See Jimmy the bartender. Shrimp and Grits are awesome. Try out the tapas menu as well. The staff is amazing. Jazz on certain nights. One waiter sings opera. read more

Just left and it was so good. Everything I needed to wind down. Really just an excellent experience.

Starlight Cafe is a fantastic bar attached to a mediocre, pretentious, and overpriced restaurant. Jimmy, the long-time bartender at Starlight is a true professional in a craft usually left to college kids looking to make good tip money. He cares about art of bartending and it shows in every aspect of his preparation and service. The drinks are pricey, but worth it. The food, on the other hand, is not worth the price charged (with a few exceptions, like the always excellent burger). The menu frequently strays into the arena of the unnecessarily pretentious, which on its own is not the worst characteristic in the world, but when paired - as in this case - with poor execution, it is a recipe for disaster. Portion size is typically 20% smaller than appropriate. Seasoning is seldom correct, and technique is weaker than the menu's aspirations demand. read more

I grew up in Grenville and my sister and I come back a couple of times a year to visit my mother. Dining options in Greenville, as have been noted, are quite limited. This isn't that big a deal since both my mother and I love to cook, but having an attractive option for dining out wouldn't be bad. So, when my mother and sister and I went here, I had high hopes. Sadly, they were not met. I think it's great to see someone try to set up a place like this in Greenville, with good beer and wine selection, and a menu devoted to doing creative things with a lot of locally sourced ingredients in a space that has the feel of a hip-but-comfy urban neighborhood bistro. Unfortunately, the execution just isn't there. The cheese plate was thoroughly underwhelming, and seemed like it could have just as easily been bought at the local Harris Teeter. The shrimp and cheese grits we received had no cheese in them and were flavorless, thought the shrimp were quite tasty. My flounder was edible, but not impressive. The roasted root vegetables were tasteless and basically formed the bed for the flounder. With moist, overcooked veggies below and a forgettable Bearnaise sauce on top, the fish (which I assume was once crispy from pan frying) came out soggy and mushy. Given the quality, I found the food prices too high, though the beer and wine prices seemed quite good and the selection was also commendable. I had no complaints with our service - our waitress was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. I like the cozy feel of the place but I can't help but mention that we went on a chilly December night and the place felt both drafty and downright chilly inside. I doubt we'll go back, but I wish the place the best. As for me, I'll contend that the best dining options in Greenville are take-out from Dixie Queen, The University Chophouse (which IMO has gone downhill), and the various BBQ joints, especially B's. read more

Just had dinner here and was very disappointed. I had the scallops and they were horribly over seasoned. They cost $27. I don't mind paying that much for a good dinner but for the ambiance, caliber of wait staff and then very poorly prepared food it is way overpriced. So bummed that I had to pay so much for an entree I couldn't even finish and then had to come home and fix myself something to eat. read more

The food was pretty good, though I dont feel that it meant the prices that were set for it. I ordered Poutine, which is a canadian pub food that I have never tried before. It essentially is fries with chicken gravy, cheese and eggs on top. Overall, I enjoyed the meal. My main problem was the overall duration of my group being in the restaurant. We, a group of 6, arrived during prime Brunch hours so we expected a wait. I put my name on a list and we were seated roughly 30 minutes later. No problem there. What bothers me is that we all ordered basic brunch items (shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, etc) and it took ALMOST AN HOUR to get our food. As we sat there waiting I watched at least 4 other groups that had come in after us be seated, order, eat and pay before ever taking a bite my self. I understand we had a slightly larger than normal group but an hour?!?!?! Never once did our server give us an update as to what was taking so long or even acknowledge the long wait. By the time we left there was only two other tables eating so I have a hard time believing that influx of customers caused the extended wait. The complete time spent in the restaurant was 2+ hours. If the service had been better I think I would have considered going back because I really did like the poutine, but I think I'll just try somewhere else next time. read more

Coming from out of state, I've been very disappointed with the sheer lack of good dining options in Greenville. Starlight reminds me of my favorite restaurants back home. I really enjoyed sitting at a table next to the front floor to ceiling window. I had the carpaccio as an app. Even though the presentation wasn't exactly impressive, it tasted great which made the presentation almost irrelevant. My seared green tomato scallops were good but not excellent. My boyfriend loved the steak frites. Their cocktail list is fun and inventive. The major downfall of Starlight is that it is absolutely overpriced. $10.00 for a drink made with absolut vodka kind of blows my mind. Entrees are also overpriced but not quite to the extent that the drinks are. read more

