featuring unique dishes like Emu and Duck. In addition, they offer a variety of seafood, lamb, veal & beef dishes. Located in West End, Bernardin’s has one of the best patios in the area.
Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen, & Bar
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DINNER HOURS | Wednesday-Saturday 5-9 PM
Spring House is located inside the former Bahnson House, a gracious 1920 residence in downtown Winston-Salem listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Start your evening by grabbing a drink at their unique and cozy Library Bar before sitting down to enjoy a meal. Spring House changes its menu every season to ensure its dishes are made with the freshest ingredients.
The Katharine Brasserie & Bar
The Katharine is a French-influenced restaurant located inside the Kimpton hotel. You will find fresh inspired dishes mixed with southern classics. If you are looking to try something different you can order the Duck or stick to the classic roasted Salmon or steak. No matter what you order, you will enjoy every bite. Head to The Katharine in the summer or springtime and enjoy eating on their patio.
Quanto Basta Italian Eatery & Wine Bar
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DINNER HOURS | Wednesday – Saturday 5-9 PM
Quanto Basta offers authentic Italian cuisine at surprisingly affordable prices. Led by locally well-known and American Culinary Federation Chapter President Chef Tim Grandinetti. The menu is rooted in recipes passed down to Grandinetti from his grandmother. They also offer wood-fired pizzas that are perfect for carryout. The oversized bar and dimly lit dining room are a perfect match with the Italian comfort food touted on the menu.
River Birch Lodge
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DINNER HOURS | Monday-Sunday 11 AM-9 PM & Sunday 9 AM – 9 PM
Veteran restaurant owner and operator Scott Gerding teamed up with Charlotte restauranteur Eddie Schapira to bring Winston-Salem a mountain-inspired culinary experience at River Birch Lodge. The atmosphere will cause you to forget you’re in the Camel City and harken images of a restaurant nestled in the Blue Ridge. Gerding well-known for culinary excellence at his Midtown Cafe once again wows local foodies with classics such as “Mama’s Lasagna” while introducing new innovations like “Goat Cheese Ravioli”.
Milner’s American Southern
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Thursday 4-8 PM, Friday-Saturday 4-8:30 PM, Sunday 11 AM – 8 PM
Milner’s is a local leader for southern-inspired classic food. Family-owned and operated for nearly two decades, they have won over diners with consistent dishes combined with unique culinary techniques. The buttermilk fried chicken and shrimp & grits have both received community praise and recognition.
Meridian Restaurant
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DINNER HOURS | Tuesday-Sunday 4:30-9 PM
Meridian offers a highly creative and innovative menu anchored by seasonal features. Chef Mark Grohman prides himself on making every menu item from scratch – including bread, pasta, cheeses, and house-made sausages. Grohman who grew up in a military family leverages his childhood dining experiences to offer a North Mediterranean-inspired menu for local foodies. The restaurant is well-known for hosting private events, including specialty wine dinners.
Six Hundredº
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DINNER HOURS | Monday-Thursday 5-9 PM and Friday-Saturday 5-11 PM
Alan Coats is well known for his success at Davie Tavern, an off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Advance that punches well above its weight in regional food circles. But when he partnered with the veteran front-of-the-house manager Ryan Oberle and former NC Chef of the Year Travis Myers a beautiful concept was born – Six Hundred. A live fire kitchen that entertains guests with a unique atmosphere just as much as it exceeds culinary expectations. The menu is weighted by local favorites such as chicken wings, burnt ends, ribs, steak, and seafood. But the experience of tasting food cooked over a live fire makes this restaurant a must-try.
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