Find some of the best food, restaurants, and dining in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. Perfect if you’re visiting UNC Chapel Hill, choose from tasty tacos to down-home Southern, Thai, and rustic Italian eats! This guide covers Franklin Street and beyond. (Updated on 1/9/2023)
Click on the restaurant name for a review or their website. Click on the address for a Google map.
And if you’re looking for some great restaurants in Durham, please check out my list of the Top 20 Restaurants for that area!
The 10 best restaurants in Chapel Hill and Carrboro
1. Bluebird
Bluebird (French)
601 Meadowmont Village Cir, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
☎ 919.213.9882
This new French bistro is serving up classics like duck confit, steak frites, croque madames, and other deliciousness! Their lovely food is complemented by a classic, open dining room along with great service.
2. Capp’s Pizzeria
Capp’s Pizzeria (Italian, Pizza)
79 Falling Springs Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
☎ 919.240.4104
A casual restaurant offering up fantastic Neapolitan-style pizzas and homemade pasta in a casual, neighborhood setting. And don’t miss their homemade desserts like the 8-layer honey cake, delish!
3. Tea Hill (previously Cha House)
Tea Hill (Boba Tea)
318 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
☎ 984.999.4580
A clean, casual, and light spot for bubble tea, Taiwanese shaved ice, and rice plates. Cha House is a great place to relax and catch up on some emails or conversation. Very popular with the Carolina student crowd.
4. Hawker’s Asian Street Fare
Hawker’s Asian Street Fare (Pan-Asian)
201 S Estes Dr #400A, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
☎ 919.415.1799
Colorful and bright flavors spanning SE Asia and beyond, great bar, patio, and dining room. Can’t miss items are their roti canai, Korean fried chicken wings, and yaki udon noodles. Fun for brunch, lunch, and much more.
5. Hawthorne & Wood
Hawthorne & Wood (American Seasonal)
3140 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
☎ 919.240.4337
A modern and upscale take on the neighborhood restaurants serving flavorful and refreshed cuisine with a mod bar scene, pleasant dining room, and covered patio. The great service and refined ambiance make for a great date night!
6. Osteria Georgi
Osteria Georgi (Italian)
201 S Elliott Rd #100, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
☎ 919.375.0600
A newer and pricier option for classic Italian eats and handmade pastas in an exquisite dining room and patio. Perfect for dates and special events, brought to you by the popular Giorgio’s Restaurant Group.
7. Pizzeria Mercato
Pizzeria Mercato (Italian, Pizza)
408 W Weaver St, Carrboro, NC 27510
☎ 919.967.2277
A hip Italian eatery serving up classic thin-crust pizza and small plates. Don’t miss their arancini! The dining room is great for couples and smaller parties.
8. Tesoro
Tesoro (Italian)
100 E. Weaver Street, Carrboro, NC 27510
☎ 919.537.8494
A wonderful Italian eatery with 18 seats focused on hand-made pasta and Italian favorites. An intimate dining experience for those willing to make the effort.
9. Thai Station
Thai Station (Thai)
201 E Main St Suite C, Carrboro, NC 27510
☎ 984.324.3230
A delicious and quirky option for flavorful Thai food! Enjoy pad thai, pad kee mao, and curries in a renovated rail car near downtown Carrboro, wonderful!
10. Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
