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7 Best Restaurants In North Hills

Ryan FitzgeraldRyan Fitzgerald
Dec 19, 2022 • 10 min read
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7 Best Restaurants In North Hills
Chapters
01
The Capital Grille 
02
CowFish 
03
Stir 
04
Level 7
05
CO 
06
Bartaco 
07
Rosewater 

7 Best Restaurants In North Hills

Are you visiting the North Hills shopping center in Raleigh, NC, and looking for a place to grab a quick bite? Follow along and learn more about the best restaurants in North Hills!

North Hills is the defining presence of Midtown Raleigh, located in the heart of North Carolina. This multi-faceted district offers many living, work, dining, and entertainment options. Midtown Park and the many gathering places offer shoppers and diners fresh air with convenience to grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, and more! North Hills also has plenty of relaxing lifestyle amenities such as spas, salons, and gyms. Last, you can visit North Hills for entertainment on your night out. The area includes a 14-screen cinema, Kings Dining & Entertainment, year-round events, and more! 

It's safe to say that North Hills has something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you're interested in growing and shopping at their various stores, enjoying one of the many restaurants for date night or girl's night out, or visiting for one of their fun and eclectic events - you are sure to find something to do in the area. 

North Hills is located off exit eight on the I-440 interstate and is only 15 minutes from the Raleigh-Durham international airport

Raleigh Realty is a local real estate company that specializes in helping home buyers and sellers throughout the real estate process. While that is our primary focus, we enjoy assisting newcomers and residents navigate the area. We create guides from the best restaurants to real estate tips to the best neighborhoods and more! 

In this guide, we're going to discuss some of the best restaurants in North Hills, so let's get into it! 

best restaurants North Hills - food and north hills shopping center

The Capital Grille 

The Capital Grille is one of the best steakhouses in the area. They are known for their dry-aged steaks, seafood, fresh ingredients, and award-winning wine. To create the delicious steaks everyone enjoys, they have an onsite butcher for the 18-24-day dry-aging process. 

The menu at The Capital Grille includes lunch, dinner, wine, desserts, the capital butcher options, and cocktails. While the menu is on the pricier side, it is exceptionally delicious! They have a vast wine selection ranging from reds, whites, and rose & sparkling wines. The dessert is also a must-try! The Captial Grille Cheesecake is made Brulee style with fresh berries. 

The Capital Butcher category on their menu consists of dry-aged steaks that can be purchased and cooked at home. Steak Grille Boxes consist of either an 18 oz of Bone-In dry-aged NY strips, a 22 oz Bone-in prime ribeye, or 2 Bone-in dry-aged NY Strips and two bone-in prime ribeyes. Every steak box comes with the signature steak sauce! You can also buy individual-sized boxes.

To uphold their standards of creating a refined atmosphere, they have a dress code that is important for customers to read before dining. They do not allow: athletic shorts, uncovered sports bras or other bra-style tops, excessively revealing clothing or exposed undergarments, or any clothing with offensive language or images. Men's shirts must have sleeves. Athletic leggings, joggers, or sweatpants are allowed in the lounge area. 

Location: 4242 Six Forks Rd 

Hours:

Sunday: 5 PM - 9 PM

Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9 PM

Friday: 11:30 AM - 10 PM

Saturday: 5 PM - 10 PM

CowFish 

Cowfish is famously known for its sushi and burgers, which hints at the name CowFish! The restaurant is locally owned and perfect for business lunches/meetings, family nights, or gathering with friends! They give equal amounts of love and attention to their sushi and burger options, and all customers love both. If you can't decide between the two, Cowfish offers a bento box which is a mini burger, a sushi roll, and a side. Side options include seasoned fries, seaweed salad, bacon coleslaw, fried pickles, sweet potato fries, sweet and spicy Thai cucumbers, and edamame. They also serve "Burgushi," a fusion of burgers and sushi! 

An example of an available Burgushi is the All-American bacon double cheeseburgushi. The dish is seasoned with all-natural beef, yellow and white cheddar cheeses, applewood bacon, and red onion, wrapped in soy paper and potato strings, then flash-fried. All of the burgers at Cowfish are made from a 1/2 pound of all-natural beef, turkey, lamb, or bison. 

