10 Best Restaurants in Cary, NC

Warning: your mouth may water after reading about the best restaurants in Cary, NC!

Do you consider yourself a foodie and enjoy finding new restaurants in your area? Here at Raleigh Realty, we have set out on a mission to find you the best restaurants in Cary, North Carolina, and have compiled a detailed list for you to browse if you are looking for restaurants nearby. 

While we mainly focus on real estate and helping you find your dream home, we also like to provide helpful guides to help you navigate a new area or branch outside of your comfort zone.

Please take a moment to read through the restaurants we deem to be the best in Cary, and feel free to share them with others on social media if you find them helpful.

Now we can get to the good part, enjoy.

Check out these top-rated restaurants in Cary, NC

1. Doherty's Irish Pub

Do you feel like escaping Cary for a night at a nearby restaurant? Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurant makes you feel like you've been transported and are enjoying a night in Ireland. There's no better feeling than enjoying a good evening with friends or family; Doherty's has the perfect environment. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or a drink, they have something for everyone.

But the fun doesn't end there! Please wait until you get a look at their menu. The menu is filled with traditional Irish meals from breakfast to lunch to dinner, bringing the taste of Ireland to your front door!

Doherty's loves to have people join them when they have special events. They bring out live music for entertainment and often have Karaoke nights! Whether you like to show off your vocal skills or listen to a popular local band, Doherty's always knows how to have a good time and keep the crowd engaged.

As one of the best dine-in restaurants near me, Doherty's was awarded the 2017 Best of Cary, the Wake Living Reader's Choice Award, and the Maggy Awards Best of Western Wake in 2016.

Location: 1979 High House Rd.

The hours are as follows:

Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Click here to check out Doherty's Irish Pub and Restaurants website!

2. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

If you've been searching for a phenomenal southern-inspired restaurant, Lucky 32 is perfect for you! They offer renderings of classic southern dishes made with local ingredients that everyone can enjoy. Whether you are from the south or visiting from out of state, Lucky 32 is a great spot to bring friends and family and fill up on exceptional southern cuisine.

Anytime is the perfect time to visit Lucky 32. From seafood to rib eye to burgers and sandwiches and a wide variety of southern cooking, they have a perfectly curated menu to cater to everyone. Another plus is that the menu is constantly changing—the chefs source local seasonal ingredients to give you the best meal for the season.

Lucky 32 was awarded 2017 Best of Cary award for Best Southern Cooking & Outdoor Patio/Dining. They also won the 2017 Maggie Award for the best date night restaurant. 

You can order take-out orders online ahead of time. 

Location: 7303 Tryon Rd

The hours are as follows:

Monday CLOSED

Tuesday-Thursday Dinner 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Friday Dinner 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Saturday Dinner 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Click here to visit the website of Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

3. Peck & Plume

What's better than having options? Whether you're happy to share plates with friends while enjoying a delicious cocktail or host a special dinner, Peck & Plume has dishes and meals that fit any occasion.

The name Peck & Plume is a homage to the restaurant's view of the park and its avian inhabitants. It's beautiful and polished yet offers a casual menu of modern American classics. While visiting, you can dine in the chill study, a vibrant bar, chatting dining room, breezy terrace, relaxing law, or private event space.

Not only do they have a fantastic menu to choose from, but they also offer premium cocktails, wines, and North Carolina craft beers.

Best known for its friendly service, Peck & Plume is open six days a week for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

Location: 301 S Academy St

The hours are as follows:

Breakfast: Monday-Sunday 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Lunch: Monday, Wednesday-Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Dinner: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Brunch: Saturday-Sunday 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Click here to view Peck & Plume's website!

4. Scratch Kitchen and Taproom

Have you been searching for restaurants near me with delicious food, a fantastic atmosphere, and southern hospitality? Look no further; Scratch Kitchen and Taproom offers all that and more downtown near Downtown Cary Park. 

