8 North Carolina Spots Where You Can Enjoy The Best Shrimp And Grits
North Carolina’s culinary landscape offers a treasure trove of Southern comfort food, with shrimp and grits standing tall as a beloved classic.
This hearty dish combines creamy stone-ground grits with succulent shrimp, creating the perfect marriage of textures and flavors.
From coastal towns to mountain hideaways, the Tar Heel State serves up some of the most mouthwatering versions of this iconic dish you’ll ever taste.
1. Seasons 52 (Raleigh)
National chain reputation aside, Seasons 52 in Raleigh has earned its crown as the city’s shrimp and grits champion. Unlike traditional heavy versions, theirs offers a refined, lighter approach that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
The secret lies in their commitment to seasonal ingredients. I still remember my first visit—the waiter proudly explained that their grits come from a historic mill just hours away.
That local touch transforms what could be ordinary into something truly special that keeps regulars coming back week after week.
2. Sunny Point Café (Asheville)
Nestled in Asheville’s vibrant food scene, Sunny Point Café transforms breakfast into an art form. Their shrimp and grits arrive as a mountain masterpiece, spicy chipotle-infused cheese grits form the foundation for perfectly cooked shrimp.
Smoky bacon adds depth while the Dijon cream sauce ties everything together with tangy sophistication. Early birds catch more than worms here; they snag the best tables for this morning delicacy that locals and tourists alike crave.
3. Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar (Raleigh)
Southern fusion finds its perfect expression at Relish, where traditional shrimp and grits get a creative makeover. The chefs here aren’t afraid to play with flavors, adding unexpected touches that somehow feel both innovative and authentic.
Their grits achieve that elusive perfect texture, creamy yet still maintaining individual kernels. The shrimp arrive plump and juicy, swimming in a sauce that demands to be sopped up with their famous biscuits.
Weekend brunch sees lines forming before opening—clear evidence of their culinary prowess.
4. Glenwood Grill (Raleigh)
Tucked away in Raleigh’s Glenwood South district, this upscale eatery serves shrimp and grits that could make a born-and-raised Southerner weep with joy. Their version leans into richness with a savory gravy that’s practically drinkable.
Local Andouille sausage adds a spicy kick alongside the tender shrimp. The grits themselves deserve special mention, stone-ground daily and cooked to creamy perfection.
Each bite delivers comfort food elevated to fine dining status without losing its soulful roots.
5. Foragers Restaurant & Bar (Sylva, formerly Dillsboro)
Hidden in the mountains of western North Carolina, Foragers Restaurant & Bar—now located in nearby Sylva after moving from its original Dillsboro depot—serves shrimp and grits that reflect their commitment to local ingredients.
The restaurant’s rustic charm extends to their hearty interpretation of this classic dish. What makes their version stand out is the foraged mushrooms that add earthy complexity. During my summer visit, the chef mentioned they’d gathered chanterelles that morning from nearby woods.
This farm-to-table approach creates a mountain-meets-coast fusion that captures North Carolina’s diverse culinary landscape perfectly.
6. Cape Fear Seafood Company (Wilmington)
With Wilmington’s proximity to the coast, seafood standards run high, and Cape Fear Seafood Company clears the bar with room to spare. Their award-winning shrimp and grits showcase what happens when ultra-fresh seafood meets classic technique.
The cream sauce achieves that perfect silky consistency, while bacon adds smokiness and tomatoes provide bright acidity. The cheese grits underneath stay firm enough to hold their own against the generous toppings.
No wonder locals have voted it the city’s best year after year!
7. The Dixie Grill (Wilmington)
Breakfast shrimp and grits? The Dixie Grill says absolutely! This Wilmington institution transforms the classic into morning fare by crowning their cheese grits with perfectly seasoned shrimp, crispy bacon, and a beautifully runny egg.
The yolk creates a natural sauce that mingles with the other flavors in harmony. A warm buttermilk biscuit comes alongside for sopping up every last bit.
I’ve never been much of a morning person, but for this plate, I’d set my alarm for sunrise any day of the week.
8. Cast Iron Kitchen (Wilmington)
Saucy and unapologetically indulgent describes Cast Iron Kitchen’s famous “wet” shrimp and grits. Their red-eye gravy—a Southern classic made with coffee—forms the base of a tomato cream sauce that’s downright addictive.
Smoked sausage adds hearty texture while sweet onions provide gentle balance. The restaurant’s no-frills atmosphere lets the food take center stage.
Chef Josh Petty has created a dish so beloved that regulars joke they should start a support group for those who can’t go a week without their fix.