The Top 10 Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC

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In this series of posts, we will focus on the great places to eat around the city of Rocky Mount. Using the actual customer reviews and scoring from Trip Advisor, these upcoming 3 articles will detail the Top 10 Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC.

Whether off the menu or buffet, Gardner’s BBQ Restaurant is a Rocky Mount favorite.

No Franchises…Restaurants in Rocky Mount mean IN ROCKY MOUNT!

(In listing the Top 10 Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC based on Trip Advisor, we are not including national franchises.) Each of the top Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC listed are based in the city. In listing the “Top 10,” we use the scores and words from actual customers that left reviews of each specific Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC at Trip Advisor. Thus, even though we compile the list of Top 10 Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC, it is you, the customer who actually is the basis of the rankings.

Central Cafe is known for its delicious burgers, hot dogs, and classic diner fare./

“A ‘Jewel’ of Downtown Rocky Mount,” Central Cafe is a True Classic Among Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC

“A ‘Jewel’ of Downtown Rocky Mount,” is how one reviewer described Central Cafe. Located at 132 South Church Street, this restaurant’s inclusion is based on its classic diner-style and feel. Known for its delicious hot dogs and hamburgers, Central Cafe is a long-time favorite and staple of downtown.

“Hot dogs are amazing! They added, “Got one loaded, with fries. ..very, very tasty. Just a small local place that was worth the trip.” Another review echoes the first one’s sentiments also. “If you want a really great hamburger, cheeseburger, or hot dog – this is the place. Love their service too! Fast and easy to get in, eat, and get out!”

Mario’s Pizza and Restaurant (homemade pizza pictured here, and pasta at top of page) has been voted the city’s top Italian restaurant.

Mario’s Pizza & Restaurant, the “Best Italian in Rocky Mount.”

One local customer calls Mario’s “a hidden gem” after discovering the eatery at 3653 Sunset Avenue. At the restaurant’s official website, owner Mario Tawous welcomes customers to his restaurant. He explains about this entry in the Top 10 Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC. “Here you will find an authentic Italian experience featuring old world dishes and sophisticated taste.” He adds, “From our family to yours, welcome to Mario’s.”

Voted the city’s number one Italian restaurant in the Rocky Mount Telegram, the reviews support this award. The following glowing review left at Trip Advisor sums up the entire Mario’s experience. “From when you walk in until you leave, it is by far one of the best restaurants in Rocky Mount.” It continues, “The portions are ridiculously huge and the staff is second to none.

Gardner’s is famous for their delicious NC style BBQ pulled pork sandwich.

“Real BBQ is Here” as Gardner’s Barbecue Ranks Among Top Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC

Gardner’s is located right up the road from Belmont Lake Preserve at 1331 North Wesleyan Boulevard. Serving up authentic BBQ and Southern fare since 1972, Gardner’s offers a “good, down home feel.” Plus, you can order any of their menu choices or enjoy a huge buffet and sample a little bit of everything.

“Gardner’s is awesome” gushes a reviewer from Florida who makes this a stop whenever passing through. “Amazing display of buffet items for an even more amazing price.” He continues, “Well worth the time. I had barbecue, chicken, fried shrimp, fried fish, deviled crab, lump crab meat. Wonderfully seasoned collard greens, black eyed peas and cabbage. Ice cream, apple cobbler.” His only complaint was, “Too much more food here that I didn’t try.”

In our next post, we will continue our look at the Top 10 Restaurants in Rocky Mount NC. Moving along, we will have three more eateries that the customers raved about at Trip Advisor. Even though we will again talk of three different restaurants, we will not get past number seven, as next article will detail a three-way tie.

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