Put in the location, why it is your favorite restaurant, what type of food and price to expect, any dishes you might recommend, etc. Try to minimize the big corporate names that everyone knows and put emphasis on the smaller restaurants that people would otherwise not know.Salsa's- Downtown Asheville, NC (6 Patton Ave. Telephone 828-252-9805)- My favorite restaurant of all time. The ambiance is unique and warm, the drinks are excellent, and the food is spectacular. It's not a tex-mex place but more Caribbean than anything. The different flavors (goat cheese in a burrito for example, brilliant!) that are all wrapped into a single dish are amazing. It's one of the few places where it really doesn't matter what you get, you'll love it. It's not cheap food but it's not really expensive, and for the portion sizes and food quality, it can't be beat.12 Bones Smokehouse- Asheville, NC (5 Riverside Dr. Telephone 828-253-4499)- If you love Western-Carolina BBQ or great ribs this is the place. It's way off the beaten path (even for Asheville) in an old industrial sector of town right by the French Broad River. It's pretty cheap, only open for lunch during the week (M-F 11-4), and they do take out as well as dine-in. 12 Bones will definitely not come off as an upscale restaurant as the food is served in pie tins (which I think is pretty neat). The different bbq sauces they have (jalapeño bbq, honey bbq, and traditional western-NC style) are all great. Portion sizes are generous, and they have the best ribs ever, hands down.Stephenson's BBQ- Willow Spring, NC (12020 NC 50 West, in McGee's Crossroads on Highway 50 in Johnston County, Telephone 919-894-4530)- My favorite eastern NC BBQ joint. As soon as you walk in the foyer you see their original, retired wooden chop block. The food comes fast, cheap, and is brought to you by smiling old women. There's a pitcher of tea on the table waiting for you to sit down, and a container of crushed ice (cookout style) is brought to the table with the menus. It's one of the only places that I've found to have solid bbq, hushpuppies, brunswick stew, AND banana pudding.Bella Monica- Raleigh, NC (3121-103 Edwards Mill Rd. Telephone 919-881-9778)- My favorite local Italian restaurant. The portion sizes are generous, the prices moderate (<$15), the flavors authentic, one of the best all-Italian wine selections you'll ever find, and the service family-like, warm, and inviting. Try the Tuesday special- chicken and fennel lasagna in a roasted red pepper cream sauce and you might never look at lasagna the same again. While it's not a hard dish to make, I think they have perfected chicken parm. Don't be put off by the olive oil gelato either, it's better than it sounds. It's very small, maybe 15 tables at most, and it's usually packed so reservations are highly recommended. It's great to go sit at the bar and eat if you're solo, and the perfect date restaurant (mood, lighting, ambience, price) if you need a table for two. The managers will most likely shake your hand or pat you on the back and make you feel like you're part of the family, and every server I've had (including even the bartender) was very friendly and knowledgeable.Nelson's Eye Steakhouse- Cape Town, South Africa (9 Hof Street, Telephone: +27 21 423 2601- If you're ever staying in Cape Town, which I think rivals Rio de Janeiro in terms of fun and things to see and do, stay at the hostel Ashanti Lodge on Hof street and have dinner at Nelson's Eye next door. It's pricey by South African standards, but reasonable by American standards (cheaper than Angus Barn, that's for sure). The cuts of meat they offer, which are traditional beef as well as different cuts of African game, are world-class quality. If you like red meat try their ostrich. I had it twice there and have had it several times elsewhere and I must say their ostrich is phenomenal. They also offer about a dozen different sauces that you can order with your dish, and I highly recommend ordering one (or asking for a suggestion to accompany your specific dish). Don't be put off by the monkey gland sauce, it's actually really good! It's a relatively small restaurant with an open kitchen that you see directly in front of you when you walk in the door, both of which add to the cozy and historical ambiance.Café Mundo- Downtown San José, Costa Rica (Calle 15 and Avenida 9, 2 blocks east and 1 block north of the INS building)- Before clubbing at El Pueblo and crashing at Hotel La Amistad (my two recommendations), eat at Café Mundo. This lavishly decorated place will wow you with their statues, paintings, and garden plants and have you coming back for the food. Again, it's pricey by local standards but reasonable for Americans. The menu leans toward Italian fare, but maintains a Tico (Costa Rican) flair with lots of variety.Porcão Churrascaria (Shue-hass-ka-ri-a)- Most major cities in Brazil, also Miami and NYC- I know I said to leave out the commercial chains, but it's worth mentioning if you're in Brazil and want to try the most renowned Brazilian Steakhouse. This is the big daddy of rodizio churrascarias, and it's not cheap in Brazil. It costs about US$60 for dinner, I can only guess what the NYC and Miami locations charge. It's a Brazilian steakhouse where you eat to your stomach's content (and then some) and your trip to Brazil probably isn't complete without a trip to a large churrascaria. Don't forget to indulge in a caiparinha or two, Brazil's national drink. If you're in Rio de Janeiro and on a budget, stay at Ace Backpackers Hostel and eat at Estrela do Sul around the corner in the Botafogo district; a great local choice for all-you-can-eat meat.
