Best shrimp and grits I've ever had, down south! The plate was very hearty, it was tasty and very reasonably priced. I did leave room for a warm and rich pecan pie that was topped with vanilla ice cream. Our servers Jaylon and Diana were very attentive and knowledgeable. Always kept our glasses full. There's some comments here on cleanliness, and I want to say that I am a very clean & ocd type of person. I found it to be exceptionally clean. From the moment we walked in, the staff treated us with that kind Southern hospitality. I highly recommend Fresh Chef! And do plan to come back. read more

Fresh Chef - Shrimp & Grits and Pecan Pie - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

See all

Service was 5 stars. Our server was Makayla L, and she was very responsive and thoughtful. When we were ordering dessert, there were 3 in our party, but we only ordered two deserts. I mentioned my hubby and I would be sharing. When she came out with three plates, I was worried she misunderstood, but she actually had them split the cherry cobbler and ice cream. Now that was very unexpected, but I loved it. Multiple people stopped by our table to remove finished plates and check if we need anything. The place was like an upscale diner. Cloth napkins, but tvs showing football games. A nice bar, but they ran out of grenadine. No cherries in the Shirley temple. The mint julip was well made. Beef and vegetable soup was great, but the beef was burger. Not what I expected, but the fresh corn in it was wonderful. Black and blue filet salad was fantastic. They did not skimp on the blue cheese, it had spinach, kale, tomatoes and onion. My kiddo had the special, flounder and crab cakes. She said it was decent. Hubby lived the gumbo. I couldn't do 5 stars because the appetizer plates were dirty. All of them. All silverware and glasses were clean, but there was visible food residue on the appetizer plates and that's a big disappointment. To be honest, as someone who likes to eat fresh food, the salad was is definitely something I would recommend. read more

See all

Need to do MUCH better. We have been twice now and unfortunately will not be going back. Only good thing about the experience both times was the hostess. She's a delight! The young servers are unfriendly, lack luster and not knowledgeable of menu. Dined there with friends over the weekend. Sick by the time we were home. Possibly the salad. Glass had food stuck to it. My order was wrong, but the waitress was so uninterested in being there, did not care to even mention it. Brussels were beyond mushy and just dripping with way too much sauce. I could go on... There is so much potential for this restaurant. Menu looks good, but food is below subpar and managed poorly. Would definitely not recommend. read more

Food could improve for sure! Shrimp overcooked, centra rice bland, asparagus mediocre. The appetizer was the only thing good-spinach and artichoke dip and chips. Employees seemed nice. read more

The Fresh Chef was a cute place. Although the staff was friendly, they seemed very understaffed. They were working hard to be attentive, very much spread thin. The food was good, nothing special about it, but enjoyable. Maybe because I didn't go for something that would've been special. My mom's order was misheard but staff was quick and friendly to help fix the mishap. Prices were reasonable and food was enough of a portion for it. read more

Horrible Customer Service. Shrimp was bad, so asked about trading it for another dish. Server said "Sure" , then the bill came, manager would not remove the bad shrimp meal off the bill. Not going back. read more

Salad and water was the best. Food was ok I guess. Romas pizza In Hudson has better lasagna. Shrimp and grits was good. Ranch dressing was definitely not Ranch. Some of the toast came with black edges. Lunch prices are good on the specials. Will I be back yes but I will not make a special trip for it. I see why the Hickory one had to close down. read more

Fresh Chef - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

Ate here two weeks ago and was excited to try to crab cakes. My server seemed bothered by me the whole time. Someone dropped off my food and she never stopped to check in. The crab cakes were literally mushy piles of meat, and the mixed veggies were cold basically raw with some cheesy thrown on top. I ate some of the food bc I was hungry but the texture was totally unappealing. She came over and I asked if that was how they normally made their crab cakes and she said that some people thought they were mushy before .... And then said "well if guess you don't want a box" and then offered dessert. I was shocked no apology not any level of service. When she went to get my check she left all the dishes and the host came over and I asked her she immediately looked at them and was like no that is not right and got a manager. He was extremely apologetic after looking at my food comp'd the meal. I was just shocked by the service and how off the food was. I won't be back. read more

Fresh Chef - Rawish veggies with cold parm cheese - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

