Looking for the best restaurants and eats in these vibrant and popular cities right next to Raleigh? Cary and Apex have got some great options besides the usual chain offerings that you usually find in the area! Ethnic eats like Indian, Korean, Italian, and Chinese along with other great dining options. Cary has come such a long way with its food scene over the last five years! These best restaurants span the price range from high to low and yes, Herons is probably the best restaurant in the state but not on this list given how pricey it is. (Updated on 3/20/2024)
Click on the restaurant name for a review or their website. Click on the address for a Google map.
If you’re interested in Raleigh’s best restaurants, please check out my list of the 20 Best Restaurants in Raleigh!
The 15 best restaurants in Cary and Apex
1. A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library
A’Verde Cocina and Tequila Library (Mexican)
329 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC 27513
984.200.3469
From Top Chef, Katsuji Tanabi, A’Verde Cocina offers up a modern and flavorful take on Mexican cuisine with some twists. Enjoy a flaming fajita plate, pork belly tacos, bubbling cocktails, and more in this chic and fun spot.
2. Akami Sushi Bar
Akami Sushi Bar (Japanese)
1561 E Williams St, Apex, NC 27539
919.267.6368
A humble and delicious Japanese eatery, Akami serves up super fresh fish at decent prices. This restaurant has a smallish dining room so come early or be prepared to wait during peak periods.
3. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles
Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Southern)- Cary
823 Bass Pro Ln, Cary, NC 27513
919.234.0824
A casual cafe specializing in the quirky but delicious fried chicken and waffles combo! Put on the stretchy pants if you’re dining at Dames, the fried chicken is stellar along with their creative schmears, waffle toppings, and Southern sides.
4. Daniel’s Restaurant
Daniel’s Restaurant (Italian)- Apex
1430 W Williams St, Apex, NC 27523
919.303.1006
Classic Italian-American cuisine in a slightly upscale setting with excellent service. Don’t miss their focaccia bread starter or penne alla vodka, the plates are huge and delicious here.
5. Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Di Fara Pizza Tavern (NYC Pizza)
111 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
919.678.5300
An NC take on the classic Brooklyn pizza joint, opened by the nephew of Domenic Di Fara! Wonderful NY pizza with high-quality ingredients, great pizza crust, and generous toppings. Quaff down a delicious craft beer with your classic Italian pie.
6. Doherty’s Irish Pub
Doherty’s Irish Pub (English)
1979 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27519
919.388.9930
A modern Irish pub with all the beer and trimmings along with very good pub fare. A fantastic spot for a whiskey or beer along with hearty bar eats, don’t miss their fish and chips, boxties, or Shepherd’s pie.
7. Geluna Gelato
Geluna Gelato (Frozen treats)
111 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
919.234.1216
A great spot for soft, creamy and flavorable artisan gelato! Geluna is putting out great gelato in classic flavors, enjoy a cup, a cone or maybe some affogato (gelato with espresso).
8. Himalayan Range Nepali
Himalayan Range Nepali Restaurant (Nepali/Indian)
910 NE Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513
919.378.9586
A hidden gem offering flavorful S. Asian eats in generous portions for not much money. Awesome Manchurian gobi (cauliflower), chili chicken, and naan bread in a comfortable and pleasant dining room
9. M Izakaya
M Izakaya (Asian-Fusion)
4 Fenton Main St Suite 120B, Cary, NC 27511
919.729.5662
A sleek and hip restaurant offering up twists on Japanese classics like Japanese BBQ, fried rice, and more. Great dining option with excellent service in the new Fenton development in Cary!
10. Caffe Faulisi
Caffe Faulisi (Pizza)- Downtown Cary
215 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
919.377.8244
Some of the best thin-crust Neapolitan pizza in the Triangle in a comfortable, casual setting. Do not miss their classic individual pies, Italian sides, and enjoy drinks at SideBar or Bond Brothers Beer afterward!
11. SAAP
SAAP (Laotian)
370 S Walker St Suite 100, Cary, NC 27511
919.377.0160
Chef Lon Bousanga (previously Bida Manda) has opened up his own twist on Laotian cuisine in downtown Cary. SAAP is a lovely space full of organic greens and browns, offering flavorful Southeast Asian cuisine for this popular area.
12. Saffron Indian Cuisine
Saffron Indian Cuisine (Indian)
2048 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518
919.917.7473
Indian food lovers should put Saffron on their short list! An upscale but comfortable dining experience with a wide range of creative Indian cuisine hits the spot for me.
13. Super Wok
Super Wok (Szechuan)
1401 SE Maynard Rd L, Cary, NC 27511
919.388.8338
Spicy, flavorful, and ethnic Chinese fare that’s out of the ordinary. Great for take-out or dine-in, some of my favorite dishes include their dan-dan noodles, twice-cooked pork belly, or dry-fried string beans.
14. Superica
