Nestled in the Carolina sandhills, Pinehurst, NC is a legendary golfing mecca and home to multiple championship golfing tournaments and the historic Pinehurst Resort. Featuring nine world-class courses, the town thrills golfing fanatics from across the country.
But there’s more to Pinehurst than just golf. The town hosts several annual events, such as the Pinehurst BBQ festival, the Holly Arts & Crafts Festival, and Oktoberfest.
Foodies have also been drawn to Pinehurst recently, with eateries featuring locally-sourced ingredients with a Southern flair, fine dining, and international cuisine. Use this list of the best restaurants in Pinehurst to plan a foodie trip for every occasion.
1. Elliotts on Linden
$$$ | 910-215-0775 | WEBSITE
One of the most popular restaurants in town, Elliotts on Linden specializes in farm-to-fork foods with ingredients from local farmers and artisans, such as grass-fed beef, produce, and cheeses.
Start with a Peach and Tomato Salad with fresh veggies, and Paradox Farmer’s cheese drizzled with honey vinaigrette. For an entree, choose from dishes like Country Chicken stuffed with cornbread or Lamb Wellington.
Plenty of yummy sides with a Southern twist, such as Truffle Macaroni And Gruyere Cheese or Country Style Potatoes are offered. Elliots offers private dining and is popular for birthday parties and gala events.
2. The Deuce
$$ | 855-235-8507 | WEBSITE
Dine with a view of the historic 18th hole in a casual atmosphere with a rustic interior at The Deuce. Voted “Best New Restaurant in Golf” by Golfing Magazine, The Deuce features creative pub fare, signature cocktails, and craft beers, including North Carolina microbrews.
You’ll find starters to delight the tastebuds like Crispy Cajun Brussel Sprouts or Southern Pimento Cheese Dip with assorted crackers. Move on to an entree such as Pasta Alfredo and Salmon Risotto served with Seasonal Mixed Berry Salad.
The Deuce is a great stopover for after-golfing or touring the town’s Antebellum homes.
3. Neko Thai and Sushi
$ | 910-420-2248 | WEBSITE
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Neko Thai and Sushi specializes in Thai and Japanese cuisine, all made with the freshest ingredients. The menu is surprisingly extensive and includes Thai and Japanese appetizers, salads, and Sushi A la Carte.
The Thai Calamari, crispy fried and served with sweet chili sauce, is highly recommended. Or try the Wakame Salad made with Japanese green seaweed and sesame seeds. You can order out or dine in to experience the exhibition kitchen. For convenience, call your dine-in order first.
4. Carolina Dining Room
$$ | 855-235-8507 | WEBSITE
For stellar upscale dining, look no further than the Carolina Dining Room, located at the historic Pinehurst Resort. Try the famous breakfast buffet featuring Southern favorites along with piano music.
A tempting dinner menu changes with the seasons and incorporates fresh flavors of the area, like hand-selected, aged beef and produce from local farmers. Choose from delectables such as Veal Oscar, Steak Diane, and Lamb Loin au Poivre.
The chef, a native of France, has worked in Michelin-ranked restaurants around the globe. Please dress in business casual attire (no flip-flops, hats, or shorts at dinner).
5. Casa Santa Ana
$$ | 910-215-8010 | WEBSITE
For authentic Mexican food made daily with only the freshest ingredients, head to Casa Santa Ana. An array of appetizers are offered, including grilled shrimp, Bean & Queso Dip, and Rebanadas De Queso.
With steak or shrimp fajita dinners for two, Casa Santa Ana is the perfect place for a date night. The atmosphere is fun and casual. Or enjoy an excellent meal at home from the extensive take-out menu including lots of taco and fajita options.
6. Drum & Quill
$$$ | 910 295-3193 | WEBSITE
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The Drum & Quill is an Irish-style pub. Along with its Old Town location in a historic building, you’ll experience a cozy atmosphere that gives it the status of Pinehurst’s “Cheers” with an excellent selection of beers and cocktails.
The fare is internationally inspired with great eats like Angus burgers and Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos. Or try one of their scrumptious sandwiches like fresh homemade chicken salad on toasted sourdough bread. And the Drum & Quill is famous for its Ruben with pastrami and Swiss cheese.
