The best restaurants in Catawba County

Cowa-Saké pulls off a fun combo of creative sushi rolls, signature burgers, and sliders, plus bento and poke that actually hit the spot. Expect some tableside theatrics too, from smoked sushi to bananas foster spring rolls set aflame, and cocktails crowned with flavor bubbles.

From the Hickory newsletter, September 30, 2026

Pizzeria & buffet chain offering several crust options, plus pastas & more.

For those nights when pizza and pasta deserve real silverware, Da Vinci's Italian Restaurant nails the cozy-upscale vibe with authentic Italian classics, a wine selection from across the world, and a legit separate bar. Planning a birthday, team dinner, or holiday thing?

From the Hickory newsletter, October 9, 2026

Family-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.

Geppeto's Pizza does the classic Hickory thing right with Italian home cooking made with love, from pies and pastas to salads and subs. Easy online ordering for pick-up or delivery, plus catering and party bookings when the whole crew needs feeding.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 26, 2026

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

Frothy Rooster nails the bagel sandwich craving, with signature breakfast plates and hearty egg-and-potato bowls that actually keep you full, plus a coffee lineup that runs from straight-up drip to fancy lattes. Easy takeout and delivery for busy mornings, and catering when the office needs a win.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 23, 2026

Keeping it simple and delicious, The GoodPizzas turns out hand-tossed New York style pies, by-the-slice fixes, and Italian comfort like calzones, strombolis, and garlic knots. Try the Lasagna Pizza or The Al Capone when you want a satisfying, no-fuss dinner that tastes like a weeknight win.

From the Hickory newsletter, September 22, 2026

Operated by Olde Hickory Brewery, Olde Hickory Station delivers seasonal menus, 50 beers and ciders on tap, and an in-house bakery turning out breads and pastries. Brunch on weekends, thoughtful cocktails, and a market stacked with wine, cheese, and charcuterie make it an easy local go-to.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 22, 2026

Mellow Mushroom Hickory brings funky, art-filled energy to creative, stone-baked pies made with chewy, flavorful dough, premium ingredients, and plenty of gluten-free or vegan options that still hit. Pair it with one of their 40 draft beers or a cocktail, then thank your future self.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 19, 2026

Between wood-fired pizzas, a brick-oven lasagna that means business, and a curated whiskey vault via Bootleggers, Hickory Social House nails the weeknight hang. Local ingredients, 200-plus whiskeys, craft beer, and pub games like billiards and darts...

From the Hickory newsletter, October 17, 2026

Between work, practice, and that one neighbor who always needs help moving, Tony's Pizza Hickory hits the spot with authentic New York style pies, oversized slices, and red-sauce favorites. Add in hefty Italian subs and wings that mean business, and you’ve got an easy weeknight hero or game day standby.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 14, 2026

Vintage House Restaurant brings white-tablecloth charm to a cozy circa-1915 home, serving American steak, seafood, and pasta that hits the comfort-luxe sweet spot. When the week calls for a treat yourself dinner or a low-key celebration, it’s an easy yes for Hickory locals.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 26, 2026

Chopped pork that actually tastes like smoke, ribs that leave a respectable mess, and brisket you might guard with your elbows. Hugh's Q sticks to the classics with mac and cheese, slaw, and other Southern comfort sides, perfect when you want a no-nonsense, big-flavor dinner in Hickory.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 21, 2026

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

Gold Mine Cafe is that cozy, family-run spot locals swear by for real-deal Southern plates, from the legendary Farmer's Breakfast Bowl loaded with potatoes, eggs, and gravy to plate-sized pancakes and homemade strawberry jam. Friendly faces, hearty portions, and honest prices... basically your new weekday habit.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 11, 2026

Whether you're grabbing a weeknight pie with the family or feeding a hungry office, Amalfi's Pizza of Conover nails the classics with fresh-made pizza, pasta, and legit subs. Their catering spreads run half or full trays, with 15 pasta/antipasta options for easy crowd-pleasing.

From the Hickory newsletter, September 4, 2026

When you're craving a mashup of comfort classics and fresh sushi on one plate, Jin's Buffet delivers the kind of spread that makes seconds feel like a moral obligation. Easy spot for weeknight dinners or post-game refuels, with enough variety to keep everyone happily stuffed.

From the Hickory newsletter, September 18, 2026

Whether you're craving a perfectly seared steak or silky, handcrafted pasta, Rule Prime and Pasta leans on local produce and standout Italian imports to keep flavors honest, then backs it up with a global wine list that actually earns its binder, no passport required. Check it out. Check it out.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 12, 2026

El Taconon is all about street tacos that hit, loaded burritos, cheesy quesadillas, and fresh guacamole, made with good ingredients and plenty of care. m. taco craving.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 15, 2026

Charolais Steakhouse is that no-fuss, longtime spot for hand-cut steaks kissed by an open flame and a proper salad bar to start. Around since 1969 and still racking up accolades, including a 2025 South’s Best Steak House finalist nod, it remains a go-to for Hickory celebrations.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 11, 2026

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

Fourk brings lively, stylish energy to weeknight dinners and catch-ups, serving American favorites with a clever twist alongside well-made specialty cocktails. If your group wants something familiar that still feels fresh, this spot hits the Hickory sweet spot without trying too hard.

From the Hickory newsletter, September 10, 2026

Hot Pho is the kind of spot you hit when you want a steaming bowl fast, with chicken or rare steak pho done right. If soup isn’t your mood, there’s banh mi, vermicelli bowls, jasmine rice plates, egg noodle soups, Saigon-style noodle soup, plus sizzling steak, and even boba for the road.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 10, 2026

Notions is the kind of downtown Hickory spot you keep in your regular rotation, with an eclectic menu, a legit cocktail list, and a brunch that hits the spot. Slide in for a casual night out or meet friends when you want something tasty without fuss.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 6, 2026

Pho-Topia leans into the slow, soulful side of Vietnamese cooking, with flavors that clearly took their time and a vibe built for unwinding. It’s the kind of cozy, balanced food that turns a hectic Hickory day into, well, a little utopia.

From the Hickory newsletter, September 24, 2026

When your sandwich standards run high, Hatch Sandwich Bar delivers with creative combos, a colorful counter-serve vibe, and plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s the kind of Hickory staple you recommend to a friend, then pretend you discovered first.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 10, 2026

Main Chick Jammin' Biscuits is a relaxed, friendly breakfast spot serving flaky, over-the-top biscuits, legit Southern breakfast and brunch plates, and coffee that actually wakes you up. Bonus points for freshly squeezed orange juice on tap, which tastes like sunshine and pairs way too well with a biscuit.

From the Hickory newsletter, October 16, 2026