The best restaurants in Johnston County

48 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Two pinned places a day in Johnston County — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. List your business →

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Restaurants · 48 places · showing the latest additions first

Robbins Nest

Restaurants

When you need a midweek reset, Robbins Nest lines up crispy fried chicken and fish, tender pulled pork, mashed potatoes swimming in gravy,…

A, 121 U.S. Hwy 70 (Selma)

When you need a midweek reset, Robbins Nest lines up crispy fried chicken and fish, tender pulled pork, mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, and a legit salad-and-veg spread. Finish with lemon meringue or buttermilk pie, then admit a second plate is absolutely happening.

From the Goldsboro newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Let 815 Gourmet Grill N Commissary handle the cooking with craveable burgers and their beloved mac and cheese that steals the show. They…

721 -15 N Brightleaf Blvd Ste 15 (Smithfield)

Let 815 Gourmet Grill N Commissary handle the cooking with craveable burgers and their beloved mac and cheese that steals the show. They cater everything from backyard hangs to big days, so you can actually enjoy your people while plates stay piled high.

From the Johnston County newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Sushi Iwa Clayton piles on variety, with sushi entrees, hibachi or teriyaki, Thai curries, and slurpable soups like tom yum, tom kha and…

11629 US-70 BUS (Clayton)

Sushi Iwa Clayton piles on variety, with sushi entrees, hibachi or teriyaki, Thai curries, and slurpable soups like tom yum, tom kha and even a mini pho. The specialty rolls run A to Z, from crispy rice-topped Spicy Tuna Sandwich to caviar-dotted Colosseum…treat yourself.

From the Johnston County newsletter, August 4, 2026

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When the week calls for real New York style pizza and cozy red-sauce comfort, Brothers Italian Kitchen delivers with foldable pies, a…

3103 US Hwy 70 E (Smithfield)

When the week calls for real New York style pizza and cozy red-sauce comfort, Brothers Italian Kitchen delivers with foldable pies, a killer Grandma square, and house-made sauces on everything from Lasagna di Carne to Shrimp Fra Diablo. Grab a friend, split a pie, save room for garlic knots.

From the Goldsboro newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Chefs put on a show at this Japanese chain offering hibachi items, traditional dishes & sushi.

101 Venture Dr (Smithfield)

Chefs put on a show at this Japanese chain offering hibachi items, traditional dishes & sushi.

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Casual, kid-friendly option for pizza, including NY-style pies and calzones, plus Italian fare.

1267 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Casual, kid-friendly option for pizza, including NY-style pies and calzones, plus Italian fare.

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Counter-service burger destination known for creative toppings and oxtail patties.

1025 Outlet Center Dr Suite F3 (Smithfield)

Counter-service burger destination known for creative toppings and oxtail patties.

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Waffle House

Restaurants

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

E, 1655 E Market St (Smithfield)

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

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Enchiladas, fajitas, and other Mexican standards dished up in a casual, family-friendly setting.

5131 NC 42 #270 (Garner)

Enchiladas, fajitas, and other Mexican standards dished up in a casual, family-friendly setting.

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Popular pizzeria, offering thin-crust pies and an assortment of subs.

5131 Veterans Pkwy #200 (Garner)

Popular pizzeria, offering thin-crust pies and an assortment of subs.

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White Swan BBQ

Restaurants

Classic BBQ & fried chicken joint serving in a relaxed & bustling space for over 60 years.

3181-2981 US-301, 3198 S Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Classic BBQ & fried chicken joint serving in a relaxed & bustling space for over 60 years.

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Casual eatery dishing up pizza, pasta and seafood dishes.

60 Son-Lan Pkwy (Garner)

Casual eatery dishing up pizza, pasta and seafood dishes.

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Kookie Krumbs

Restaurants

Family-owned sweet shop known for kookies, whoopie pies, honeybun cake and wraps.

250 Venture Dr (Smithfield)

Family-owned sweet shop known for kookies, whoopie pies, honeybun cake and wraps.

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Counter-serve chain serving fried chicken & Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ in vinegar-based sauce.

1260 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Counter-serve chain serving fried chicken & Eastern North Carolina-style BBQ in vinegar-based sauce.

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Desi Tavern

Restaurants

Laid-back eatery featuring authentic Indian dishes such as biryani, dosa and butter chicken, alongside familiar American fare.

74 Son-Lan Pkwy #108 (Garner)

Laid-back eatery featuring authentic Indian dishes such as biryani, dosa and butter chicken, alongside familiar American fare.

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Casual, clean eatery known for smash burgers and hot dogs, as well as fries and onion rings for every taste.

728 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Casual, clean eatery known for smash burgers and hot dogs, as well as fries and onion rings for every taste.

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

911 Outlet Center Dr (Smithfield)

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

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Ninja Japan

Restaurants

Japanese meals including hibachi items served in an informal setting that's popular for lunch.

1249 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Japanese meals including hibachi items served in an informal setting that's popular for lunch.

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Amore Mio Pizza

Restaurants

Pizzeria serving classic and creative pies such as the Nutella pizza, plus pepperoni rolls.

74 Son-Lan Pkwy #103 (Garner)

Pizzeria serving classic and creative pies such as the Nutella pizza, plus pepperoni rolls.

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Neighborhood pizza shop serving calzones, stromboli and subs for takeout and delivery.

1225 Amelia Church Rd (Clayton)

Neighborhood pizza shop serving calzones, stromboli and subs for takeout and delivery.

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Casual hangout with American eats, pool tables, and darts, plus a kids' menu and TV sports.