Called ahead to see if there was a wait, and the person on the phone, told us that it would be an hour wait. We walked in just to see if it was busy, and I got a table right away. Literally no wait at all. Sat down, waited 10 minutes, finally had the server bring us some water. He walked away before we could even get a drink order. He came back, 5 minutes later, to ask what we wanted to drink. I wanted Cabernet, and the first words out of his mouth were "oh well we may not even have that, it was a busy weekend so ya know stuff runs out, but I'll check." I just stared at him, and then shook it off and asked what he recommended between the duck and veal, as in what was more popular. His reply was, "well I mean I would do the veal." I asked why? He said, "oh well it's on the specials so it seems like the better choice." Against my better judgement, I ordered the veal. He was supposed to check on the Cabernet to see if any was "left" but never returned for 15 minutes, so we left. The saddest part was that the menu looks delicious. Word of advice to the owner. Hire a staff who A. Is pleasant, B. Knows how to talk to guests, and C. Comes to the table accordingly and knows what wines are on the menu. We will NOT be back. read more

I came here for brunch with my fiance after having heard about how awesome the food is, and I was severely underwhelmed. I ordered a banana french toast, and the bananas must've been green because they were mostly sour, and the french toast was not really french toast, more like bread with a thin coating of egg batter. French toast is supposed to be made with bread - the drier the better - and you let it SOAK, so when you cook it, the consistency is more like custard. My fiance's eggs benedict seemed ok, but overall definitely not worth the price of the meal. Only reason I give it a 3 is because of the service, but if it were strictly on taste/value, I'd give it a 2. read more

This is the most amazing restaurant in Greenville, some may call it heaven when I win the service was phenomenal the food was breathtaking I could even put on my fourth until that all the bar was a great scene bloody young and older folks that were great times. The waitstaff was very helpful and attentive and even with my complicated orders, which I always do,they still seem to get a ride every time I visit if you're ever in Greenville or local folk this is what I recommend to be. read more

Went to the Starlight for the first time tonight. I expected a big bang for the buck but ended up going to burger king afterward instead. Ordered the shrimp and grits, was expecting something really good, let me say that I was VERY disappointed. It was more mushroom and grits than anything else. I wouldn't eat it so everyone at the table tried it and nobody else wanted it either. We had seven at the table so it's not just me. The shrimp was awful. It was NOT fresh or even close. I love shrimp and grits and have tried it wherever I can find it but this was by far the worst I have ever had. Was it just a bad night? read more

Coming from NY I was not expecting to find a restaurant like this in Greenville. Right off the bat free parking across the street was sweet. The look of the place inside would fit right in in downtown SOHO NYC. The drink special was excellent with fresh ingredients, the food is locally sourced and most selections are of the grass fed organic variety. I had the pork it was off the hook. Even the Caesar dressing was homemade not from a plastic jug (you can tell trust me). We were 3 people, we had two drinks (total not each), 3 entrees, 2 deserts and 1 coffee the bill came to $87!! $87?? That's it?! In NYC the equivalent would be $150 EASY, so anyone who says this place is expensive doesn't frequent big city eating establishments. It was WELL worth every dollar spent. Server was very pleasant and attentive, not speedy but hey, it is NC. read more

Clearly the best food in Greenville. Yes, you pay a little more but its reflected in the quality of the food you receive. They change up their menu to reflect what is fresh and in season (like any good restaurant should). I had the curry mussels which were amazing. Love the fact that they keep their ingredients local. Awesome location and awesome service. Best restaurant in Greenville. read more

Start with a bloody mary - perfectly spiced, with a large shrimp, green olive, and a piece of pickled okra - yum! We had brunch here today, in town visiting our son who is a student at ECU. I ordered the shrimp and grits, a saute of shrimp, mushrooms, and vegetables served over cheddar cheese grits. It was excellent, with a generous amount of medium-sized shrimp. My only comments are that it wasn't as hot as I would have liked and I couldn't taste the cheese in the grits. My husband had the special -two poached eggs served over fried green tomatoes, sauteed spinach, bacon, topped with hollandaise, he loved it! My son ordered scrambled eggs mixed with mexican style vegetables, served with warm corn tortillas and black beans. Fantastic! It was a great meal, and the service was swift and friendly. The atmosphere was lovely - this is a very special restaurant; not our first visit and just as good each time. read more

