24 Best Wake Forest Restaurants: Where to Eat in Wake Forest

Looking for someplace good to eat in Wake Forest? Here are the best restaurants of Wake Forest, NC.

Wake Forest is located just 30 minutes north of Raleigh, North Carolina, my home town. It is also one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Research Triangle area being home to almost 50,000 people in the 2020 census, up from 37,000 in 2010. This of course brings new additions throughout the city, like new restaurants and plenty of delicious places to eat in Wake Forest.

Whether you live in Wake Forest, are a frequent visitor to the area, or are an out of town guest, knowing where to dine in Wake Forest will make your taste buds dance with delight. Let’s dive into the best restaurants in Wake Forest, NC.

Best Restaurants in Downtown Wake Forest

The historic downtown of Wake Forest is centered around South White Street, the main street of Wake Forest, and encompasses just a few blocks. Despite it’s small size, there are a handful of restaurants (and breweries) that you really should try in this area!

Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum

Best restaurant in Wake Forest for date night!

Looking for a fun restaurant in Wake Forest to take your date to? Check out Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum. They serve up an eclectic range of small plates inspired by cuisines around the world, along with a wide selection of wines and rums. While everything on their menu is delicious – make sure to try to Parisienne gnocchi and NC goat cheese dip. They are amazing!!

Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs

Oldest restaurant Wake Forest, NC!

The iconic Shorty’s Famous Hot Dogs is considered one of the can’t miss restaurants in Wake Forest. It’s been around since 1916 making it the oldest restaurant in the area, and it’s still run by the same family! This dining establishment has the feel of an old time soda shop and specializes in hot dogs, although you’ll also find sandwiches and burgers on the menu.

The Burger Shop

In the mood for a burger and hand-cut fries? Stop at the Wake Forest Burger Shop. They specialize in handmade burgers, hand-cut fries, and fresh squeezed lemon and orangeade. While it does offer a limited menu, you can also find a few sandwiches and milkshakes on the menu!

George’s Pizzeria

The best place to grab an authentic New York style slice is at George’s Pizzeria. Choose to dine in or take out. While the classic pizzas are where they really shine, they also offer classic Italian fare like chicken parmesan, Stromboli, penne vodka, and more.

Plant Cakes Bake Shop

Located just outside of the historic Wake Forest downtown is Plant Cakes Bake Shop. Their menu is 100% plant-based and organic, so if you’re looking for vegan or gluten free cakes, cupcakes, muffins, or donuts, you’re in luck! Even for those of us that have no food limitations love it.

Sugar Magnolia Cafe

Perfect for lunch in Wake Forest!

If you’re trying to find something a bit more unique in the Wake Forest, NC restaurant scene, check out Sugar Magnolia Cafe. This cafe is only open for lunch and serves up fabulous sandwiches, like chicken salad, pimento cheese, caprese, and egg salad. It does however also offer a High Tea service which makes it a great small event venue for things like baby showers. Just remember to book your tea service in advance!

Lumpy’s Ice Cream

Every downtown seems to offer a boutique ice cream shop, and Wake Forest’s is Lumpy’s Ice Cream! They’ve been serving up homemade ice cream without preservatives, additives, or synthetic hormones since 2001 and offer a whole slew of flavors so everyone in the family will find a favorite!

Best Breweries in Wake Forest

In addition to the amazing restaurants in Wake Forest, NC, you’ll find two breweries you must try – if you’re a beer lover! Both are located near South White Street making it easy to do dinner and an after dinner beer on your evening out in downtown Wake Forest.

White Street Brewing Company

Located in the heart of Wake Forest, NC, White Street Brewing offers a Main Street series of beers along with seasonal taps. You’ll find a wide variety of beers to choose from, including IPAs, Belgian Triples, Scottish Ambers, Kolschs, and more. While there is no food available at White Street, they often have food trucks onsite so you can try the many food trucks of Wake Forest or you can visit one of the downtown restaurants in Wake Forest and bring it inside!

Norse Brewing Company

Another must-visit brewery in Wake Forest’s downtown is Norse Brewing Company. This Wake Forest brewery is Scandenavian themed and offers a wide selection of beer as well as tasty food options like burgers, beer cheese tots, and wings. They pride themselves on sourcing ingredients from local suppliers for the highest quality of food. Choose to sit inside or outdoors on their patio, which is dog-friendly! They also serve up a mean brunch on the weekends.

Other Top Restaurants in Wake Forest

If you’re not already in downtown Wake Forest, restaurants located in the more suburban parts of town may be a better option for you. These restaurants also offer a wider selection of cuisines for the more adventurous eaters out there.

Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant

Best of Wake Forest restaurants, NC

If ambiance is what you’re after, Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant should be your go-to restaurant. This quaint restaurant is situated in a renovated 1800s historic home and is best known for its Italian chef whose passion and talents shine through in his food. It’s one of the few fine dining restaurants in Wake Forest and well worth treating yourself to this special place, whether its for your anniversary or simply because you deserve it!

Charlie’s Kabob Grill

Featuring two locations in Wake Forest, Charlie’s Kabob Grill is the place to go for quick and affordable Mediterranean fare. Try their gyro (my favorite) and then top it off with some Baklava for dessert. You’ll understand why it’s my go to Greek food in Wake Forest!

