Our Favorite Restaurants for a Special Night Out

restaurant with white tablecloths and beautiful wooden beams on the ceiling for a fine dining experience
Discover six of the best restaurants in Winston-Salem for a special night out—perfect for celebrations, date nights, or simply treating yourself.

Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro

With consistently excellent food and ambiance, Mozelle’s is the perfect local spot for a magical night. They have a small interior dining room that feels inviting and elevated at the same time, plus we love sitting outside at one of their many tables for good people watching. Our favorite dishes include their fried chicken (trust us, it’s fancier than the usual fried chicken and oh-so-good), any fish special, and the shrimp & grits. And don’t forget dessert – the flourless chocolate torte or homemade ice creams are divine!

Rooster’s: A Noble Grille

Popular for business dinners and special occasions alike, Roosters is a sure bet for a superb meal. They have an extensive menu, with a mixture of classics, like fried calamari or duck breast, and seasonal offerings. We love to sit outside on their lush patio in the nicer months. We recommend sampling a few small plates or appetizers to extend the meal, then trying one of the seasonal dishes like soft shell crab, and don’t forget to try a side like the fresh succotash or tomato basil soup.

Ryan’s Restaurant

If you are looking for a classic, white-tablecloth steak house, Ryan’s is the place for you. It is full of old school charm and house-made freshness, plus we love their bread service (including a cheese spread and pretzel rolls that we dream about). While they are best known for their steaks, they do offer an excellent selection of seafood, too. We suggest the Ahi Tuna Tartare or Bacon-Wrapped Scallops for an appetizer, and the Steak Au Poivre is a perfect decadent meal. 

Bernardin’s Restaurant

Located in the oldest home in the former town of Winston—the historic Zevely House—this upscale West End restaurant specializes in seafood, lamb, veal, and beef, and features an extensive wine list. For a charming evening and memorable meal, we recommend Bernardin’s, which also offers a beautiful patio for outdoor dining.

Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen, & Bar

Kick off your evening with a stop at the Library Bar inside Spring House for a cocktail, then sit at a table in one of the loveliest dining spaces in Winston. Spring House rotates its menu quarterly, so that ingredients are fresh and dishes are inspired by the moment. And if you are feeling indulgent, we insist you try the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake (if it’s available!) for dessert!

The Katharine Brasserie & Bar

We cannot get enough of the art deco, French vibe of The Katharine! You absolutely must go for a drink at the bar before dinner, and we recommend trying any cocktail on the menu for a unique experience (although they’re known for having the best espresso martinis in town). The menu is heavily influenced by French fine dining, so you will find Escargots and Sous Vide Duck offered along with Roasted Salmon and North Carolina Trout. We recommend the French Onion Soup Gratinee and Steak Frites for a delightful meal.

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