The best restaurants in Durham County

Durham weather or not, Tasu Noodle Bar is a reliable hug in a bowl with freshly-made pho, slurpable Japanese ramen, and hearty teriyaki bowls built on fresh ingredients. Keep it low-key, high-comfort, and let the broth do the talking while you pretend this counts as self-care.

From the Durham newsletter, August 8, 2026

Durham staple since 2007, Silver Spoon Restaurant keeps it simple with classic, comforting breakfast and lunch that actually tastes like someone cares. When you want a warm, welcoming vibe and tried-and-true favorites, make this your midweek treat and let the menu do the deciding.

From the Durham newsletter, August 3, 2026

When you want tradition to take the lead, M Sushi leans into pristine Japanese seafood and clean, classic sushi in a dimly lit, industrial-chic room that somehow makes weeknights feel like occasions. Go for the simple cuts, stay for that quietly excellent finish.

From the Durham newsletter, September 18, 2026

Stylish, low-key hangout offering inventive cocktails, charcuterie & globally inspired dishes.

Let’s Eat Soul Food is a casual spot turning out fried fish, mac and cheese, oxtails and desserts that taste like someone cared. When you need a no-fuss, soul-warming plate after a long day in Durham, this is the move.

Heavenly Buffaloes keeps weeknights interesting with chicken and legit vegan wings, all tossed in sauces that range from polite to send-help spicy. Easy online ordering with their DoorDash partnership, plus catering for game-day spreads, makes them a dependable go-to when the craving hits.

From the High Point newsletter, September 3, 2026

Alimentari at Mothers & Sons turns daytime cravings into an Italian habit, with stacked sammies, fresh pasta, and bread baked fresh daily, plus a handy market for olives, pesto, and beer and vino to-go. They’ll also cater your office thing or porch hang, so you can be the hero without lifting a pot.

From the Durham newsletter, September 4, 2026

Timber Pizza Co. Durham is slinging 12-inch pies with playful touches like spicy honey drizzle, B&B jalapeños, and basil pesto, plus slow roasted pork empanadas on the side. Save room for their seasonal ice cream served in house-made wood-fired cones...

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 21, 2026

Farmside Kitchen - Durham RTP turns out scratch-made Farmbowls, salads, and sides with Americana-inspired flavors and ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.

From the Durham newsletter, September 5, 2026

If your week needs a little Italy, Mothers & Sons Trattoria is rolling handmade pasta daily and building plates around seasonal, regional flavors. Settle in with a spritz or something from their amaro and wine lists, then share a couple primi and pretend you’re on Via Roma.

From the Durham newsletter, August 27, 2026

From flaky croissants to modern German plates, Guglhupf Restaurant nails that airy café by day, modern German by night thing, with fresh local ingredients and German beer to match. It’s the kind of spot you hit for a lazy weekend brunch or a midweek pastry and latte victory lap.

From the Durham newsletter, October 18, 2026

Enzo's Pizza Co. turns family recipes and local ingredients into award-winning specialty pizzas, plus solid sandwiches and salads when you should eat something green. They’re big on catering and private events too, so keep them in mind for your next game watch or office spread.

From the Durham newsletter, September 6, 2026

Durham’s Mr. Fries Man dishes up creative combinations of loaded French fries, including vegetarian options, for those nights when crispy comfort just sounds right. Zero pretense, big flavors, and a menu built for sharing or hoarding...

From the Durham newsletter, October 4, 2026

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

An old gas station turned Southern eatery with a rooftop bar, serving classic bites & milkshakes.

Little Bull serves Pocho-inspired comfort food with a Durham soul, from birria dumplings to grilled octopus that persuades octo skeptics, plus cocktails worth lingering over. Perfect for date night or a crew meetup, and they also cater and host private parties when you need to feed a crowd.

From the Durham newsletter, September 25, 2026

Local sports bar chain serving steak, seafood & pub grub in a lively, contemporary setting.

Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting

Craving pristine sashimi and creative specialty rolls that actually deliver, not just look pretty? Uwa Sushi & Grill mixes traditional and modern bites with perfectly prepared hot dishes, plus a full bar of signature cocktails and sake, so this week’s dinner upgrade basically picks itself.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 22, 2026

Long-running, family-friendly steakhouse chain known for its ribs, onion loaf & Romarita drinks.

