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Downtown Raleigh Restaurants
Are you searching for the best restaurants in Downtown Raleigh? Here are the top 23 places to eat in Downtown Raleigh!
Raleigh has some of the best restaurants in the country, so it’s hard to narrow down the favorites, even if we’re zeroing in on only Downtown Raleigh.
From James Beard Award-winning establishments to innovative food halls, the capital city's restaurant scene offers an incredible diversity of flavors that reflects both Southern tradition and global influence.
While Raleigh Realty is focused on helping people find great homes for sale in Raleigh, we love to write about things that interest people who may want to learn more about our great city.
So which Downtown Raleigh restaurants should you try next? This article is going to give the folks who are visiting Raleigh (and locals alike) the opportunity to try some of the best food in Raleigh.
Whether you're a longtime resident or considering making Raleigh your new home, these 23 restaurants represent the very best of what downtown has to offer.
Check out these best places to eat in Downtown Raleigh
1. Poole's Diner
Price: $$
Specialty: Comfort food
Ashley Christensen won the James Beard award for the most Outstanding Chef in the United States in 2019. This is why we’re kicking off our list with a couple of her restaurants. Poole’s Diner is Ashley's first Downtown Raleigh restaurant.
The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect thoughtfully prepared dishes that honor tradition while embracing innovation. The intimate atmosphere, complete with counter seating overlooking the open kitchen, creates an authentic diner experience with upscale execution.
2. Beasley's Chicken + Honey
Price: $$
Specialty: Southern cuisine
Beasley's Chicken + Honey represents Ashley Christensen's take on elevated Southern comfort food. This casual spot specializes in perfectly fried chicken served with house-made honey, alongside creative sides and sandwiches.
A top-rated spot for brunch, this restaurant's commitment to local sourcing and traditional preparation methods has made it a beloved fixture in the downtown dining scene.
3. Death & Taxes
Price: $$
Specialty: Steak and seafood
Lauren Ivey and Ashley Christensen teamed up to bring us Ashley’s last spot on the list, Death & Taxes. This is their Downtown Raleigh steak and seafood restaurant.
What sets Death & Taxes apart is that the whole menu is wood fired. From oysters to steak to rabbit, this restaurant is equal parts unique and adventurous.
4. Brewery Bhavana
Price: $$
Specialty: Dim sum
Brewery Bhavana was named one of the coolest new restaurants in the world in 2018 by Forbes. With only a few restaurants in the United States making that list, it’s great to see Brewery Bhavana receive the recognition it deserves.
Brewery Bhavana is a unique concept that combines craft brewing, a bookstore, flower shop, and restaurant under one roof. The menu features exceptional dim sum, fresh noodles, and creative small plates that pair beautifully with their house-brewed beers.
5. Bida Manda
Price: $$
Specialty: Laotian cuisine
Bida Manda is a Laotian-inspired restaurant that has something on the menu for everyone and will hit taste buds you didn't know you had. The Pork Belly Soup is a must-try.
The colorful, energetic atmosphere features traditional Laotian textiles and artwork, creating an immersive cultural dining experience that's both educational and delicious.
6. City Market Sushi
Price: $$$
Specialty: Sushi
City Market Sushi is exactly what you would have guessed — it’s a sushi restaurant located downtown in the City Market. At City Market Sushi, you can really taste how high-quality ingredients make better sushi.
They’ve provided Raleigh with some of the best Sushi in town since 2016. I recommend checking out their Black Tiger Roll. It’s a fan-favorite roll topped with fried potato for some extra crunch.
7. Heirloom Brewshop
Price: $
Specialty: Laotian, Taiwainese, and Japanese cuisine
Heirloom serves up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it perfect to stop by any time of day while you’re downtown. Their drink menu also has something for everyone, offering specialty coffee flavors, handcrafted tea blends, and sake cocktails.
This is a great spot to get morning coffee with unique flavors like Ginger Rosewater. Check Heirloom out if you’re looking for a restaurant with variety, whether you’re stopping by to get some work done or sitting down for dinner.
8. Crawford & Son
Price: $$
Specialty: Modern southern cuisine
Crawford & Son is a neighborhood restaurant located in Oakwood offering an elevated twist on familiar Southern comfort food. Diners rave about the Manchego-Herb Biscuits, which many people chow down on even without butter.