6/6/2007 7:39:05 PM
Southern Lights Bistro phone: (336) 379-9414 fax: (336) 273-3875 105 N Smyres Pl Greensboro, NC 27403<$10It's pretty nice food, decent prices and service. Mediterranean Salad ... with feta cheese, capers, onions, tomato, artichoke hearts, calamata olives, pepperoncini, tossed with dressing and served over mixed greens ... 7.95 ... Half Portion ... 5.95Hummus ... Served with toasted pita chips ... 6.95Cheese and Fruit Plate ... Assorted cheeses and fresh fruit in season ... 9.95Smoked Salmon Plate ... Served with capers, cream cheese, and chopped onion ... 9.95The Tidewater ... Pan seared fresh tilapia served with tarter sauce, lettuce and tomato on an onion roll ... 8.95[Edited on June 6, 2007 at 9:24 PM. Reason : mmmmmm]
6/6/2007 9:18:37 PM
My dad's places
6/6/2007 9:31:30 PM
main garden at the corner of cary parkway/kildaire farm5.99 after tax all you can eat lunch buffet...and they have 5 different flavors of bryers icecream
6/6/2007 9:38:40 PM
CiCi's Pizza.Anytown, USA.
6/6/2007 9:50:17 PM
I had Bella Monica the other because of all the hype I wasn't too impressed
6/6/2007 9:53:30 PM
Rockford - 320 1/2 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh. It has an ever changing menu, great atmosphere and is fantastic for the price. Some sukiyaki place in kyoto that my friend and I managed to find 2 years in a row <3and I agree with Bella Monica, but I had it when they were catering for a bunch of doctors.MetalRed's Raspberry Tiramisu deserves mention too ]
6/6/2007 9:54:12 PM
Neuse River Sport Shop--Kinston, NC. Best damn breakfast I've ever had, and under $5 including coffee. I'm talking hot grits, delicious eggs, yummy bacon, hot strong coffee. A+++Poe's Tavern--Sullivan's Island, SC (near Charleston). Best burger I've ever had with a spooky Edgar Allen Poe atmosphere, and a decent beer selection to boot. I recommend the Amontillado. http://www.poestavern.com/index.htmlSt. Jacques--Raleigh, NC. I keep recommending this place to people on here, but very few have gone and that blows my mind. More people need to know about this place. It's absolutely fabulous and the owner will make sure you have a delicious wine that you will like AND compliment your meal perfectly. It's french food, but don't let that deter you. I hope to go there on a fancy date one day (hint hint). http://www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com/Solomon's--Raleigh, NC two locations, Capital Blvd and Six Forks Rd. Delicious Greek and Mediterranean food for a wonderful price. Six Forks location is much nicer and has a gift shop attached; the one on Capital is definitely a remodeled Pizza Hut. http://www.solomons-restaurant.com/I love Mexican, so I'm going to give you my two* faves in Raleigh.El Rodeo, Glenwood Avenue location. I like this one more for atmosphere and service, but as a Mexican food connoisseur (haha) they have the best fajita quesadillas. And of course the margaritas.Las Margaritas, Six Forks Rd. Best chimichangas.*I really want to put Los Tres Magueyes, Falls of the Neuse, up here b/c the food and atmosphere overall is great, but it seems like every other time I go I have had REALLY shitty service and it was NOT a busy night (it might just be this one guy). Don't worry I'll probably keep going back, but know now not to get this one waiter. It's definitely better than the other two.Provision's--Southport, NC. ON THE WATER near the marina with a view of two lighthouses. Available by boat and land. Cheap fresh seafood, but for you landlubbers the chicken sandwich is delicious!Four Corners Diner--Atlantic Beach, NC. A strong running for the best breakfast I've ever had, but I'm gonna give more points to the hometown location listed above.ShabaShabu--Raleigh, NC. Japanese/Thai restaurant. Each side has a different decor, with a metropolitan bar in the center. DJs play on the weekends. I could eat me up some tuna all day and they have many dishes that won't disappoint, but their sea bass is orgasmic IMO. Sushi is wonderful as well and I love their menu (though they ran out of toro last I went--boo!!!). Same price range as that of Kanki. http://www.shabashabu.net/Hayes Barton--Raleigh, NC. I always go into this place wanting to get something on their main menu (pork medallions) but I ALWAYS end up getting a special b/c it sounds just that good, and of course it is. I've also been there for lunch and it was just as good--complete 180 from the nighttime atmosphere!! The dessert is always delicious (I mean that IS the chef's specialty). Great price, great food, and a great atmosphere especially if you're taking yours and the SO's parents to meet each other for the first time--if the convo sucks you can at least ooh and ahh over the surroundings!That's all I'm gonna do for now.[Edited on June 6, 2007 at 11:41 PM. Reason : ]
6/6/2007 11:34:42 PM
6/6/2007 11:42:18 PM
so bella monica is the pizza joint next to the harris teeter on edwards mill?
