Looking for the best restaurants in Raleigh, NC? We’ve got you covered with twenty-five of the best restaurants in the rapidly growing City of Oaks! Great Japanese, Southern, Mediterranean, Italian, seafood and more, we’ve got it covered! These options are primarily focused Inside the Beltline and near downtown Raleigh. My best Raleigh restaurants list runs from 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.
Click on the restaurant’s name for a review or their website. Click on the address for a Google map. (Updated on 6/20/2024)
Find more food and restaurant information on Raleigh, NC below!
1. Ajja (Review)
Ajja (Mediterranean)
209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608
919.808.1276
This new addition to the Five Points neighborhood is doing a lot of things right! Fun and eclectic decor, interesting kebabs and dips along with some very creative desserts. Note, the space is small and a good portion of the seating is under a covered patio in back, enjoy!
2. Barcelona Wine Bar (Review)
Barcelona Wine Bar (Spanish Tapas)
430 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.808.5400
A fun and lively spot for delicious, Spanish small plates and a lush, green covered patio! Don’t miss their croquetas, Spanish tortilla, torrija (french toast), or steak offerings. Enjoy the bar scene, side dining room, or patio with a glass of cava the dining space at Barcelona offers a lot of options depending on the size of your party.
3. Beasley’s Chicken and Honey (Review)
Beasley’s (Fried Chicken, Southern food)
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, mac n cheese, french fries, collards, and cocktails. A great spot for dinner or brunch in downtown Raleigh in a light and open space, you may sometimes hit a line out front during the weekend (brunch on Saturday and Sunday) so be patient.
4. Bida Manda (Review)
Bida Manda (Laotian)
237 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
919.829.9999
One of the OG in the Raleigh restaurant scene, Bida Manda bravely established Laotian cuisine in downtown Raleigh with a flourish. The innovative and organic decor, unconventional menu, and powerful flavors won over locals quickly and Bida Manda continues to be a go to dining spot for locals.
5. Brewery Bhavana (Review)
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 fancy 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 beer bar, flower shop, and library, conveniently located near Moore Square.
7. Crawford and Son (Review)
Crawford and Son (Southern, Upscale)
618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.307.4647
A modern take on Southern gourmet fare serving up crudo, rabbit pot pie, and more from lauded chef, Scott Crawford. A small, stylish dining room with a lovely bar and great service. Good for smaller groups and couples, reservations are highly recommended.
8. Cucciolo Terrazza
Cucciolo Terrazza (Italian)
4200 Six Forks Rd Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
919.747.7887
An upscale spot for elevated Italian in the newer section of North Hills. The large, open, and modern dining room is a beautiful space to dine in. Nom on their seafood agnolotti, butter chicken, and much more in luxe surroundings with super chic decor.
9. Figulina (Review)
Figulina (Pasta)
4200 Six Forks Rd Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
919.747.7887
A new, pasta-centric offering in Raleigh’s warehouse district, Figulina plays around European cuisine and ingredients. The flavor combinations are daring even if the meals are fairly simply prepared. Enjoy the short rib agnolotti and the panne cotta for dessert and you’ll be a happy camper! Figulina also has a great covered patio for outdoors dining.
14. Gussies (Review)
Gussie’s (Bar Food)
927 W Morgan St Suite 116, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.307.4459
A refreshed and fun take on the classic Irish bar, Gussies offers a relaxing environment for a beer along with some classic comfort food! From the delicious smash burgers (think In-n-Out), wings, and house-made soft drinks, there’s something for everyone on their food menu. Excellent service at both the bar or their dining room seals the deal for a worthwhile visit.
10. Hayes Barton Cafe (Review)
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 which can feed three people per slice! Diets are NOT allowed at the classic Hayes Barton Cafe, this restaurant has been a Raleigh favorite for 15 years.
11. J Betski’s
J Betski’s (German-Polish)
1916 Bernard St, Raleigh, NC 27608
919.803.0008
A successful reboot of a Raleigh classic, J Betski’s offering up it’s great E. European eats in a more relaxed and casual setting. Feast on their cheese pierogi, spaetzle, schnitzel, and much more from Chef John. The food is excellent along with the professional service.
12. Jolie
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! Offering classic French dishes like cassoulet, coq au vin, and bouillabaisse. This small eatery is very popular and will likely require reservations given Chef Scott Crawford’s reputation and track record.
13. La Terrazza (Review)
La Terrazza (Italian)
223 S West St 9th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.745.8430
This beautiful new Italian restaurant on the 9th floor of the Dillon building is stunning! Enjoy the views and rustic Italian menu featuring hand-made pastas and Roman-style pinsa pizzas. The floor to ceiling windows make for a dining experience that shows off all that Raleigh has to offer, reservations are recommended given how popular this spot is for locals right now.
