A Guide To The Best Places Featuring Natural Foods, Products, and Experiences
Aptly known as the “Home of American Golf,” Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen are a trio of small towns in Central North Carolina with about 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius.
Vacationers from New England and the Midwest began to flock to the Pines in the late 1800s as it grew into a popular destination for golf, health resorts, mineral spas, fox hunting, and equestrian. Surrounded by sandhills and farmland, it is no surprise that the area is still a popular destination as well as home to a thriving local scene filled with farm-to-table restaurants, specialty shops, and more.
Here are some of our favorites that we have tried and loved. These restaurants all have vegetarian options, locally sourced ingredients, and are locally owned.
Note: We will be updating this list on a rolling basis
PINEHURST
Villagio Ristorante and Bar
Villagio Ristorante and Bar is the best traditional Italian restaurant in Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen. Villagio makes their pasta and bread fresh, in-house daily. The restaurant has a separate bar and outdoor patio with occasional live music. Villagio is located in the historic Magnolia Inn in the Village of Pinehurst and was acquired by Pinehurst Resort in 2021.
Reservations required; Menu and more at https://villaggioristorante.net
The Pinehurst Track Restaurant
The Pinehurst Track Restaurant is a locally owned cash-only, breakfast and lunch spot that is open 6 days a week (closed Mondays) from 6:30 am to 12 pm. Pinehurst Track Restaurant is known for its blueberry pancakes which Golf Channel ranks as the third best in the country. There are no vegetarian or vegan lunch options but plenty to choose from for breakfast. The restaurant is located on the historic Pinehurst Harness Track, a 111-acre equestrian training center.
Menu and more at https://www.pinehursttrackrestaurant.com
Drum & Quill
Drum & Quill is an American tavern in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst. The bar has the largest collection of spirits in the area with over 150 available. The menu has a variety of casual food options with vegetarian options like fried green tomato tacos.
Menu and more at https://www.drumandquill.com
Midland Bistro
Midland Bistro is a quaint cafe offering breakfast and lunch sandwiches and salads as well as brunch on Sundays. The bistro uses locally made bread and coffee with mimosa carafes available during brunch.
Menu and more at https://www.midlandbistro.com
Roast
Roast is a farm-to-table sandwiich shop with a variety of regular, vegetarian, and vegan sandwich options. Roast supports local North Carolina farms and breweries while never using preservatives, meats with antibiotics and hormones, or GMOs. Roast has the best NC bbq vegan pulled pork-style sandwich that we have ever tried. The vegan pulled “pork” is made with jack fruit and is available with NC’s famous Eastern Carolina vinegar-based BBQ sauce. You can dine in or order online and pick up at the drive-thru window.
Menu and more at https://www.roastnc.com
New York Deli II
New York Deli II is a classic lunchtime bagel and sandwich shop. Offerings range from roast beef sandwiches to vegetarian options like eggplant parmesan. We recommend the toasted Rockette, a three cheese, tomato, lettuce, and mayo sandwich.
Menu and more at https://www.grubhub.com/restaurant/new-york-deli-ii-111-central-park-ave-ste-a-pinehurst/1244272
You may also like: Carolina Dining Room, The Deuce, and The Tavern
SOUTHERN PINES
Ashten’s
Ashten’s is a Southern restaurant with a global twist. The menu probably has the most vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options of any of the other fine dining restaurants in the area. Ashten’s is farm-to-table, working with local farmers with daily food deliveries. The Ashten’s salad is so good that it may turn you into a feral bunny while eating. So good.
Reservations preferred; Menu and more at https://ashtens.com/ashtens
Southern Prime Steakhouse
Southern Prime Steakhouse is a classic steakhouse in downtown Southern Pines. There is only one vegetarian entree option and a few salads. Southern Prime has an expansive wine cellar and offers over 20 wines by the glass including champagne.
Reservations preferred; Menu, and more at https://www.southernprimesteakhouse.net
Chef Warrens
Chef Warrens is a French-style bistro with an open kitchen. The menu frequently changes based on what is seasonal and local.
Reservations preferred; Menu, and more at https://www.chefwarrens.com
Betsy’s Crepes
Betsy’s Crepes is primarily a breakfast and brunch creperie serving a variety of sweet and savory crepes. They also offer other menu items like French toast, waffles, and sandwiches. They have a full bar and breakfast cocktails. This is the go-to breakfast and brunch spot in downtown Southern Pines.
Menu and more at https://www.yelp.com/biz/betsys-crepes-southern-pines
Jaya’s Indian Cuisine
Jaya’s Indian Cuisine is a traditional Indian food restaurant that is both dine-in and carry-out. Jaya’s menu includes vegetarian options like paneer tikka masala and butter paneer.
Menu and more at https://www.thejayasincuisine.com/home/
SoPies Pizza
SoPies Pizza is a counter-service restaurant serving authentic New York pizza and subs. They have pizza by the slice or by the pie as a 14” or 18”. Or you can get a massive 28-inch Empire State Pizza that feeds around 8 adults.
Menu and more at http://www.sopiespizza.com
Red’s Corner
Red’s Corner is a food truck park and beer garden in Southern Pines. There are a few permanant trucks with other trucks rotating daily. The food truck lineup and variety are always changing. The outdoor seating and kids’ play area make this a great option for families or meeting up with friends. You can expect about 5 or 6 trucks to be open daily depending on the weather. Red’s also hosts other events like karaoke and live music.
Menu and more at https://www.redscornersp.com
You may also like: Sweet Basil, The Sly Fox Pub, Chapmans Food and Spirits, and Beefeaters
ABERDEEN
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant
San Felipe Mexican Restaurant is a local restaurant chain specializing in Mexican food with some fresh vegetarian options. San Felipe has the best margaritas and queso in the area.
Menu and more at https://www.sanfelipenc.com
Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery
Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery is a brunch restaurant in downtown Aberdeen that has scratch-made biscuits and cocktails. Mason’s is only open until about 2 or 3 and the small restaurant can fill up fast. Mason’s also has a small market with local and seasonal products.
Menu and more at https://www.eatatmasons.com
Pizzeria Grazia
Pizzeria Grazia is a counter-service style Neopolitan pizzeria in downtown Aberdeen. Pizzeria Grazia has a variety of paninis and pizzas—including vegetarian and vegan pizza. Their dough is made from scratch and cooked in an 800 degree wood fired oven. All pizzas are 12” and can be topped with ingredients like whipped ricotta, vegan mozzarella, soppressata, and prosciutto di parma.
Menu and more at https://www.pizzeriagrazia.com