6/6/2007 11:46:10 PM
^^no doubt!! I usually get the Los Dos Compadres which is a chimi and a burrito I love their salsa as well and always get a large tub to go now, or not to go but I just pop in and get it. There's no way in hell I'm eating store bought salsa ever again![Edited on June 6, 2007 at 11:46 PM. Reason : ]
6/6/2007 11:46:20 PM
kinda, yeah^i have to figure out their recipe...im gonna steal it and patent that shit [Edited on June 6, 2007 at 11:47 PM. Reason : ]
6/6/2007 11:46:28 PM
Armand's -Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington DC --> $7 lunch buffet chicago style pizza, great after a night of heavy drinking, esp. given the cost for DC
6/6/2007 11:52:04 PM
Marrakesh, Washington, DC - Morrocan food, served in multiple courses. Ornate decor and entertainment along with the food, authentic dancers. Very good, only was there once but definitely on the list. Great for something different.Oceanic, Wrightsville Beach, NC - probably my favorite seafood restaurant. Good, fresh seafood, very well prepared, restaurant is on the beach with nice views from the tables near the windows.518 West, Raleigh, Glenwood & W. Jones St. Italian, reasonably priced and some very creative dishes. On the nice side of casual, I guess. Every time I've been there, the food has been excellent.Char-Grill. The Hillsborough street one. Enough said. [Edited on June 7, 2007 at 12:40 AM. Reason : d]
6/7/2007 12:22:04 AM
Winks in Salisbury - the best BBQ.For Mexican - Los Margaritas, Raleigh - the Garner Los Margaritos (Timber Dr./Hwy. 50) is fantastic & great service (the waitors are very friendly & can understand english).For Chinese - Chinese Garden (Timber Dr./Hwy. 50) in Garner - Not a typical Chinese place. It's more of a gourmet restuarant that serves Chinese. Very Intimate & it has the best chinese, but still inexpensive.Remington Grill, Cary - unlimited fries + fry dipping sauce = awesomeness
6/7/2007 12:39:17 AM
There's a really good ramen shop in Hikone, Shiga, Japan, called Rei Rei Tei, you should try it! Their Ebi shu mai is fucking awesome.
6/7/2007 1:04:15 AM
-Wendy's-Cookout-Red Robin-Five Guys
6/7/2007 1:06:37 AM
the pilot house - wilmington.. ate there once but it was incredible..bella monica is ok... usually very busy, which i find to be a downfall, since every time i went there it was hard to get seated.meze - wash. dc. - awesome brunch.. went there last fall when i was in town.. i think this is the place (i forget, but it is in adams morgan district) that i went to from looking at pics on the internet...the rockford - great value, great food.. sometimes takes a little while to get your food but definitely worth it.el rodeo - glenwood ave, raleigh - my 1st choice for mexican food in raleighbullock's bbq - durham - best eastern nc style bbq i've ever eaten.. their brunswick stew is awesome.[Edited on June 7, 2007 at 1:32 AM. Reason : ..]