6101 NC-42 (Garner)

Casual hangout with American eats, pool tables, and darts, plus a kids' menu and TV sports.

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Relaxed diner specializing in Carolina barbecue, plus fried seafood and southern comfort fare.

3655 Wilsons Mills Rd (Smithfield)

Relaxed diner specializing in Carolina barbecue, plus fried seafood and southern comfort fare.

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

16118 NC-50 (Garner)

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

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Casual destination featuring a variety of pub grub, a full-service bar & many TVs tuned to sports.

51-A Technology Dr (Garner)

Casual destination featuring a variety of pub grub, a full-service bar & many TVs tuned to sports.

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Branch of a casual, publike chain serving fire-grilled steaks, Tex-Mex eats & other comfort food.

235 Outlet Center Dr (Smithfield)

Branch of a casual, publike chain serving fire-grilled steaks, Tex-Mex eats & other comfort food.

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Airy, family-friendly spot for brisket and ribs served alongside craft beer.

3149B Swift Creek Rd (Smithfield)

Airy, family-friendly spot for brisket and ribs served alongside craft beer.

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Slim Chickens

Restaurants

Counter-serve chain specializing in chicken dishes, plus Southern sides & desserts served in jars.

1311 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Counter-serve chain specializing in chicken dishes, plus Southern sides & desserts served in jars.

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Yummi Japan

Restaurants

Japanese fast food restaurant offering hibachi dishes, bowls, and sushi.

255H N Equity Dr (Smithfield)

Japanese fast food restaurant offering hibachi dishes, bowls, and sushi.

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Papa Johns Pizza

Restaurants

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

1104 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Pizza take-out & delivery chain offering classic & specialty pizzas, plus wings, sides & desserts.

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Rustic, counter-serve stop offering Southern BBQ staples such as brisket, pulled pork & corn bread.

12101-B NC-210 (Benson)

Rustic, counter-serve stop offering Southern BBQ staples such as brisket, pulled pork & corn bread.

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Cicis Pizza

Restaurants

Italian chain offering an array of specialty pizzas, plus classic pastas & salads.

190 Smithfield Crossing Dr (Smithfield)

Italian chain offering an array of specialty pizzas, plus classic pastas & salads.

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El Barzon

Restaurants

Mexican eatery serving classics such as fajitas, enchiladas and burritos as well as margaritas.

1691 S Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Mexican eatery serving classics such as fajitas, enchiladas and burritos as well as margaritas.

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Yummi Japan

Restaurants

Casual stop for Japanese fare including hibachi dishes and sushi.

Swift Creek Plaza, 87 Glen Rd (Garner)

Casual stop for Japanese fare including hibachi dishes and sushi.

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Cook Out

Restaurants

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

102 Bratton Dr (Garner)

Branch of a fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

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Caterer and restaurant serving locally sourced fare, including chicken and salmon, as well as catering events.

135 S 3rd St (Smithfield)

Caterer and restaurant serving locally sourced fare, including chicken and salmon, as well as catering events.

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Snug counter-serve establishment doling out familiar eats such as sesame chicken & pepper steak.

903 S Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Snug counter-serve establishment doling out familiar eats such as sesame chicken & pepper steak.

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

130 S Equity Dr (Smithfield)

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

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No Filter Cafe

Restaurants

Steampunk-inspired cafe serving waffles and other breakfast fare, plus hot and cold coffee drinks.

51 Technology Dr (Garner)

Steampunk-inspired cafe serving waffles and other breakfast fare, plus hot and cold coffee drinks.

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Casual, family-friendly Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, chicken & seafood dishes.

7277 North Carolina 42 W (Raleigh)

Casual, family-friendly Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta, chicken & seafood dishes.

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Unfussy, family-friendly eatery offering pizza, garlic knots, pasta & other Italian favorites.

9973 US-70 BUS (Clayton)

Unfussy, family-friendly eatery offering pizza, garlic knots, pasta & other Italian favorites.

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Burger King

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving burgers, breakfast items, Whoppers and fries.

1700 E Market St (Smithfield)

Fast-food chain serving burgers, breakfast items, Whoppers and fries.

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Gotham's Deli

Restaurants

NYC-style deli serving sandwiches on housemade bread, plus salads, hot dogs & bagels.

224 E Market St (Smithfield)

NYC-style deli serving sandwiches on housemade bread, plus salads, hot dogs & bagels.

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The Gilded Pear

Restaurants

Breakfast and lunch spot serving pastries, English muffins, waffles and sandwiches.

234 E Market St (Smithfield)

Breakfast and lunch spot serving pastries, English muffins, waffles and sandwiches.

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Seafood-focused restaurant specializing in ramen, crawfish and a seafood platter.

150 S Equity Dr Ste G (Smithfield)

Seafood-focused restaurant specializing in ramen, crawfish and a seafood platter.

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

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

725 N Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

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

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The Chicken Barn

Restaurants

Casual restaurant known for fried chicken plus a selection of quick bites, and desserts.

703 E Market St (Smithfield)

Casual restaurant known for fried chicken plus a selection of quick bites, and desserts.

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The Frying Pan

Restaurants

Casual destination for biscuits and gravy, French toast and other traditional breakfast options, plus friendly service.

3198 S Brightleaf Blvd (Smithfield)

Casual destination for biscuits and gravy, French toast and other traditional breakfast options, plus friendly service.

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J-Top's BBQ Shop

Restaurants

Popular and casual operation offering traditional barbecue fare and Southern sides, plus catering.

8948 Cleveland Rd (Clayton)

Popular and casual operation offering traditional barbecue fare and Southern sides, plus catering.

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