South Durham near RTP, Sal’s Pizza & Ristorante is your go-to this week when the crew can’t agree. Classic New York style pies for the purists, baked pastas and hearty chicken and seafood plates for the rest... all the comfort of Nonna’s kitchen without dirtying yours.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 14, 2026

Southern-style tapas & an extensive wine list in a casually chic, contemporary setting.

Made-to-order burgers & milkshakes fill out the menu at this quick-serve chain with retro decor.

Akashi Sushi is a family-owned South Durham standby where one table can juggle a sushi boat, a hibachi plate, and slurpable noodles, so everyone wins. Go for shareable specialty rolls like the Volcano Roll or keep it simple with comforting bento and teppanyaki when you need an easy takeout night.

From the Durham newsletter, September 14, 2026

Chain restaurant serving steaks, seafood & cocktails in an upscale lodgelike setting.

Low-key eatery offering build-your-own poke bowls & popular Vietnamese fare such as pho & banh mi.

Popular spot serving a diverse range of dishes, including vegan options, in a laid-back setting.

Relaxed gastropub serving updated comfort fare with a seasonal spin, cocktails, craft beer & wine.

Lively chain steakhouse serving American fare with a Southwestern spin amid Texas-themed decor.

When the pizza craving hits, Pizzeria Toro brings a lively, modern vibe with crackly, wood-fired pies, a proper bar, and a lineup of Italian wines that actually pair with your toppings. Easy spot for a low-key date or group night without overthinking it.

From the Durham newsletter, September 13, 2026

Metro 8 Steakhouse brings Durham a polished, never-stuffy take on the classic steakhouse with an Argentinean accent, from empanadas and churrasco with chimichurri to steaks cut on premises, crab stuffed shrimp, and dulce de leche crêpes. Perfect for when this week calls for date-night flavor on a regular Tuesday.

From the Durham newsletter, August 29, 2026

Durham Food Hall corrals a mix of local eateries under one roof, with the Auctioneer Bar slinging craft cocktails, local beer, and wine right in the middle. Order ahead for dine-in or pickup, snag a table with friends, or book the upstairs event spaces when your meeting deserves better snacks.

From the Durham newsletter, September 20, 2026

Whether you're catching the game or just craving crispy tater tots and a no-nonsense burger that hits right, Dain's Place nails the neighborhood hangout thing. Since 2007 they've kept the tunes up, the drinks cold, and the picklebacks ready... extra points if you're yelling Fly Eagles Fly.

From the Durham newsletter, October 9, 2026

Since 1994, Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant has been that dependable Durham spot for Southern Italian plates and legit Neapolitan and Sicilian pizzas, plus New York-style pizza, hoagies, subs, and calzones.

From the Durham newsletter, October 5, 2026

QueenBurger is the kind of pet-friendly spot you keep in your back pocket, smashing local, grass-fed beef into crispy-edged greatness with housemade toppings, golden fries, and a tight lineup of craft cocktails and beer. Perfect for a quick lunch or low-key hang with friends, and yes, they cater when the crew gets big.

From the Durham newsletter, October 2, 2026

Delancey Tavern keeps things easy with a regularly updated American menu that swings from brunch to dinner, plus takeout when couch mode calls. Reservations are optional, walk-ins can land bar seats or a table, and it’s a no-fuss win next time you’re in Durham.

From the Durham newsletter, September 7, 2026

Brigs at the Park Restaurant keeps Durham brunch fresh with a full menu available anytime and rotating hits like a Benedict of the Month, Griddle of the Month, Avocado Toast of the Month, Omelet of the Week and special Royal Skillets, so your cravings can actually get what they want.

From the Chapel Hill newsletter, August 17, 2026

Taberna Tapas keeps Durham happily grazing with shareable Spanish plates, from croquetas and jamón to octopus and crab-stuffed piquillo peppers, plus paella by the pan for the table. Cocktails and wine keep the conversation flowing, making it an easy win for date night, friend night, any night.

From the Durham newsletter, October 12, 2026

Airy hangout with outdoor tables & a relaxed vibe, offering a menu of European-inspired snacks.

Steakhouse classics served in a light-filled, bi-level space with hardwood floors, a bar & a patio.

Cozy, comfy restaurant offering down-home breakfast & barbecue plates, along with catering.