Backfins Crabhouse

Backfins Crabhouse is a casual seafood eatery offering reasonable prices on all kinds of seafood. Choose from crab, oysters, clams, fish, shrimp, and more! If you like crab cakes, this is the place to eat them. They’re one of the best sellers and for good reason – they’re delicious and don’t have much filler in them! On weekends there can be a wait, so go early to beat the crowds.

Thai Cafe

Finding amazing Asian food in Wake Forest can be a challenge with American fare topping the charts at most restaurants. However, Thai Cafe is a little gem offering authentic Thai food. Try one of their noodle dishes, curries, or coconut soup dishes and definitely don’t leave without tasting their famous Coconut Cake!

Sushi Siam

Anyone who knows me knows my go-to-food when eating out is sushi. I could eat it every day, and let’s be real, I’m not going to make it at home. The only thing that makes sushi better is BOGO sushi (buy one get one free). Sushi Siam is the best sushi restaurant in Wake Forest featuring the BOGO deal! For those not into sushi, they also offer other Japanese and Thai food.

Asian Bistro

Another awesome option for Asian fare is Asian Bistro. This Wake Forest restaurant offers flavors from across Asia including Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese, including a sushi bar! If you’re only in the mood for sushi, I’d stick to Sushi Siam, but if you have Pad Thai and Mongolian Beef lovers in the group – head to Asian Bistro!

Curry House

One of the only Indian restaurants in Wake Forest, Curry House is a slam dunk for those wanting some spice in their life. Of course, depending on your spice tolerance, you may need to ask them to tone it down… I know I’m a wimp with spice! If you’re not sure what to order, start with the samosas, chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan. Your taste buds will thank you!

9.19 Island Cuisine

Finding Jamaican cuisine in Wake Forest can be a challenge, but 9.19 Island Cuisine delivers! You’ll find all the classic dishes from Jamaican jerk chicken to oxtails, fried chicken, and their specialty Jammin Shrimp. Remember that some Jamaican food is spicy, so ask before you order if you’re sensitive to heat!

The Empanada Factory

If you’re craving Latin street food in Wake Forest, I’d typically tell you you’re out of luck, but The Empanada Factory brings the street food flavors to you! This family run business offers tons of empanada options as well as a few classic taco options – and it’s affordable!

Farm Table

One of the restaurants in Wake Forest offering the best atmosphere is Farm Table. This makes it the perfect place for a date night or dinner out with friends and family. It also offers a rotating menu that features the best seasonal produce, so you’ll have to come back again and again to try all their best dishes, like grilled pork chop, schnitzel, short ribs, and duck.

Dairy Depot

After looking at all these tasty Wake Forest restaurants in NC, it’s time to treat yourself to some dessert at the Dairy Depot! This ice cream shop is locally-owned and features soft-serve ice cream in all kinds of ways. Choose from cones, milkshakes, parfaits, sundaes, or their signature “Train Wreck”, which includes ice cream with mix-ins of your choice!

Sweet Traditions

Another awesome dessert option is Sweet Traditions, one of the best bakeries in Wake Forest, NC. Choose from edible cookie dough, slices of cake, cookies, cupcakes, and more! Whatever your sweet tooth is craving, you can likely satisfy it here.

Tasty Chain Restaurants in Wake Forest, NC

While I always recommend eating local to get the feel of a new place, you’ll also find some of the Triangle’s best chain restaurants have expanded into Wake Forest.

If you’re not from North Carolina, you might not know all of these familiar favorites, and in that case, you’ll want to add them to your must-try list of Wake Forest restaurants.

Gonza Tacos y Tequila

One of the most fun Mexican restaurant chains in the Triangle area is Gonza Tacos y Tequila. It features fun decor and a lively atmosphere, which only enhances their already tasty Mexican food and margaritas. Additionally, the Wake Forest restaurant features an outdoor patio which is ideal for enjoying margaritas when the weather is agreeable.

Brigs at the Forest Restaurant

One of the most iconic breakfast restaurants in North Carolina, Brigs offers breakfast all day long, along with other comfort-food staples. If you’re looking for brunch in Wake Forest, this still comes out as one of your best options. You’ll find a large menu where you can choose from pancakes, omelettes, eggs benedicts, and beyond!

Goodberry’s Frozen Custard

Another Research Triangle favorite, Goodberry’s Frozen Custard is the go-to place for frozen custard. If you haven’t had the opportunity to try it in Raleigh or one of the other surrounding suburbs, you may just have to stop here to see what the fuss is all about! Choose your custard flavor from standard flavors plus a rotating flavor of the day and then opt to mix-in lots of toppings. It’s incredibly creamy!

Dining in the Research Triangle

These are the best restaurants in Wake Forest, NC that you should try and fit into your many visits to the area. After all, you’re going to need more than one weekend to eat your way through all of these!

If you are still hungry after all these Wake Forest, North Carolina restaurants, head just 30 minutes south to reach downtown Raleigh. It offers some of the best restaurants in North Carolina!

You can learn more about my favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants and beyond in the following posts:

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24 Best Wake Forest Restaurants: Where to Eat in Wake Forest, NC