There are a few things that you may not know about North Carolina, such as that it’s the leading state when it comes to the production of sweet potatoes and that its official bird is the cardinal (the official state flower is the flowering dogwood if you were wondering).

But you also may not be aware of just how well-supplied North Carolina is with amazing places to eat. The state plays host to an abundance of restaurants, grill houses, and delis, from fine dining establishments to experimental eateries. If you’re looking for somewhere new to try, you’ve come to the right place - keep reading for the hottest new ideas for where to dine out tonight.

5Church, Charlotte

With its stunning bare wood tables, the exposed ductwork of the ceiling, the glowing bar, and black leather sofas, 5Church is widely regarded as the sexiest restaurant in Charlotte. The establishment is just a few years old and has already attracted a loyal following, who come for the atmosphere as well as the sumptuous cuisine.

The chef here is Jamie Lynch, who has previously been named the region’s best chef by Charlotte Magazine; American classics such as tomahawk steaks are served up with sides like White Truffle Mac n Cheese and Southern Sweetcorn - a beautifully eclectic mix that works together deliciously.

The service is exceptional here, too: the staff is friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the dishes and the wine offered.

Belle, Cary

Located in the downtown region of town, Belle is the new cafe, bakery, and restaurant that’s already making waves. It’s housed in a building called Jones House, which dates back to the nineteenth century and was previously derelict before being taken on and loved back to life by the owners of Belle.

When visiting for dinner, guests are welcomed in with small plates of delectable entrees before being given the menu to peruse; the rabbit stew, braised chicken with sweet potato gnocchi, and sage veloute are particularly popular choices. Ingredients are sourced, where possible, from nearby farms and are as fresh as possible. If you can’t make an evening reservation, Belle also serves up weekday lunches and weekend brunches.

Leah and Louise, Charlotte

Looking for something a little different? Then try this contemporary juke-joint in Charlotte, run by dynamic husband and wife team Greg and Subrina Collier; the establishment operates on a cashless basis and is committed to making their Southern Classic-inspired fare accessible to every diner, no matter their financial status. To this end, the eatery offers an ever-changing ‘pay what you can’ dish alongside their standard menu items, which include such delights as River Chips (fried and seasoned chicken skins) and blackened catfish with rice grits.

The restaurant is laid-back, and the plain wood tables, simple restaurant chairs, and high ceilings add to the relaxed feel of the place. This is somewhere to linger over a meal, enjoying a good conversation and soaking up the ambiance.

Sourcing food as locally as possible is key to the chefs of Leah and Louise, and the ethos of the establishment is to honor its connections with the Mississippi River Valley foodways, which is reflected in both the dishes served and the ingredients and techniques used to create them.

Abugida Ethiopian Cafe and Restaurant, Charlotte

The combination of enticing incense and the scent of deliciously spiced food tempt diners into this eatery that offers authentic Ethiopian Cuisine at affordable prices. The focus here is on providing a relaxed, inviting, and warm setting that will allow you and your dining partner or group to enjoy a unique experience. House specialties and customer favorites, like Yemisir Sambusa and Mitin Shiro Wat, sit alongside the Vegetarian Sampler (a veggie feast to indulge the senses) and Gluten-Free Injera.

After your meal, unwind with a cup of Ethiopian tea or enjoy the experience of an Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony. Outdoor dining, delivery, and take-out services are also available.

Krill, Durham

Krill’s opening earlier this year was hotly anticipated; the restaurant offers dishes inspired by South-East Asia that have been given a fun, contemporary twist, as well as a range of wine, sake, and freshly blended cocktails.

Lucky diners can sample the sesame duck ramen, udon mussels, curry squash, and krill fried rice, or indulge in a dish from the ‘large plate’ selection  -perhaps the Crispy Market Fish or the Half Huli Huli Chicken.

From the bar, guests have a view into the delicious hustle and bustle of the kitchen, and there’s an outdoor space as well as the indoor dining room - the former can seat fifty diners and is surrounded by a bamboo and lemongrass garden.

Krill is owned by the renowned restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias; along with his company Bakatsias operates eleven other eateries in Durham, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill. 

So there you have it, a selection of restaurants and eateries that are hot on the North Carolina dining scene and well worth a visit, especially if you’re looking to try somewhere a little out of the ordinary. You may want to wear your loosest clothes - bon appetit!