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Hungry and looking for a restaurant near Wake Forest University? Skip the endless lists and find out what’s actually good. From crepes and coffee to steaks and late-night burgers, these spots are all within two miles of campus and worth the trip.
Best Overall: Village Tavern (Reynolda Village)
If you only have time for one restaurant near Wake Forest University, make it this one. Village Tavern has been a go-to for decades, thanks to its classic American menu, polished service, and unbeatable location steps from campus.
Whether you’re grabbing brunch with family, meeting coworkers for lunch, or celebrating a big win, it always delivers. Expect dependable favorites like grilled salmon, burgers, flatbreads, and a solid wine list.
Quick Takeaway: Walkable. Reliable. Works for picky eaters and foodies alike.
Best Student Hangout: Campus Gas
Retro gas station outside, local beer and trivia nights inside. Campus Gas isn’t just close to Wake—it feels built for it.
Students gather here for burgers, beer, and midweek open mics. By day, it’s a quiet coffee stop. By night, it’s a patio full of laptops, pimento cheese fries, and someone debating which IPA to try next.
Opened in 2018 by Wake Forest alumni, Campus Gas maintains a relaxed atmosphere and an approachable menu. Think grilled cheese, hot dogs, burgers, and milkshakes served until late.
- What to get: We’re partial to the BLT — crispy, stacked, and the best in town
- Also good for: Trivia nights, local beer flights, patio hangs
Why It Works: It’s laid-back, walkable, and always buzzing, whether you’re there to study, snack, or sing karaoke.
Best For Brunch: Penny Path Café & Crepe Shop
If you’re hunting for a relaxed brunch restaurant near Wake Forest University, Penny Path should be at the top of your list.
This cozy spot in Reynolda Village serves crepes that work any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or both, Penny Path has you covered.
- Savory picks: Go simple with Ham & Cheese or dive into The Kitchen Sink—a loaded crepe packed with spinach, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, hummus, peppers, and cheese
- Sweet favorites: The Crepe Suzette is a citrusy classic, but the Fruit Cheesecake might steal the show
- Indoor and patio seating: Ideal for catching up with friends or fueling a mid-morning study break
Pro Tip: Come early on weekends or expect a short line. It’s popular for a reason.
Best For A Date: Diamondback Grill
If your idea of a great date night includes cozy lighting, made-from-scratch food, and a low-key vibe that still feels special, Diamondback Grill delivers.
This family-owned spot near Buena Vista has been winning over couples for years with a menu that changes just enough to stay fresh, but always feels like a sure bet.
Start with crab hushpuppies or steak-topped crostini, then move on to bacon-wrapped shrimp, pork chops with blueberry balsamic glaze, or a locally famous fried catfish. The cocktail list leans creative without going overboard, and their bourbon pecan pie might outshine the entrée.
Why It Works: You’ll eat well, drink better, and still have enough money left to split dessert.
Best Fine Dining: Ryan’s Restaurant – Steaks, Chops & Seafood
Tucked into the woods off Coliseum Drive, Ryan’s feels like an escape without leaving town. Inside, white tablecloths, polished wood, and big picture windows set the mood for upscale Southern hospitality. It’s the kind of place you book for anniversaries, job offers, or the night your parents say, “our treat.”
Locally owned and under the same management since 1981, Ryan’s has become a Winston-Salem institution.
It’s a consistent favorite thanks to its warm atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu that knows exactly what it’s doing. Think juicy steaks, grilled fish, fresh Maine lobster, and classic sides served à la carte.
Make It Memorable: Ask for a window seat at sunset. You’ll feel like you’re dining in the trees.
Best Cheap Eats: May Way Dumplings
Tucked into Reynolda Village, May Way Dumplings is proof that good food doesn’t have to cost more than your coffee order. This tiny shop churns out handmade dumplings, pan-fried noodles, and rice bowls that hit the spot for under $10.
The vibe is no-frills and fast-moving, with just enough seating to tuck in before heading to class or strolling through the gardens. It’s a favorite for students, professors, and anyone who knows a good dumpling deal when they see one.
Budget Win: The dumpling-and-noodle combo is filling, fast, and flavorful—no sides needed.
Best Hangover Food: Jimmy The Greek Coliseum
If your head hurts and your stomach is growling, Jimmy The Greek delivers precisely what you need. This no-frills diner-style spot serves up big, greasy, glorious plates of food that don’t judge your life choices.
Grab a gyro, a cheeseburger, or a giant pile of fries—whatever feels like it’ll soak up last night. Breakfast is available all day, the service is fast, and the sweet tea flows like a Southern cure-all.
Morning-After Move: Two eggs, home fries, toast, and bacon. Then, go home and nap.
