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The Best Restaurants and Bars in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Chapel Hill

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Best Restaurants, Food and Dining at North Hills in Raleigh

Home » Restaurant & Bar Reviews » Raleigh » Best Restaurants, Food and Dining at North Hills in Raleigh
December 1, 2019 by Ron Wen
North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

When you talk about shopping centers in Raleigh, several immediately come to mind: Crabtree Valley Mall, Brier Creek, Cameron Village and more. But probably one of THE most popular shopping areas is North Hills. With an interesting assortment of high-end shopping, restaurants and more, this growing area has evolved quite a bit when it comes to dining. And all in a good way! Located conveniently in Midtown Raleigh right off of I-440, this bustling district keeps on growing with more and more apartments and office space. Updates on the original side of North Hills along with the newer section on Park at North Hills by the Harris Teeter has brought some great dining options to the area!

To start with, there are three main areas at North Hills: the older section west of Six Forks Road and north of Lassiter Mill Road (Lassiter District), the Main District just south of there and the newer development east of Six Forks (Park District). Not surprisingly, you’ll have a different feel in each area. While the older more established part of North Hills has a traditional, ITB (Inside the Beltline) Raleigh feel, the newer side feels a bit younger and has a more non-traditional crowd. The new area also is more of a mixed use space pairing the shopping plaza with apartments and office space.

Front of Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Front of Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

First up is Coquette, a French cafe and restaurant from the Urban Food Group. This classic brasserie sports some nice Continental touches such as a long polished wood bar with brass step rail along with the white and black tiled floors. Staff is decked out in traditional white shirts and black pants to complete the Euro-centric ambiance.

Bar area at Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Bar area at Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Steak frites at Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Steak frites at Coquette in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Coquette’s smallish lunch menu of classics include croque madame, crepes, salads and sandwiches. I recently stopped in and did a very nice steak frites with brandy peppercorn sauce that totally hit the spot. Service at Coquette is excellent and about right for its slightly higher price point. But beware, the place is popular so if you need a seat in the dining room at prime hours, call ahead. Or dine casually at the bar if you’ve got some flexibility.

 

Interior at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Interior at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Moving across Six Forks Road you’ll find the newer side of North Hills. Complete with a Harris Teeter and Kings Bowl, it definitely has a more modern feel to the place. You’ll also find North Hills favorite Cowfish Sushi and Burger Bar restaurant which specializes in both sushi and gourmet burgers. A favorite with families, as soon as you step in you’ll notice the kitschy decor and amazing cylindrical aquarium. If your kids aren’t mesmerized by that bad-boy, I’m at a loss!

Sushi bar at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Sushi bar at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Brento box at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Brento box at Cowfish Sushi in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Cowfish can keep nearly anyone pleased given its gargantuan menu. From eclectic and interesting sushi rolls to gigantic 1/2 lb. burgers, you’ve got a ridiculous amount of eating options. I typically go for the Brento box which includes a mini-burger, sushi roll of your choice along with edamame, spicy cucumber slices, and fries. Service at Cowfish is professional and prompt, you should be able to get out quickly here but need to work through potential waits on the front end.

Dining room at Chuy's in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Dining room at Chuy’s in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Another dining option in the newest section of North Hills is the Tex-Mex eatery, Chuy’s! Based out of Austin, Texas you’ll find all your Mexican favorites but with a bent towards the spicy green hatch chile. Chuy’s has a very vibrant and kitschy decor full of colors and sass. They have a great patio in back that I have yet to try but it looks great! And if you’re here during happy hour (Mon to Fri), don’t miss out on their complimentary nacho car full of chips, cheese, spicy beef and more.

Nacho car at Chuy's in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Nacho car at Chuy’s in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Smothered enchiladas at Chuy's in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Smothered enchiladas at Chuy’s in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

The Chuy’s menu sticks to the basics: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, For mains, I’ve tried out their enchiladas and burritos, it’s all been solid if not amazing. Tortillas are made fresh, onsite and everything else on the Chuy’s menu is from scratch! While it may not be the best Tex-Mex in the area, it’s decent and reasonably priced for the hood.

Patio at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Patio at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Happy hour snacks at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Happy hour snacks at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

And finally, Yard House! A modern brewpub hailing out of California, the Yard House offers up a slew of fresh beers on tap along with a very eclectic menu. Choose from Asian, Mexican, American plates, sandwiches and entrees amongst the very large menu. Like Cowfish Sushi which is right next door, it’s hard to imagine someone coming here and NOT being able to find something to eat.

Kung pao calamari at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining
Kung pao calamari at Yard House in Raleigh- NC Triangle Dining

Inside Yard House you’ve got a monochromatic, dark and grey feel to the space. Modern and a bit austere, with a hit of hipness. Staff here is well-trained but it does have a national chain-like feel to it all. My most recent visit was for their happy hour special (Mon to Fri, 3 – 6pm) and we ordered up a slew of plates out on their patio. The highlights for me were the spinach-artichoke dip which comes with crispy and large fried tortilla chips along with some excellent onion rings and kung pao calamari. While the food at the Yard House won’t blow you away, it’s a bit different and a good dining experience overall.

Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com
Shrimp in phyllo at Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh - nctriangledining.com
Shrimp in phyllo at Rosewater Kitchen and Bar in Raleigh – nctriangledining.com

The newest restaurant at North Hills is the lovely Rosewater Kitchen and Bar brought to you by Giorgio’s group. This lovely restaurant has a uniquely continental-brasserie feel to the space with tiled floor and a greenhouse like dining room. Roast meats, tartines and more for lunch, brunch and dinner covers everything you need. Given the interior can get a bit loud, dining outside of prime time hours is a smart choice.

So there you go North Hills lover! Whether you’re in the area for bowling, a movie or some shopping, I’m sure you’ll need some delicious eats to fuel your way through the day. And here are seven solid choices to keep you happy and humming along with quite a few others outside of these suggestions. Whether you’re hungry for Japanese, French, Sushi, Tex-Mex or American, North Hills has got you covered in delicious style…

Best Restaurants and Dining at North Hills, Raleigh

bartaco (Tacos)

The BBQ Lab (Smoked Meats)

Chuys (Tex-Mex)

CO (Asian Fusion)

Coquette (French)

CowBar (Grill)

Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Sushi, American)

Cucciolo Terrazza (Italian)

Five Guys Burgers and Fries (American)

Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls (Seafood)

PrimoHoagies (Sandwiches)

Rosewater Kitchen + Bar (Continental)

Vita Vite (Wine)

Yard House (American, Eclectic)

North Hills- Restaurants and Dining

4321 Lassiter at North Hills Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27609

919.833.5263

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Category: Overviews, Raleigh, Restaurant & Bar ReviewsTag: Best, North Hills Restaurants
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