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Fayetteville’s menu options satisfy a multitude of cravings

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Thanks largely to the presence of Fort Bragg and its concentration of soldiers, Fayetteville is a melting pot that thrives with a diversity of ethnicities from around the globe.

As a result, there’s a lot to choose from when going out to eat.
Looking to try African, Indian or Greek fare? Fayetteville has them all. Maybe you’re craving Mediterranean, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, or Caribbean dishes. They all are served up here, too.

You’ll also find Southern staples such as fried chicken, hamburger steak and shredded Eastern North Carolina-style pork barbecue.

And for vegetarians, there’s something to suit your taste.

So try something different: Fayetteville has a great selection of dining options from which to choose.

Breakfast and brunch

Circa 1800: Billed as the place for “locally focused New Southern cuisine,” this restaurant serves a brunch menu that features Bananas Foster French toast, Monte Cristo sandwiches, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and the iconic chicken and waffles. 108 Person St. 910-568-4725

Fireside Restaurant and Catering: Southern breakfast foods are the norm at this family-owned and -operated restaurant. Breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, French toast, omelets, biscuits, eggs and breakfast platters — as well as grilled hashbrown casserole — draw loyal customers. 2637-B Bragg Blvd. 910-339-9321

J.K.’s Family Restaurant & Deli: Biscuits, eggs, Belgian waffles, hotcakes, omelets and breakfast sandwiches satisfy your morning hunger. The restaurant has been family-owned and -operated since 1984. 125 Owen Drive. 910-485-3711


Latitude 35 Bar & Grill: The breakfast menu boasts classic Benedicts, a western omelet, huevos rancheros breakfast wraps and pancake griddle. A Cubano sandwich also is served. 1217 Hay St. 910-485-4777

Lindy’s Restaurant: Since 1968, Lindy’s has been cooking up family meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast, diners can go for hotcakes, French toast, eggs, omelets, biscuits and breakfast sandwiches. Cinnamon toast, a comfort food if there ever was one, is among the side orders. 3001 Raeford Road. 910-500-8032

M&D’s Pancakes & Waffles: The name tells you the specialties, but chicken fried steak and the Waitress’s Special also are among the crowd-pleasers. 5062 Yadkin Road. 910-868-4678

Marybill’s Cafe and Elbow Room: Eggs, omelets, pancakes, French toast and waffles lure customers to this Eutaw Village Shopping Center diner for breakfast. Mary’s Signature Omelet features roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese and spinach. The Mikie Breakfast Sandwich is a concoction of a scrambled egg with sausage and cheddar cheese on white toast or croissant. 801 Elm St. 910-221-1170

Metro Diner: Cinnamon roll pancakes, a steak and scramble bowl, fried chicken and waffles, a fruity waffle and San Francisco Benedict are only five of the selections on the breakfast menu. Bloody Marys and mimosas are served. 2132 Skibo Road. 910-493-3560

Rainbow: Originally located downtown on Hay Street, this family restaurant moved to Ramsey Street in the early 1970s. Customers can get about anything they want for breakfast, including steak and eggs, pork chops, pancakes, French toast, omelets, breakfast sandwiches and skillets. 3708 Ramsey St. 910-822-0431

Zorba’s Gyro on a Spit: The Greek-owned diner on Raeford Road has long been known for its spaghetti specials on Wednesdays. Besides popular breakfast fare in the mornings, sandwiches, subs, salads, pizza and pita bread specialties are served at lunch and dinner. The 8-ounce hamburger steak is popular with diners. 2919 Raeford Road and 3114 N. Main St. in Hope Mills. 910-484-1010 for the Fayetteville location. 910-424-3332 in Hope Mills.