Best Family-Friendly Spot: Mama Zoë Michael’s
Big portions, no pretense, and a menu that keeps everyone at the table happy. Mama Zoë Michael’s is a longtime local favorite that blends classic Southern comfort food with a few Greek specialties that surprise you in the best way.
Kids can stick to pancakes or grilled cheese. Grandparents can get meatloaf or country-fried steak.
And you? You might just end up with spanakopita and a side of mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of place where the service feels like a neighbor checking in, not just taking your order.
Good To Know: Breakfast is served all day, and no one will rush you if your table lingers over coffee.
Best Hidden Gem: Dioli’s Italian Market
This one doesn’t have trendy lighting or a clever sign. What it does have is everything you didn’t realize you were craving.
Freshly made cannoli. Meatball subs wrapped in butcher paper. A deli case full of house-made pasta and tiramisu. Dioli’s feels like the kind of neighborhood market you wish you lived next to.
Part Italian deli, part bakery, part sandwich shop, it’s equally great for a quick lunch or picking up dinner on your way home. The line moves fast, the smells are incredible, and if you leave without a cookie or a pastry, we’re not sure you did it right.
What Makes It Special: It’s casual, counter-serve, and entirely craveable.
Best International Flavor: El Triunfo Restaurant
Blink and you might miss it. But don’t, because inside this modest little spot is some of the best Latin comfort food in Winston-Salem.
El Triunfo specializes in Salvadoran dishes that are rich, filling, and made with care. Pupusas are the star here, griddled to order and stuffed with cheese, beans, pork, or a mix of all three.
You’ll also find fried plantains, tamales, yucca, and a rotating lineup of daily specials that taste more like something your abuela would serve than a restaurant meal. Service is fast and friendly, and the prices are hard to beat.
Worth The Stop: Get the pupusas. Add curtido and a jar of house-made salsa. Thank us later.
Best Outdoor Patio & Live Events: Campus Gas
When the weather’s good, this is where everyone flocks. Campus Gas has one of the biggest and most inviting patios near Wake Forest.
Picnic tables, string lights, and a steady buzz of conversation make it feel like the neighborhood’s backyard. It’s casual enough for solo lunch with your laptop but lively enough for weekend drinks with friends.
But the real charm? This place comes alive after dark. Trivia nights, open mics, themed events, and Sunday drink specials make it more than just a lunch spot.
It’s where groups gather, music plays, and your quiet drink on the patio might turn into an accidental night out.
Good To Know: The patio is dog-friendly and shaded in the afternoon.
Best Study Spot With Snacks: Penny Path Café & Crepe Shop
Need to read a chapter, write a paper, or pretend you’re being productive while eating Nutella? Penny Path is the move.
It’s quiet enough to focus, cozy enough to stay a while, and always smells like powdered sugar and espresso.
There’s just the right amount of background chatter, plenty of sunlight, and a steady rotation of students who clearly know how to choose a good study spot. Whether you lean savory or sweet, the crepes hold up as both fuel and reward.
Study Break Tip: Go during off hours to snag a corner table and claim it like your own.
Best Dessert Or Treat: Dioli’s Italian Market
If you only go to Dioli’s for a cookie, that’s reason enough. But odds are you’ll leave with a cannoli, a slice of tiramisu, and maybe a loaf of bread you didn’t plan on buying.
The dessert case here is stacked with temptation—pastries, biscotti, cream puffs, and cakes that look like they came from a family-run bakery in Italy.
Everything is made in-house, and it shows. Nothing too flashy or overdone. Just the kind of rich, balanced sweets that somehow make you think, “Well, I earned this.”
Treat Yourself: The cannoli is the move. But honestly, pick what looks good. It always is.
More Restaurants Within 2 Miles Of Wake Forest
Still hungry? These spots didn’t land in a top category, but they’re all nearby and worth checking out:
- Elizabeth’s Italian Restaurant: Casual, no-frills Italian-American comfort food with generous portions and lots of garlic bread.
- Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse: Upscale Italian-style steakhouse with a relaxed vibe and solid seafood and cocktail options.
- Golden India Restaurant: Classic Indian menu with tikka masala, samosas, and saag paneer. Fast, flavorful, and takeout-friendly.
- No. 1 Chinese Restaurant: Simple, reliable Chinese takeout for lo mein, fried rice, sesame chicken, and other comfort classics.
- Putter’s Patio & Grill: Sports bar meets patio hangout with burgers, wings, and plenty of TVs.
Restaurants Within 3 Miles Of Wake Forest
These restaurants near Wake Forest University are just outside the 2-mile zone but still close enough for a quick drive and definitely worth visiting.