Crawford & Son brings fresh and unexpected elements together, like preserved lemon aioli on a Pork Schnitzel, so you can fall in love all over again. Many couples frequent Crawford & Son for Valentine's Day and special occasions.
9. Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
Price: $$
Specialty: Dessert
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery is known for its classic diner-like menu, but the real magic here is the housemade cakes and desserts. They rotate their dessert options daily, so there’s always something new for you to try. Their Chocolate Raspberry Cake is my favorite, but you’ll be happy with any of their cakes or pies.
You can also order cakes and desserts ahead of time for everything from family dinners to weddings. They get a lot of these requests, so try to book a reservation at least a couple of months ahead of time for any big events where you’d like to serve their desserts.
10. Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar
Price: $$
Specialty: Southern comfort food
Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar is all about taking classic Southern favorites and leveling them up with farm-to-table ingredients (just take a look at their 8 types of Mac and Cheese). For bourbon lovers, the menu is chock-full of options for the perfect pairing to your meal.
Not a bourbon fan? Don’t worry, there's plenty more to love on the cocktail menu. After dinner, be sure to check out The Kitchen Table next door for board games and drinks.
11. Cortez
Price: $$
Specialty: Seafood
Cortez is a great Mexican-American restaurant in Raleigh where you’ll find fresh seafood, plates to share, and tropical-inspired cocktails. Oscar Diaz, the executive chef at Cortez, scours local markets for local seafood each week for top-tier ceviche.
At Cortez, you’ll always know that the food is fresh. Stick around after the kitchen closes Friday and Saturday and watch the atmosphere transform to a bar where you can mingle and sip on your new favorite cocktail like the Cortez Paloma.
12. Jose and Sons
Price: $$
Specialty: Mexican cuisine
Jose and Sons is one of the best places to eat in Raleigh. Whether you're waking up on a weekend looking for a great brunch spot or planning a night out on the town, Jose and Sons is a must-try.
A Mexican restaurant in Raleigh with some Southern flair, Jose, and Sons provides some of the city’s best food and patrons always rave about their Queso. This Downtown Raleigh restaurant is sure to please anyone who enjoys Mexican and is looking for a little taste of local flavors with fusion dishes like their Southern Fried Whole Fish.
13. Gonza’s Tacos Y Tequila
Price: $$
Specialty: Colombian and Mexican cuisine
Gonza’s Tacos Y Tequila is an award-winning restaurant that’s sure to please any taco lover. Dine in to enjoy the colorful and eclectic ambiance with Latin favorites like fresh Ceviche.
After winning titles like “Best Taqueria in the Triangle” and “Best Tacos in North Carolina,” you won’t be disappointed in anything your server brings to the table here.
The casual atmosphere encourages lingering over multiple courses, from their famous queso to creative taco combinations. Their outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying warm North Carolina evening
14. Caffé Luna
Price: $
Specialty: Italian cuisine
Since 1996, Caffé Luna has been providing great food, great wine, great service, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients. Caffé Luna began as an 80-seat restaurant, growing to over 200 seats to accommodate all of the guests.
The restaurant has survived the ups and downs of the last 20+ years, making it a staple in the Downtown Raleigh food scene. What sets Caffé Luna apart from other restaurants is the family environment.
The intimate atmosphere features exposed brick walls and candlelit tables, creating a romantic European ambiance. Their wine list focuses on Italian varietals that pair perfectly with the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
15. Transfer Co. Food Hall
Price: $
Specialty: Multiple cuisine types
Downtown Raleigh offers a couple of different food halls that have something for everyone. The Transfer Co. Food Hall gives you a unique opportunity to sample some of the best food in Raleigh and really brings the Raleigh community together with great food and drinks.
From barbecue and tacos to ice cream and coffee, the diverse options ensure everyone can find something they love. The communal seating and industrial design create a vibrant social atmosphere.
16. Morgan Street Food Hall
Price: $
Specialty: Multiple cuisine types
When you're looking for a quick bite without reservations, look no further than the Morgan Street Food Hall. The hardest decision you'll have to make is wondering, “Where do I eat? All these places look so good!"
The variety changes regularly, but you can always expect high-quality options ranging from Asian fusion to artisanal sandwiches. Bring your dog and enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio.
17. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
Price: $$$
Specialty: Fine dining
Second Empire opened its doors to Raleigh residents in 1997 and has since grown to one of the top restaurants in Raleigh. The restaurant is far and away the fanciest on our round-up of the best restaurants in Downtown Raleigh.
Located in the elegantly restored Dodd-Hinsdale house (Circa 1879), Second Empire combines gourmet cuisine with some of Raleigh's history. From steak to duck to seafood to great drinks, there’s something at Second Empire for every palate.
After dinner, parade onto the main streets of Fayetteville and Glenwood if you're looking to continue the night after dinner and grab drinks at a speakeasy or rooftop bar.
18. The Fiction Kitchen
Price: $$
Specialty: Vegan and vegetarian cuisine
The Fiction Kitchen is a vegetarian restaurant with a commitment to fresh ingredients and in a great location. With options like their vegan Charcuterie Board, you’ll forget that Fiction Kitchen doesn’t serve meat.
Fiction Kitchen doesn’t take reservations, so it is reccommended to head over for an early or late dinner to minimize your waiting time. Although the restaurant is vegetarian and vegan, the menu is sure to please diners of all tastes.
19. Sitti
Price: $$
Specialty: Lebanese cuisine
Sitti is named after the Lebanese word for “grandmother.” In Lebanese culture, grandmothers are caretakers who are responsible for teaching other family members Lebanese culture and tradition.
Sitti lives up to this name and specializes in all your Lebanese favorites. Its well-rounded menu offers classic entrées like kabobs, fresh-baked flatbreads, and Lebanese liquor.
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20. Irregardless Café
Price: $$
Specialty: International cuisine
Irregardless Café is a favorite among vegans, vegetarians, and celiacs due to the extensive options for these diets, but there’s something for everyone on the menu. Irregardless serves up everything from Chorizo Puffball to Lamb Shank and has dishes inspired by cultures all around the world.
Be sure to stop by and try their Spanakopita, which has been a staple on their menu since they opened in 1975. Irregardless is also a popular brunch spot where you can order classics like Shrimp and Grits.
21. Flour and Barrel
Price: $$
Specialty: Italian cuisine
Located in the Glenwood South district, Flour & Barrel is a unique concept that combines Italian-inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and an on-site brewery.
Their rustic Italian menu features shareable plates perfect for groups, while their craft beer program and artisan cocktails provide the ideal pairings. The industrial-chic atmosphere makes it perfect for both casual nights out and special celebrations.
22. Stanbury
Price: $$
Specialty: American cuisine
This modern American restaurant operates with a dynamic approach and a menu that changes daily based on what local farmers provide. Located on North Blount Street, Stanbury has earned acclaim for innovative dishes like their famous beef tartare, unique pickle soup, and perfectly executed pork chop with Brussels sprouts.
The restaurant's commitment to seasonal ingredients has made it a favorite among food enthusiasts who appreciate culinary artistry. The intimate atmosphere and ever-changing offerings ensure that each visit brings a unique experience.
23. Whiskey Kitchen
Price: $
Specialty: Southern cuisine
Whisky Kitchen offers elevated Southern comfort food alongside an impressive collection of whiskeys and craft cocktails. The restaurant's warm, inviting atmosphere features rustic design elements that complement their menu of modern American dishes with Southern influences.
Their extensive whiskey selection provides the perfect complement to hearty entrees, while their skilled bartenders craft both classic and innovative cocktails. The combination of exceptional food and spirits makes it a popular destination for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Methodology
To determine the best restaurants in Downtown Raleigh, factors such as reviews and awards were considered.
FAQs
What is the Forbes five star restaurant in Raleigh?
Located in the suburb of Cary, Herons is a top-rated restaurant that has received five stars from Forbes Travel Guide and Five Diamonds from AAA.
What food is Raleigh, NC, famous for?
Raleigh is best known for traditional southern food, particularly North Carolina style barbecue.
Is there a Michelin star restaurant in Raleigh, NC?
There are currently no Michelin star restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Downtown Raleigh is one of the city’s best neighborhoods for foodies. Raleigh's food scene is the best-kept secret in the City of Oaks. If you are looking for places to live near and in downtown, check out places near NCSU.
For those considering making Raleigh home, this incredible dining scene is just one of the many reasons why the capital city continues to attract new residents from across the country.