Stop by the Drum & Quill with friends after golf for drinks and pub fare.
7. 715 Bar & Grill
$$ | 910-695-7077 | WEBSITE
Formerly the Broad Street Bar & Grill, this new eaterie has a new owner, look, and atmosphere. The patio is enclosed and there’s an outside bar, so pets are welcome.
715 Bar & Grill has a yummy selection of starters. Try the deep-fried mushrooms served with house-made ranch or pickles deep-fried in a seasoned beer batter.
Several sandwiches are on the menu, including the 10-oz Angus burger, and the jumbo wings are fresh and never frozen. Pick-up and delivery are available, but why not dine in and enjoy a game of darts and live music with friends?
8. Ironwood Cafe
$$$$ | (910) 255-0000 | WEBSITE
Open since 2006, the Ironwood Cafe is a trendy bistro serving contemporary American fare and Southern-inspired cuisine for lunch and dinner. It also offers a superb Sunday brunch.
There’s a tantalizing starters list from Tuna Tartare to a Chef’s Tasting board loaded with tasty treats. For your entree, try a Signature Steak such as Prime Ribeye or Filet Mignon along with a fresh House Salad.
The Ironwood has a warm and inviting atmosphere. Have a craft beer or artisan cocktail on the patio underneath tall Southern pines and magnolias. A private dining room is available for gala affairs.
9. Dugan’s Pub
$$ | 910-295-3400 | WEBSITE
Located in the Village Shops of Pinehurst, Dugan’s is an Irish-style pub specializing in hearty pun fare. The menu offers an excellent selection of sandwiches, from Buffalo Chicken Breast to Deli-style and the Best Burgers in town. Or try the Wings Your Way flavors like Firecracker and Jamaican.
Wednesday nights are All You Can Eat Fish n’ Chips, and live music is featured on Friday and Saturday nights. Dugan’s is in the middle of all the action. Go hungry after exploring the town or on the weekends for date night.
10.Villaggio Ristorante & Bar
$$$ | 910-235-8950 | WEBSITE
Feast on fine Italian cuisine at Villaggio Ristorante & Bar located at The Magnolia Inn. Start with a Charcuterie Board that’s sharable and laden with Italian imported meats, cheeses, and house-picked veggies.
You’ll find anything Italian you may be craving, from fresh housemade pasta like Raviola Del Giorno to exquisite entrees such as Filleto Di Salmone served with the seasonal vegetable of the day.
Villaggio’s has an extensive wine list to complement your meal. Save room for a decadent dessert like Flourless Chocolate Torte served with berries and chantilly cream. The second-oldest hotel in the Village provides an elegant atmosphere.
11. Pinehurst Brewing Company
$$ | 910-235-8218 | WEBSITE
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The Pinehust Brewing Company definitely belongs on the list of the best restaurants in Pinehurst. Located inside a historic steam plant, the atmosphere is fun and festive with creative artisan beers on tap.
The Smokehouse serves ribs, chicken, beef brisket, and pulled pork, as well as pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. Lunch discounts are given to teachers, students, hospitality and healthcare workers, and the military. PBC is the perfect place to go for beer and BBQ after a day of golf.
12. The Tavern
$$ | (855) 235-8507 | WEBSITE
Located at Pinehurst Resort Realty. The Tavern is a casual place for lunch or dinner. Its centerpiece is an antique bar brought over from Scotland.
The lunch menu features delectable sandwiches, soups, and salads. Chock full of succulent crab meat, the She-Crab Soup comes highly recommended.
Heartier fare is served at dinner with starters like Peruvian Chicken Tacos stuffed with spicy grilled chicken, shaved red cabbage, and red onions. Or try the Southern Hushpuppies made with white cheddar and caramelized onions.
The Tavern is the perfect place to share golf tall tales and pre-round or post-round libations and bar bites.
Summary
Along with great golfing, shopping, and historic sightseeing, Pinehurst is also a haven for foodies with a variety of restaurants from casual and laid-back to elegant and upscale. You’ll find something for every palette, including classic Southern fare and international cuisine served with craft brews, fine wines, and creative cocktails.
