Choosing a great restaurant in Gastonia isn’t just about filling your stomach—it’s about finding the places that make this community feel like home, whether you’re craving soul food after a long week or a quiet date night spot. Locals know to look for consistent quality, friendly service, and a menu that reflects the area’s diverse tastes. To help you decide where to eat next, we’ve rounded up the top-rated restaurants in and around Gastonia based on real customer feedback.
1. Soul on Lowell — 2813 Lowell Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA | 4.9 stars (100 reviews) Soul on Lowell has quickly become a neighborhood favorite for its down-home Southern cooking and welcoming atmosphere. With a near-perfect 4.9-star rating from 100 reviews, it’s the kind of place where the fried chicken and collard greens taste like they’ve been perfected over generations. If you’re on Lowell Road and need a hearty, soulful meal, this spot is hard to beat.
2. Constantine’s Restaurant — 1825 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054, USA | 4.8 stars (1,449 reviews) Constantine’s has earned its stellar 4.8-star rating from nearly 1,450 diners by serving up classic Greek and American dishes in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. Locals rave about the generous portions and the homemade gyro platter, making it a dependable choice for lunch or dinner on South New Hope Road. It’s a Gastonia institution that keeps people coming back year after year.
3. Webb Custom Kitchen — 182 S South St, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA | 4.7 stars (3,657 reviews) With over 3,600 reviews and a solid 4.7-star average, Webb Custom Kitchen is a downtown Gastonia staple that blends Southern comfort food with modern flair. The scratch-made biscuits, shrimp and grits, and rotating specials keep both regulars and first-timers impressed. It’s the kind of place where you can taste the care in every dish, from breakfast through dinner.
4. Tino's — 3204 Union Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA | 4.7 stars (205 reviews) Tino’s may be a smaller operation with 205 reviews, but its 4.7-star rating reflects a loyal following that loves its Italian-American classics. The pizza and pasta dishes are made with fresh ingredients, and the friendly service makes you feel like part of the family. If you’re on Union Road and craving a slice of comfort, Tino’s delivers.
5. Skillet Southern Bistro — 119 Center St B, Cramerton, NC 28032, USA | 4.7 stars (127 reviews) Just a short drive from Gastonia in Cramerton, Skillet Southern Bistro brings elevated Southern fare to a cozy downtown setting. Its 4.7-star rating from 127 reviews highlights the chef’s attention to seasonal ingredients and dishes like fried green tomatoes and shrimp po’boys. It’s a hidden gem worth the trip for anyone who appreciates thoughtful, homemade cooking.
6. Groovy Beast — 1611 Westover St, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA | 4.6 stars (1,197 reviews) Groovy Beast lives up to its name with a fun, retro vibe and a menu that spans burgers, tacos, and craft beer. With over 1,100 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it’s a go-to spot on Westover Street for casual dining with a twist. The outdoor seating and live music on weekends make it a local hangout that feels like a party.
7. Mic's Kitchen — 141 W Main Ave #101, Gastonia, NC 28052, USA | 4.6 stars (438 reviews) Mic’s Kitchen is a downtown Gastonia gem that specializes in Southern comfort food with a Caribbean twist. Its 4.6-star rating from 438 reviews reflects the popularity of dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken, and mac and cheese. If you’re looking for bold flavors in a no-frills setting, Mic’s is a must-try.
8. Tasty — 3826 S New Hope Rd STE 1, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA | 4.6 stars (280 reviews) Don’t let the simple name fool you—Tasty on South New Hope Road lives up to its billing with a menu of Chinese-American favorites made fresh to order. With a 4.6-star rating from 280 reviews, it’s the kind of spot where the lo mein and General Tso’s chicken hit the spot every time. Quick, reliable, and genuinely tasty.
9. Mi bella Honduras Restaurant Gastonia Nc — 3206 Union Rd, Gastonia, NC 28056, USA | 4.6 stars (182 reviews) Mi bella Honduras brings authentic Central American cuisine to Gastonia, with a 4.6-star rating from 182 reviews. The baleadas, pupusas, and tajadas are made with love and served in a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to explore flavors beyond the usual Southern fare.
10. Front Porch and Provisions — 140 N Gaston St, Dallas, NC 28034, USA | 4.6 stars (178 reviews) Located in nearby Dallas, Front Porch and Provisions is a charming spot that feels like a friend’s home—complete with a front porch and a rotating menu of Southern staples. Its 4.6-star rating from 178 reviews speaks to the quality of the