Fayetteville, North Carolina is known as America’s hometown, and it is full of patriotism, history, fun, and fantastic Fayetteville NC restaurants. The town has a population of roughly 213,000 people, while the Fayetteville metro region has a population of about 526,000. Hope Mills (home of the massively renowned Dirtbag Ales Farmers Market) and Fort Bragg are two of metro Fayetteville’s most popular suburban communities (the largest US Army base).
Fayetteville was the first American city named after the Marquis de Lafayette and the only one he ever visited. Follow the Lafayette Trail’s 12 bronze markers to learn about the historical importance of each location. The horse-drawn carriage he drove in is on exhibit at the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory and Museum at marker nine. Isham Blake, his bodyguard, is buried at Cross Creek Cemetery, monument eleven.
With nine recognized historic districts and 17 cultural heritage pathways covering everything from African-American legacy to second-hand treasures, history abounds here. The ancient architectural tour is one of my favorites. This features the renowned Market House, where North Carolina adopted the United States Constitution in 1789.
Another fantastic attraction is the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, which was constructed in 1890. A baseball autographed by Babe Ruth, who hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville in 1914, is displayed here. Cool Spring Tavern, Kyle House, and Sandford House are among the allegedly haunted destinations on this walk. There is also a trail for world cuisine restaurants for foodies.
You should visit the Rose Garden, Mazarick Park, the North Carolina Veterans Park, and the Airborne and Special Operations Museum while you’re in town. You might easily spend several days marveling at all there is to see and do in Fayetteville. Good heavens, wonderful cuisine is just waiting to be found and enjoyed. These are my choices for the greatest Fayetteville eateries.
Not in the mood to dine out tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver right to your door from the greatest restaurants in town.
Visited other locations in North Carolina? Check out our other tasty guides:
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Are you going to South Carolina next? Check out our list of the Top 9 Things To Do In Spartanburg SC!
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7 Best Fayetteville, North Carolina Restaurants
Caf Blue Moon
Hay Street (910) 860-4700310 Hay Street
For over 15 years, Blue Moon Caf has been on a quest to provide new dishes and experiences. This is a trendy hangout where superb cuisine on colorful plates meets art, fashion, and music in spectacular ways.
The many themed events here, such as teas, brunches, and drag bingo, keep people wondering about what’s going to happen next. It’s a cheerful and welcoming cafe with nice interior decor and a terrace out front.
Even the pickiest diner will be satisfied by the seasonal menu. Prosciutto, salami, brie, goat cheese, preserves, tapenade, mandarin oranges, house-made pickles, and crostinis are all on the generous two-toned charcuterie board. That is really tasty.
Blue Moon Cafs tapas, tacos, and the morning croissant with scrambled eggs, bacon, and cheese are popular among residents. Others like beer, wine, and a broad range of inventive cocktails.
Founders Josh and Nate, as well as managers Kirk and Mei Lani, emphasize that there will always be something that reminds you of home with a twist, from vegan gyros made with jackfruit and BLTs constructed within puff pastries to non-alcoholic gimlets and avocado-based margaritas.
Deep Creek Restaurant
Person Street
While your lunch is being made, go shopping for a new fishing rod and see the adorable checkerboard floor. Maybe you might enjoy a vista of the Cape Fear River. You could see local food being sold outdoors, or you might catch a fragrance of today’s barbequed chicken cooking on the outside grill. Deep Creek Grill always has something new to view and plenty of delicious dishes to eat.
Some people start eating breakfast around 7 a.m. since the location is handy for downtown employees. Others anticipate the daily lunch specialties. Most locals, however, insist that the Deep Creek Chicken Cheesesteak, which features chicken, steak, onion, peppers, mushrooms, and provolone cheese, is the best.
The cheeseburger with sides of fried okra and onion rings is the best bet in my opinion. I was informed that the next time I go, I should try the barbecue sandwich with slaw.
And some of those treats, like blueberry cobbler or banana pudding, seem delicious. There is also a range of Hershey’s ice cream to pick from. This is one of the top restaurants in Fayetteville, regardless of the meal.
Ginger on the grill
Yadkin Road (910) 867-22275052
Fayetteville has had one of the most gorgeous and genuine Vietnamese restaurants I’ve ever seen since 2011. The owner, the art, and the dishes are all local to Vietnam.