The menu is one of a kind, consisting of appetizer options such as crab rangoon dip, parmesan bacon truffle fries, spicy poke dip, onion rings, tuna & avocado-tini, and more! They serve sushi and burgers, but they also serve non-burgers, salads, fusion specialties, build-you-own rolls, draft beer, bottles & cans, wine, sake, cocktails, and more! 

Here at Raleigh Realty, we love Cowfish and highly recommend it! 

Location: 4208-100 Six Forks Rd

Hours: 

Sunday - Thursday: 11 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday - Saturday: 11 AM - 10 PM

sushi rolls on wood boards

Stir 

Stir is located in the Bank of America Building in North Hills and is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. It's the perfect place to sip a beautifully crafted cocktail, enjoy a night out, or meet for lunch with friends or coworkers. At Stir, they use only fresh and local ingredients. The kitchen prepares everything from scratch using fresh produce, meats, and seasonal ingredients. They are most known for their cocktails and a raw signature bar stocked with fresh oysters and seasonal seafood. 

Their signature cocktails are one of the reasons Stir is so popular. They take pride in doing everything in-house, blending their bitters, freezing and carving their blocks of artisanal ice, pressing juices, and slicing ingredients. They even age certain cocktails in oak barrels to ensure customers get rich flavors. A famous cocktail is the Viva La Astral, made with tequila reposado, grapefruit, lemon, jalapeno, cucumber, and house-made ginger syrup. 

The full dinner menu at Stir consists of oysters & raw bars, ceviche & poke appetizers, salads & soup, sandwiches, entrees, sides, and cast-iron desserts. One of our favorite dishes is the scallop and shrimp white cheddar mad & cheese with cavatappi pasta, asparagus, and white truffle oil. 

You can also host events at Stir, rent out their private dining room, or order catering and delivery!

Next time you're in the area, visit Stir and let us know your thoughts! 

Location: 4242 Six Forks Rd

Hours: 

Sunday: 10 AM - 11 PM

Monday - Friday: 11 AM - 11 PM

Saturday: 10 AM - 11 PM 

Level 7

Level 7 serves tapas-style small bites in their modern and European-style rooftop lounge. While dining here, you sit atop the AC Hotel Raleigh North Hills and enjoy the beautiful views and ambiance. The plush seating, nooks, and open spaces allow customers to comfortably immerse themselves in the artful environment and weakly live entertainment. 

The menu includes tapas, toast, small plates, flatbreads, sweets, cocktails, and more! Small plate options include artisanal ham & cheese, tortilla Espanola, meatballs, rigatoni, and many more delicious options. 

Drinks are also popular at Level 7. You can enjoy samplings from small-batch distillers, rock-star brewers, and single vineyard labels. You can also choose from their extensive drink menu, including cocktails, barrel-aged cocktails, white wine, red wine, sparkling rose, half bottles, beer, spritzers, canned wines, and Sunday cocktails!

The main attraction of Level 7 is the breathtaking view, which makes it the perfect destination for a Valentine's Day date night

Location: 101 Park at North Hills St

Hours: 

Sunday: 1 PM - 9 PM

Monday - Wednesday: 11 AM - 10 PM

Thursday - Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM 

flatbread pizza with tomato and basil

CO 

If you love Asian food, check out CO. Here at CO, they serve contemporary Asian cuisine, serving Bahn mi, pho, ramen, dumplings, and signature cocktails. They are located at the ground level of the AC Hotel and have become very popular among residents of North Hills and visitors. 

CO has Charleston, Charlotte, and Raleigh locations that utilize raw materials to create warm, inviting, and contemporary spaces. The open windows, large community tables, and modern touches add a sense of joy and enlightenment when enjoying your dining experience. 

Check Masanori Shiraishi has curated a beautiful menu full of bright and bold flavors from Southeast Asia. The full menu includes dumplings, small dishes, salads, makimono & pressed sushi, broth noodles, wok noodles, Bahn mi, poke bowls, rice dishes, and desserts. One of our favorites is the spicy playa bowl. The dish combines salmon, tuna, inari tofu, avocado, red & yellow pepper, cucumber, spring mix, and spicy Singapore aioli; all served over maze Gohan rice. They also do gluten and vegan-free options! 

