The Great Debate: North Carolina’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
Just a short drive south of Raleigh, in Durham, you’ll find The Pit, a celebrated barbecue joint that honors North Carolina’s whole-hog tradition with a modern twist. Nestled in the city’s historic downtown, The Pit serves up slow-smoked pork that embodies the Eastern style beloved across the state: tender, vinegar-based, and perfectly tangy. The restaurant itself is housed in a rustic brick building echoing Durham’s industrial past. Visitors can watch as pitmasters tend to the wood fires through large glass windows, adding a theatrical touch to the meal. The Pit stands out by balancing traditional flavors with a vibrant urban setting, making it an essential stop for anyone seeking authentic Carolina barbecue. The best time to visit offers a lively dinner scene, especially on weekends when the warm glow of the open pits and the buzz of local music create an unforgettable evening ambiance.
Heading west about an hour from Charlotte, in the vibrant River Arts District of Asheville, you’ll find the innovative pizza haven, All Souls Pizza. This neighborhood, known for its artisan studios and galleries along the French Broad River, provides a creative backdrop that perfectly complements the pizzeria’s craft approach. All Souls uses a wood-fired oven to cook Neapolitan-style pies featuring local ingredients like hand-pulled mozzarella from nearby creameries and seasonal vegetables from Western North Carolina farms. Each pizza blends rustic charm and bold flavor, reflecting Asheville’s eclectic culinary spirit. The casual, art-lined space invites visitors to linger under the soft glow of hanging lights. Visiting in the cooler months adds a cozy contrast to the oven’s warmth, while summer offers the option to dine on the patio and soak in river views.
In the coastal town of Morehead City, about an hour east of New Bern, seafood enthusiasts find a treasure in The Oyster Bar. This unpretentious spot embraces the bounty of the nearby Atlantic Ocean, specializing in freshly shucked oysters and steamed shellfish that showcase the rich flavors of the Crystal Coast. The setting, a humble shack near the waterfront, echoes traditional fish houses and allows diners to connect closely with the maritime heritage of the region. The Oyster Bar’s commitment to sourcing from local waters means the menu changes with the tides, but the experience remains anchored in simplicity and freshness. Early spring, when oyster season peaks, is the perfect time to visit and savor the briny sweetness of oysters paired with a crisp local beer.
Further inland, in Lexington—approximately 40 minutes west of Winston-Salem—Barbecue lovers encounter a distinct style that contrasts sharply with Eastern Carolina’s vinegar-smoked pork. At Lexington Barbecue, diners engage with what’s known as Piedmont or Western style, featuring pork shoulder slow-cooked over hickory coals and served with a tomato-and-vinegar-based sauce. The unpretentious setting of this family-run eatery reflects the town’s pride as a barbecue hub. The meat’s smoky sweetness balanced with tangy sauce creates a flavor profile that’s deeply rooted in this region’s culinary identity. Attending the Lexington Barbecue Festival in fall brings the community together and offers a chance to experience this singular style amid lively music and friendly competition, though the restaurant itself is a great year-round destination.
On the Outer Banks, just south of Nags Head and about two and a half hours east of Norfolk, Virginia, Jennette’s Pier draws visitors not only with its impressive fishing opportunities but also with the nearby local seafood offerings that capture the essence of coastal North Carolina. Just a short walk from the pier, seafood shacks offer freshly caught flounder, shrimp, and blue crabs that reflect the wild, salty character of the Atlantic shore. Jennette’s Pier itself is a marvel—stretching nearly 1,000 feet into the ocean, it offers panoramic views of the coastline, sand dunes, and surf. The seafood experience here is inseparable from the setting: tasting freshly grilled fish while watching an expansive ocean sunset is a quintessential Outer Banks moment best enjoyed during late summer evenings when the weather is warm and the pier is alive with anglers.
Returning to the mountains, the Highland Brewing Company in Asheville stands out not just for craft beer but for its embrace of wood-fired pizzas that pair perfectly with mountain-brewed ales. Located about 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, the brewery’s outdoor beer garden and pizza oven create a communal atmosphere where locals and travelers alike share stories over hearty, smoky pies topped with locally sourced cheeses and house-cured meats. The brewery’s commitment to sustainable practices and supporting regional farmers adds depth to the experience, making every bite part of a larger mountain food culture. Visiting in the fall offers the added bonus of crisp mountain air and vibrant foliage views, turning a pizza night into a seasonal celebration.
Lastly, the historic town of Beaufort, situated roughly an hour southeast of New Bern along the Crystal Coast, offers a seafood experience steeped in history and maritime culture. The town’s waterfront district is home to an array of charming eateries that highlight the day’s catch from the nearby Pamlico Sound. One standout is the historic Beaufort Seafood Market, where visitors can watch fishmongers prepare bluefish, shrimp, and stone crab claws for eager customers. Beaufort’s rich seafaring past is palpable in its preserved 18th-century architecture and the bustling docks. Exploring the town’s waterfront at sunrise provides a serene backdrop to enjoying fresh seafood, with the calm waters and fishing boats setting the scene for a truly authentic coastal meal.
Each of these places—from the smoky pits of Durham to the wood-fired ovens of Asheville and the salty shores of the Outer Banks—invites visitors to dive deep into North Carolina’s diverse culinary landscape. Whether you’re savoring vinegar-based pork, tasting artisanal pizzas crafted with mountain ingredients, or enjoying the freshest seafood caught just offshore, the state offers a rich tapestry of flavors tied to its geography and culture. Timing your visit to take in local festivals, seasonal specialties, or scenic surroundings only adds layers to the experience, making every meal a memorable adventure.