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0.11
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322 Tobacco Farm Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
MLS#: 10106418
Best Restaurants in Chapel Hill, NC
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Chapel Hill, NC? Follow along as we explore the best places to eat in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill is a thriving Triangle community best known for its educational opportunities, safe neighborhoods, excellent food options, world-class hospitals, and medical care. With affordable real estate options, Chapel Hill is one of the best places to live in North Carolina.
Even though people are mainly drawn to the Chapel Hill area to attend or visit the University of North Carolina, the food here is like no other. Chapel Hill is an attractive destination for food lovers and families alike, offering an impressive number of exceptional restaurants that rival much larger cities.
Whether you are exploring neighborhoods as a potential homebuyer or are already calling Chapel Hill home, these 15 top-rated restaurants showcase why this area continues to draw residents across the Triangle.
Check out these great restaurants in Chapel Hill, NC
1. Merritt's Grill
Location: Downtown Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Contemporary American Fine Dining
Known for its world-famous BLT, Merritt's Grill is a Chapel Hill favorite. There's not much better than sitting outside of Merritt's on a sunny afternoon with some friends, an ice-cold coca-cola, and a freshly made BLT. Eating here is a classic Chapel Hill experience.
If bacon is not your thing, don't worry, the grill also offers a full menu of vegetarian options, egg salad, burgers, and BBQ. Gather a group of friends or your family and head to Merritt's Grill for great food and good conversation.
2. Sup Dogs
Location: Franklin Street
Cuisine Type: Gourmet Hot Dogs & Southern Fusion
This local favorite combines creative gourmet hot dogs with Southern flavors and college town energy. Founded by UNC alumni, Sup Dogs features an extensive menu of specialty hot dogs with unique toppings, plus burgers, wings, and their famous cheese dip.
The restaurant's casual atmosphere and late-night hours make it a go-to spot for students and locals alike. Their "Slaw Dog" with Carolina-style coleslaw and their creative take on classic bar food keep crowds coming back.
3. Sutton's Drug Store
Location: Downtown Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Classic American Diner
A true local landmark, Sutton's Drug Store has been serving Chapel Hill since 1923. This old-fashioned soda fountain and lunch counter maintains its vintage charm while serving classic American comfort food.
Their milkshakes and burgers remain largely unchanged over the years, making it a nostalgic favorite for alumni returning to town.
4. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen
Location: Franklin Street
Cuisine Type: Southern Breakfast and Biscuits
This humble, cash-only breakfast spot serves what many consider the best biscuits in Chapel Hill. Open early morning hours, Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen specializes in made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits stuffed with everything from country ham and sausage to fried chicken.
With a focus on quality, every biscuit is made fresh throughout the morning. The tiny space often has a line out the door, testament to their reputation among locals and UNC students seeking authentic Southern breakfast.
5. 411 West
Location: Franklin Street
Cuisine Type: Italian-American
Located in a charming historic building, 411 West combines Italian cuisine with American favorites in an elegant yet comfortable setting. Their wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta dishes showcase traditional Italian techniques, while their full bar and extensive wine list create a sophisticated dining atmosphere.
The restaurant's intimate dining rooms and attentive service make it popular for romantic dinners and business meetings. Their Sunday brunch features both Italian specialties and American classics.
Even though 411 West isn't as popular among college students, it's refreshing to have a non-college student-focused dining experience in the middle of a college town. 411 West is perfect for couples and families looking for a slower-paced, sit-down meal in a calm environment.
6. Stoney River Steak House and Grill
Location: University Place in Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Premium Steakhouse
Everyone has their go-to restaurant for special events, work gatherings, or a fancy date night. In Chapel Hill, Stoney River Steak House and Grill is the perfect spot for any occasion that needs celebrating.
Their menu includes premium aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection. Known for their hand-cut steaks cooked to perfection and their signature bourbon-glazed salmon, Stoney River offers the upscale dining experience that serious steak lovers seek.
Their knowledgeable staff can recommend wine pairings and their lunch menu offers lighter options alongside steakhouse classics. Stoney River's commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation has made it a go-to destination for Chapel Hill residents seeking a nice night out.
7. Talullas
Location: Franklin Street
Cuisine Type: New American with Mediterranean Influences
This neighborhood gem serves authentic Turkish cuisine in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Talullas focuses on seasonal ingredients and regularly changing menus that reflect both local produce and international flavors.
Their small plates and creative entrees appeal to adventurous diners, while their warm hospitality makes everyone feel welcome. The restaurant's commitment to supporting local farmers and sustainable practices resonates with environmentally conscious Chapel Hill residents.
Talullas has become a fan favorite and late-night destination spot in Chapel Hill.
8. Market and Moss
Location: Carrboro (Chapel Hill area)
Cuisine Type: Contemporary Southern
Located just outside Chapel Hill in neighboring Carrboro, Market and Moss is a farm-to-table restaurant with a commitment to local sourcing and seasonal menus. The restaurant works directly with area farms to create delicious and fresh dishes.
Their ever-changing menu reflects what's fresh and available, and their knowledgeable staff can explain the origin of nearly every ingredient. The menu at Market and Moss changes daily, so there's always something new for you to try.
