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On The Square, Tarboro, NC
On The Square, Tarboro, NC
On The Square, Tarboro, NC
On The Square, Tarboro, NC
On The Square, Tarboro, NC

On The Square

4.9
4.9
1246 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Due to limited seating, we are only accepting in-house reservations. Please call the restaurant directly for a reservation.

Located in Historic Downtown Tarboro, one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, On the Square Restaurant offers seasonal, sustainable ingredients that are celebrated throughout the ever-changing menu. Open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and for lunch on Monday through Friday, we are as proud of our food and comfortable atmosphere as we are of our eclectic and value-driven wine list.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Thursday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Phone number
    (252) 823-8268
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Stephen Ribustello
  • Catering
    We offer catering of every kind. From box lunches to weddings, we are happy and able to provide food and wine for your special event.
  • Neighborhood
    Tarboro
  • Cross street
    Main Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,246 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 5Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.8Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Overall

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Food

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Best Value

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Great for fine wines

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Good for special occasions

  • Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

    Contemporary American

  • Raleigh

    Best Overall

  • Raleigh

    Best Food

  • Raleigh

    Best Value

  • Raleigh

    Great for fine wines

  • Raleigh

    Good for special occasions

1,246 Reviews
  1. Samuel999

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Great food, great service. Noisy at times in there is little to absorb the sound. Benches could be more comfortable. If would be nice to see more frequent new dishes.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Maverick

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We had a great time, great food, will definitely be returning!!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Bob2golf

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great meal and service. Took a long time to get our food. Very friendly staff and right on target except for time to get food.

    Is this helpful?

  4. RichardM

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    The calamari is a favorite and no restaurant does the Romaine dish like this place! We had the Jambalya and the chicken Scallopine both very well prepared and plated! Wish we had room for the dessert but was impossible!

    Is this helpful?

  5. DEACONfan

    Raleigh

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve been dining here for years. Although the food and service have usually been excellent, lately they have really stepped up their game. The new wine sommelier is awesome and the presentation is great. The food has been cooked to perfection. Can’t say enough good about this establishment.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Ziggy

    Sacramento

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very pleasant evening Great wait staff as always Was seated timely

    Is this helpful?

  7. BrianM

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food is always exceptional in this quaint little restaurant. Couple this with an exceptional wine list, makes for a wonderful escape In a small town filled with wonderful Victorian homes to view along the way.

    Is this helpful?

  8. FD67

    London

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience1
    Lunch time is nothing like the nice evening ambiance. Basically OK for a quick bite if you don’t mind ordering at the counter, and sitting at a table without linnen, proper glasses and get your soft drinks yourself. If you want service, anything else to drink and expect something more than you’re out of luck in Tarboro. No coffee, and soda water was a mission, although they did eventually accomplish it. Good job we had fun friends to lunch with…

    Is this helpful?

  9. KarenC

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Exceptional food! The salmon dish and the Amberjack were amazing. I was asking for a glas of Pinot Grigio but it was not an alternative since none chilled. That’s my only complaint. And a pesky fly around us while enjoying our meal, which is common in the south 😆

    Is this helpful?

  10. CassandraB

    Raleigh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing. The staff was attentive. All I could want in a low key but very nice dinner.

    Is this helpful?

  11. DEACONfan

    Raleigh

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We’ve eaten Shrimp and Grits at restaurants literally all over the world, these are the best!

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The shrimp and grits was heavenly! Great food all around, friendly service. Nice upscale restaurant in quaint downtown Tarboro!

    Is this helpful?

  13. Paul

    Raleigh

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super food and really good service. All aspects of the dinner were 4+

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Excellent local restaurant. Great food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  15. szq1129

    Raleigh

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Finally made it to this Eastern NC treasure! Three of us all had different entrees and we all enjoyed every bite! Nice sharable appetizers and of course great wine list!

    Is this helpful?

  16. DianaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff is very knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly! Food was excellent and was celebrating a birthday and they put in their own special touch on the dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Todd

    Wilmington

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great place, wonderful ambiance, friendly staff. Definitely would recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  18. WurL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Took my mom for a late Mother’s Day celebration and she loved the food, atmosphere and everything!

