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Best Restaurants in Durham, NC
Are you searching for the best restaurants in Durham, NC? Check out these 15 great places to eat in Durham!
Do you want to make Durham your home? One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food scene. Durham has transformed into a culinary destination that rivals any major city, offering everything from James Beard Award-winning establishments to beloved local gems.
With its World-Class medical centers and proximity to Research Triangle Park, Durham is clearly growing and has a lot to offer. And who doesn't love food? Durham, NC, is becoming a hotspot for exceptional restaurants.
Whether you're a potential homebuyer exploring neighborhoods or a current Durham resident looking to discover new favorites, Durham's restaurant scene offers something for every palate and budget.
Great restaurants often signify a thriving community, and Durham is no exception. From innovative farm-to-table concepts to authentic international cuisine, here are the 15 restaurants that make Durham a true food lover's paradise.
Explore these top-rated restaurants in Durham
1. Counting House
Address: 111 Cocoran St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: American
Counting House is located in the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Durham. Featuring a seafood-driven menu with creative takes on American classics, this restaurant is a must-visit for its bold flavors and innovative dishes.
The expertly crafted cocktails and the perfect balance of upscale and approachable dining in a stunning historic setting make the Counting House one of the best restaurants in Durham. Breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner menus are available.
2. Vin Rouge
Address: 2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Cuisine Type: French
Vin Rouge offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Eating here makes you feel like you have traveled to France. Ideal for a date night out, the atmosphere is intimate and upscale. Dining at Vin Rouge offers French flavors and an extensive wine list, perfect for special occasions.
The red accent walls, decorated with black-and-white photos of celebrities and French art designs, provide the ideal ambiance and romantic setting. Outdoor seating is also available on the back patio.
Menu options include escargots, steak frites, fruit de Mer, and many more delicious meals. If French cuisine is your favorite, Vin Rouge is the perfect restaurant to try in Durham.
Address: 530 Foster St #130, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Southern
A Durham original that has become a regional phenomenon, Dame's Chicken and Waffles perfected the art of chicken and waffles long before it became trendy.
This soul food restaurant serves crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken and fluffy waffles in a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The portions are generous, and the flavors are unforgettable.
Diners line up daily to taste Dames's delicious and classic comfort food. When visiting Dame's, you can feel their love for jazz through their choice of music and art.
The classic chicken and waffles combination is their most popular menu item, but do not skip out on their famous macaroni and cheese the next time you choose to eat here.
4. Pizzeria Toro
Address: 105 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Pizza
Pizzeria Toro is a casual pizza place in Durham best known for its wood-fired pies and lively bar. Seasonally driven, Pizzeria Toro is considered to serve some of the best pizza in the Triangle area.
Some fan favorites include the San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and the prosciutto cotto with olives and asiago. In addition to great pizza, they also offer antipasto and salad, and you can pair your meal with your choice of wine from their extensive selection.
5. NanaSteak
Address: 345 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Steakhouse
Durham, NC, has the perfect restaurant for those who enjoy a juicy steak. Opened in 2016, NanaSteak paid homage to Durham's history through its bar top and tables inlaid with real tobacco leaves.
This upscale steakhouse combines premium cuts with creative preparations and an extensive wine list. NanaSteak offers classic steakhouse fare and innovative dishes that reflect modern culinary trends.
The elegant atmosphere makes it perfect for business dinners and special occasions. This fine-dining establishment's dry-aged steaks and professional service create a memorable upscale experience.
From charcoal grilled filet mignon to seared Scottish salmon, NanaSteak offers menu options that will soon make this restaurant one of your favorites.
6. Guasaca South American Grill
Address: A-100 Erwin Square, 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705
Cuisine Type: Latin American
Venezuelan cuisine takes center stage at this colorful, casual restaurant. Guasaca offers an authentic taste of Venezuela with dishes like arepas, empanadas, and traditional stews. The vibrant atmosphere and affordable prices make it a favorite among students and families.
In Erwing Square Plaza, Guasaca features a colorful atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options. Other locations can be found throughout Raleigh and in Morrisville.
7. Mateo Bar de Tapas
Address: 109 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Tapas
There's nothing better than going out to dinner and trying a variety of different menu options. Mateo Bar de Tapas is the perfect restaurant for those who can never quite decide what they want to eat.
In downtown Durham, Mateo Bar de Tapas brings authentic Spanish flavors to the Bull City. Chef Matthew Kelly's commitment to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients shines through in every dish, from the perfectly executed paella to the house-made charcuterie.
The intimate atmosphere and extensive Spanish wine list make it ideal for date nights. Curbside pickup is available.
