
Winston's Grille
A beloved Raleigh institution offering upscale casual American dining with comforting, scratch-made dishes and a famous Bananas Foster dessert.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Winston's Grille

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Raleigh institution offering upscale casual American dining with comforting, scratch-made dishes and a famous Bananas Foster dessert.
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Try the Specials
Ask about daily specials for unique culinary creations and seasonal offerings.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bananas Foster Extravaganza
A legendary dessert featuring bananas, ice cream, and a decadent caramel sauce. Not to be missed!

Scratch-Made American Classics
Comforting, classic American dishes prepared from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Cozy Patio Dining
Enjoy upscale casual dining on a spacious, covered patio perfect for all weather.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Try the Specials
Ask about daily specials for unique culinary creations and seasonal offerings.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during non-peak hours for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, due to the restaurant's popularity.
Try the Specials
Ask about daily specials for unique culinary creations and seasonal offerings.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during non-peak hours for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Winston's Grille is a long-standing Raleigh favorite praised for its upscale casual dining and scratch-made American classics. Diners frequently rave about standout dishes like the Bananas Foster and shrimp and grits, as well as the pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. However, some guests have noted that portion sizes could be larger and have experienced inconsistencies in food quality over time.
"First time visiting and we had a stellar experience! Edie was so genuine and knowledgeable about the menu. She’s engaging and very helpful. The food was delicious and fresh. The highlight of the experience were the sushi nachos and lemon meringue cheesecake! Phenomenal food and excellent service, we will be back soon!"
Dantia Holt
"Glad we finally tried this place. We had a reservation for Saturday evening but I think we could have walked in. We got one of their specials and the crab dip. The place itself is nice inside and everyone was great! The best thing was the bananas foster. It was huge and so good! I would go back just for that!"
Alex Davis
"Winston's Grille is a longstanding restaurant in Raleigh and has been a cornerstone for dining for decades. I had the opportunity to go for a friend's birthday party this week and had an amazing time. Mind you, the last time I had dinner at Winston's was either 2000 or 2001, again for a friend's birthday.🎉💐
And, WOW, was I impressed!! First off, there is a reason why Winston's is still standing given all the volitility in the restaurant industry. The food is amazing! The portions were good size, the menu was simple yet had a lot of variety and the overall experience and atmosphere was great. I had the salmon special and it was delicious. It had a passion fruit sauce with crab meat (wished I had a little more crab meat though), served over Spanish rice and grilled asparagus. Whew!! I felt like it was my birthday. 😊
To be honest, I am not sure why I haven't dined at Winston's more often as it is less than 3 miles from my home. I will definitely correct that for the future!!"
La Donna B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially for weekend dining, as Winston's Grille is a very popular restaurant.
Popular signature dishes include shrimp and grits, prime rib French dip sandwich, cashew salmon, and the renowned Bananas Foster for dessert.
Yes, Winston's Grille features a spacious, covered wraparound patio that allows for dining in various weather conditions.
Yes, Winston's Grille has a fantastic kids' menu that goes beyond standard fare, offering options like kid's salmon and popcorn shrimp.
The atmosphere is described as upscale casual with a down-home vibe, offering a comfortable and elegant dining experience.
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Featured in these publications
The 19 Best Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina
For travelers looking to experience Raleigh's Southern hospitality, Winston's Grille is the place to go. Described by recent guests as upscale casual with a down-home vibe, this locally owned and operated restaurant offers affordable fine dining with a comfortable and elegant atmosphere. The menu boasts numerous delectable choices prepared from scratch using fresh seasonal ingredients from a variety of local vendors.
20+ Best Places To Eat Outside In Raleigh (patio Season)
A longstanding Raleigh favorite since 1986, Winston’s Grill offers a menu of comforting, classic American dishes in a warm, inviting setting including a large outdoor patio. Praised for its delicious shrimp and grits, prime rib French dip sandwich, cashew salmon, and Bananas Foster for dessert making it a go-to spot for both meals and sweet indulgences.
Raleigh Patios That Get It Right
Winston’s wraparound patio is great for spacing tables 6 feet apart to ensure social distancing. Plus, it’s covered, meaning you can enjoy the upscale American menu even in the rain. We love that Winston’s mixes up offerings with daily specials so there’s always something new to try, though we can never pass up the signature Carolina crab dip.
Restaurants With the Best Desserts in Raleigh, N.C.
Winston’s Grille—a family-owned restaurant that has been a Raleigh tradition since 1986—turns everyday dining experiences into lasting memories by providing great food and excellent service. We suggest the bananas foster for dessert, served with a fresh puff pastry filled with whipped cream and homemade vanilla ice cream.
The 7 Best Places For Ribs In Raleigh
Winston’s Grille is a classic American restaurant that has all sorts of tasty favourites on the menu, but their ribs are a real highlight. The ribs here are baby back ribs that come with honey BBQ sauce, hand-cut fries and coleslaw. Beautifully sticky, with a rich charring and meat that falls off the bone.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Raleigh, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (487 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 6401 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615-6812- Read more on Tripadvisor
Rehearsal dinner Raleigh, nc Area on a Budget! | Weddings, Planning | Wedding Forums
Winston’s Grille is another Raleigh specific restaurant that is great and cheaper than angus barn, ect. I would look around downtown places and north hills as well!. North hills is a great area with a lot of options.
Best kid friendly restaurants in Raleigh? : raleigh
Winston’s Grille, believe it or not, has a fantastic kid’s menu. It does beyond the standard burgers/nuggets/fries fare w stuff like kid’s salmon, popcorn shrimp, and rotisserie chicken.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit