Where to Find the Best Shrimp & Grits in Raleigh (and Nearby)

Shrimp and grits may be a South Carolina staple, but here in Raleigh you can find this Lowcountry cuisine in spades! In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that doesn’t have it on its menu here in the City of Oaks – we do love our comfort food.

Because it is so popular, narrowing down a list of places that serve the best shrimp and grits in Raleigh is not an easy task.

So, we asked our Facebook community of Raleigh locals for their help. Together, we’ve managed to create this list of where to get the best shrimp and grits in Raleigh and surrounding areas.

When you’re ready to unbuckle those belt buckles and stick a fork into some hearty shrimp and grits, here’s the local roundup of the most recommended spots:

Top Picks in Raleigh

1. Glenwood Grill 

Glenwood Grill was voted the best place for shrimp and grits by several members of our social media community, so we had to include them first. They are well known for their Southern-inspired cuisine, but with their own unique flare.

The shrimp and grits at Glenwood Grill aren’t just shrimp, they add andouille (a spicy, smoked pork), tasso ham and green tomato relish. The flavor profile is stellar! What’s more is that they also have the perfect grit to gravy ratio and don’t skimp out on the shrimp.  

The restaurant itself is casual and comfortable, with minimalistic decor and large bay windows. There are a few outdoor tables for those who prefer to dine al fresco style.

• Address: 2603 Glenwood Ave
• Website: glenwoodgrill.com 

2. NoFo @ The Pig 

NoFo @ The Pig is a quirky spot with a restaurant downstairs and a gift shop and market upstairs. Set in a former Piggly Wiggly supermarket, the space is bright and airy, with huge windows and colorful displays.

The cuisine is your usual Southern flair, and their shrimp and grits receive rave reviews. Pair this with a house made Bloody Mary and you’re starting your day off right!

We’ll be brunching here soon, so will report back with our personal opinion of the shrimp and grits! (Or should I order something else?)

• Address: 2014 Fairview Rd
• Website: nofo.com 

3. Flying Biscuit Café 

We love the Flying Biscuit Café, which has several locations across North Carolina, but our favorite spot is the Brier Creek location because it has a gorgeous outdoor terrace with a lawn where kids can play.

The inside is bright and colorful, with handpainted murals on the walls and ceiling, and the staff are always as cheerful as the decoration.

They may be a chain, but they are consistent in what they offer. This is where many of our community said it’s their go-to spot for this Southern classic meal. Their grits have been praised for being super creamy, so if this isn’t how you like your grits, keep reading… 

• Address: 9400 Brier Creek Pkwy Suite 101
• Website: flyingbiscuit.com

4. The Big Easy (Fayetteville St) 

For those craving a New Orleans vibe, The Big Easy in downtown Raleigh has a version of shrimp and grits that doesn’t disappoint.

The interior is industrial meets cozy French bistro and wouldn’t look out of place in the French Quarter of New Orleans.

As you can expect from s creole-inspired menu, the shrimp and grits here are creamy and cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with the right amount of spice. It also comes with cornbread that’s gluten-free, which is ideal for us since we’re off gluten!

• Address: 222 Fayetteville St
• Website: bigeasync.com 

5. Relish 

Relish is a little out of town in Northwest Raleigh, but they are worth the effort as their Southern comfort menu keeps you coming back. They have a big, bright space with both indoor and outdoor seating, and have an overall laid-back atmosphere.

The shrimp and grits are scrumptious! The shrimps are lightly spiced and sautéed with bacon and green onion and the grits are made with cheddar cheese and served with grilled ciabatta bread.

They are a Raleigh favorite because they don’t skimp out on the shrimp and offer heaps of bacon. It’s hearty and rich, and you may possibly need someone to wheel you out of there afterwards…but in the best possible way.

• Address: 5625 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh
• Website: relishraleigh.com

6. St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar 

Back in downtown Raleigh next to Moore Square is St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar, who are known for their New-Orleans inspired cuisine.

If traditional shrimp and grits is not what you’re looking for, and you want something that will blow your mind, then try their creative Bolo n’ Grits or Gumbo n’ Grits for a unique twist on the traditional dish. They are zesty in flavor and rich in texture, but go perfectly with the restaurant’s namesake dish, roasted oysters.

