Name: On The Square
Address: 115 E Saint James St, Tarboro, NC, 27886, US
Telephone: (252) 823-8268
Rating: 4.48

Seasonal, sustainable ingredients are celebrated accordingly throughout the ever-changing menu that ranges from subtle to blunt and is teamed nightly with recommendations from a value-driven eclectic yet classic wine offering. The majority of patrons come from out of town. Those who discover this off-the-beaten-path dining experience are ardent supporters.

Whether your next event is a birthday dinner for 8 or an engagement party for 80, we would love to provide the food and wine. Our goal is to prepare and present beautiful, delicious food with wines that will complement your selected menu. On the Square will work closely with you in creating the perfect menu for any occasion, including corporate luncheons and dinners, wedding receptions and private affairs.

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Reviews (25)

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Grim Reaper

Dec 21, 2021

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Waited almost an hour for their angus cheeseburger just for it to be bloody raw, that same night I ended up getting sick and now I supposedly have salmonella because of that beef

Bobby Hoggard

Nov 14, 2021

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Absolutely amazing! The dinner, the drinks, the atmosphere and our waitress were all fantastic!

Janet Wester

Nov 03, 2021

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The food was good and the staff friendly but our waitress was pretty rude. We shared a entree and appetizer i guess she thought her tip would be small. That was not correct we just do not eat large amounts. But tip does reflect service.

Laura H.

Oct 29, 2021

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Ever changing menu with excellent execution. Easily one of the best restaurants in North Carolina. Excellent wine selection and knowledgeable and friendly wait staff.

David Hinnant

Sep 26, 2021

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A great restaurant in Tarboro, which was a somewhat surprising find all things considered. The Sushi was great and the dishes I saw pass by looked really awesome. We sat outside which was a nice option. The wine selection was terrific even though I opted for a local beer from Tarboro Brewing Company but that was a great choice. The location isn't exactly on the "square" but it's 1 block off main, convenient, and easy to find parking. If you're headed east or west on US-64, take the short drive into downtown for some great, upscale but casual food.

Cathy Williams

Sep 23, 2021

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Great place to dine. It's cozy and has old world charm. The food is prepared perfectly. Everyone is super nice and makes sure you have a good experience.

Zack C.

Aug 02, 2021

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To start with the good: the food presentation was absolutely gorgeous and the staff were kind, knowledgeable about the food, and courteous. Moreover, the sides were quite good, as the diced squash had a pleasant, oniony undertone and the scalloped potatoes were tender and delicate. Unfortunately, at least for me, I did not find the flavor of the food to be commensurate with the local hype or price. To focus on the main course: it was my hope that the Berkshire pork with jalapeño glaze would carry a distinct and memorable flavor. But, while tender, the taste itself was underwhelming, and I

Richard K.

May 06, 2021

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Great food, the Thai shrimp and mussels were incredible last time I ate here. Steaks are good, Calamari is popular. Local Tarboro Brewing Co. beers. Can't go wrong here!

Dustin T.

Apr 28, 2021

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I've eaten here twice and both meals were delicious. This time I had the hot roast beef with fries. Very tasty. Previously I tried the Oyster Po'boy. Their food is very well prepared and the restaurant is well maintained.

Bobby A.

Feb 16, 2021

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Had awesome valentine dinner everything was excellent i had a scallop shrimp in a butter spinich cream sauce in a puff pastry. Clamchowder is a must loaded with clams more clams than vegtables with a right creamy texture. My wife had the crab cake and shrimp meal equally as awesome. Great wine and specialty drink selection. Chochalate martini was perfect dessert. My wifes irish coffee topped with thick fresh made cream from the kitchen. On the square made my wife feel like she was really treated special. Thank you

Seth S.

Jul 26, 2020

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Best Veggie Burger I've ever had anywhere in USA - fresh, healthy, delicious

Ryan S.