We thoroughly enjoy dining at CO, and we think you will too! 

Location: 101-120 Park at North Hills St

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday: 11 AM - 10 PM

Friday - Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM 

Bartaco 

Inspired by the beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay, and Southern California, Bartaco has made its way to Raleigh! They serve upscale street food with an unforgettable experience. You genuinely feel like you're on a beach with the atmosphere, white-wash interior, wanderlust-inspired photography, woven basket light fixtures, and a sprawling bar.

The food at Bartaco consists of tacos, not-tacos, rice bowls, and desserts. All tacos come with 4-inch corn tortillas or bibb lettuce shells topped with cilantro. Options include Baja fish, spiced chicken Verde, glazed pork belly, sesame ribeye, mushroom with queso fresco, and many other delicious options. They also have menu items for those who aren't in the mood for tacos. You can choose from street corn, kimchi, tuna poke, ceviche, chicken tortilla soup, etc. Our favorite rice bowls are the seared chorizo - Argentinian-style spiced ground pork, sweet onion, cilantro, and smokey red chimichurri sauce. 

Bartaco is also famous for its drinks; some say the margaritas are the best they've had! The Bartaco margarita is made with Libelula Joven tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, and lime juice, and you can even make it spicy! 

Whether you're in the mood for a tasty margarita or a delicious taco, Bartaco is a must-try! 

Location: 4121 Main at North Hills St

Hours:

Saturday - Thursday: 11 AM - 10 PM

Friday - Saturday: 11 AM - Midnight 

three tacos with onion and cilantro

Rosewater 

Inspired by North Carolina ingredients and Mediterranean flavors, Rosewater is a full-service restaurant rooted in seasonality and brings charm and life to the area. To cater to the business population in North Hils, Rosewater offers quick grab-and-go options for those that need something quick on their lunch break. During the evening, Rosewater becomes a place for gatherings, family nights, date nights, and special occasions, including Valentine's Day. On the weekends, customers come to enjoy their delicious brunch and relaxing vibe.

"Its menu illustrates local partnerships and perennial ingredients that pay homage to the gardens, farmers, fishermen, and foragers who bring them to our tables." The dinner and Saturday lunch menu includes starts, vegetables, greens, and plates. Some plate options are pork shank, short ribs, salmon, house-made tagliatelle pasta, and more! A few brunch options are specialty eggs, crab cakes, mussels, acai & granola, breakfast risotto, and other delicious options to satisfy your cravings. 

A popular item on their menu is the Night Cap dessert cocktail! The drink includes sambuca, Montenegro, creme de cacao, valencia orange spice, and nutmeg powder! 

We highly recommend dining at Roseater when you're in the area! 

Location: 110 Park at North Hills St 

Hours: 

Sunday - Thursday: 5 PM - 10 PM 

Friday - Saturday: 5 PM - 11 PM 

salmon with lemon

Best Restaurants In North Hills - Final Thoughts 

From various hotel options when visiting, delicious restaurants, great shopping options, booming businesses, and more, it's safe to say that North Hills truly has it all. They have restaurants that serve cuisines of all types and the ambiance and atmosphere for any occasion. We love visiting North Hills and being able to explore, dine, and stay local! Not only can you visit North Hills for the various amenities, but you can also live there! Apartments in the area include the Allister, Channel House, Midtown Green, and more! 

Check out some of the best restaurants in Downtown Raleigh and some of the best restaurants in Durham!

If you enjoyed our guide to the best restaurants in North Hills, please share it with friends and family! And if you have any suggestions for us to try, let us know! 

If you're interested in real estate in the area, contact us or visit our website to get in touch! 

WRITTEN BY
Ryan Fitzgerald
Ryan Fitzgerald
Realtor

Ryan Fitzgerald is a top Realtor®, founder and owner of Raleigh Realty, one of the Triangle’s fastest-growing and most innovative real estate brokerages. Driven by a mission to be the best—not the biggest—brokerage in Raleigh, Ryan has built Raleigh Realty into a firm known for its cutting-edge marketing, high-performing agents, and culture rooted in collaboration, growth, and excellence.

