Award-Winning Flavors in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem’s food and drink scene isn’t just thriving—it’s earning top honors. From James Beard-nominated chefs to beloved neighborhood spots making national “best of” lists, the city is home to a wealth of award-winning restaurants, bars, bakeries, and wineries. Whether it’s an elegant fine-dining experience, a no-frills fried chicken shack, or a craft cocktail bar shaking up something special, these establishments have all been recognized with major accolades in recent years. While this is by no means an exhaustive list (and not ordered in any particular way), it’s a sample of some of the best flavors Winston-Salem has to offer.

 

Mission Pizza

Mission Pizza Napoletana (MPN), a 12-year-old osteria in Winston-Salem's Downtown Arts District, has garnered significant acclaim in recent years. Notably, it was ranked No. 21 on a list of America's Top 50 Pizzerias, a ranking compiled by the Top 50 Pizza organization, marking the highest placement for any pizzeria in the Carolinas. Additionally, owner and chef Peyton Smith was a James Beard semifinalist in 2022. While their Neapolitan-style pizzas, such as the Diavola and Diego Marinara, are crowd favorites, Mission Pizza offers much more than pizza. The menu features a curated selection of small plates, pastas, and entrées, with the Bucatini All’Amatriciana being a standout dish. Given the restaurant's intimate setting, reservations are highly recommended. 

JOLO + End Posts

Set against the backdrop of Pilot Mountain, just 20 minutes north of Winston-Salem, JOLO Winery & Vineyards offers a serene and scenic setting for wine enthusiasts and diners alike. The 12-year-old winery has earned tons of national recognition for its wine, including a Best in Show nod at the prestigious American Fine Wine Competition in 2023 for its Rose. But that's just one of its countless honors: Trip Advisor has named JOLO one of the top seven wineries in the nation outside of California and ranked it within the top 10% of attractions worldwide. The winery's on-site restaurant, End Posts, has also received national acclaim, named one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants and Top 100 Brunch Spots in the U.S. by OpenTable. As of March 2024, the national website LoveFood.com named End Posts North Carolina’s most beautiful restaurant.

Young Cardinal Café

Stationed at the corner of Fourth and Poplar streets in the heart of downtown, Young Cardinal Café has been recognized as one of America's Top 100 Brunch Spots for 2024 by Yelp.com, ranking at No. 64—the highest for any North Carolina establishment. This accolade reflects the café's commitment to delivering classic breakfast and lunch dishes with modern twists and fresh ingredients. Patrons frequently praise menu favorites such as the Hot Honey Fried Chicken Benedict, Eggs Benedict variations featuring crab and smoked salmon, and the Huevos Rancheros. With breakfast items served daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests can enjoy their meals in a cozy dining room or on the inviting sidewalk patio.

Heff's Burger Club

Heff's, located on Fourth Street in the heart of downtown, has garnered significant acclaim since its inception. In 2023, it was honored as a James Beard semifinalist for “Best New Restaurant.” Owner and chef Justin Webster further showcased his culinary talents with a winning performance on Food Network's "Chopped." The restaurant specializes in smashburgers — crispy, thin patties made from grass-fed Angus beef sourced from Joyce Farms in nearby Clemmons. Popular menu items include "The Ladykiller," inspired by the classic Whopper, and the bacon-infused "Piggy Wiggy." Heff's boasts a quirky atmosphere with funky art on the walls, cartoons on the TV, and a punk rock soundtrack. 

Easytalk

Located at 905 South Broad Street in Winston-Salem, Easytalk Coffee & Cocktails is an all-day beverage venue inspired by the owners' favorite cocktail bars and cafes in Hong Kong, Macau, Southeast Asia, and New York City. By day, it offers coffee, including Kyoto cold brew and specialty drinks, along with baked goods from local bakeries. By night, the "easy" side serves an ever-evolving menu of eight cocktails, crafted to be served in under 60 seconds, ensuring consistency and quality. The "talk" side provides a more intimate, menu-less experience, where bespoke cocktails are created based on conversations with the bartender. Most times that bartender will be co-owner David Bowen, who was named North Carolina's Mixologist of the Year by the NCRLA in 2022. He opened Easytalk with wife Maddie Fox in 2023 as a brick-and-mortar offshoot of their successful catering venture, Ginger Fox.

Fratellis

Located along the Reynolda Mile, Fratellis Italian Steakhouse is a local favorite for expertly prepared certified Angus beef steaks and classic Italian dishes. Outside, an 11-foot-tall bull sculpture makes a memorable first impression.  Inside, the restaurant’s 1940s-inspired ambiance, with multiple fireplaces and vintage photos, sets the stage for a memorable meal—but it’s the steak that keeps diners coming back. Fratellis’ culinary excellence is reflected in its leadership. Its executive chef, Sammy Gianopoulos, was honored with the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the Intl. Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) in 2022, recognizing his contributions to the industry.

