7 Hidden Gems in North Carolina Serving Fried Green Tomatoes You’ll Crave
Nothing says Southern comfort like a plate of perfectly crispy, tangy fried green tomatoes. Across North Carolina, talented chefs are putting their own spin on this classic dish, creating versions that range from traditional to innovative. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these seven hidden gems serve up fried green tomatoes that will have you coming back for seconds.
1. Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar (Raleigh)
Southern hospitality meets culinary artistry at this Raleigh hotspot. The fried green tomatoes here arrive stacked high with pimento cheese, bacon jam, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction that ties everything together beautifully.
What makes their version special is the cornmeal coating – extra crunchy with just the right seasoning blend. Locals rave about the perfect texture contrast between the firm tomato and crispy exterior.
Their bourbon selection pairs wonderfully with these tangy bites, making it an ideal stop for a sophisticated Southern experience with a modern twist. The cozy brick interior creates just the right atmosphere for savoring this iconic dish.
2. Flavor Hills (Raleigh)
Family recipes shine at this unassuming Raleigh gem where the fried green tomatoes tell a story of generations past. Each slice is hand-cut thick, double-dipped in buttermilk and a secret spice blend that owner Margie won’t reveal even to regular customers.
The tomatoes arrive piping hot with a side of smoked paprika aioli that elevates the entire experience. Weekends often mean a 30-minute wait, but regulars insist it’s worth every second.
A fun fact: Flavor Hills sources their green tomatoes from a family farm just 15 miles away, ensuring peak freshness that you can taste in every bite. Their outdoor patio makes summer dining especially pleasant.
3. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen (Cary)
“Our grandmothers would approve,” says Chef Jay Pierce about Lucky 32’s celebrated fried green tomatoes. The difference here? A light dusting of rice flour before the cornmeal coating creates an impossibly delicate crunch that regulars swear is unmatched anywhere else in the state.
Served with a dollop of jalapeño mayo and crumbled goat cheese, these tomatoes strike the perfect balance between traditional and innovative. The restaurant’s farm-to-table philosophy means the tomatoes are picked at just the right moment.
Nestled in a charming corner of Cary, Lucky 32’s warm lighting and polished wood interior create an inviting atmosphere that makes you want to linger over every bite. Their seasonal cocktail menu offers perfect pairings.
4. Scratch Kitchen & Taproom (Cary)
Ever had fried green tomatoes on a burger? Scratch Kitchen’s legendary “Green Tomato Stack” features their crispy fried green tomatoes layered with house-smoked pulled pork and tangy slaw on a buttery brioche bun. It’s a handheld revelation that’s converted even the most skeptical diners.
The standalone appetizer version comes with pimento cheese, pickled onions, and micro greens. Chef Jeff’s secret? A quick pickle brine soak before frying that adds an extra dimension of flavor.
The restaurant’s industrial-chic vibe with exposed beams and craft beer taps creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for food exploration. Their rotating beer selection from local NC breweries makes for ideal tomato-pairing opportunities.
5. It’s a Southern Thing (Durham)
Grandma’s recipe meets chef’s precision at this Durham treasure where the fried green tomatoes arrive in cast iron, still sizzling when they reach your table. The cornmeal crust has a hint of brown sugar that caramelizes during frying – a family secret that owner Pete learned from his Mississippi-born grandmother.
Served alongside house-made pimento cheese and pepper jelly, these tomatoes create a perfect trinity of Southern flavors. The restaurant’s charming converted warehouse space in downtown Durham features reclaimed wood and vintage photos of the city.
During summer months, they offer a special heirloom green tomato version using Cherokee Purple tomatoes picked green, which adds a subtle complexity to the dish. Their bourbon selection makes for excellent pairing options.
6. The Big Easy NC (Raleigh)
Louisiana meets Carolina at this Raleigh establishment where the fried green tomatoes come with a Creole twist. Chef Marcus layers his crispy tomato slices with blackened shrimp and a spicy remoulade that packs just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
Jazz plays softly in the background as you bite into these perfectly balanced flavor bombs. The cornmeal coating includes a blend of Cajun spices that gives these tomatoes their distinctive character.
Located in a historic building with exposed brick and New Orleans-inspired decor, The Big Easy creates an atmosphere that transports you straight to the French Quarter. Their craft cocktail menu features several options specifically designed to complement the acidity of green tomatoes.
7. STIR (Raleigh)
Unexpected brilliance awaits at STIR, where the chef’s Asian-Southern fusion approach transforms traditional fried green tomatoes into something entirely new. Panko breadcrumbs replace cornmeal, creating an extraordinarily light, shatteringly crisp exterior that regulars can’t stop talking about.
The accompanying wasabi-honey drizzle and pickled ginger slaw turn each bite into a flavor adventure. Surprisingly, these fusion elements enhance rather than mask the natural tartness of the green tomatoes.
STIR’s sleek, modern interior with floor-to-ceiling windows offers views of downtown Raleigh that make the dining experience feel special. Their handcrafted cocktails, particularly the Green Tomato Martini (yes, really!), have developed a cult following among local food enthusiasts.