8. Mothers & Sons Trattoria
Address: 107 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Italian
Mothers and Sons Trattoria is a trattoria-style restaurant focusing on handmade pasta and traditional Italian preparations. The intimate setting and open kitchen create an authentic Italian dining experience, while the wine list features Italian selections and local options.
The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients, meaning there is always something fresh and delicious to order. If you are craving a home-cooked Italian meal, Mothers & Sons Trattoria is a must-try.
9. Cucciolo Osteria
Address: 601 W Main St, Suite C, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Italian
Another exceptional Italian restaurant in Durham is Cucciolo Osteria. With its upscale yet casual environment, it is perfect for a night out with friends or a birthday celebration.
Although it mainly focuses on pasta, its menu includes bruschetta and antipasti options. Best known for its culinary creativity, fantastic service, and tasty craft cocktails, Cucciolo Osteria is a delicious gem in the heart of downtown.
10. M Kokko
Address: 311 Holland St, Suite B, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Korean
M Kokko is a modern Korean restaurant that brings Seoul's flavors to Durham with style and sophistication. It offers traditional Korean dishes and creative fusion options, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and beautiful presentation.
The cocktail program is equally impressive, featuring Korean-inspired drinks alongside classic options. Popular menu favorites include wings, noodle and rice dishes, Korean hamburgers, and gyoza.
11. Bar Virgile
Address: 105 S Mangum St Unit #1, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: American
When visiting Durham, stop by Bar Virgile and grab a quick bite and a delicious cocktail. Conveniently located near the Durham Performing Arts Center, Bar Virgile has become the place to stop before or after a show.
The restaurant is inviting, making it an excellent place to take your friends or co-workers after a long day. The tables are close together, and the energy is high, so don't expect a quiet, intimate conversation. The ever-changing menu consists of poultry, beef, and pasta options.
12. Goorsha
Address: 910 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Ethiopian
Goorsha serves traditional Ethiopian dishes with a modern twist. You can feel the love for the culture as soon as you enter the restaurant. The term goorsha refers to feeding one another in Ethiopian culture and is highly encouraged when dining in.
Menu options include tibs (sauteed in spices) and shiro (chickpea stew), which are intended to be eaten with hand-torn bits of injera. Other menu favorites include sambusa, kekel, and spicy vegan stews.
13. Local 22 Kitchen and Bar
Address: 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705
Cuisine Type: Gastropub
Local 22 Kitchen and Bar is a local favorite gastropub located in Erwin Square Plaza. It features seasonal comfort dishes, craft beer, and wine. This small neighborhood bar is one of Durham's best restaurants.
Local 22 is a pet-friendly environment, making it a hotspot amongst those looking to bring their pet out for a lovely afternoon meal. The bar offers handcrafted cocktails and local drafts that pair perfectly with its menu.
14. M Sushi
Address: 311 Holland St, Durham, NC 27701
Cuisine Type: Sushi
Finding a good sushi restaurant can often be challenging, but M Sushi exceeds expectations. With a dimly lit industrial space, this is the perfect spot in Durham for Japanese seafood and sushi options.
While they only serve a small menu, the quality makes up for it. By using seafood directly from Japan, Korea, and the US, they can create a delicious sushi menu that will never disappoint.
15. Saltbox Seafood Joint
Address: 2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
Cuisine Type: Seafood
Despite being inland, Durham doesn't skimp on quality seafood, and Saltbox Seafood Joint proves it. This casual seafood restaurant sources fresh fish and shellfish from the Carolina coast, preparing it to let the natural flavors shine. The fish market attached to the restaurant ensures maximum freshness.
Methodology
Reviews, ratings, and cuisine types were considered when determining the best places to eat in Durham, NC.
FAQs
Is Durham, NC, a foodie town?
Yes, Durham, North Carolina, is considered a foodie city. It is home to unique restaurants, award-winning chefs, and a variety of cuisines.
What is Durham, NC, best known for?
Durham, NC, is best known as the "City of Medicine," as it is home to Duke University Hospital, one of the best hospitals in the United States.
Our Final Thoughts on Restaurants in Durham, NC
Durham's restaurant scene is just one of many reasons this city has become such a desirable place to live. Excellent dining, a strong job market, great schools, and diverse housing options make Durham ideal for families, young professionals, and retirees.
As more people move to Durham, the restaurant industry must keep up. No matter what you are craving, the options in Durham are endless. You will likely find almost every cuisine you can imagine throughout the city.
At Raleigh Realty, we're proud to help people discover all Durham offers. Whether you're looking for a downtown condo or a single-family home, we can help you find the perfect property to call home.
Ready to explore Durham's neighborhoods and find your perfect home? Contact Raleigh Realty today to start your journey toward joining this vibrant, delicious community.