See all

I always turn to Yelp for restaurants when I'm traveling and I'm in unknown territory. Lately I've been very disappointed by the restaurants I've visited. But Fresh Chef is a really great find. Sooooo glad we found it. And if I lived within 50 miles I would be here all the time. We started with an appetizer of crab and artichoke dip. It came to the table quickly which was great because we were hungry! Fresh crisp crackers and a warm tasty dip. The table next to us had a shrimp and grits bowl and all I can say is that it looked delicious. And the portions were huge. I had a black and blue salad with beef tenderloin. Best steak I've had ever! And I'm not an aficionado of blue cheese dressing this was thick and chunky and plenty of it on the side. My wife had a simple chicken salad sandwich which came with a salad and fries. I tasted it and was impressed by how flavorful it was. The menu is pretty impressive and everything I saw on other tables looked really good. I want to try it all. read more

See all

WAS IT JUST A CRY FOR HELP??? A CRY FOR TRAINING IN GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE & RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT??? There was something very disjointed between staff members and managers during our recent visit. Overall, the food was fine (like the omelettes and salmon); the outdoor seating area, very pleasant. But the circus of service was just hard to comprehend. From incorrect/delayed drink orders (really, pitchers of beverages with no glass?), to scrambled food orders (throwing bacon on a vegetarian plate, for example), to food prep (there is a difference between Eggs Benedict and boiled eggs; grits made inedible in NC?!; and who serves the heel from a loaf of bread?!). The manager was delayed in coming to speak to us. By the time we saw Manager #1, we were completely frazzled by all of the incorrect checks that were brought out. (One server just put down a stack of invoices and wanted us to sort it out?!) When we did let the manager know about all the issues, she politely stated she would cover our meals - this was much appreciated! Then Manager #2 came out and we restated our issues. She then contradicted Manager #1 and wanted to give us a discount on our bill, gift card, free dessert, and an argument instead. Sadly, what should have been a pleasant meal, turned into bafflement on our part and a lack of professionalism on the part of management and staff. read more

I've always been a fan of Fresh Chef in Conover. I used to frequent this restaurant both for dine in and carry out. I met a friend today and noticed that for a noon lunch date, the place was almost empty. Service was great, but the good was not. I ordered a Blackened Chicken Salad. The quality of the chicken was awful. Instead of the chunks of flavored chicken that is the norm for FC, I had these thin slivers of tasteless chicken. The salad itself was really just not as fresh or delicious as it used to be. It was also about half the size as usual. I was very disappointed. The restaurant still looks nice. However, I won't be back as my salad and drink were $18.57. My friend ordered the Hawaiian Chicken salad, and the pineapple looked as if it had been poured from a can. It was just not a great experience. read more

Fresh Chef - Blackened Chicken Salad. - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

See all

This food was great. I appreciate Noah he is a fantastic server. He paid close attention to us never violating are space yet ensuring that we had all we needed. Can't wait to go back. read more

The food was okay. It's pricey at least the dinner menu is. But that's neither here nor there. Our server was kinda cold and almost seemed annoyed by us. I was not really happy with the entitled vibe I was getting from the whole establishment. I do like the outdoor seating area and it looks like you can dine with a dog outside because I saw a dog water dish on the patio. I like that. Because it would be fantastic to walk off dinner with my dog at the park right there. They did offer to escort us to our vehicle with an umbrella during the rain storm. There was a pretty nasty electric storm that scared my daughter and knocked out the power briefly to the building. A few of the girls were friendly I just felt judged like they were wondering if we could afford to be there. That upset me. We were casually dressed maybe that why there was an undertone. It's not someplace I would want to back to. It wasn't relaxing to me. I felt pressured to hurry up and pay and leave. So much so my daughter left most of her meal in a to go box on the table. She did not want to go get her food box because of the vibe we all picked up on. It reminded me of dining in telluride or aspen just snooty and entitled. read more

Great food and very clean. Always enjoy eating here. Thanks again for everythin.g.