Born from a popular food truck, Pie Pushers now anchors downtown with Durham-style specialty pizzas, wings, and no-fuss comfort that hits on game nights and low-effort dinners, whether you want to pop in, get delivery, or let them handle the catering.

From the Durham newsletter, September 21, 2026

The Refectory Cafe keeps Durham fed and happy with vibrant breakfasts, brunch comforts, and a menu that plays nice with vegans and omnivores alike.

From the Durham newsletter, October 10, 2026

Think burrito-sized sushi you can eat with one hand, hand-rolled to order with fresh, daily prepped ingredients, plus rice bowls if you're skipping seaweed and plenty of gluten-free or vegan options. Fast, filling, actually fun... Sushioki is worth the detour next time plans pull you toward Durham.

From the Sanford newsletter, September 13, 2026

Bull City Burger and Brewery keeps it local with pasture-raised, grass-fed beef ground daily, house-baked buns, and even house-made hotdogs, plus true-to-style beers brewed on site. Mix and match 30+ toppings for, allegedly, 67 million burger combos, then toast their waste-cutting, farm-to-fork sustainability.

From the Durham newsletter, October 17, 2026

Got a fried chicken craving that plain buffalo can't solve? Chicken Bee does ultra-crispy wings, boneless bites, and whole-bird orders tossed in flavors like honey garlic, soy garlic, spicy garlic, gochujang sweet n mild, or creamy onion, plus bibimbap, dumplings, and a seafood pancake worth the trip.

From the Wake Forest newsletter, August 26, 2026

Between the deeply savory pho, a legit vegetarian broth for your meatless Mondays, and a house-made chili oil brewed from garden peppers, Bowl of Phở quietly nails the weeknight craving. BBH Bun Bo Hue for spice fiends, crisp veggie-loaded bowls, and solid banh mi make it a reliable local go-to.

From the Durham newsletter, October 19, 2026

Whether you’re fueling up before a busy day in RTP or easing into a late morning, Benetis Breakfast Grill keeps things simple and satisfying with classic breakfast fare plus sandwiches, salads, and soups. Friendly, family-run vibes and a focus on breakfast to lunch comfort make it an easy go-to.

Down-to-earth Italian fare is served in an industrial-chic setting with communal wood tables.

Family-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.

Whether you crave a cozy plate of carbonara, bright shrimp scampi, or a graze of Mediterranean tapas, Melo Trattoria & Tapas nails that casual European dining sweet spot right here in Durham. Warm, welcoming, and intimate, it’s a keep-in-the-rotation spot when comfort and conversation are the goal.

From the Durham newsletter, September 11, 2026

Kinya Ramen Sushi Bar- Durham Near Southpoint Mall hits the spot when you want slurpable ramen and crisp, clean sushi without making it a whole thing. A solid neighborhood standby for post-errand lunches, weeknight dinners, or whenever your chopsticks start tapping impatiently.

From the Durham newsletter, September 12, 2026

When the craving hits this week, Maverick's Smokehouse & Taproom answers with slow-smoked brisket, pulled chicken, wings, smoked sausage, and classic sides that taste like a family reunion. Order online, grab a table with friends, or let them handle the spread with stress-free catering for your next get-together.

From the Durham newsletter, August 30, 2026

Big Bad Breakfast - Durham brings a Southern scratch diner vibe by James Beard Award winner John Currence, with real eggs, hand-battered chicken, biscuits, gravies and house jams, local honey and Carolina Grits Co. grits. Fresh-squeezed OJ and legit espresso keep the morning moving.

From the High Point newsletter, September 6, 2026

Cugino Forno Durham turns out wood-fired, authentic Italian pies with imported ingredients, plus crisp salads and desserts, then lets you watch it all in their open-kitchen bakery. The spacious patio and family-friendly vibe make it an easy weeknight staple when you just want great pizza fast.

From the Durham newsletter, October 3, 2026

Upscale dining in a restaurant with an eclectic menu of locally sourced dishes and small plates.

Pomodoro Italian Kitchen is that dependable, delicious fallback when you want New York style pizza, hearty parm subs, and old-school pastas without overthinking dinner, then finish strong with tiramisu or cannoli made by Queen City Pastry.