Burgers and hot dogs

Archway Burgers, Dogs and Beer: Certified angus beer burgers and burger bowls can be paired with sides including chili cheese fries and fried green tomatoes. 113 Person St. 910-758-9449

Hot Diggidy Dog: The menu includes hamburgers, cheeseburgers, traditional hot dogs and bacon-wrapped dog BLTs. 106 Roxie Ave. 910-426-1300 R Burger food truck: As the name implies, this food truck serves burgers as well as hot dogs and fresh-cut fries. Create your own burger or dog or order a specialty item off the menu. Follow the truck on Facebook to find out where it is parked. facebook.com/Rburgertruck

Sweets

Burney’s Sweets & More: Grab a cup of coffee to go with one of the many sweet treats on the menu, including doughnuts, glazed croissants, other pastries, cakes, cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries. 3319-B Raeford Road. 910-745-897


Superior Bakery: This bakery has been serving a variety of fresh-baked croissants, doughnuts, cakes, pies and breads for more than 60 years. 2433 Hope Mills Road. 910-424-4242

The Sweet Palette: This quaint space offers fresh baked goods including macaroons, pies, cupcakes, cookies and mini-cheesecakes. It also features local artwork and hosts gatherings. 101 Person St. 910-489-7342

Healthy options

Bowls on a Roll: The dine-in bistro and meal-prep menu features vegan, high-protein, low-carb, keto, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. 306 Owen Drive. 910-239-3871

Clean Eatz: Order salads, flatbreads, wraps, bowls and burgers or sign up for a meal plan. 229 Westwood Shopping Center. 910-868-3438

Core Life Eatery: You’ll find tacos, soups and broths, specialty bowls, and greens and grains, all aimed to provide healthy, great-tasting food. 2804 Freedom Parkway Drive. 910-475-1895

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: In addition to smoothies, sandwich wraps, flatbreads and bowls are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 1391 Walter Reed Road, 910-321-0196. 150 Andrews Road, Suite 7, 910-630-1100. 1946 Skibo Road, 910-867-1332. and 3007 Town Center Drive, 910-425-1087

Southern cooking

Fowler’s Southern Gourmet: Scratch-made foods focus on barbecue with fresh local ingredients and house-made sauces. The menu boasts brisket, smoked chicken, tacos, burritos and the Angry Hawaiian Sandwich. 723 W. Rowan St. 910-491-5721

Peaden’s Seafood & Catering: A longtime favorite for residents of Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, this restaurant specializes in Calabash-style seafood, Southern fried chicken and Eastern North Carolina barbecue. Heart-healthy options include broiled seafood. The hushpuppies always seem to be a hit. 1600 McArthur Road. 910-488-1972

Southern Coals Country Style Kitchen: Smoked barbecue, ribs, brisket and chicken anchor the extensive menu of Southern classic sides such as green beans, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans and corn on the cob. 3319 Raeford Road, Suite C. 910-745-7675

The Barbeque Hut: Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue and comfort food are among this restaurant’s heavyweights, but customers also have the choice of a pork chop sandwich or pork chop plate. 2802 Fort Bragg Road, 910-485-5390. 2965 Owen Drive, 910-484-1975

Uptown’s Chicken & Waffles: Among the South’s classic pairings, chicken and waffles is the perfect flavor combination of sweet with salt and spice. Other classics at Uptown’s include fried green tomatoes and shrimp and grits. Chef Judy McLean, who competed on the Food Network’s show Chopped, opened this eatery at the Ramada Plaza. 1707 Owen Drive. 910-676-8039

Vicky’s Biscuits & Chicken: Besides a good variety of biscuits — stuffed with country ham, a pork chop, sausage, chicken or steak — the menu includes breakfast platters and fried chicken. Breakfast and lunch only. 128 Grove St. 910-491-2681

International

Bombay Bistro: This Cliffdale Square business is all about Indian cuisine, served for lunch and dinner. Vegetarian and nonvegetarian entrees are on the extensive menu. House specials are posted. 5945 Cliffdale Road. 910-487-0020

Dhan’s Kitchen: The Tuitts opened the brick-and-mortar Dhan’s Kitchen in the heart of Haymount. The business parallels the couple’s original Dhan’s Kitchen on the Go food truck that dates to 2016. Jerk chicken combo, curry chicken and curry goat are among the fare. Combos and curry platters are available, too. 115 Oakridge Ave. 910-578-8754