One of our favorites in Conover! Consistency is key here! The filet is always very tender, love the house made garlic salad dressing with the salad and the house French fries! Yum! read more

My meal tasted like a bottle of salt was emptied in it. I told our server and she had the cook separate the grits from the shrimp and sauce so I coild.jist eat the grits separately. The manager came over to see how things were and was beyond rude insinuating that I have had this meal various times,and you.this was my first time visiting with my coworkers. I actually was shocked with her pointing fingers at me, as it I was lying and her rude unacceptable behavior with a customer. I found this not being her first time.beong nasty with.customers. we paid for our meals 5 of them and promptly left. Not a good.look for your company. read more

Fresh Chef - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

Two ate for $39.63 before tip. All I can say is WoW! Many - Healthy salad options for all types caught my eye. I'm a sucker for a wedge so I got the Wedge with Filet. Honestly, one of the best wedges I've ever had! Unique- Romaine open faced and grilled so all the contents were warm and not cold. Steak was perfect and the salad... hard to describe as it has many things going on from sun dried tomatoes, sunflower seeds and blue crumbles and purple onions and on and on! We weee blown away! Nice place inside, clean and Saturday night was easy to get in. read more

See all

Amazing! Burgers were juicy, cooked as we requested. Fries were thin with a good seasoning. Fried apples were tender, cinnamony and sweet. Service was polite, fast and gave us refills of drinks before we even asked. Price was good for amount of food received. You won't be disappointed! read more

It's just ok, not a huge fan but have been to several locations to try it out. The portion sizes are good and choices are decent. Atmosphere is ok but don't wow me. read more

Me and wife went and the food was ok. For the price you pay the food is super under seasoned and bland. I give it 2 stars because we did get the chicken sandwich and chicken strips instead of a pasta which seems to be the theme of the restaurant. Plus our service was really good. Also, this place has nothing fried so for kids and picky eaters look at the menu before you go in. read more

I will have my meeting/lunch here today reluctantly. I have always enjoyed the atmosphere and food here. Today was a different experience immediately as I arrived to the door 10-15 min prior to opening by a lady who very rudely stated "we are NOT open and I don't have servers here till 11am" as I am well aware of your business hours a better way to state your intentions is to say hi could I offer you a glass of water or something while you wait for us to get cranked up for lunch. I will definitely no longer recommend or be back as I have many times in the past. #bettercommunication #kindness #delivery read more

Rating by food alone is 5 starts. However service is .5 stars. Everything started fine, until the waitress brought the wrong table's appetizers to our table. Once our appetizers arrived, our waitress went missing for 30 minutes! No refills, no meal order taken. Upon her return, our table of 5 ordered our main course, I was the last to order. I ordered chicken Alfredo pasta and added aside of Brussel sprouts. Two minutes after we placed that order a food runner brought me a small plate of Brussels?? Food arrives and is amazing! Our server disappears again and we are basically left to fend for ourselves. Food A+, Service D- read more

Good food service a little slow Decent prices considering restaurant prices of going off the charts read more

My wife enjoyed her Saturday Prime Rib with her red wine mushroom side. On the other hand, my Shrimp and Grits dish was more like a lumpy cheese soup with andouille sausage and shrimp. The ambience was nice. The service was fast. We will come back and I will order something different. read more

Fresh Chef - Shrimp and Grits with andouille. - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

Lunch salad grilled chicken Caesar had way too much bacon and cheese and not much variety on the vegetables. Grilled chicken was tiny dried pieces and the salad dressing of creamy garlic was not garlic or tasty. Because of the dark (not dim) lighting I couldn't see what I was eating. I finished my salad but the balance of heavy items was not refreshing as salad courses usually are. read more

Stopped here on a whim and was Not disappointed. Great service and food. Plus the music from the 60's and 70's was a nice surprise. Keep up the great work. read more

Fresh Chef - Chicken piccata was excellent and came out fresh and hot - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

See all

Fresh Chef is a tasty, locals spot if you're in western NC. We stopped in Statesville but wanted a spot to eat outside with my dog. I called this place and they said dogs were welcome on the patio so we packed up and headed 25 minutes to get to this place. The rain was pretty terrible but the staff was open to us eating outside. There were not space heaters or plastic but we visited in March so who is to say they don't have that during the colder months. Out waitress was quick and so kind to serve us outside in bad weather. Already the customer service was great. Once we got our food, the happiness increased even more. The fries were perfectly salted and I absolutely loved my Hawaiian Chicken Wrap. The chicken paired with pineapple and honey mustard was delicious. I think I'll repeat this recipe in a non-wrap form. Cute part of town, friendly staff, dog friendly, tasty food. I would eat here again on my way out west from eastern NC. read more

Fresh Chef - Hawaiian chicken wrap - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

Good always good, great and fast service , atmosphere is good. . Great steaks, burgers, and appetizers.

