Find some of the best restaurants, food and dining in the Bull City! Durham has an amazing reputation for being a great, foodie town. These twenty best restaurant options are primarily focused in downtown Durham and some of the more popular neighborhoods further out.
Boxcar Bar and Arcade (Games, Pizza) Like an adult Chuck E Cheese, Boxcar hits all the high notes with great games, pinball, beer and pizza. Enjoy their patio next to the old Durham Bulls ballpark. Individual pizzas at affordable prices completes the whole experience!
Bull City Burger & Brewery (Burgers, Beer)- Durham Great locally brewed beer and gourmet burgers made with love. Don’t miss their duck frites and specials like their Exotic Meat month.
Chicken Beer (Korean)- Durham A great spot for Korean fried chicken, bulgogi and more. This casual eatery on 9th Street will keep you happy with its flavorful bar eats. Save room for their truffle fries, seafood pancake and bingsoo dessert.
COPA (Cuban)- Durham Roast pork sandwiches, Cuban small plates and great cocktails in a very classic, Cuban setting! Conveniently located near DPAC right on Main Street.
Cocoa Cinnamon Lakewood (Coffeehouse) – Durham A fun and lively spot for great coffee, hot chocolates and churros. Great for people watching or hanging out with friends, this busy spot is a great destination in the Lakewood District.
Cucciolo (Italian)- Durham Upscale Italian eats in a modern but business-like dining room. Don’t miss their home-made pastas.
Dame’s Chicken and Waffles (Southern, Soul)- Durham Heart-wrenchingly, delicious fried chicken on fluffy waffles served with syrup, OMG!
Gocciolina (Italian)- Durham A comfortable and cozy take on Italian small plates that focuses on a simple, subtle but delicious presentation. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
Guglhupf Cafe (German, Bakery)- Durham Fantastic pastries, brunch and German food in a casual but lovely setting. At night, the Guglhupf space feels totally different, cafe by day, sexy restaurant at night.
Hutchins Garage (Pizza)- Durham Great thin-crust pizzas in a converted automotive garage, fantastic industrial space! Can’t miss items are the Alla Vodka and Fried Chicken pies.
Juju (Asian Tapas)- Durham A stylish and sleek eatery featuring tasty Asian tapas and a great patio. Great patio and great spot for a date with their ambiance and service.
Kingfisher Bar (Cocktails)- Durham A stylish and chill speak-easy bar conveniently located in downtown Durham.
M Kokko (Chicken)- Durham Quirky little eatery focused on chicken dishes done Asian-style. Choose from Korean fried chicken, ramen, chicken sandwiches and more.
M Pocha (Asian small plates)- Durham Enjoy nasi goreng, Korean barbeque along with eclectic Asian flavors at this funky eatery. Just be aware that seating is tight here, best for smaller groups or solo diners.
M Sushi (Japanese)- Durham Some of the best sushi and Japanese in the Triangle with Chef Mike Lee. Don’t miss this hidden gem!
Mateo Tapas (Spanish)- Durham A sultry, urban take on rustic Spanish tapas and small plates. Great for a date or group dinner, gets a bit loud!
Mothers & Sons (Italian)- Durham Wonderful Italian cuisine in a cozy setting! Enjoy home-made pastas and rustic Italian cuisine before your DPAC show.
Parts & Labor (Small Plates)- Durham A super-casual food-truck themed eatery offering everything from German pretzels to baked beans and chimichurri sliders.
Pizzeria Toro (Pizza)- Durham Artisanal pizzas and pies in a hip, warm environment. Don’t miss out on their bar in back.