From seafood to burgers to sandwiches and salads, Scratch has a wide array of menu items where even the pickiest eaters can find something that will keep them coming back for more!

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom is the perfect place to bring family and friends and enjoy a good meal paired with a delicious cocktail. And remember dessert.. their creme brulee is to die for! You can sit inside or outside; both choices offer a great atmosphere and service. People who have eaten here rave about the exceptional staff and service. Top hits on the menu include the chicken sandwich, crispy tuna, firecracker shrimp, and the BLT!

Scratch Kitchen and Taproom is a fantastic traditional American restaurant to add to your favorites!

Location: 106 E Cedar St

The hours are as follows:

Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Click here to view Scratch Kitchen and Taprooms website!

5. Enrigo Italian Bistro

If you have an Italian side to your family, you have 100% had an excellent Italian full-course meal. Honestly, is there anything better than leftovers? Nine times out of ten, Italian families make enough food for the entire neighborhood, even if it's just your family having dinner.

Now Enrigo rings out the inner Italian in all of us, whether you have any Italian heritage or not! It is a fantastic place to bring family and friends to enjoy a delicious meal and wine. Nothing goes better with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, chicken alfredo, etc. than a nice glass of wine. The flavors combine tremendously and leave you wanting more.

If you have never been quite a fan of Italian, don't worry, they accommodate that! They have a list of delicious pizzas that come out golden and baked to perfection! Now, imagine you must have your mouth watering; I know ours are!

As one of the best dine-in restaurants near me, Enrigo brings a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with incredible service from the amiable staff! If you are looking for somewhere to eat and craving Italian, you know where you are going after reading this.

Location: 575 New Waverly Place, Suite 106

The hours are as follows:

Monday 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tuesday-Saturday Lunch 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Tuesday-Thursday Dinner 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday-Saturday Dinner 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sunday CLOSED

Click here to view their website!

6. Maximillian's Grill and Wine Bar

Maximillian's brings the taste of pure enjoyment off the grill if you are searching for a great place to have a nice dinner and a glass of wine. It is an excellent restaurant with a casual and quiet atmosphere for a group or a date night and is the perfect solution for finding good food near me. 

People who have eaten at Maximillian's have raved about their excellent experience, and you will, too! Maximillian's menu has many desirable options with unique flavors that will leave your taste buds watering.

They like to attract younger and older crowds by bringing live music for entertainment. The wide variety of musicians brings the restaurant alive for all customers.

From seafood to poultry dishes, the prices are high but reasonable for the deliciousness that will be brought to your table. You will be leaving there wanting to return for another fantastic dinner. Telling your friends about the great time you had at Maximillian's will leave them with your exact high expectations, and they, too, will leave you satisfied!

Location: 8314 Chapel Hill Rd

The hours are as follows:

Sunday-Monday CLOSED

Tuesday-Thursday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Friday-Saturday 5:00 Pm - 10:00 PM

Click here to view Maximillian's Grill and Wine Bar website!

7. Academy Street Bistro

Any restaurant that offers 1/2 off Martinis on Tuesdays is a great one! You will enjoy a casual fine dining experience of eclectic worldwide cuisine at Academy Street Bistro. One of the premier chefs in the region, Chef Seth Wilson, carefully curates bistro-style plates that we are sure will satisfy all of your cravings.

If you want to take your friends, family, or colleagues out for a dining experience, they will always remember Academy Street Bistro is the place for you. You can browse a great choice of appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, and desserts at Academy Street Bistro. Truthfully, whatever you choose will keep you coming back for more!

Their fantastic menu offers delicious cocktails from some of the best international and local spirits, beer, and an excellent selection of white and red wines. Their daily specials make it so that you always have the option to pair your meal nicely. If you need help finding something on their dessert menu to satisfy your craving, they offer post-dinner treats from local shops in Cary!

Location: 200 S Academy St

The hours are as follows:

Sunday CLOSED

Monday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Click here to view their website!

