The Best Dish in NC restaurant contest is calling for North Carolina chefs to enter this year's competition to determine which restaurant serves the best dish using products grown or produced in the state. The Best Dish in NC restaurant contest started in 2006 to bring awareness to the restaurants and chefs who feature local food products on their menus. The annual competition is open to any North Carolina restaurant or restaurant group. There are two categories in the competition: Fine Dining or Casual Dining.

Applications must be received by March 31 in order to be considered for this year's contest. A panel of judges will review the applications and announce the finalists in May. Judging will take place during the summer. Applications and contest guidelines can be found online at bestdishnc.com.