Wilkesboro’s restaurant scene really surprised us. From local diners and riverside grills to cozy cafes and upscale bistros, there’s a great mix of places to eat — and we made it our mission to try as many as we could.
During our visit, we personally dined at each of the restaurants below — not just for research, but because we genuinely love exploring local food. Some we visited as part of the Blue Ridge Food Tours, others on our own, but all offered a taste of the flavor and personality that make Wilkesboro such a fun small town to explore.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to also check out our full guide on Things to Do in Wilkesboro, NC for more ideas on what to see and experience while you’re there.
Here’s a look at the restaurants we experienced firsthand, along with what we ate, what we loved, and why each one is worth a stop during your visit to Wilkesboro, NC.
Grab Coffee at Talia Espresso
Our first stop when we arrived in North Wilkesboro was at Talia Espresso in downtown, and it was a great way to kick off our visit. The cafe has a warm, welcoming vibe, with plenty of tables and comfy places to relax, enjoy some coffee and food, or get some work done. We really liked that they have both indoor and outdoor seating as well.
We ordered some coffees (a honey, lavender latte and a salted caramel pumpkin spice latte), and some food as well, since it was lunch time. Sitting with our coffee, we noticed a steady stream of locals stopping in, chatting with the staff, and catching up with friends. It’s clear that Talia’s is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a community hub.
It set the tone for the rest of our trip — a relaxed, small-town charm paired with genuinely good food and drink. If you’re spending time in downtown Wilkesboro, Talia Espresso is a must-stop for your morning caffeine fix.
Roaring River Vineyards and Restaurant
One of the most memorable stops during our visit to Wilkes County was Roaring River Vineyards. Located along the river, this vineyard is as much about the setting and experience as it is about the wine — and we loved every part of it.
We started with lunch at the restaurant, and it was fantastic. The highlight was a massive charcuterie board, loaded with meats, cheeses, fruits, and accompaniments that paired beautifully with their wines. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. We highly recommend grabbing a table outside if the weather is nice — there’s nothing quite like enjoying good food and wine while listening to the river rushing by just a few feet away.
During our visit, we had the chance to meet Tom Silvey, the owner, who shared the story of how Roaring River Vineyards came to be. His vision was to create a unique vineyard and winery right on the river, a place where people could relax, celebrate, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Tom graciously showed us around the property, including their rental homes, multi-purpose space for weddings and events, and even their campground. We also toured the vineyards themselves, which added an extra layer of appreciation when sipping their wines.
Roaring River Vineyards is located in Traphill, about 25 minutes from Wilkesboro. The winery and restaurant are generally open Thursday through Sunday, but hours can vary seasonally, so it’s best to check their website before visiting. Reservations are recommended for the restaurant, especially if you want outdoor seating by the river.
The Lost Wombat
We stopped at The Lost Wombat during the our food tour and were immediately drawn in by its fun Aussie vibe and creative menu. We tried their Aussie Burger — a true Australian classic “with the lot.” It came piled high with a 7oz rissole patty, cheese, fried egg, bacon, pineapple ring, tomato, lettuce, fried onion, pickled beet slices, and BBQ sauce, all served with crispy fries. It was every bit as good as it sounds.
To go with it, we had a refreshing Moonshine Lemonade, which paired perfectly with the meal. While there, we met the owner — who also owns the Liberty Theater — and he told us all about the food and their signature Kangaroo Burger (yes, made with real kangaroo meat). You can tell he takes a lot of pride in what they’re doing here.
The Lost Wombat has something for everyone — great food and drinks, a family-friendly “yard” next door, and an adults-only tavern upstairs.
Cinder Bistro
As part of the Blue Ridge Food Tour, we stopped into Cinder Bistro and were treated to an incredible sample of their barbecue — pulled smoked chicken, pulled pork, and brisket — along with some perfectly seasoned collard greens. Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth good. We’ve had a lot of BBQ during our travels, and Cinder Bistro easily ranks in our top favorites.
They also served us a fresh blackberry dessert created by the chef that looked as good as it tasted — the perfect sweet finish to the meal. To go with everything, we sampled a flight of local beers, which paired perfectly with the smoky flavors.
We had a chance to meet the owners, who were as warm and welcoming as the food was delicious. Their passion for great food and excellent customer service really shows in every detail.
Cagney’s Kitchen of Wilkesboro
We started one morning with breakfast at Cagney’s Kitchen, a popular local favorite known for its hearty Southern comfort food. Jenn went healthy with eggs, turkey bacon, and fresh fruit, while I went all in with corned beef hash and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and crispy hashbrowns — all washed down with plenty of hot coffee.
The food was really good, the portions generous, and our server was super friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is casual, family-friendly, and comfortable — the kind of place where you can relax and enjoy a good meal without any fuss.
We’d definitely eat at Cagney’s again next time we’re in town.
6th and Main
We visited 6th and Main as part of the food tour we did and immediately understood why it’s considered the nicest restaurant in town. While we wouldn’t call it “fine dining,” it definitely has a more upscale feel, with a cozy, inviting atmosphere and a full bar.
During our visit, we sat in the bar area and enjoyed a sample of their spicy pecan-encrusted chicken served with mashed potatoes, along with a glass of both red and white wine. The chicken was fantastic — tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
We had planned to come back for a full meal the next night, but the restaurant was closed for the weekend. It’s definitely on our short list for our next trip to Wilkesboro, and exactly the kind of restaurant we love — comfortable, welcoming, and a touch upscale.
Glenn’s
We stopped in at Glenn’s restaurant for breakfast, a longtime local spot near the Tyson processing plant that’s been serving Wilkes County for decades. Glenn’s is known as a gathering place for locals — the kind of restaurant where everyone seems to know each other, and the coffee never stops pouring.
The menu features classic country-style comfort food, with simple and familiar dishes like biscuits and gravy, eggs, and sausage.
It wasn’t quite our favorite meal of the trip, but we can appreciate its history, down-home charm, and the loyal crowd of regulars who clearly love starting their day here.
Moravian Falls Grill
We stopped at Moravian Falls Grill for lunch on our way back from visiting Perry Lowe Orchards. I ordered the chicken quesadilla special with fries, while Jenn went for the popcorn chicken and fries.
In addition to their regular menu, they offer daily specials like beef tips with gravy and a variety of Southern sides — fried potatoes and onions, green beans, pinto beans, and more. They even had peach cobbler for dessert.
The restaurant is small and cozy, with a focus on simple Southern comfort food. It’s clearly a local favorite and a convenient spot to grab a hearty meal when visiting Moravian Falls or the orchard nearby. The food was good, the service friendly, and it definitely has that home-cooked, small-town feel.
Dom Bakeries
Dom Bakeries was our first stop on the Blue Ridge Food Tours, and it was a great way to kick things off. We sampled their cheese pizza and an apple cider donut — both simple but delicious. The pizza had that classic New York–style flavor, and the donut was soft, sweet, and full of fall flavor.
The staff was friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is very casual — the kind of place you can pop into for a quick bite, a coffee, or a treat to go. It’s a solid local spot for anyone craving something fresh and homemade in Wilkesboro.
Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant
We had dinner at Amalfi’s one evening and found the place packed with customers — always a good sign. We started with glasses of wine and an order of cheese sticks before moving on to our entrees. I had the Salmon Mediterraneo, and Jenn went with the Chicken Parmesan. Both dishes were delicious, generously portioned, and full of flavor.
Our server was friendly and attentive, and we even had a nice chat with the owner during our meal. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, and the value is hard to beat — the portions are huge for the price. We were too full for dessert, but it’s definitely on our list for next time.
