You’ve seen them on your feed, but now it’s time to plan a visit—learn more about the social media-famous spots to grab a bite in North Carolina.
Whether you’re practically an influencer or more of a casual scroller, you’ve probably seen a fair bit of food content on social media. While trying the cute recipes that go viral can be fun, it can be even more enticing to visit one of the eye-catching restaurants or fun casual spots that you’ve been salivating over online.
Luckily, plenty of social media foodie hotspots are located right in the Tarheel State. Across North Carolina, you’ll find some of TikTok and Instagram’s favorite places to chow down, from casual takeout spots to nationally recognized fine dining.
But where, exactly, are these places? What kind of food do they serve? And what, exactly, makes them so irresistible to social media? Well, if you’re up for a culinary adventure that takes you off your phone and into some of the most talked-about restaurants in the state, bring your appetite and a road map while reading more about North Carolina’s social media-famous food spots.
1. A Place at the Table
Where: 300 W. Hargett St., Suite 50, Raleigh
This isn’t just a social media-famous cafe that serves great breakfasts and lunches; it’s a vital community resource in Raleigh. A Place at the Table is North Carolina’s first pay-what-you-can cafe, meaning that all of Raleigh can enjoy a meal there, regardless of their financial situation. While there are suggested prices on the menu, there is no obligation to pay them, especially for those who can’t afford to do so.
When you stop by, you’re not only getting locally sourced comfort-food classics like biscuit sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and signature grilled cheese, but by paying the suggested menu price, you’re helping support the cafe and keeping it inclusive. No wonder social media is in love!
2. Big Cat
Where: 1000 Brookside Dr Ste 119, Raleigh
Here’s a spot that’s hard to miss! Before you even step inside Big Cat, you’ll notice the bright colors, which social media mavens have been so delighted to post online. But beyond the vivid, fire-engine-red exterior and feline-themed decor, there’s much to savor at this internationally-inspired spot. Menu highlights include grilled oysters, locally sourced roast meats, and Mediterranean-style sides and starters, like the mezze plate. Be sure to wash it all down with a house cocktail, or one of their innovative mocktails!
3. Good Hot Fish
Where: 10 Buxton Ave, Asheville
If “something fishy” sounds just right to you, there’s a chance you’ve already been to Asheville’s beloved Good Hot Fish. As the name suggests, the house specialty is seafood, specifically, old-school fried fish. The fish being fried may vary by day due to Good Hot Fish’s commitment to offering market-fresh fish from sustainable suppliers, but there’s always something delicious to try. For those in your party who aren’t into seafood, consider trying some of the fish-free starters, like the sweet potato cabbage pancake, or the deep-fried onion with house sauces.
4. Hibachi Papi
Where: Assorted locations around Durham
If you want to try Hibachi Papi, your first step is to find them. That’s slightly trickier than your average restaurant, because Hibachi Papi just might be Durham’s most beloved food truck! Ever since this roving restaurant was highlighted by TikTok food critic Keith Lee, more and more people have been lining up to try their hibachi-grilled meals. And why shouldn’t they?
All meals at Hibachi Papi are grilled fresh to order and served piping hot, and with options that range from lunch deals for just $10, to specialty hibachi-grilled lobster and lamb chops, there’s something for everyone to savor—so long as you can catch them.
5. Restaurant Constance
Where: 2200 Thrift Rd, Charlotte
An evening at Restaurant Constance is more than a meal; it’s a social experience. This upscale farm-to-table spot in Charlotte describes itself as “community focused,” and given the overwhelmingly positive response the restaurant, which has a large following on social media, has gotten from the internet, that includes an online community!
But even if you don’t get the chance to chat with your server about the hyper-local ingredients used at this Michelin-recommended establishment, you can still savor fine dining with a touch of southern charm. Try playful takes on classics like shrimp and grits, and be sure to try some pineapple upside-down cake!
6. Rustic Roots
Where: 20 Cheves Rd, Bunn
What happens when farm-to-table goodness meets photo-friendly presentation, with a side of especially decadent desserts? Why, you get Rustic Roots, a meat-focused farm-to-table favorite in Bunn. Diners can enjoy seasonal specialties with southern flair, including crab cakes, hot honey pork chops, and brisket-topped mac and cheese. Be sure to save room for dessert, though, as their signature brown butter cake is a viral hit for a reason!
7. Saltbox Seafood Joint
Where: 2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham
For over a decade, seafood lovers and social media foodies in the Triangle have been flocking to Saltbox Seafood Joint for photogenic fish and old-school seafood shop vibes. With laid-back, casual vibes (meals are available and popular to go, and you can enjoy them outside on picnic tables), plus a locally-sourced menu that changes daily, you know that whatever you’re served will be fresh, seasonal, and cooked up either fried, or spiced and griddled, on a plate or a bun with sides.
If that’s not enticing enough, you can up the ante with additional sides like hush puppies and fried brussels sprouts, or a slice of Ms. Norma’s lemon pie for dessert. You can even take home a copy of their signature cookbook to try recreating the Saltbox Seafood experience at home.
8. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Where: Locations in Chapel Hill and Louisburg
It’s time to rise and shine! As social media knows, nothing catches the early-morning sunlight like the golden top of a freshly baked biscuit. And one of the best places in North Carolina to get your hands on one of those is Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, at either their Chapel Hill or Louisburg location. This cult favorite has been in business since the 1970s, but is still a hit with lifelong fans and online influencers alike for its irresistible biscuit sandwiches, iced cinnamon rolls, and laid-back, homey vibes.