9. Il Palio Restaurant
Location: The Siena Hotel, Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Northern Italian Fine Dining
Housed within the elegant Siena Hotel, Il Palio Restaurant brings authentic Northern Italian cuisine to Chapel Hill with an atmosphere of sophistication. This restaurant features hand-painted murals and an extensive Italian wine collection.
Their menu showcases traditional Northern Italian dishes made with imported ingredients and classic techniques. Il Palio's formal service and elegant ambiance make it Chapel Hill's premier destination for special occasions and romantic dinners.
Consistently awarded four diamonds by AAA, Il Palio uses the best local and Italian ingredients to curate the most perfect, generously portioned meal. This is another great spot in Chapel Hill where you can enjoy a lovely evening of delicious flavors with your family or enjoy an afternoon cocktail on the patio.
10. Hawthorne & Wood
Location: Downtown Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Contemporary American Fine Dining
Led by Michelin-starred chef Brandon Sharp, Hawthorne & Wood represents Chapel Hill's most elevated dining experience. The restaurant focuses on locally-sourced ingredients and seasonal menus that change regularly.
Chef Sharp's attention to detail extends from the thoughtfully curated wine list to the sophisticated atmosphere that makes this perfect for special occasions. The restaurant's commitment to supporting local farmers and producers reflects Chapel Hill's tight-knit community.
11. Elements Restaurant
Location: Downtown Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Contemporary American Fine Dining
Elements Restaurant represents Chapel Hill's commitment to innovative, seasonal cuisine using the finest local and regional ingredients. The restaurant's name reflects their philosophy of letting pure, elemental flavors shine through expert preparation and presentation.
Specializing in modern Asian and European cooking techniques, grab a signature cocktail or a glass of wine from their award-winning wine list, and you're guaranteed to have the perfect meal.
Elements has won countless awards, including the Best of Chapel Hill for multiple years, many OpenTable Diner's choice awards, and the wine spectator awards of excellence.
Their tasting menu format allows the kitchen to showcase creativity and seasonality, while their extensive wine program features selections that complement each dish. Elements attracts serious food enthusiasts who appreciate culinary artistry and the restaurant's dedication to supporting local producers.
12. Al's Burger Shack
Location: Franklin Street & Southern Village
Cuisine Type: Classic American Burgers
Al's Burger Shack is one of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill for its burgers, hotdogs, and milkshakes. This local eatery has perfected the art of the burger since opening in 2013.
They use 100% fresh ground chuck, the gold standard for cheeseburgers, hand-patty their beef, season it perfectly, and cook it to your preferred temperature.
What sets Al's apart is their use of North Carolina pasture-raised cattle that's hormone and antibiotic-free. The Bobo Chili Cheeseburger and Mely Mel are local favorites, and with two locations, it's become a true Chapel Hill staple.
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13. Top of the Hill Restaurant and Brewery
Location: Franklin Street
Cuisine Type: American Pub Food
Established in 1994, Top of the Hill is a downtown eatery with an eclectic menu. More than just a restaurant, it's a Chapel Hill institution that combines dining with craft brewing.
Their rooftop seating offers some of the best views in downtown Chapel Hill, and their house-brewed beers pair perfectly with pub favorites. The location makes it ideal for watching UNC games and is a frequent spot for UNC students.
14. Lime and Lemon Indian Grill and Bar
Location: Meadowmont Village in Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Indian
Currently ranked as a top favorite in Chapel Hill, Lime & Lemon Indian Grill and Bar offers fresh, flavorful Indian cuisine with both traditional and contemporary dishes.
Their lunch buffet is particularly popular, offering an affordable way to sample a variety of regional Indian specialties. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh spices and authentic cooking methods sets it apart from typical Indian restaurants.
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15. Hawkers Asian Street Food
Location: University Place in Chapel Hill
Cuisine Type: Southeast Asian Street Food
Bringing the streets of Asia to Tarheel country, Hawkers Asian Street Food has been serving noodles, fried rice, and dumplings since its opening in 2011. This energetic restaurant brings the bustling atmosphere of Asian night markets to Chapel Hill.
With an extensive menu featuring dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and other Southeast Asian countries, Hawkers offers adventurous diners a chance to explore authentic street food flavors. Their late-night hours make it popular with the college crowd and night shift workers.
Methodology
Factors including ratings and reviews, menu items, and awards were considered to determine the best restaurants in Chapel Hill, NC.
FAQs
What is the famous street in Chapel Hill, NC?
Franklin Street is the most famous street in Chapel Hill since it is considered the center of social life for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Many great restaurants, local boutiques, coffee shops, and nightlife can be found on this street.
Why is Chapel Hill famous?
As the home of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the city is best known for its high-quality education, prime real estate, rich history, delicious southern food, and exciting recreational activities.
Best Restaurants in Chapel Hill, NC - Final Thoughts
Food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chapel Hill, but it should be a close second. Chapel Hill's restaurants reflect the town's character and university's international influence.
For families considering a move to Chapel Hill, these restaurants are not just dining options but gathering spots to meet up with friends and celebrate special occasions. From casual eateries to contemporary fine dining establishments, Chapel Hill's restaurants will satisy every taste.
Whether you're exploring Chapel Hill neighborhoods or areas near UNC's campus, you'll find that excellent dining is never far away. Are you ready to find your dream home in Chapel Hill, NC? Contact Raleigh Realty today. Our experienced agents know the local market and can help you find the ideal property to match your lifestyle and budget.