Brunch was amazing. I had the Salmon Tartar and it was so delicious that I couldn't stop eating it. The focaccia bread was crispy and buttery, a wonderful compliment to the fresh salmon. The presentation was beautiful. My friend had the Red Flannel Hash and was very pleased. It was an extremely enjoyable experience and I am counting down until I can go back. read more

nice place to go to in downtown greenville other than the collage bars, good atmosphere good food and great cocktails, its a little expensive but the bar tender there called Cat is awesome makes a great cocktail. i will go back again read more

Top restaurant in greenville - gald they changed the wines by the glass up a bit, I mean I can only see Hey Mambo on the list for so long.

We were seated and after 5 minutes served a drink. We then waited another 15 minutes and the waiter never returned. We looked around for him or another server but were either ignored or overlooked by the small staff. It wasn't very busy at all but the waitstaff all seemed to just disappear to either the back or the bar area. We put $5 on the table to pay for the tea and then left. read more

The food is good, depending on the night it is as good as you could possibly get in greenville however the price range is a joke especially the starters, the worse Ive encountered was $22 for a vegitarian pasta dish, that just doesnt fly in this town. I would reccomend going on the nights when they have live entertainment if your going to go. If they offer you a window seat, do not take it read more

Excellent restaurant! If you like chain restaurants and processed food, go somewhere else. The ingredients are fresh, the entrees were freshly made and the taste was clean and vibrant. We asked the waitperson about the ingredients and were told they use local meat and vegetables and/or organic products. How good is that?! The service was friendly and timely. Be sure to try the flour less chocolate cake with homemade ice cream (with a touch of mango) - YUM! read more

Went here for brunch twice. The poutine is very good, and the chicken & waffles was good except for the fact that the waffle was undercooked. Very friendly service and nice environment. read more

I love this place and eat here as often as I can. They don't serve anything GMO and grow many of the vegetables and so forth at their own nearby farm, and get their other items from local resources. But the thing I love most is that the food is usually delicious. I love lunch and dinner, both, though the food is very different between the two. I have only had brunch there once, so I can't really comment on that. I had a great sandwich there today, which was a grilled cheddar cheese with vegies, called a Mountain something. I have always disliked tomato sandwiches until last year when I ate a Fried Green Tomato BLT at Starlight, and have had every tomato sandwich on the menu since then. The servers are great. Also love the ambience and food at dinner. Hope my husband and I can go tomorrow night! read more

I love Starlight. It's an oasis in Greenville. Family owned and run, European flair, fresh local food (they have their own farm!), unique dishes from an inventive chef, good vegetarian dishes, excellent bread, wine and cheeses. Best bartender I've ever had, perfect drinks! Classy, romantic, sophisticated, a suit and tie is not out of place, but you could get away with jeans. read more

In relative terms this is about the best choice in town. The service is a little spotty, mostly an organizational problem with the table layout I think, but overall pleasant. Really fun cocktail list, maybe one of the few places in town that knows how to make a correct aviator. Good raw bar, consistently fresh delicious oysters. The menu is a little abbreviated but you can do well skipping the entrees and just grazing on the appetizers. Requisite (for the "Old North State) shrimp & grits if that's what floats-your-boat. Brunch at 11 on Sundays, decent coffee. read more

Ordered seared scallops. Awful. Had a stron tart taste from lemon butter (per waitress after asking what the tart taste was). Would not go to this restaurant again. read more

Fantastic! Fried green tomatoes with pimiento and pesto to start: stuffed mushrooms, corn chowder, tapas: beef stew, eggplant, salad. Happy we wandered in. read more

Starlight is wonderful! Everything is fresh and beautifully prepared. Can't beat the shrimp and grits!

This place has had crappy service for years. Which is unfortunate because the food is good, yet pricey. Mr. and Mrs. B, stop hiring the "hip", "eclectic" children. They are not doing you any favors. Look for actual professionals who care more than the kids you hire. read more

dinner and brunch- yum . everytime I come to town I crave this place. it gives off that comfortable feel and the food is comfort all the way! very much full of locals which makes me love it even more! read more

the Starlight is always a treat- atmosphere is the best in town- as are the shrimp and grits and those huge delicious burgers.