- 6th & Vine: Stylish wine bar with small plates, salads, and a charming downtown patio. Great for a casual date or a night out with friends.
- 1703 Restaurant: Upscale neighborhood spot serving seasonal American fare in a quiet, refined setting.
- Cibo Trattoria: Modern Italian restaurant with house-made pasta, creative cocktails, and a cozy atmosphere.
- Coppola’s: No-frills Italian American place known for hearty portions, friendly service, and comfort classics.
- Famous Toastery: Laid-back brunch and breakfast favorite offering benedicts, French toast, and custom omelets.
- Finnigan’s Wake: Irish pub with hearty bar food, Guinness on tap, and occasional live music nights.
- Great China: Dependable Chinese takeout with generous portions, quick service, and a familiar menu.
- La Carreta Mexican Restaurant: Traditional Mexican food with fast service, bold flavors, and strong margaritas.
- Little Richard’s Bar-N-Que: Lexington-style barbecue joint serving chopped pork, hush puppies, and sweet tea.
- Midtown Cafe and Dessertery: All-day breakfast, sandwiches, and a dessert case full of cakes, pies, and pastries.
- Mission Pizza Napoletano: Artisan wood-fired pizza with high-quality ingredients and a rotating list of creative toppings.
- Mizu Japanese Cuisine: Sushi, hibachi, and ramen served in a modern space with a wide-ranging menu.
- Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro: Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits served with a modern twist.
- Nawab Indian Cuisine: Elegant Indian dining with flavorful curries, tandoori specials, and many vegetarian options.
- River Birch Lodge: Rustic-themed restaurant offering steaks, salads, and sandwiches in a warm, mountain-lodge setting.
- The Old Fourth Street Filling Station: Elevated American menu in a historic gas station setting with patio seating.
- The Porch Kitchen and Cantina: Tex-Mex meets Southern cooking with bold flavors, creative brunch, and a lively atmosphere.
- West End Cafe: Longtime local favorite known for fresh sandwiches, soups, and rotating daily specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more specifics before you make a reservation or plan your next lunch run?
Below are some quick answers to common questions about where to eat near Wake Forest University. Whether you’re a student, parent, or longtime Winston-Salem resident, these tips can help you find the right spot for the right occasion.
Don’t see your question? Ask us in the comments!
What’s The Best Restaurant Near Wake Forest University For Parents Visiting?
Village Tavern is a popular choice among families, especially during move-in weekends, graduation, or campus tours. The location in Reynolda Village makes it easy to access from campus, and the menu offers something for everyone, including picky eaters.
For a more upscale experience, Ryan’s Restaurant is another go-to. Tucked just a few minutes from Wake, it offers steaks, seafood, and a polished atmosphere that’s ideal for a celebration or a quiet evening out.
Where Do Students Eat Near Wake Forest?
Campus Gas is the clear winner for student-friendly hangouts. It’s walkable, casual, and offers everything from breakfast sandwiches and coffee to beer and trivia nights. On a warm evening, the patio is always packed.
Penny Path and May Way Dumplings are also popular among students for their affordability, fast service, and comfort food appeal. Both spots are tucked into Reynolda Village and offer solid meals on a student budget.
What’s The Best Brunch Restaurant Near Wake Forest University?
For classic brunch options, Penny Path Café & Crepe Shop is a standout. The crepes are both Instagram-worthy and genuinely delicious, with sweet and savory versions that suit any mood. It’s great for a slow weekend morning or a midday study break.
If you’re willing to drive a little farther, Famous Toastery (just under three miles away) offers a full brunch menu with omelets, Benedicts, and stuffed French toast. It’s ideal for larger groups or family visits.
Are There Vegetarian Or Vegan-Friendly Restaurants Near Wake Forest?
Yes, several. Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro, just under three miles from campus, has a rotating menu that includes vegetarian mains and seasonal sides made from local produce. Their fried green tomatoes and veggie-forward specials are standout choices.
Nawab Indian Cuisine also offers great options. Its menu is rich with meatless curries, dals, and rice dishes that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Are There Gluten-Free Options Available Near Wake Forest?
Yes. Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro offers gluten-free options on its menu.
Diamondback Grill can also accommodate gluten-free diners with items like grilled fish, salads, and cocktails (no wheat-based sauces). Always double-check with servers to ensure no cross-contamination.
What Are The Best Restaurants In Winston-Salem?
This is an excellent guide to restaurants near Wake Forest University; however, if you want to look for the top restaurants by category (Italian, casual, Japanese, etc.), look at our Winston-Salem restaurants guide.
Do you know a restaurant that should be added to here? Let us know in the comments.
