Satisfy Your Cravings: Eight Places to Get Authentic Polish Food in North Carolina

Isn’t it annoying when you’re mad for some good Polish food, you do an internet search and find a bunch of German or vaguely European restaurants?

Hello, they’re not the same.

Don’t worry, I’ve done the search for you – hey, I know how hard it is to find a good Polish place to eat in the south. It’s near darn impossible, not like up north, where you can’t throw a stone for hitting a Polish deli.

But guess what? I found eight places that offer Polish food in North Carolina and they’re all great options.

I write a mystery series featuring a Polish-American family in a small beach community near Wilmington, North Carolina. And there is a lot of Polish food featured in the story. Now that my mother-in-law is back in Poland, I try to eat authentic Polish food wherever I can find it. And that’s why I created this list – so I could figure out where to go for Polish food and groceries.

By the time I completed the list, I realized that other Polish food lovers may want this information as well. And since this is one of the most popular pages on Due South, I think I had the right idea.

So, let’s take a culinary journey around the Tarheel state, and explore the flavors of Poland right here in North Carolina!

Polish Restaurants

J. Betski’s Raleigh, NC

The owner and executive chef of J. Betski’s, John Korzekwinski is half-German and half-Polish, and that’s what you get on the menu. A little bit of Polish and a lot of German food. When you go, just order the kielbasa. It’s made fresh in-house and so so good.

When I first wrote this article, J. Betski was in their old location. They’ve since moved and made several changes to the look and feel of the restaurant, and changed the way you order and pay for your food. It’s different. The interior is no longer dark and warm and full of character, rather it’s sleek and modern and open. The food is still awesome, though prices have increased. Try out the new location, and if you miss the old vibe order to go and enjoy in the comfort of your home. The food is still amazing.

The menu has been updated with lots of new dishes I can’t wait to try.

J. Betski’s is located at 1916 Bernard Street, Raleigh.

Four Places In South Carolina To Get Your Polish Food Fix

Polish Markets

Polonez Market Raleigh, NC

This Polish food market owned and run by Marta Olszewska is a true gem for anyone seeking authentic Polish food and products. Located on Atlantic Avenue, this store offers a wide selection of imported Polish goods, from pierogi and kielbasa to Polish candies and cosmetics.

They do not offer deli or ready-to-eat foods but their grocery is well-stocked with anything you could want for a taste of Poland.

Polonez Market is located at 5440 Atlantic Springs Rd, Raleigh.

Euro Deli Mart Greensboro, NC

Euro Deli Mart is a local Greensboro, NC deli and grocery store that offers a variety of authentic Eastern European foods. From their homemade pierogies to flavorful kielbasa, Euro Deli Mart is a great place to find the Polish food you desire. They also have an impressive selection of European chocolates, teas, and other treats

Whether you’re looking for ingredients to cook your favorite Eastern European dishes or simply want to explore new flavors, the knowledgeable and friendly staff are always available to help you find what you need.

Euro Deli Mart is located at 602 Hickory Ridge Dr Ste 102 Greensboro, NC 27409.

Pierogies at Euro Food Bakery & Cafe in Charleston, South Carolina

Golden Hex Cary, NC

Golden Hex Foods is a delightful gourmet food store nestled in Cary, North Carolina. The store is brimming with a wide selection of European and Mediterranean foods, including quality meats and seafood, cheeses, dairy products, and imported groceries. What’s more, Golden Hex Foods offers an array of mouth-watering sweets and desserts from all over the world.

Brothers Arthur and Erik Shwarts own Golden Hex, and named it after their beekeeping business which they have still. You can purchase their raw honey and other natural products in-store.

Golden Hex is located in downtown Cary at 1246 NW Maynard Road.

Zygma European Groceries and Deli

Zygma is a specialty store that offers a variety of imported European groceries, including meats, cheeses, sweets, and other culinary delights. They specialize in Eastern European food, and you can find a wide range of traditional products from countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, and the Balkans.

In addition, they offer a variety of deli meats, sandwiches, and prepared foods that you can take home or enjoy in their cozy seating area. You can also order your pączki for Fat Tuesday!

Zygma is run by Jarek, who inherited the business from his parents Marta and Zygmunt Zelazko. He manages the shop with his wife Agnieszka,

Zygma European Grocery & Deli is located at 212 N. Polk Street in Pineville.

Polish Food At Farmers Markets

A Taste Of Poland Apex, NC

Owned by Eric Pitusiak, A Taste Of Poland offers authentic Polish food based on generations old family recipes. They are located in Apex, North Carolina and offer catering services.

They do not have a brick-and-mortar location, rather you can buy ready-to-eat meals at Apex and Cary farmers markets on the weekends.

Check their website and Facebook page for the most current information on where you can find them.

Polish Festivals

St. Stanislaus Polish Festival Castle Hayne, NC

Held every November, this festival has celebrated Polish culture for the past 22+ years. You’ll find authentic Polish foods, drinks and a variety of desserts and the official festival beer, St. Stan’s Baltic Porter, a Polish style beer fermented with Lager yeast.

The festival is located on the grounds of the St. Stanislaus Catholic Church at 4849 Castle Hayne Road, Castle Hayne (near Wilmington).

Polish Food On Etsy

I’m not sure if everyone knows this, but you can find some really amazing food on Etsy. Food of all types. But especially authentic, down-home Polish food like babica used to make. Every Christmas I send numerous gifts of Polish food, so I’ll share a few items that I’ve personally eaten below in case you have a hankering for something and want to order it.

There are two great choices for authentic Polish food in North Carolina. If you’re in the area do stop by.

The Mermaid Of Warsaw: Want to learn more about my series?

Cozy Up With Kathy and I celebrate Dyngus Day talking about the dragon and mermaid mythology in my book, Polish food, culture and much more! If you watch it, say hi to me on Youtube. 🙂