What are the top restaurants in Raleigh? We’ve got you covered! I sorted through over 200 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, enjoy.
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar (Burgers, American)- Raleigh
🚗 111 Seaboard Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604 ☎ 919.747.9163
Enjoy the wonderful burgers piled high with great toppings and delicious tots or fries. Great patio, great beer and great beef will keep you smiling!
Barcelona Wine Bar (Spanish Tapas)- Raleigh 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.
Beasley’s (Fried Chicken, Southern)- Raleigh A great hip and casual eatery for classic Southern with a twist from Ashley Christensen. A great spot for dinner or brunch in downtown Raleigh.
Brewery Bhavana (Dim Sum, Chinese)- Raleigh 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
The Cortez (Seafood)- Raleigh 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.
Crawford and Son (Southern, Upscale)- Raleigh A modern take on Southern gourmet fare offering crudo, rabbit pot pie and more. Good for smaller groups and couples, reservations recommended.
Garland (Indian, Asian)- Raleigh 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!
Hayes Barton Cafe (American, Comfort)- Raleigh The epitome of comfort food and amazing cake, throw the diet out the window here. The chicken potpie, crab dip and meatloaf are legendary.
Humble Pie (American, Tapas)- Raleigh Small plates in a super-hip, urban environment. Great patio for brunch or dinner conveniently located in the Warehouse District.
J. Betski’s (German-Polish)- Raleigh Ridiculously good pierogies and E. European fare in a classic setting. Great for a quiet date or meal with friends.
Jolie (French)- Raleigh 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)- Raleigh 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.
Oakwood Pizza Box (Pizza)- Raleigh Fantastic NY thin-slice pizza made with quality ingredients. Grab a table or dine at the counter, recommend getting a whole pie to make sure your pizza is fresh out of the oven.
Plates Neighborhood Kitchen (Southern, Farm)- Raleigh A cute and quaint restaurant dishing out delicious seasonal fare, don’t miss out on their covered patio. Enjoy hand-made pastas, the popular sticky toffee cake and more.
Sam Jones BBQ (Smoked meats, Southern)- Raleigh Fantastic Eastern NC vinegar-based barbeque, ribs and classic sides for comfort food. A fun spot for family, friends and much more.
Stanbury (Seasonal, American)- Raleigh A stylish and sexy eatery focused on farm to table in a quiet neighborhood of Raleigh
Tazza Kitchen (American, Pizza)- Raleigh This slick restaurant focuses on pizzas and plates out of its wood oven. Delicious, simple and well-priced in Cameron Village.
Torchy’s Tacos (Tex-Mex)- Raleigh The first east coast location for Torchy’s is bringing it! Huge, flavor-filled tacos and queso that will cause some sniffles. Don’t miss out on their secret menu…
Trophy Brewing and Pizza (Beer, Pizza)- Raleigh Solid craft beer and delicious, pizzas with fresh toppings at this hipster hangout. Fans of Detroit-style pizza should do their Motor City Mondays.
