Meridian - Winston Salem

This is officially my favorite restaurant in Winston-Salem. As an accomplished cook, I often feel let down by my own creations at home. However, the mussels in Chardonnay cream sauce here were absolutely fantastic. My entrée was also very good, but I was already quite full by that point. I give it five stars and a solid 10/10 recommendation. I find myself returning frequently. The food arrives quickly (within 15-20 minutes); even though it wasn’t particularly busy at 6:30 on a Wednesday, I believe I would have gotten my order in even sooner. The waitstaff is perfectly attentive without being overbearing, and the atmosphere is just right for a romantic evening. If you, like me, are expecting to spend between $75 and $150 per person, this place delivers.

Had a reservation in the other night, appeared and were sitting immediately. Good service during meal. The food was very good. The duck was cooked for perfection and all the accompaniments were also very delicious. The house made pasta was fresh tasting and not excessively sown. A great experience.

Every now and then I will eat out and ask myself, why don't I eat at this place more often and why have I not reviewed this place before? Meridian Restaurant definitely fits this bill. My wife and I had a lovely meal at this sadly empty restaurant last Thursday. We began with two very good cocktails, a Boulevardier and a Nor'Easter. Although the appetizer list looked delicious, we wanted to be sure to save room for dessert so I just had the bibb salad. I don't generally like to have my salads dressed for me, but in this case it worked out well. For our entrees we got two favorites. My wife had shrimp and grits upgraded with some NC grouper. Everything was cooked perfectly. I had the NY strip steak au poivre with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. I prefer a creamy au poivre, but the cognac sauce on this one was just fine. Steak was thick, peppery, and a perfect medium rare. Dessert was a great way to conclude our meal. My wife had a pots de creme and I had the bread pudding. These are two of our favorite desserts and Meridian's version did not disappoint. The bread pudding avoided the sins of dryness and excessive sweetness that I find in many restaurants. The bread pudding had just a hint of anisette which was revelatory. Chef/Owner Mark Grohman definitely knows what he is doing in the kitchen. The reduced staff was attentive but not overbearing. The atmosphere in the restaurant is great, semi-open kitchen with plenty of windows and muted lighting inside. I have neglected Meridian in the past, but I am definitely looking forward to going back sooner rather than later.

Good food, but unwelcoming vibe. The bar tender thought he was too cool and was not helpful with choosing drinks. The other guests seemed unusually elderly. I'm not sure why there were so many older folks congregated here. Maybe they were hosting a reunion for the Class of 1969 or something. They could have been having an off night. I'd be willing to try here again. I just won't sit near the bar.

First time here, would most likely go back. It is nice place for a dinner date, or a get together with family in a higher level establishment. Service was respectful and the food was good. Some of the options were a little off my taste, but I do not put that against them, that is just opinion. I only knocked it down a start because the layout was a little too basic, I expected a little more.