Also, don’t forget to order some beignets for dessert. They are delicious! St Roch is one of the best seafood restaurants in Raleigh!

• Address: 223 S Wilmington St
• Website: strochraleigh.com 

7. Irregardless

Irregardless is a cozy Raleigh brunch spot on Morgan Street, known for its lively atmosphere and Southern inspired menu. All ingredients are locally sourced and cooked fresh – a true farm-to-table experience! And we also love how there is live jazz music on from time to time.

They are also one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh, if you’re visiting with some non-meat eaters. Irregardless is also one of my favorite gluten free restaurants in Raleigh. If you come for brunch, you get complimentary bread and scones.

I have previously enjoyed a brunch serving of shrimp and grits – extra cheesy style. It pairs perfectly with a brunch cocktail (I had a mezcal special!)

• Address: 901 W Morgan St
• Website: irregardless.com 

8. Winston’s Grille

Located in North Raleigh, Winston’s Grille is consistently praised by shrimp and grits enthusiasts, who rave about them for being incredibly creamy.

Now, I can attest to Winston’s Grille having the best shrimp and grits after devouring a bowl last week when we visited with Craig’s parents. The shrimp in these creamy grits are sautéed with tomatoes, shallots, shitake mushrooms, basil and applewood smoked bacon. I was thrilled to have some for leftovers the next day.

Winston’s decor is upscale and Italianesque, with wood paneling and booth seating, allowing for more privacy – it would make a wonderful spot for a date night or special evening out.

For dessert, try some of their homemade ice cream, their chocolate souffle, or banana fosters.

• Address: 6401 Falls of Neuse Rd
• Website: winstonsgrille.com 

9. Cape Fear Seafood Company

Cape Fear Seafood Company has a couple of locations in Raleigh and Wake Forest, but we like their branch on Clark Avenue in downtown the best – it has a relaxed, homey vibe with a beachy feel.

This award-winning restaurant is known for its friendly service, high quality food, and affordable prices. They make memorable shrimp and grits, served with applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, scallions, mushrooms, and cooked in a low country cream sauce.

• Address: 2018 Clark Ave
• Website: capefearseafoodcompany.com 

Popular Picks Beyond Raleigh

10. Peck & Plume at The Mayton Inn (Cary) 

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Raleigh and you’ve landed in downtown Cary, where you’ll find the perfect brunch spot for a date or catch up with friends.

Peck & Plume at The Mayton Inn is an upscale restaurant that serves Southern classics with a modern kick!

We took our visiting friends from Scottsdale to Peck & Plume for brunch and I fell in love with their barbecue shrimp and grits with sausage egg roll. (see more of our 2-day Raleigh and Cary itinerary).

Then last week we took Craig’s parents, and I fell in love again with their latest version packing a spicy punch with a bourbon corn sauté that will blow your mind! I also like that their shrimp and grits are gluten-free!

Both versions here are in my top three favorite shrimp and grits in Wake County for their unique fusion flavors. I cannot wait to try their next seasonal shrimp and grits installment.

This is perfect for brunch lovers who want to enjoy a Southern classic in an elegant setting. See more restaurants in downtown Cary.

• Address: 301 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
• Website: PeckandPlume.com

11. Carolina Coffee Shop, Chapel Hill

If you’re venturing out to Chapel Hill, Carolina Coffee Shop is a must-visit for shrimp and grits lovers. Known for its cozy Southern charm, and for being the oldest continually running restaurant in North Carolina, it’s perfect for any kind of breakfast craving. We’ve eaten here a few times, most recently with Craig’s parents.

While his mum raved about their berry pancakes, I devoured their unique take on their perfectly seasoned shrimp atop creamy, stone-ground grits. Their rich and creamy shrimp and grits is created from sautéed shrimp, bacon, asparagus, tomato, garlic, and white wine butter sauce.

It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike for breakfast, brunch, or any time you’re craving a taste of the South. I’m also happy to report their flat white from their small coffee shop next door was sensational enough to make an Aussie grin from ear to ear.

