It can be hard to determine the best restaurant in any state. And that will always be up for debate. We see these types of accolades often. Whether it’s the best seafood restaurant, the best outdoor patio, the best pizza joint, etc. Sometimes they are well-known spots. Other times it’s a place I’ve never heard of and I wonder how the author came to that conclusion. And obviously, no one has ever tried every single restaurant in a state. Can I get that job? And someone to foot the bill? So when I came across this list of the best restaurant in each state I was curious but hesitant to see what they selected for North Carolina.

But I have to say, in this case, I can fully support the decision. To be fair, I’m sure I’ve ever actually dined here. But on atmosphere alone this is undeniable. Sherman’s Travel compiled this list of the best restaurant in each state, and for North Carolina, they recognized Sunset Terrace. You may be more familiar when I mention that Sunset Terrace is located at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.  The Grove Park Inn is home to many incredible restaurants including the Blue Ridge Dining Room buffet, The Edison sports bar, and even just ordering food to enjoy while sitting in the lobby from The Lobby Bar. But the creme de la creme of Grove Park Inn restaurants? It has to be Sunset Terrace.

What makes Sunset Terrance so incredible? Is it the finest hand-cut steaks, premiere chops and fresh seafood found on the menu? Maybe it’s the fact that its a five-time recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Both of those are incredible, but the most unique and incredible part of Sunset Terrace is the incredible view of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. And if you want the truly best experience you have to get a reservation at the restaurant’s namesake-sunset. The back patio of the Grove Park Inn, where Sunset Terrace is located, faces west offering one of the most magnificent views you’ll ever witness. Guests crowd the outdoor space every night to witness this sunset.

So I have to say, in this case, Sherman’s Travel got it correct. Sunset Terrace is most definitely deserving of this honor. Though of course there are numerous other restaurants in North Carolina that also deserve national recognition. Interested in the best restaurant in a state other than North Carolina? View the full list from Sherman’s Travel here.

2 North Carolina Restaurants Named As The South's Best New Restaurants

There are new restaurants popping up all the time it seems. All claim to be unique and offer a “new concept”. But in all honesty many times it just the same things over and over again. And with the cost of going out to eat skyrocketing (like everything else in the world), how do you know what’s worth trying? The last thing you want to do is waste money on a below-average or terrible meal out. Well, I’m happy to share with you two North Carolina Restaurants that were recognized by Southern Living as some of the best new restaurants.

Our friends at Southern Living recently shared with us a list of the South’s Best New Restaurants of 2023! The publication’s expert editors evaluated new restaurants throughout the south. Restaurants were evaluated based on their food ( of course). But also on service, hospitality, and “how the restaurant supports and treats its staff and the wider community.”

The list contains 25 new restaurants across the south including Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas. They even go as far north as Delaware (though I wouldn’t consider that the south). And excitingly two North Carolina restaurants received the honor of being named The South’s Best New Restaurants. One is right here in Charlotte and the other in the Triangle. But don’t feel left out if you call the other Carolina home. The Palmetto State also had two restaurants make the list. Both are in beloved trendy cities- Charleston (of course) and Greenville.

Next time you find yourself wondering what to try for dinner, perhaps try one of these delicious new restaurants! You can read the full list from Southern Living and what they love about each of the 25 spots here. Or keep reading to see which North and South Carolina restaurants are the best new restaurants in the South.

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