Broad Branch Distillery 

In 2022, Broad Branch Distillery was honored as North Carolina's Distillery of the Year by the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA). It was also recently ranked one of the Best Spirits Shops in America by Wine Enthusiast, which consulted dozens of bartenders, distillers, writers and booze pros to compile their list. Located in the city's Downtown Arts District, Broad Branch specializes in premium whiskeys like Rye Fidelity and award-winning rums such as Sungrazer. Visitors can tour the distillery to learn about their artisanal Blue Ridge Mountain distilling traditions and sample handcrafted spirits. The tasting room and cocktail bar are open Wednesday through Sunday, offering a range of classic and custom cocktails featuring their spirits. Tours are available on the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m., with private tours upon request. 

• BONUS: Winston-Salem's other award-winning distillery, Sutler's Spirits Co., was named NCRLA Distillery of the Year in 2021, a year prior to Broad Branch. It's located just outside downtown in the West End Millworks Complex.

Bobby Boy Bakeshop

Nestled on Reynolda Road, Bobby Boy Bakeshop has become a culinary gem in Winston-Salem since its opening in October 2019. Founded by husband-and-wife team John and Lucia Bobby, both Winston-Salem natives, the bakery has garnered acclaim for its dedication to crafting artisanal breads, pastries, and sandwiches using the finest ingredients. This commitment to quality was recognized nationally when Bobby Boy Bakeshop was named a James Beard semifinalist in the “Outstanding Bakery” category in 2024. The bakery's inviting atmosphere, Instagram-worthy display case, and daily-made offerings, from flaky croissants to seasonal tarts, reflect the expertise the Bobbys bring from their experiences in acclaimed kitchens across the Southeast.

Ryan's Restaurant

Ryan's Restaurant has been Winston-Salem's premier destination for celebrations and intimate dining for over four decades. Nestled in a wooded setting, the restaurant offers panoramic views of large oaks and a rolling stream from window-side tables or the expansive starlight deck. Inside, the cozy ambiance is enhanced by dark finishes, comfortable sofas, and a crackling fireplace during winter. On the menu, Ryan's offers a tantalizing selection of appetizers, including jumbo lump crabmeat, steamed mussels in garlic butter and white wine, and oysters Rockefeller. Entrées range from thick, juicy steaks and prime rib to the finest grilled fresh fish and live Maine lobster. The restaurant has garnered numerous accolades over the years, recently being ranked one of the Top 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America by OpenTable.com. Additionally, it was named the state's Most Charming Restaurant by MSN.com in 2023.

Slappy's Chicken 

In 2024, Slappy's Chicken in Winston-Salem's Washington Park neighborhood was recognized by Yelp as the Best Fried Chicken in North Carolina. Established in 2016, this no-frills eatery has become a local favorite for its signature North Carolina-style hot chicken, smothered in a savory, spicy-sweet homemade sauce. Diners can choose between quarter- or half-sized portions, accompanied by Southern-inspired sides like bacon-laced potato salad, tangy collard greens, and gooey mac 'n' cheese. After closing in early 2021 for extensive renovations, Slappy's reopened in 2023, continuing to serve its renowned hot chicken to the delight of locals and visitors.

To Your Health Bakery

Established in 2017 by award-winning baker Anna Simeonides, To Your Health Bakery is located in the Shoppes on Little Creek off Hanes Mall Boulevard, Winston-Salem's primary retail district. The bakery is a dedicated gluten- and peanut-free facility, offering a wide variety of vegan, keto, and paleo options. In 2023, at just 27 years old, Simeonides was named winner of the prestigious Ultimate Baker Contest by Christmas Inc., earning a feature on their magazine cover. She has also competed on Hallmark Drama's "Christmas Cookie Matchup" in 2019 and Food Network's "Spring Baking Championship" in 2024. 

EXPLORE MORE: There are countless other food and drink options in town that have earned regional and national praise (much too many to list in this story). You can see and sort all our local establishments by visiting our website's Food & Drink section.

VISITOR GUIDE: Get insider foodie tips in our Winston-Salem Visitor Guide, available for free upon request. Pick one up in person at our Visitor Center (map), or go to the Visitor Guide section of our website to order a copy or download a digital version (link). In addition to insider tips and itineraries, the guide lists all local food and drink spots, including wineries, breweries, and more.