Here’s our list of the best cultural restaurants in Winston-Salem. Enjoy eating your way through the list, we guarantee for some tasty times!
El Rancho Taqueria
This is one of those places that people will drive out of their way to eat everything from tacos al pastor to chilaquiles verdes. Located on the south side of Winston-Salem, it is by far one of the most authentic Mexican food spots you can find. Locals swear by their taco options on the menu, which come filled with chopped cilantro, onions, radishes, slices of lime and a grilled jalapeño on the side with your choice of different salsa verdes and rojas. Head here for affordable, real Mexican food. Plus, their menu keeps on expanding, so go more than once to try it all!
West End Poke
Known as one of the “best poke” restaurants in the Triad, West End Poke offers the popular Hawaiian poke bowls. Create your own bowl, or select from their signature bowls; we especially like the Hawaiian Tuna Bowl. They also offer grilled grain bowls, such as the Korean Pork Bulgogi Bowl or Thai Chicken Bowl. And don’t leave without trying their famous volcano fries, which are hand-cut fries with surimi, seaweed, sesame seeds, miso aioli, and sriracha drizzle on top! Come here for a tasty meal.
Thai Sawatdee
This Thai and Vietnamese spot has 2 locations, one inside the Harris Teeter on Cloverdale (thus the nickname “Teeter Thai”), and one on Healy Drive. Some of the most popular choices on the menu are the Pad Thai and their Vietnamese PHO-Noodle soups, but everything they make is delicious.
Yamas Mediterranean
This modern-style Mediterranean spot has been a great addition to downtown Winston-Salem. With fresh ingredients carefully prepared your way, some call it the “Mediterranean Chipotle” because your meal is built in similar fashion. Create a salad, pita sandwich, or grain bowl with the bountiful options. But take it from us, the dips & spreads are where it’s at – try loading on a bunch for lots of flavor! Don’t forget to ask for their Mediterranean fries with feta and garlic cream sauce. Mouthwatering!
May Way Dumplings
Located in the heart of Reynolda Village, this small, hidden, authentic Chinese spot has lots of people coming back for their Boba teas, cold noodles, and (of course) dumplings & buns. This is not your average Chinese takeout; here is where to come for your dumpling fix. Make sure to order a variety of dumplings, plus be sure to try the pork buns, which are soft steamed buns filled with sweet and savory pork filling. And don’t forget to sample the sesame cold noodles. These cold noodles with cucumber, peanut sauce and sesame seeds are truly worth trying out, they’re ineffable. We also love their selection of Boba teas, like the classic Boba tea or honeydew tea. Order May Way asap!
Nawab Indian Cuisine
Your craving for Indian food ends here: come experience authentic Indian flavors at this well-known Indian restaurant located in Stratford Village. Popular selections include chicken Tikka Masala, lamb and goat entrees, and their phenomenal naan. Nawab also has great vegetarian options, and their servers will help you personalize your level of spice, so “curry up” and give them a try.
Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant
Voted best in Winston-Salem, this traditional Italian restaurant continues to impress us visit after visit. Di Lisio’s offers a broad variety on their menu. We love their appetizers, such as fried calamari and homemade bruschetta, and their Seafood Di Lisio – shrimp, mussels, clams, lobster and calamari in marinara sauce over linguini – is exceptionally spectacular. With large portions, reasonable pricing, and a great wine selection, Di Lisio’s is perfect for a date night.
Katherine Pando- Independent food blogger on Instagram @Eatdish3s. Exploring NC and cooking her way to town.