Don Ramon’s Taco Shop: Customers can select from specialty burritos, quesadillas, tacos and tortas from the predominantly Mexican cuisine menu. Many people come to try asado, California burritos and chicken. 300 N. Reilly Road. 910-491-8908

El Cazador Mexican Restaurant: Customers have plenty of choices from a considerable Mexican menu, including appetizers, vegetarian entrees, seafood dishes, soups, salads and combination plates. 2800 Gillespie St., Suite 102, 910-480-0084. 1904 Skibo Road, 910-864-0700

Elizabeth’s Pizza Ristorante Italiano: An ideal spot for families to enjoy an Italian-centered meal, this restaurant has been family-owned for nearly four decades. The menu blends a few American dishes with traditional Italian cuisine. Pizza, appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees and desserts make it a good choice for lunch or dinner. 1800 Skibo Road in Cross Creek Plaza, 910-487-0588. 2468 Hope Mills Road, 910-424-2848

Gohan Bistro: This business promotes itself as bringing “the authentic flavor of Japanese ramen to Fayetteville.” Online, the business promises something for everyone, including many vegetarian options. Ramen, poke and sushi are featured. 524 S. Reilly Road. 910-491-4199

Guatemala Centro America Restaurant: Fried chicken, chicken adobo and fried bananas are among the favorites at this Guatemalan restaurant. Dinner plates, soups, tamales and chow mein are on the menu. 2805 Raeford Road. 910-491-5358

Habana Cuban Restaurant: Advertising authentic Cuban food, this business serves a selection that includes a Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja, picadillo and lechon, as well as traditional arroz con pollo. Lunch and dinner are served in an intimate setting. 5945 Cliffdale Road, Suite 113. 910-867-7052

Jamaican Vibez: Lunch specials, soup, chicken, seafood and roti give customers a choice. And, yes, jerk chicken, curry goat and various combinations with oxtail are served. Friday is reggae night. 306 N. McPherson Church Road. 910-339-5467

Latin Cuisine Restaurant: A good selection of Latin American and Caribbean food is on tap. Pork, chicken and mofongo dishes are popular. 6105 Yadkin Road. 910-491-8281

Little Italy Pizzeria and Restaurant: This hidden gem, located off All-American Freeway on Walter Reed Road, is well worth the trip. Pasta, pizza, seafood, pitas, subs and Italian specials highlight the menu. 1400 Walter Reed Road. 910-867-8700

Max & Moritz Bakery & Restaurant: The German restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pastries and bread are baked daily. 5945 Cliffdale Road. 910-826-4800

Pharaohs Village: Mediterranean, Greek, Middle Eastern, Egyptian and American foods are featured. For those on special diets, vegetarian-friendly and vegan options, Halah foods and gluten-free dishes are served. 2425 Hope Mills Road. 910-323-2425

Prik Thai Cuisine: Panang Curry Chicken and Thai Beef Salad are among the popular entrees. The cooks prepare Chinese dishes, seafood, fried rice, stir-fry, noodles, curry entrees, soups and salads. 2429 Robeson St. 910-491-0256

Special occasions

Antonella’s Italian Ristorante: The downtown restaurant is perfect for a date night or celebrating a special occasion. The menu features Italian, Tuscan and central Italian fare. 300 Hay St. 910-486-0046

Caruso Confections & Bistro: Opening in 2018 with a goal to provide an enjoyable dining experience in the Fayetteville area, the restaurant specializes in northern Italian cuisine. The daily dessert display includes pastries, cookies, cakes and more. 106 Person St. 910-920-2141

Chris’s Steak & Seafood House: Located in Highland Shopping Center, Chris’s remains one of the city’s fine dining spots. According to its website, founder Chris Poulos opened the restaurant more than 50 years ago with one thing in mind: “Serve the highest quality steaks and seafood available anywhere without compromise.” 2620 Raeford Road. 910-485-2948

Luigi’s Italian Chophouse and Bar: Highlights are hand-cut steaks and chops, fresh seafood on a daily basis and scratch-made pasta dishes. 528 N. McPherson Church Road. 910-864-1810

Dining