    Is this helpful?

  19. TamaraB

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Bait and switch on the soup (ordered the daily soup and it changed between when ordered and when served without notice) new soup was seafood which was not ok for some in our party due to sensitivity. Tried to make it right but with the pay first model, we ended up paying for more than what we got. Food overall was fine.

    Is this helpful?

  20. GeneP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome meal. Quiet small restaurant, great ambiance, reservations definitely required.

    Is this helpful?

  21. SherrillB

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated our friends birthday On the Square. The food was so delicious, the service was excellent. We enjoyed our experience and didn't feel rushed. Our friends enjoyed thier meal and especially the dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  22. LisaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    My husband and I went for our anniversary dinner. We loved the experience and plan to go again.

    Is this helpful?

  23. EleL

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Mussels too spicy. Salmon and fish good but potato needed seasoning and very runny. Chocolate molten cake very runny. Needed another minute in oven. Celebrating 55 anniversary but nothing done. Service good but needed to pour wine as server not available.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service never disappoint! I highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  25. SusanM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best. Consistent quality and service. I highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  26. MichaelS

    Raleigh

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The food was fantastic, as usual. What was very unusual was the very slow service. For some reason it appears the kitchen was very backed up, even though the restaurant was not abnormally busy.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DEACONfan

    Raleigh

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As usual, great food, wine and service. Fun location.

    Is this helpful?

  28. notalocal

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food and service. Saw lots of people we know.

    Is this helpful?

  29. SallyD

    Raleigh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Always delicious! The petit filet is not to be missed!

    Is this helpful?

  30. DrPhil

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A pleasant walk back in time. Grew up a similar small NC town. Going out growing up met going to a spot like On The Square. Brought back wonderful memories. I will be back… I promise!

    Is this helpful?

  31. MPitty

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The food was great. Service was a little slow at first, but improved as the evening went along.

    Is this helpful?

  32. MariaC

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The steaks never disappoint! The duck with cranberry butter was a hit. The star of the show, however, was the appetizer of fried brussels sprouts with Taigon aioli. The sprouts were delicious and the aioli was out of this world! We placed an order for one appetizer and quickly ordered a second! I would eat that aioli on anything - in fact I took some to go and will be enjoying it on a future salad 😉

    Is this helpful?

  33. TracyJ

    Raleigh

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Valentine’s Day

    Is this helpful?

  34. Ecog

    Richmond

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Excellent meal. They ran out of some entrees early, our reservation was at 6:30 so very early. Great overall though.

    Is this helpful?

  35. RoRo

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    All of us thoroughly enjoyed our dinners. The men declared it was the best calamari ever and I loved my shrimp and grits! The four of us eat out together almost every weekend and will definitely put On the Square into our top favorites!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    As usual, On The Square did not disappoint!

    Is this helpful?

  37. NosquaresOntheSquare

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been coming to On The Square for years and have always loved dining here! Again, it was excellent food and service.

    Is this helpful?

  38. TaraS

    Greensboro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An absolute gem among a sea of fast food restaurants and diners. Appetizers, specialty drinks, main courses, and dessert were allllllll on point! Do yourself a favor and get on a over there!!!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  39. TRJohnson

    Richmond

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 14, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Very limited menu. Tables really close together. Noisy when large parties assembled.

    Is this helpful?

  40. TeresaH

    Raleigh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, service. Tried every dessert on the menu & each one was extraordinary. Entrees were delicious as well. Highly recommend!!!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

On The Square offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (252) 823-8268.

On The Square is rated 4.9 stars by 1246 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 14 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for On The Square

115 East St. James Street, Tarboro, NC 27886

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Main Street
  • Neighborhood
    Tarboro
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 3:00pm; Dinner: Thursday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:00pm
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Stephen Ribustello
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (252) 823-8268
  • Catering
    We offer catering of every kind. From box lunches to weddings, we are happy and able to provide food and wine for your special event.
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