6/7/2007 1:31:23 AM
S&T's Soda Shoppe; Pittsboro, NC -- classic soda shoppe/diner fare: burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs in addition to all of their shakes, malts, floats, and flavored sodas. Their onion rings are pretty damn tasty.Brigs; Raleigh, NC (Creedmoor); Cary, NC (Maynard and High House) -- excellent breakfast/brunch meals. They're known especially for their various benedicts. The almond nut-muff should be tried as an appetizer; it's an english muffin with cinnamon and sugar spread and toasted almonds. http://www.brigs.com/zPizza; Raleigh, NC (Falls of the Neuse); Cary, NC (Davis and High House) -- delicious pizzas with fresh/organic ingredientsStamey's Barbecue; Greensboro, NC -- pretty awesome barbecue, excellent peach and strawberry cobblers http://www.stameys.com/Hillbilly Hideaway; Walnut Cove, NC -- family-style all-you-can-eat, fried chicken, cornbread, hoe cake, pintos, etc all brought to the table until you're stuffedCloo's Coney Island; Raleigh, NC (Mission Valley) -- easily some of the best hotdogs in the triangleDos Caminos; NYC, NY (and other locations) -- upscale Mexican. Excellent entrees. Amazing desserts
6/7/2007 7:15:04 AM
6/7/2007 7:22:26 AM
6/7/2007 7:56:47 AM
^Ya, we go every few months, and it's always been awesome. We want to go to the breakfast meal one day.
6/7/2007 8:06:16 AM
Topaz - NYC - ThaiZaffran - Sydney, Australia - IndianChinta Ria - Sydney, Australia - MalayDuck and Olive - Paris, FranceGauchos - Amsterdam, NetherlandsBlue Elephant - Copenhagen, Denmark - ThaiTrattoria Luna - Kendall, FL - ItalianPoons - London, UK - Chinese
6/7/2007 8:27:28 AM
The thing with Bella Monica is their flatbread pizzas are fantastic. The other Italian dishes they have aren't any better than anything my grandmother used to make. They're not bad, but nothing stands out. The flatbread pizzas, however, win forever.
6/7/2007 8:38:56 AM
Sushi-Thai Cary - Cary, NC - Freshest sushi in town, flown in daily. Rated #1 for 3 years in a row. If you think Sushi Blues is good, GTFO and go hereMiCasitas Mexican - Fayetteville, NC - Anyone that knows me knows this has to be on here.Ray's Boathouse - Seattle, WA - Best Salmon you will ever taste, brought in fresh off the dock.Kings BBQ - Kinston, NC - Best Q and family tradition of the Stryker'sM&M's Restaraunt - Oriental, NCHot Diggity Dog - Fayetteville, NC - All dogs are grilled, all burgers are fresh, real down home[Edited on June 7, 2007 at 8:52 AM. Reason : .]
6/7/2007 8:47:58 AM
Cedar Hill Landing. Murrell's Inlet, SC: Hiway 17 Bypass. Just south of the main drag in murrell's inlet, you will find the local's favorite place to eat seafood. Smallish joint with seafood as fresh as you can get it. Time it right, and you can watch them load oysters right off the boat on their own little dock behind the restaurant. Great view of the Murrell's Inlet Marshland from the back patio.
6/7/2007 9:21:14 AM
Susha Thai - Cary - mmm... I used to meet a friend there every friday night. Best sushi i've ever had. super crunch roll is my favorite. I'm not allowed sushi for the next 6 months so i feel deprived Twisted Fork - Triangle Town Center. Huge menu with the best desserts around. All desserts are made fresh from scratch in house.
6/7/2007 9:33:00 AM
Favourites:- El Dorado on corner of Tryon and Cary Parkway - my parents an i are regulars there- Golden Dragon - used to eat there when on campus- Sushi Blues - some of the best sushi i've had on the east coast- Brother Jimmy's - eastern NC style bbq on the upper east side of NYC (there's one on the upper west too, but i've not been to that one)- Jim's Steaks on the corner of Philly's 4th and South streets - best cheesesteak in Philly-A La Turka - Turkish cuisine, in/near Chicago's Lincoln ParkOther memorable dining experiences/recommendations:-Goan fish while in Portugal-Bojo's Indonesian food in Amsterdam (preferably after the coffee shop) - there's atleast two Bojo's in the city-the Salt Restaurant in the Hotel Admiral in Copenhagen-Any place for gazpacho in Andalusia-Gyro or Kebab from a vendor in Sydney-Any Indian place recommended by locals in the United Kingdom-Raffles - hotel & restaurant in Singapore that was once owned by Winston Churchill. too expensive though - would never go on my own/non-corporate tab-Champany Inn in the Lothians, used to be a vacation home of of Mary Queen of Scots - also too high end for me to go on ownthere's a bunch of others, but this is all i can remember -- needless to say, i like to eat [Edited on June 8, 2007 at 2:19 PM. Reason : fatty]
6/8/2007 2:17:45 PM
I totally forgot one of my other favorite mexican places!! What the HELL is wrong with me?!?!!!Anyway, Dos Taquitos--Raleigh, NC on Creedmoor. I mean WHOA...a whole nother level of mexican with a sweet outside seating area.