The vibrant flowers and lovely umbrellas at the outside sitting area had me happy even before I stepped inside. Afterwards I was absolutely taken by the combined beauty of every tiny detail on the inside. The artwork of beautiful Vietnamese ladies in long flowing gowns was displayed next to hanging racks of glass stemware and was surrounded by pink and yellow flowers.
The enticing odors of pho, calamari, and seafood clay pot made everyone salivate. I ate fresh spring rolls and wonderful fried egg rolls before savoring the delectable Vietnamese iced coffee. Grilled Ginger is a must-visit restaurant on the World Food Trail in Fayetteville.
Luigis
N McPherson Church Road (910) 864-1810528 N McPherson Church Road
Luigis originated in the 1950s. With a catastrophe in 1993, the legacy and literal lifeblood loomed big. The worthy landmark’s love of family and community helped it to develop and become the iconic destination for lunch and libation in Fayetteville that it is today.
Of course, Luigis does a lot more than just serve lunch. It is an award-winning venue for wine tasting, great dining, and all types of events. The founders and whole crew are keen on charity and believe in rewarding loyal customers. They work hard to make the neighborhood a better place to live.
On the evening of my visit, I began with a fantastic watermelon martini. After that came a delectable shrimp cocktail.
I had a traditional handmade lasagne that was so large that I had to take half of it with me when I left. The whole experience was outstanding. At my next chance, I plan to try more favorites like veal piccata or ravioli pomodoro. The World Food Trail includes Luigis. Luigis is the place to go in Fayetteville for delicious Italian cuisine.
Brewing Company Mash House
Sycamore Dairy Road (910) 867-92234150 Sycamore Dairy Road
Is it a restaurant or a brewpub? Fayetteville is fortunate in that the answer is both! Mash House delivers outstanding steaks, burgers, and other dishes. These artisan beers have won accolades, and the staff will proudly display the certificates on the wall. Tours of the onsite brewery are just as vital as locally sourced ingredients.
All of my inquiries were addressed by my server Matt and the bar manager Donnie. I began with a hard peach cider that was sweet and excellent. For two reasons, the Jambalaya Our Way was a nice surprise. It’s made in the Creole way (with tomatoes) and served with grits instead of rice.
The spiced rum caramel in the Big Bad Butterscotch Brownie is topped with coffee ice cream. That alone would be reason enough to pay a visit. The Mash House’s slogan is “Enjoy Life Full,” and they are open from midday on Saturday and Sunday, as well as 4 p.m. on weekdays. For over two decades, visitors from all over have made Mash House a fantastic location to dine in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Awful Awakening
Hay Street (910) 223-7833227
What is the connection between a condemned building and coffee? One wonderful old structure was salvaged during the renovation of historic downtown Fayetteville and became Rude Awakening. The proprietors are passionate about preservation, inclusivity, and coffee.
The vivid purple facade of the café with outside seats first drew my eye. Each member of the team has a pleasant attitude and a strong desire to be a barista. They are ready to propose additional locally owned enterprises that a visitor should check out. They are also organic, green, and open every day of the week.
Rude Awakening works with others to give a diverse selection of gifts, snacks, and desserts. The iced coffee ice cubes, cheesecakes, and rock candy are popular among locals. I like the brown bag lunch special with a fruit smoothie.
Garden View Cafe and Deli
910-486-021536 N Eastern Blvd
One of the most overlooked lunch spots in Fayetteville is also one of the most picturesque. Visitors to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden may enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts while sitting outdoors under the yellow patio umbrellas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Such a peaceful spot to enjoy the view of the pond and the many flora and flowers.
Hot Pepper Jelly served with caramelizedonions on bread with garlic butter. The broccoli salad is delicious! Weekly special desserts, such as Key Lime cake, are a delicious way to cap off a delicious dinner. The inside pavilion seats 16, while the outdoor pavilion seats 36. The most popular dish is Panini Smoked Havarti cheese w
Following lunch, visit the beautiful 80-acre property and participate in a variety of fun and instructive activity. When nature’s magnificence surrounds you, there is so much to view.
The McCauley Heritage Garden has 19th-century buildings including a farmhouse and a tobacco barn, as well as a cute vegetable garden.
The Daylily Garden is one of the most beautiful places you may possibly visit. The majority of your inquiries will be addressed on their vast website. Call ahead to chat with one of the nice and experienced staff members. Remember to bring a healthy appetite and a decent camera when you visit the Garden View Caf & Deli at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
So there you have it: a rundown of the seven top restaurants in Fayetteville, North Carolina. You won’t be disappointed if you try any or all of them.