Looking for the best food and restaurants in Raleigh? We’ve got you covered! I sorted through over 200 of my reviews to find you the twenty, best restaurants in the rapidly growing Oak City! These options are primarily focused Inside the Beltline (I-440) and near downtown Raleigh and run the gamut of simple to fancy and across all price ranges! Because I don’t believe you should have to spend a lot of money to get great food. (Updated on 12/1/2021)
Click on the restaurant name for a review or their website. Click on the address for a Google map.
Also, see my Best Bars and Lounges in Raleigh list here. And if you’re a newcomer to Raleigh, please check out my list of classic Raleigh restaurants! These spots all have their unique charms and are a great way to get a feel for the city and meet locals in Raleigh.
🏬 Barcelona Wine Bar (Spanish Tapas)- Raleigh
🚗 430 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603
☎ 919.808.5400
A fun and lively spot for delicious, Spanish small plates and a fun covered patio! Don’t miss their croquetas, Spanish tortilla or steak offerings. Enjoy the bar scene, side dining room, or patio with a glass of vino.
🏬 Beasley’s (Fried Chicken, Southern)
🚗 237 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
☎ 919.322.0127
A great hip and casual eatery for classic Southern with a twist from Ashley Christensen. Enjoy crisp and tender Southern fried chicken, collards and cocktails. A great spot for dinner or brunch in downtown Raleigh.
🏬 Brewery Bhavana (Dim Sum, Chinese)
🚗 218 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
☎ 919.829.9998
Brought to you by the folks from Bida Manda, this modern take on fresh beer and Chinese dim sum (small plates) offers a great experience along with excellent, fresh beer. A bit pricey for what you get but a unique space with a flower shop and library.
🏬 The Cortez (Seafood)
🚗 413 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
☎ 919.342.8227
Enjoy fresh and creatively prepared seafood in a hip dining room with a clean Mediterranean feel. A high-end option for seafood conveniently located in Glenwood South. Order a half-dozen oysters on the half-shell on their secluded patio.
🏬 Crawford and Son (Southern, Upscale)
🚗 618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
☎ 919.307.4647
A modern take on Southern gourmet fare offering crudo, rabbit pot pie and more from Chef Scott Crawford. Good for smaller groups and couples, reservations recommended.
🏬 Cucciolo Terrazza (Italian)
🚗 4200 Six Forks Rd Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
☎ 919.747.7887
An upscale spot for elevated Italian in the new section of North Hills. Enjoy seafood agnolotti, butter chicken, and much more in luxe surroundings.
🏬 Garland (Indian, Asian)
🚗 14 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27601
☎ 919.833.6886
This hip new eatery blends style, flavor, and service in delicious combination for the daring diner. Think Asian-fusion with an emphasis on Indian flavors. And don’t miss their penny-covered bathroom floor!
🏬 Hayes Barton Cafe (American, Comfort)
🚗 2000 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
☎ 919.856.8551
The epitome of comfort food and amazing cake, get the stretchy pants ready. The chicken pot pie, crab dip, and meatloaf are legendary, size-wise. And then comes the cake! Diets are NOT allowed at the Hayes Barton Cafe.
🏬 Humble Pie (American, Tapas)
🚗 317 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC 27603
☎ 919.829.9222
Small plates in a super-hip, urban environment. Great patio for brunch or dinner and conveniently located in the Warehouse District. A fun and tasty spot for larger groups and parties.
🏬 Jolie (French)
🚗 620 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
☎ 919.803.7221
A modern French bistro offering all the classics along with a great rooftop patio! This small eatery is very popular and will likely require reservations.
🏬 Layered Croissanterie (Bakery)
🚗 911 N West St Suite 107, Raleigh, NC 27603
☎ 984.200.1200
A bright and hip bakery focused on croissants and pastries layered with butter and deliciousness! Great for sweets and savory tastes for breakfast and lunch. Order online and grab your pastries to go or dine in their mod cafe area.
🏬 lucettegrace (Patisserie)
🚗 235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
☎ 919.307.4950
An exquisite French bakery and sweets shop offering amazing pastries, ice cream sandwiches, and much more! A welcome spot for a relaxing break with a treat. Conveniently located in downtown Raleigh on Salisbury Street.
🏬 Oakwood Pizza Box (Pizza)
🚗 610 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
☎ 919.594.1605
Fantastic NY thin-slice pizza made with quality ingredients. Dine at a table or get a slice at the counter, I recommend getting a whole pie to make sure your pizza is fresh out of the oven.
🏬 Plates Neighborhood Kitchen (Southern, Farm)
🚗 301 Glenwood Ave #100, Raleigh, NC 27603
☎ 919.828.0018
A cute and quaint restaurant dishing out delicious seasonal fare, don’t miss out on their covered patio. Enjoy hand-made pasta, the popular sticky toffee cake, and more. Menu covers a variety of cuisines around the world.
🏬 Poole’s Diner (Southern)
🚗 426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
☎ 919.832.4477
The quintessential Southern eatery with uplifted favorites like mac n cheese, shrimp and grits and much more. Crowded seating and a bit noisy. One of the most popular eateries in town, there may be a wait given their no reservations policy.
🏬 Sam Jones BBQ (Smoked meats, Southern)
🚗 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601
☎ 984.206.2555
Fantastic Eastern NC vinegar-based barbeque, ribs, and classic sides for comfort food. A fun spot for family, friends, and much more. Great outdoor patio under the lights next to the smokehouse
🏬 Stanbury (Seasonal, American)
🚗 938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
☎ 919.977.4321
A stylish and sexy eatery focused on farm-to-table eats in a quiet neighborhood of Raleigh. This secluded spot sits right next to Escazu chocolates.
🏬 Tazza Kitchen (American, Pizza)
🚗 432 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605
☎ 919.835.9463
This slick restaurant focuses on pizzas and plates out of its wood-fired oven. Delicious, simple, and well-priced in the Village District. Perfect for a date or small group of friends!
🏬 Torchy’s Tacos (Tex-Mex)
🚗 1110 Mercantile Dr Bldg. 6, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27609
☎ 919.439.1177
The first east coast location for Torchy’s is bringing it! Huge, flavor-filled tacos and spicy queso that will cause some sniffles. Don’t miss out on their secret menu and get your tacos trashy (with queso).
