Looking for the best restaurants and eats in these vibrant and popular cities right next to Raleigh? Cary and Apex have got some great options besides the usual chain offerings that you usually find in the area! Ethnic eats like Indian, Korean, Italian, and Chinese along with other great dining options. Cary has come such a long way with its food scene over the last five years! These best restaurants span the price range from high to low and yes, Herons is probably the best restaurant in the state but not on this list given how pricey it is. (Updated on 4/2/2022)
Click on the restaurant name for a review or their website. Click on the address for a Google map.
If you’re interested in Raleigh’s best restaurants, please check out my list of the 20 Best Restaurants in Raleigh!
The 12 best restaurants in Cary and Apex
🏬 A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library (Mexican)
🚗 329 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513
☎ 919.460.1300
From Top Chef, Katsuji Tanabi, A’Verde Cocina offers up a modern and flavorful take on Mexican cuisine with some twists. Enjoy a flaming fajita plate, pork belly tacos, bubbling cocktails and more in this fun spot.
🏬 Bosphorus Restaurant (Turkish)
🚗 329 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513
☎ 919.460.1300
A wonderful family-run restaurant and hidden gem for kebabs, pides and more. Take advantage of their patio and BYOB option on warmer days…
🏬 BottleDog Bites & Brews (Poutines, Hot Dogs, Flatbreads)
🚗 8306 Chapel Hill Rd, Cary, NC 27513
☎ 919.390.1617
A casual spot for great craft beer and surprisingly good bar food, don’t miss their poutines and flatbreads!
🏬 Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Southern)- Cary
🚗 823 Bass Pro Ln, Cary, NC 27513
☎ 919.234.0824
A casual cafe specializing in the quirky but delicious fried chicken and waffles combo! Put on the stretchy pants if you’re dining at Dames….
🏬 Daniel’s Restaurant (Italian)- Apex
🚗 1430 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27523
☎ 919.303.1006
Classic Italian-American cuisine in a slightly upscale setting. Don’t miss their focaccia bread starter or penne alla vodka!
🏬 Di Fara Pizza Tavern (NYC Pizza)
🚗 111 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
☎ 919.678.5300
A NC take on the classic Brooklyn pizza joint, opened by the nephew of Domenic Di Fara! Wonderful NY pizza with high quality ingredients…
🏬 Doherty’s Irish Pub (English)
🚗 1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27519
☎ 919.388.9930
Modern pub with all the beer and trimmings along with very good pub fare.
🏬 Himalayan Range Nepali Restaurant (Nepali/Indian)
🚗 910 NE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513
☎ 919.378.9586
A hidden gem offering flavorful S. Asian eats in generous portions for not much money. Awesome Manchurian gobi (cauliflower), chili chicken and naan bread.
🏬 Mookie’s NY Deli (Sandwiches)
🚗 910 NE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513
☎ 919.900.7770
This casual deli serves up all the classics including over-stuffed sandwiches, corned beef, pastrami, turkey and much more.
🏬 Pizzeria Faulisi (Pizza)- Downtown Cary
🚗 215 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
☎ 919.377.8244
Some of the best thin-crust Neapolitan pizza in the Triangle in a comfortable, casual setting. Do not miss it and enjoy drinks at SideBar or Bond Brothers Beer afterwards!
🏬 Shake Shack (Burgers)- Waverly Place
🚗 310 Colonades Way, Cary, NC 27518
☎ 919.230.9390
This national chain serving up wonderful burgers and sandwiches has its first outpost in the NC Triangle. Quick and delicious, don’t miss out on their milkshakes!
🏬 Super Wok (Szechuan)- Cary
🚗 1401 SE Maynard Rd L, Cary, NC 27511
☎ 919.388.8338
Spicy, flavorful and ethnic Chinese fare that’s out of the ordinary. Great for take-out or dine-in, some of my favorite dishes include their dan-dan noodles or dry-fried string beans.