• Address: 138 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill
• Website: www.carolinacoffeeshop.com

12. Manning’s (Clayton)

Located a 25-minute drive out of downtown Raleigh in the town of Clayton, is Manning’s, known for its comforting Southern fare.

It has a rustic, easy going farmhouse vibe both inside and out, and we love the stunning wooden deck with a fire pit and hanging lights. All dishes come with that home cooked texture, and taste as though they were cooked by your Grandma.

Manning’s shrimp and grits are a local favorite. They come with caramelized onions and country ham gravy, which is so rich and heavenly, you will be licking the plate clean! Check out these other things to do in Clayton while there.

• Address: 406 E Main St, Clayton
• Website: manningsonmain.com 

Further Afield: Over An Hour’s Drive (But Worth It)

13. The Oceanic (Wrightsville Beach) 

Wrightsville Beach is our favorite getaway from Raleigh and is only a 2 to 3-hour drive away! If you’re going away for a weekend and looking for a hearty breakfast to fuel your day, then head to The Oceanic, a serene brunch spot with incredible ocean views.

The decor is high end and contemporary, but the ideal place to sit is out on the historic Crystal Pier which was rebuilt and now serves as outdoor seating.

People love the shrimp and grits here, which are flavored with Sherry wine. They are not your traditional flavor, but once you try it, you’ll be wanting Sherry wine on all your food!

• Address: 703 S Lumina Ave, Wrightsville Beach
• Website: oceanicrestaurant.com 

14. Bluewater Waterfront Grill (Wrightsville Beach)

Also in Wrightsville Beach is the scenic Bluewater Waterfront Grill, a scenic spot with a gorgeous waterfront patio area overlooking the marina. The vibe here is lively and upbeat, with live music regularly.

They serve sea to plate cuisine, and everything is served fresh and cooked using seasonal ingredients. The real star of the show though is of course the shrimp and grits, which comes with a Cajun cream sauce that adds a real kick! 

• Address: 4 Marina St, Wrightsville Beach
• Website: bluewaterdining.com 

15. The Chelsea (New Bern)

The Chelsea is a classic coastal restaurant with an upscale vibe in New Bern with a loyal fanbase that claims its shrimp and grits are unmatched.

This two-storey restaurant’s claim to fame is that their restaurant was where the inventor of Pepsi used to work.

Its second claim to fame is the shrimp and grits, which are a top-seller. The shrimps are cooked to perfection. The starter shrimp and grits are a unique combination of apple smoked bacon, tomatoes and scallions and served with brown butter barbecue sauce really ups the flavor profile.

For more traditional flavors, order front he entrees menu, which comes with shrimp sautéed with scallions, tomatoes, mushrooms and smoked sausage, and creamy stone ground grits with cheddar-jack cheese.

• Address: 335 Middle St, New Bern
• Website: thechelsea.com 

16. The Trading Post (Emerald Isle)

When in Emerald Isle, make sure to stop by The Trading Post, where their shrimp and grits are a standout dish. This was the experience that had me thinking “I need to eat this classic southern dish more often!”

This coastal gem takes the classic Southern favorite to the next level with plump, fresh-caught shrimp perfectly paired with creamy, flavorful grits, cheddar cheese, bacon, spinach, mushroom, tomato and topped with Shredded Hash Browns and One Poached Egg. You won’t need to eat for the rest of the day!

Whether you’re soaking up the laid-back beach vibes or indulging in a hearty meal after a day by the shore, The Trading Post’s shrimp and grits are a must-try that captures the essence of coastal Carolina cuisine. Here are more things we discovered on our three-day Crystal Coast winter vacation.

• Address: 8302 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle
• Website: TheTradingPost.com

If you want to travel even further afield the shrimps and grits with onions, tomatoes, and andouille sausage in a Cajun white wine butter sauce that I had in Edgefield South Carolina was outstanding – one of the best I’ve had.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving a traditional plate or looking to try a unique twist, these spots come highly recommended by Raleigh locals and fans of shrimp and grits. 

We hope you were able to find a place to satisfy your craving on this list. Let us know in the comments if you visited a place and what you thought, or if there’s a hidden gem we missed!