Always wonderful food. Especially the pork chops and Salmon are to die for. Highly Recommend

Terrible chicken salad! Every dish I tried in this place is tasteless Everything but the spinach artichoke dip. read more

Always a treat when I visit. My son enjoys their kids menu and I always get the daily special. A great spot for breakfast and you can always get in! read more

Nice, clean and friendly quaint farm to table eatery. Pleasant staff and offers outdoor seating read more

Fresh Chef - Cheeseburger and fries please! Hand cut fries! - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

Amazing as always. Came for Valentine's. Special menu. Excellent service and everything was prepared beautifully. read more

See all

Lots of yummy choices on the menu. This time I got Shrimp and grits. The flavors were fabulous but the ratio of grits to sauce was off. Too much sauce hid the beautiful grits base. read more

The chicken wrap was ok, but there was too much feta cheese that took away from the flavor. I asked for honey mustard sauce in the wrap & it wasn't added. The mashed potatoes were cold & the server gave me an unsweetened tea instead of sweet. I went with a large group of coworkers' & service was ok. It seemed like servers were too busy with the lunch crowd. I may try it one more time when it's less busy & opt for a different food item like the pesto pasta with shrimp that someone suggested. As for right now, I'm not too impressed & it seems over priced & over rated. read more

Apologies for partly eaten plate. **could not wait to dig in** This is my second time here and it was just as good as the first time. This place has a wide variety of options on the menu and everything I've had so far has been way above average and expectations. Great atmosphere and drinks. Will make this a regular spot when I come back to visit family! Pictured: Blackened Cajun Fresh Trout with cilantro rice and squash/zucchini medley. This is soooooo good! read more

Fresh Chef - Blackened Cajun trout with cilantro rice and zucchini squash medley - American Near Me - Conover, North Carolina

Food always hot and fresh! Great service and good drinks. If you are in hickory or Newton this is a must try!

We were introduced to Check Fresh Kitchen by the amazing innkeepers at Sweet Tea Bed and Breakfast. We were lucky to get in for dinner on our first evening in Conover. Our dinner started with The Dip Due- Pimento and fresh guacamole, topped with pico de gallo and served with corn chips. They both were very good, but the pimento cheese was my favorite (I guess because it is a Southern thing). For our entreeJenni had Seared Scallops which was the daily special. The scallops are brought in fresh, so when they are gone they are gone till the next deliver. The sear on the scallops was perfect.It came with a side of grits and mixed vegetable. I had the Shrimp and Grits- a combination of NOLA and Charleston styles. The menu had lot of yummy sounding things, so we will have to visit again on our next visit to Conover. read more

See all

Fresh Chef holds true to there name with "Fresh". Their entrees, appetizers are incrediblely tasteful and wonderfully spiced - and blended masterfully. I'd love to get into details of every dish I've had, I'll simply summarize that Fresh Chef serves up high quality, farm fresh foods and ingredients. Rich in flavor, deep colors signifying freshness and quality. The menu is well balanced for starters, salads, entrees, different meats and other. You'll find an entree to fit your appetite. The Conover, NC location is situated slightly off the path but easily found and accessible. Love the outdoor seating with shade or heat (depending on preference and weather). I also like the booth settings because they are roomy, comfortable and spacious for a party to eat comfortably. Lighting is optimal throughout the restaurant. This is quite important because too bright is bothersome, and too dark can be a strain on your eyes. Staff is incredible, well managed and highly attentive. If a staff (any staff) passes your table and notice an empty beverage they'll stop and refill. They'll even ask if everything is going good. I believe the owner (Kelly?) has done an excellent job leading his group. read more

See all

What an inviting little nook of a restaurant. The lasagna was so delicious and the cheeseburger was so juicy and fresh. We are visiting our family in Conover and we will make this our restaurant when we return. Thank you for being so hospitable! ( sorry no pictures) read more