6/8/2007 5:21:42 PM
Lotus Leaf (Vietnamese) - corner of Maynard and Harrison in Cary, next to Food LionFlaming Amy's Burritos in Wilmington
6/8/2007 5:25:18 PM
cloos is my favorite place to go twice a year
6/8/2007 5:25:46 PM
Bella Monica has never been very relaxing though. There are no places to sit while waiting for a table, so if you are in the first half of the restaurant during peak times you almost have people standing right beside you.
6/8/2007 9:20:25 PM
Sammy's for wings.
6/8/2007 9:28:27 PM
6/9/2007 2:24:27 PM
Stoney's - Prince Frederick, MD - great crab cakesGriff's - Wilson, NC - great food during lunch time at a decent priceParker's - Greeneville, NC - family style buffet with all my favorite southern foods.El Dorado - Cary (Tryon Rd and Cary Parkway) - easy walking distance from my house since they built the pedestrian bridge, and I love their food. there's never a wait either.
6/9/2007 3:10:19 PM
6/9/2007 3:29:47 PM
6/9/2007 3:48:09 PM
dos taquitos in north raleigh... best mexican food i've ever had. unfortunately they're not cheap like they used to be... but i still go. get the enchiladas pueblos and some frozen margaritas
6/9/2007 3:58:38 PM
long island pizza - topsail island, NCdr. rootbeer's hall of foam - sneads ferry, NC[Edited on June 9, 2007 at 4:19 PM. Reason : ooh]
6/9/2007 4:18:45 PM
neomonde and ole time in raleighbunky's seafood in melbourne, flanntony's in asheville (might have closed)
6/9/2007 5:08:12 PM
6/9/2007 5:28:16 PM
6/9/2007 8:02:50 PM
Giorgio's- Elizabethtown, NC-great Italian and American foodJoe's BBQ- Whiteville, NCSzechuan 132- Wilmington- excellent ChineseJade Garden- RaleighFront Porch- Elizabethtown- Country Buffet, steaks, etc...S&J Grill- Dublin, NCMelton's- Elizabethtown, NC- Good ChickenIndochine- Wilmington- Vietnamese[Edited on June 9, 2007 at 8:19 PM. Reason : ...]
6/9/2007 8:18:10 PM
I really don't have a favorite seafood joint at the coast.. because most of them suckif I'm there eating seafood it's usually what I've caught... well I was impressed with The Sandbar and Grill down in buxton on hwy 12S they overcooked my yellowfin, but when I let the server know, she quickly corrected it and returned with a yellowfin steak that was more than 2x the size and it was properly cooked (rare)my favs are... Farmers market seafood restaurant raleigh nc best seafood for the best price anywhere ($10 for 2 way combo with fries and puppies.... you will have leftovers)Wilburs bbq goldsboro nc Hwy 70E best eastern style bbq anywhere ($5 big q sammich, fries, tea, puppies)Barrys cafe cary nc tryon road Kinda pricey for a burger... but it's the best burger joint aroundother than those, I don't have favorites really... I'll try anywhere that looks decent[Edited on June 9, 2007 at 8:21 PM. Reason : ...]
6/9/2007 8:19:52 PM
6/9/2007 8:25:23 PM
Shorty's has the best hotdogs ever, kiss my butt!!!! Although, don't go in there if you are a girl... It's an old Wake Forest rule My favorite seafood restaurant is the Oceanic in Wrightsville.
6/9/2007 8:47:51 PM
i can't believe i'm the only one to say neomondeand parkers in g'ville is first a BBQ place. i didnt even know they had a buffet, must be a new location.[Edited on June 9, 2007 at 11:00 PM. Reason : but they are good]
6/9/2007 11:00:05 PM
I forgot Dale's Seafood at Lake Waccamaw
6/10/2007 9:20:45 AM
Yeah however many ^ hit the nail on the head with some Giorgio's, haha.Also the original Melvin's in E-town was spot-on for years, haven't been in a while (since they started expanding) so I don't know if it as good now.[Edited on June 10, 2007 at 9:34 AM. Reason : arrrrr]
6/10/2007 9:32:24 AM
6/10/2007 9:54:15 AM