Raleigh Realty

Under Ryan’s leadership, Raleigh Realty has become a top boutique brokerage in Raleigh-Durham, serving clients across Wake County and the surrounding areas. Raleigh Realty stands apart for its:

  • Top-Tier Agents – Every Realtor on the team is hand-selected for their skill, professionalism, and client-first approach. Raleigh Realty isn’t about quantity—it’s about quality.

  • Award-Winning Website – RaleighRealty.com is consistently ranked among the best real estate websites with incredible user experience, cutting-edge IDX technology, and hyper-local guides that help buyers and sellers navigate the market.

  • Inbound Lead Generation – With a strong focus on SEO and digital marketing, the brokerage generates a steady flow of organic leads, giving agents the opportunity to grow thriving businesses.

  • Supportive Culture – Ryan emphasizes mentorship, accountability, and autonomy—no micromanaging, just the right systems and tools for agents to succeed.

  • Community Focus – From neighborhood spotlights to relocation guides, Raleigh Realty is committed to being a resource for both buyers and sellers as they make one of life’s biggest decisions.

The firm continues to expand its reach, with the goal of 100 agents and $1 billion in annual sales volume by 2030—all while staying true to its boutique, client-centered values.

Awards & Recognition

Ryan already has notable public credentials and prestige:

  • He has been featured in outlets such as Forbes, Wall Street Journal, U.S. News, among others (as mentioned on the site).

  • Realtor Magazine named him a “Top 30 Under 30” in the country (as noted on his Raleigh Realty page).

  • Raleigh Realty is widely acknowledged in the local real estate community for its digital prowess and thought leadership.

  • The company is consistently ranked among the top real estate firms in Raleigh and is known for having one of the highest-traffic real estate websites in the region.

Community Involvement & Giving Back

Ryan’s leadership extends far beyond the closing table. He has built Raleigh Realty to be a company that actively gives back to the community and invests in making Raleigh a better place to live.

  • The Green Chair Project – Ryan and Raleigh Realty proudly support The Green Chair Project, a local nonprofit that provides essential furnishings and household items to families transitioning out of homelessness, crisis, or disaster. By partnering with this organization, Ryan helps ensure families have the comfort and dignity of a furnished home.

  • Food Donations & Drives – Raleigh Realty regularly organizes and contributes to food donation efforts, partnering with local pantries and organizations to help fight food insecurity across Wake County. These efforts bring agents, clients, and neighbors together to support those in need.

  • Local Events & Client Appreciation – Raleigh Realty hosts family-friendly gatherings such as pumpkin patch outings, coffee + donut socials, and seasonal celebrations designed to strengthen neighborhood bonds.

  • Supporting Schools & Youth Programs – Ryan partners with local schools and youth organizations to provide resources, sponsorships, and mentorship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation has access to growth and guidance.

  • Small Business Advocacy – Raleigh Realty proudly highlights and partners with local small businesses, amplifying their visibility and reinforcing Raleigh’s reputation as a vibrant place to live and work.

For Ryan, success is measured not just in sales, but in the lasting relationships and community impact Raleigh Realty leaves behind.

AgentLoft – Powering the Next Generation of Realtors

Ryan is also the visionary behind AgentLoft, a SaaS platform designed to help Realtors nationwide build their brand and generate leads. AgentLoft websites combine IDX technology, SEO expertise, and AI integration to give agents the competitive edge they need.

Personal Mission

As a proud father to his daughter Emma, Ryan’s mission is bigger than business. He’s dedicated to building a brokerage and a platform that create opportunity and stability for families, clients, and agents alike. His approach blends entrepreneurship with empathy—ensuring that Raleigh Realty continues to grow not just in sales volume, but in reputation, trust, and impact.


👉 Whether you’re buying or selling a home, or you’re a Realtor looking for the right brokerage to grow your business, Raleigh Realty—under Ryan Fitzgerald’s leadership—offers the expertise, technology, and community-minded culture to help you succeed.

Chapters
01
The Capital Grille 
02
CowFish 
03
Stir 
04
Level 7
05
CO 
06
Bartaco 
07
Rosewater 
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