From the Durham newsletter, August 15, 2026

Whether you’re on a maki mission or craving something saucy, Sushi Love nails the classics and goes big on signature rolls like Sunrise, Lava, and the Peanut Crunch Roll. Add a spread of pan-Asian favorites in a chill vibe and you’ve got an easy weeknight win.

From the Durham newsletter, September 10, 2026

Whether it's weeknight rigatoni vodka, a Grandma's Margherita that disappears too fast, or burrata with truffle oil that ruins you for other apps, Vici Ristobar nails comforting Italian with a modern vibe. Full bar, easy online pickup, and catering when your crew gets hungry.

Heavenly Buffaloes keeps Durham fed with classic bone-in, crispy boneless, and famous vegan wings plus waffle fries, all cooked to order. With more than 20 sauces and dry rubs to mix and match, make this your flavor mission this week and find a new go-to combo.

From the Durham newsletter, August 10, 2026

Sake Bomb leans into inventive sushi rolls, elevated Asian dishes, and a legit sake lineup that goes way beyond the usual. Stylish without trying too hard, it’s the spot when you want dinner to feel like a treat, not just takeout.

From the High Point newsletter, August 31, 2026

Queen Eggxpress is that relaxed breakfast truck locals stumble upon and then swear by, slinging everything from bagels to burritos with zero fuss and plenty of flavor. Grab a seat outside, catch up with a friend, and let a proper eggy handheld kickstart your Wilson day.

From the Smithfield newsletter, September 29, 2026

When you want hickory-smoked BBQ that actually tastes like smoke and a side of toe-tapping American roots, The Blue Note Grill brings the heat, the pickers, and the cocktails. Rally a friend this week, claim a table, and let the music sauce everything.

From the Smithfield newsletter, October 17, 2026

Elmo's Diner is the classic Durham go-to for from-scratch comfort, the kind you’d make at home if you had the time. Think weekly specials that actually change things up, PBJ Pancakes, a Santa Fe Breakfast Bowl, chilaquiles, and even shepherd’s pie, all with friendly, efficient service.

From the Durham newsletter, September 26, 2026

When the hankerin' hits, It's a Southern Thing - Ellis Crossings comes through with Southern staples like fried green tomatoes and chicken and waffles, plus easy online ordering and catering for your next get-together. Solid cocktails, laid-back vibes, and plates that feel like a hug from grandma.

From the Wilson newsletter, September 3, 2026

Western Carolina- & Texas-style BBQ smoked in-house & served in bare-bones digs with outdoor tables.

Counter-serve smokehouse chain offering classic barbecue fare in down-home settings.

Tang blends a premium sushi bar with bold, Thai-inspired plates, letting you go from melt-in-your-mouth nigiri to aromatic entrées in one spot. Ideal for date night or a team dinner, with online ordering, reservations, and catering when you want to feed the whole crew.

From the Durham newsletter, October 16, 2026

Brick-&-mortar location of a popular food truck featuring creative hamburgers made from local beef.

Bull and Bean is a café and market built for real Durham mornings, serving breakfast all day, easygoing brunch specials, and fresh, healthy plates made with the best Triangle ingredients. Weekly specials keep things interesting, and the neighborhood vibe makes lingering over coffee feel gloriously productive.

From the Durham newsletter, September 28, 2026

Cafe serving breakfasts, sandwiches & soups made from scratch, attached to a gourmet food market.

Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.

Whether you’re craving silky pasta or grazing on Italian small plates, Gocciolina nails that cozy strip-mall surprise with flavors that overdeliver. Pair it with a good glass of wine or a cold beer, settle in, and add it to your Durham weeknight rotation.

From the Durham newsletter, September 27, 2026

Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.

Picnic does locally sourced whole-hog barbecue right, pairing Southern fare with a bar that actually cares about craft beer and cocktails. When you want legit smoke, no fuss, and a hip-rustic vibe that feels Durham through and through, this is the move.

From the Durham newsletter, October 11, 2026

Lakewood Social is that casual, family-friendly burger spot with beers on tap and an outdoor hang where the kids can roam while you actually finish a meal. Swing by with neighbors for a laid-back dinner, grab a pint, and keep them in mind for private events or catering when you need local and low-fuss.

From the Durham newsletter, September 19, 2026

NYC Halal Eats does the essentials the right way, from toasted pita gyros and handmade burgers to hefty platters stacked with flavorful rice, salad and crispy fries.

From the Durham newsletter, August 28, 2026