8. Seol Grill

Finding mouth-watering Korean BBQ is difficult in the Triangle, but Seol Grill has you covered! It's so good that some recommend joining the waitlist ahead of time to get a table. The goal at Seol Grill is to create an authentic, fun, and relaxed Korean BBQ experience, and that's precisely what they do! Some have even said it's the best Korean BBQ they've had across America.

The menu is like no other. Their all-you-can-eat option includes endless beef, pork, chicken, seafood, and an array of side dishes you must try. Paired with their signature soju cocktails, you've got the perfect meal. Undoubtedly, you and your friends and family will have an unforgettable time and experience at Seol Grill.

Whether you consider yourself a foodie, want to try something new, or enjoy a fantastic experience, Seol Grill should be added to your list of top restaurants in Cary, NC.

Location: 2310 Walnut St

The hours are as follows:

Sunday-Monday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday CLOSED

Wednesday-Thursday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday-Saturday 12:00 Pm - 11:00 PM

Click here to view Seol Grill's website!

9. The Big Easy Oven and Tap

Let's get into some New Orleans-style cooking! The Big Easy Oven and Tap know the true definition of Southern hospitality, evident in their top-notch service and family-friendly environment. A locally owned treat for anyone who needs a hefty serving of some excellent gumbo or any meal on their choice menu!

The Big Easy brought Mardi Gras to the Triangle! They have done an excellent job bringing their roots from New Orleans to the people of North Carolina. They have created a robust menu of terrific choices and a seasonal menu to satisfy all your cravings based on the time of year.

This is a great establishment to have a good time with friends and family or take a special loved one out for a nice meal. The Big Easy will deliver and leave you satisfied and complete, no matter your mood!

Have you got a good poker face? The Big Easy invites you to join them on Tuesdays as they host the World Tavern poker event from 7 PM to 9:30 PM. They also offer other daily entertainment such as darts and pool. The Big Easy Oven and Tap is an excellent place to get together with friends and enjoy your evening.

Location: 231 Grande Heights Dr

The hours are as follows:

Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 10:15 PM

Click here to visit the website of The Big Easy Oven and Tap!

10. Rey's Restaurant

Date night? Or you may want a lovely evening with friends and family. Rey's Restaurant is the perfect place for both occasions! Rey's has an elegant atmosphere, and the lighting tones the mood, especially if you are celebrating Valentine's Day. Their motto is 'Fine Dining with a French Quarter Flare,' Oh boy, do they live up to that.

It is the perfect place to take someone or a group out for nice laughs and enjoy excellent food, drinks, and company! With service out of this world and food that will make you say, "Mmmmmm, that's amazing," you won't want to pass up on Reys! Please be sure to mind your manners, though, as everyone who eats at Rey's is there to enjoy a lovely evening. Although, it will be hard not to try to steal some food from your friend's plates.

One of Cary's Best restaurants, Rey's, raised the bar on what it takes to stand out. Rey's offers a voodoo lounge if you're not hungry but just looking to grab a drink with friends. A quiet, comfortable area in the restaurant where you can relax and share some laughs and stories with others. They offer live music there for your entertainment. No matter what, you will enjoy your time at Rey's.

Location: 1130 Buck Jones Rd

The hours are as follows:

Monday-Thursday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday-Saturday 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Sunday CLOSED

Click here for Rey's website. 

Final thoughts on the best restaurants in Cary, NC

While these restaurants might differ from everyone's favorite, they provide exceptional food with fantastic staff and experiences. From fast food to sit-down restaurants, Cary is home to delicious restaurants. 

If you're considering moving to Cary, this is the guide you need for finding restaurants. Please comment if you have any suggestions; we would love to hear them. 

We hope you have enjoyed our list of the best restaurants in Cary, NC, and have a fantastic experience, just like we did! Contact us today to learn more about the area and contact one of our knowledgeable Real Estate Specialists if you are interested in homes for sale in Cary!