Jan 31, 2020

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Outstanding! we were passing through town on our way to the outer banks and were blown away by everything we ate. Chicken and Waffles were among the best I've ever tried. Short ribs were innovative and delicious. Wine selection was a tightly curated selection from around the world. If that's not enough of a reason to eat here, then I want to point out that the wait staff was just wonderful. We will be back!

Jeremy C.

Dec 18, 2019

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Excellent restaurant! I've been going here for years and always receive great service and excellent food. My favorite go-to is the Turkey Bacon Melt. I also enjoy their tomato bisque. Give them a try and you will not be disappointed.

Charlie B.

Aug 09, 2019

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Delicious!

A fine restaurant for special dinners. I have been twice and was impressed both visits. Highly recommended.

K. P.

Jun 24, 2019

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Salads are nice here. I enjoyed the strawberry salad twice and both times, there was ample strawberries. The pecans add a nice crunch and the feta was a perfect compliment. I even asked for avocado and they accommodated.

M. E.

May 25, 2019

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Excellent food! The roast beef was awesome and the bread was so fresh. Worth the visit!

Mike W.

May 18, 2019

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Absolutely delicious! Great menu, a lot of interesting offerings with plenty of seafood. My wife had the soft shell crab, and I loved the grilled amberjack. The sides perfectly complimented the entrees. I cannot recommend a restaurant more. It's worth a drive, if you're not Tarboro local.

Winslow R.

Feb 24, 2019

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Best restaurant in NC! I've eaten all over the state! (And the US) This is the place I come to for the best of new things to try and Stephen does not disappoint!
Nobody does fish like OTS! Fresh fish is the hallmark of any true fine dining experience! BTW, If they ever put lamb shank back on the menu... get in line!
You big city folks, it's worth the drive!

Maggie M.

Jan 20, 2019

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This place is a gem! Lovely staff and delicious food. They really go above and beyond on presentation as well. Recommend sitting at the bar and chatting with the bartenders. They were great to chat with and had wonderful food and drink suggestions.

Nik Kei

Jan 17, 2019

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Dinner is great here. Lunch is just ok. Service at lunch could use a vast improvement in the friendliness area. I have eaten here several times and it’s always the same. Dinner how ever is the best in the area.

Jim B.

Aug 04, 2018

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Wow. What a pleasure. We were weary travelers and so glad we discovered this place. The back story is amazing. The BLT salad was amazing. The vegetable bisque was amazing. They gave us complementary fried okra. I haven't had okra that wasn't sliced. The breading was awesome. Service was spot on. I will look forward to our next visit.

Martin Brossman

Feb 04, 2018

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Clearly one of the finest restaurants in town with a great wine selection. The place with filled with both locals and people from out of town. Very high quality food.

Grogory T.

Oct 26, 2016

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Vivian Howard of Kinston's Chef & The Farmer gets all the fame, but having eaten at both fine restaurants multiple times, I must give the edge to On The Square. While I have been disappointed at times with Chef & Farmer, I cannot recall a single disappointment at On The Square. And as an added bonus they are generally cheaper than Chef & Farmer.

If you live in Greenville or Rocky Mount, make the trip at least once. There are no establishments in either of those cities that match Tarboro's gem.

Recommendations: The pan-seared oysters are perfection. And the grilled romaine

Greg G.

Mar 30, 2016

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Wow! Scallop salad. Got so excited when I saw it I ate the four perfectly seared scallops before I could snap a pic. Met their seafood supplier coming in the door, Inland Seafood. Love that they use local, fresh seafood and not US Foods like so many others do. #shoplocal

Looking forward to meeting the owners next time I eat here. They are here most days I hear but happen to be out today.

Tarhy A.

Sep 01, 2015

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This is one of the best restaurants that you will ever eat in I'm serious. I've eaten a ton of great food and this husband & wife (worked in NYC) team know what they are doing. If you are ever near Tarboro please eat & drink here. Next time I'm in ill post some pics of the seasonal local fare.