6. Little Rey (Review)
Little Rey (Tex-Mex)
1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.355.3479
If you enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine, you’re going to love Little Rey! This fun and flavor-packed eatery offers classic tacos with grilled meats along with a handful of appetizers and soft-serve. Everything is basic but high-quality on the menu, don’t miss out on the hot sauce bar up front. The space is Southwestern cool with a bit of neon, plenty of space in the dining room or cover patio out front for all party sizes. A great spot for a meal if you’re hanging out at Raleigh Iron Works!
15. Longleaf Swine (Review)
Dining room at Longleaf Swine in Raleigh
Longleaf Swine (Barbeque)
300 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
984.200.9649
A new take on classic barbeque, brisket, ribs, smoked chicken and mac n cheese in downtown Raleigh! Enjoy great smoked meats with fresh Southern sides and a micro-brew beer underneath their lovely patio. Parking can be tough in this area, but it’s worth the short walk.
16. lucettegrace (Review)
lucettegrace (Patisserie)
235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
919.307.4950
A exquisite French bakery and sweets shop offering amazing pastries, ice cream sandwiches, coffee, and much more! A welcome spot for a relaxing break with a treat and coffee, don’t miss the macron ice cream sandwiches served during the summer. Conveniently located in downtown Raleigh on Salisbury Street, watch the crowd roll by on the sidewalk.
17. Madre (Review)
A trendy and stylish dining option in the Smoky Hollow neighborhood offering small plates showcasing Spanish and European flavors. Great space with beautiful dining room, U-shaped bar, lounge area and patio makes for a great date night or girls night out. Madre brings a club and lounge vibe to Raleigh, dress to impress!
Madre (Continental small plates)
518 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.594.1871
18. The Mill (Review)
The Mill (American)
518 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.594.1871
The latest restaurant by the Urban Food Group, the Mill offers sophisticated comfort food in a classic and clubby environment. Recommend the pork nachos, mussels, and classic Mill burger. The space is pretty dark but the Mill features a large outdoor patio for dining al fresco. A popular spot for Raleigh locals and if you have an event at the PNC Arena.
19. Milonga Argentinian Bakery (Review)
Milonga Argentinian Bakery (Pastries)
5619 Hillsborough St Suite A, Raleigh, NC 27606
919.917.7094
This new S. American bakery offers a variety of cookies, pastries, and savory baked goods that are delicious and affordable! Choose from alfajores, tiramisu, and more along with flaky empanadas in a variety of flavors. A lovely, home-grown bakery tucked away just west of downtown Raleigh
20. Oakwood Pizza Box (Review)
Oakwood Pizza Box (Pizza)
610 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.594.1605
Fantastic NY thin-slice pizza made with high-quality ingredients (flour, tomatoes, cheese). 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. Oakwood Pizza Box offers a small selection of beers, wine, and cocktails with your meal along with cannoli for dessert.
21. Poole’s Diner (Review)
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 for conversation but good, lively energy overall. One of the most popular eateries in town, there’s usually a wait during busier periods and no online menu so you’ll have to trust Chef Ashley.
22. Sam Jones BBQ (Review)
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 with great beer choices for family, friends, and much more. Great outdoor patio and family space under the lights next to their smokehouse, Sam Jones BBQ is super convenient to Red Hat Amphitheater if you’re attending a show.
23. Stanbury (Review)
Stanbury (Seasonal, American)
938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.977.4321
A stylish, funky, and raucous eatery focused on farm-to-table eats in a quiet neighborhood of Raleigh. Eclectic seasonal menu with a focus on fresh seafood and seared meats prepared just right. This secluded spot sits right next to a residential neighborhood and Escazu chocolates, off the beaten path.
24. Sushi Mon (Review)
Sushi Mon (Japanese)
3700 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612
919.803.1000
A stylish, little sushi joint known for its fresh fish and creative take on Japanese cuisine from Chef Chris. Small but well-designed space with a modern sushi bar. Great for dates and small groups, conveniently located on Glenwood Avenue near I-440 in the new Glenwood Place development.
25. Whiskey Kitchen (Review)
Whiskey Kitchen (Southern, American)
201 W Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
919.803.3181
A beautiful, open patio and dining space for quirky, gourmet Southern eats in downtown Raleigh. Part bar, part restaurant, Whiskey Kitchen is great for a quick drink or casual meal, especially before a show at Red Hat Amphitheater or Progress Energy Center. Enjoy their huge interior dining room along with their classic old-fashioned mixed cocktail.