Nestled in the historic West End, you will find a gem of a restaurant. The Zevely House, opposite from Fourth Street Filling Station, is a history lesson and fine dining experience all rolled in to one.

Even the reporters of The New York Times agree that Zevely House is a worthy attraction in Winston-Salem, saying the restaurant "truly justifies its star rating."

The small brick house appears understated from the street. But step inside to the warmth of the wood-burning fire place, comfortable sofas and fully stocked bar in the lobby, and the quaint surroundings will soon feel quite cozy.

In 1814, that small house was built by Van Neuman Zevely, a Moravian cabinetmaker. In 1974, the building was moved to its present location in the West End and restored to its current comfortable state. All of this, plus the additional history of the house, can be read while waiting in the lobby for your seat.

The several living and bedrooms have been converted into dining rooms, with only four or five tables per room. With a fireplace, country paintings, and antique dishes, you will feel right at home.

The service was pleasant and the menu authentic. I enjoyed a dish that I could not find on any other menu in the area: sliced beef and fried oysters on an English muffin with poached eggs and sundried tomato hollandaise. I would never even dream of putting those flavors together, but someone much more creative than I made a meal of comfort food befitting the surroundings. My date got one of the house favorites, chicken pot pie with Moravian plum sauce. A lovely twist on this classic dish, the pot pie was another perfect complement to the historic atmosphere.

The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list and does several wine tastings every year featuring local wineries. Zevely also hosts special events, like evening dinner concerts with the Carolina Chamber Symphony.

The prices are a little high for a casual dinner, expect to pay between $15 and $20 a plate. Even so, Zevely House is a great place to go for just a fun outing, or an evening of celebration.