Mouthwatering North Carolina Restaurants That Deserve a Michelin Star

The Michelin Guide is known for inspecting and reviewing restaurants around the world, and diners know when they step into a Michelin-rated establishment, they're in for a treat. Michelin has only rated restaurants in a handful of American cities, and none are in that state of North Carolina. However, that doesn't mean the state lacks Michelin Star-caliber restaurants.

Michelin inspectors look at a number of criteria when doling out their stars, including quality of ingredients, mastery of technique, harmony of flavors, the chef's personality in the cuisine, and consistency.

Taking to Yelp, we searched for restaurants that diners enjoy the most, from Asheville to Raleigh. We realize that five-star Yelp reviews do not equate to Michelin Stars; however, if the stellar comments are to be believed, these restaurants might just deserve consideration.Here are five North Carolina restaurants that are worthy of a coveted Michelin Star.

This post was updated on September 24, 2025 to clarify Michelin criteria, type of cuisine served at Cúrate, Stanbury's location, and the number of Epic Chophouse locations.

Stanbury bills itself as "caring, playful and uncomplicated," and judging by the hundreds of 4- and 5-star ratings it has garnered on Yelp, diners agree. The menu changes with the seasons, as happens at restaurants prioritizing local sourcing.

Located in the Mordecai neighborhood, just north of downtown, Stanbury doesn't take reservations. You might find yourself waiting to be seated — but it will be worth it.

The kitchen here offers small plates, large plates, and desserts that aren't to be missed. Among current (Autumn) offerings are peach fattoush, cavatelli, swordfish, striped bass, fried oysters (pictured), and ribeye.

Kindred in Davidson, just north of Charlotte, is one of those places you'll never forget.From the vibrant atmosphere to the stylish interior, Joe and Katy Kindred have created something truly special.

Kindred's menu changes with the seasons, but one thing you can always count on is their famous soft milk bread (pictured), and it's a hit with Yelpers.

Some sample menu items include wagyu beef tartare with black mustard and fingerling potatoes; squid ink conchiglie with Georgia royal red shrimp, sea urchin butter, and tarragon; and flounder milanese with sauce gribiche, green garlic, rhubarb, and tarragon oil. Dishes change frequently, as they are highly seasonal.

Cúrate Bar De Tapas has racked up thousands of 4- and 5-star reviews on Yelp, and it's easy to see why. This vibrant restaurant located inside a renovated bus depot serves tapas influenced by traditional Spanish cuisine.

Cúrate won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality in 2022 and was recognized by Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2018 as one of America's Top 50 Wine Restaurants, so you're in for a fantastic experience.

Their extravagant (and affordable) menu holds small and large plates, with traditional Spanish tapas offerings. For $70 per person, they also offer "the Spanish experience," a hand-crafted menu featuring traditional Spanish dishes. It should be noted that pricing and names change frequently.

Epic Chophouse has three locations in North Carolina (Raleigh, Mooresville, and Greensboro), with a fourth location in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

Epic's menu is great for a multitude of celebratory occasions, from date nights to family nights. Starters include wagyu meatballs, bacon-wrapped scallops Rockefeller, and Chophouse cheese toast. For entrees, choose from a variety of steaks and meats, including baby back ribs, steak Wellington, short ribs, and staples such as ribeyes, American Wagyu steaks, and rack of lamb. Chicken, pasta, and seafood is also on the list.

The menu also includes mouthwatering side dishes, such as truffle fries with romano, bleu cheese cole slaw, and Carolina stone ground grits. Be sure to check out the drinks menu, as well.

McNinch House Restaurant is housed in the former Victorian-era home of Mayor Sam McNinch. This extravagant restaurant has been around for over 30 years and has been the winner of the AAA Four Diamond Award.

McNinch House features four different menus: the Premier Four Course Menu, the Five Course Grand Menu, the Chef's Tasting Menu, and the Chef's Table. If you want to experience the best of McNinch House, the Chef's Table is your best bet. (Note that it does require a party of at least four, as well as seven days' notice.)

Main courses to delight in include filet mignon, pan-seared wild-caught coho salmon, rohan duck breast (pictured), pan-seared red snapper, and NY strip. All are served with seasonal, locally sourced vegetables. (Here's a look at 21 things you should never order in a restaurant.)