If you haven’t eaten your way through The Highlands, you haven’t truly experienced Wilson, North Carolina. This residential gem, nestled just west of downtown and bordered by streets like Forest Hills Road, Branch Street, and Stantonsburg Road, is not just about quiet living—it’s a hotspot for food lovers searching for dynamic flavors, cozy atmospheres, and culinary surprises. Whether you crave an Instagram-worthy brunch, craveable local bakes, or a fresh take on Southern classics, The Highlands’ dining scene will make your tastebuds sing.
The Core of The Highlands: Local Favorites You Can’t Miss
The heart of The Highlands’ food scene pulses at the intersections of Forest Hills Road and Stantonsburg Road—a prime area where independently owned gems steal the show. Most places blend the kind of friendly service you’d expect in Wilson with fresh, high-quality fare, all without breaking the bank.
- The Highlands Grille
3401 Forest Hills Road N
The neighborhood’s namesake eatery is the kind of place where locals feel like family and travelers become regulars. With Southern comfort classics meeting updated bistro twists, their shrimp & grits are rumored to be the best in Wilson. Traditionalists love the crispy fried chicken and slow-roasted pot roast (entrees $14–$22), while Sunday brunch packs with locals eager for fluffy pancakes and hearty omelets. The Grille’s open, sun-lit dining room makes it perfect for both family celebrations and weekday lunch breaks.
- Cafe Contempo
1500 Branch Street
Tucked close to the Highland Crossing shops, this sophisticated café is the light and bright spot every coffee lover and Instagrammer dreams of. Their artisanal espresso drinks ($4–$6), matcha lattes, and locally-sourced teas pair beautifully with a rotating pastry case—think almond croissants, homemade pop-tarts, and citrusy lemon bars. For a filling lunch, their “green goddess” chicken salad and gourmet paninis are the talk of the neighborhood.
Sweet Spots & Bakeries: The Highlands’ Hidden Treats
The Highlands is surprisingly rich in bakeries and sweet shops—just follow the scent of fresh bread and buttercream icing wafting from side streets and corners.
- Blossom Bakehouse
1750 Stantonsburg Road
Don’t blink, or you might miss this cozy cottage bakery just off the main drag. Family-run and forever warm, Blossom Bakehouse is famous for melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon rolls (often gone by noon), pillow-soft focaccia, and luscious red velvet cupcakes ($2–$4). If you’re celebrating, pick up a custom layer cake; if you’re not, grab a loaf of sourdough to go and join regulars on the breezy front porch.
- Maple & Main Sweetery
600 Maplewood Drive
A new artisanal bakery-turn-dessert-bar, Maple & Main serves up everything from lavender shortbread to decadent triple-chocolate brownies. The hidden weapon: their Friday evening “cake flights” ($8), featuring mini-slices of whatever’s fresh that week, best enjoyed at one of their patio tables under the fairy lights.
International Flavors: Diverse Cuisine in The Highlands
The Highlands isn’t all Southern cooking—its melting pot vibe also attracts global flavors.
- Sabor a México
1551 Forest Hills Road W
This cheerful, family-owned cantina nails both the classics and regional specialities—tamales oozing with cheese, fire-roasted salsas, and—locals swear—the best birria tacos by the dozen. Prices are wallet-friendly ($8–$15), and their creamy horchata or tangy margarita pitchers are always a good call.
- Tandoori Point
1440 Branch Street
For bold spices and vibrant curries, Tandoori Point is a surprising find in Wilson. From buttery naan wrapped around juicy tandoori chicken to vegetarian-friendly saag paneer, their lunch buffet ($13) draws hungry crowds from across the city. Don’t leave without trying the mango lassi—a Highlands summer tradition!
On-the-Go Goodness: Food Trucks & Pop-Up Eats
Turn any evening stroll into an adventure: The Highlands is a welcome zone for Wilson’s blossoming food truck scene. Most nights, especially Thursday through Saturday, you’ll spot a convoy of trucks parked around Highland Creek Park or branching off Stantonsburg Road.
- Smoke Signal BBQ
Their smoky aroma brings people from blocks away. Order the slow-cooked brisket sandwich or pulled pork platters (everything under $12), plus house-made pickles and tangy slaw. Grab a picnic table and settle in—locals will be happy to chat barbecue techniques with you.
- The Giddy Goat
The area’s top-rated coffee and dessert trailer, based part-time at Highlands Plaza. Espresso affogatos, gourmet waffles, and vegan coconut brownies round out the menu. A hit with early risers and parents on the carpool run.
A Few More Hidden Gems
Foodies know that the best bites are sometimes off the map:
- Highland House Deli (near Parkwood Blvd & Branch Street) offers homemade soups, specialty sandwiches, and hand-tossed salads that rival any bistro downtown.
- Reina’s Latin Market & Cafe (1435 Stantonsburg Rd) is part-market, part-eatery, with empanadas, pastelitos, and the best Cuban coffee for under $3.
Local Traditions & Seasonal Highlights
Annual events like “Taste of The Highlands” each fall bring residents together with outdoor tasting tents, local wine and beer, and plenty of live music. And every spring, The Highlands Community Garden hosts a “Farm to Table” night where local chefs whip up inspired plates using just-harvested veggies—often served family-style on picnic tables.
Why The Highlands Stands Out
So, what ties The Highlands’ food scene together? It’s the sense of place—where each menu nods to local crops, southern heritage, and the up-and-coming flavors making Wilson a rising foodie destination. Prices are generally mid-range, but the value is unbeatable, and the hospitality feels like home. Whether you’re hunting for your next brunch haunt, craving old-school barbecue, or eager for a perfect pastry, The Highlands is more than a neighborhood—it’s a culinary meeting place for anyone who loves to savor every bite.