The best restaurants in Raleigh

Casual, warm establishment preparing familiar Mexican offerings such as enchiladas, tortas, birria tacos and guacamole.

744 E Chatham St Suite. A (Cary)

Chain restaurant serving a varied menu of Mexican eats & margaritas in a colorful setting.

1207 Kildaire Farm Rd (Cary)

Compact, strip-mall space preparing specialty sushi rolls & traditional Japanese & Korean plates.

1305 NW Maynard Rd (Cary)

Sushi bar selections, plus Japanese & Thai staples, in a no-frills, strip-mall setting.

106 Kilmayne Dr (Cary)

Laid-back eatery boasting a broad menu featuring pizza, wings and tacos alongside beer and cocktails.

1055 Pine Plaza Dr (Apex)

Unassuming spot serving Japanese & Thai fare, including sushi & sashimi, plus sake, wine & spirits.

107 Edinburgh S Dr (Cary)

Cheerful cantina offering a standard menu of classic Mexican fare, with salsas made in-house daily.

102 N Salem St (Apex)

Asian eatery specializing in sushi and sashimi, plus offering omakase menus and Peruvian and Spanish sides.

4 Fenton Main St #120 (Cary)

Branch of an area Mexican chain with a broad menu that includes vegetarian & children's selections.

110 SW Maynard Rd (Cary)

Classic & creative sushi rolls, sashimi & ramen served in a cozy, contemporary restaurant.

2757 NC-55 (Cary)

Casual sushi house with a big menu that includes some Asian kitchen entrees such as pad thai & pho.

2026 Creekside Landing Dr (Apex)

Traditional pizzeria chain also serving loaded breadsticks, wings, subs, strombolis & calzones.

800 W Williams St Suite 160 (Apex)

Unfussy strip-mall eatery offering typical Mexican staples such as tacos, enchiladas & burritos.

748 E Chatham St Ste J (Cary)

Sushi & dishes from China, Korea & Thailand in a laid-back setting with a full bar.

525 New Waverly Pl Ste 103 (Cary)

When you want more than spicy tuna on autopilot, Sushi Mon delivers with nigiri omakase, yellowtail crudo, truffle tuna rolls, and miso…

3800 Glenwood Ave #100

This week, Wings Over Raleigh is the move when you want crispy wings and juicy tenders made fresh and tossed in one of 15+ signature…

2900 Hillsborough St

Buffalo Brothers Pizza & Wing Co. brings Buffalo roots to Cary, with wings as their calling card, pies you can customize, and ribs smoked…

1289 Kildaire Farm Rd (Cary)

A quick hop from Cary, Alexander's Mediterranean Cuisine serves authentic Greek dishes from Chef Nik of Athens, plus a full bar. Go for…

263 Timber Dr (Garner)

Durham weather or not, Tasu Noodle Bar is a reliable hug in a bowl with freshly-made pho, slurpable Japanese ramen, and hearty teriyaki…

3307 Watkins Rd (Durham)

Colorful, fresh, authentic Thai is the move right now, and Mia Bistro nails it with fragrant curries, lively stir-fries, and a drinks menu…

1227 Timber Drive East (Garner)

Sushi Iwa Clayton piles on variety, with sushi entrees, hibachi or teriyaki, Thai curries, and slurpable soups like tom yum, tom kha and…

11629 US-70 BUS (Clayton)

Durham staple since 2007, Silver Spoon Restaurant keeps it simple with classic, comforting breakfast and lunch that actually tastes like…

5230 N Roxboro St (Durham)

Spazio Vino & Cucina keeps it authentically Roman with fresh pasta, Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Pinsa Romana, and a centuries-old Bolognese…

128 Bass Lake Rd (Holly Springs)

Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.

310 Colonades Way (Cary)

Casual eatery serving burgers, gyros and wings in auto-themed surroundings.

2468 Timber Dr (Garner)

Dimly lit, industrial-chic space turning out traditional Japanese seafood, plus sushi options.

311 Holland St (Durham)

Italian dishes such as carbonara, lasagna and risotto in a dark-hued setting, plus a bar serving cocktails.

510 Glenwood Ave #101

Informal restaurant plating Japanese seafood bites in cheery surrounds with colorful decor.

1561 E Williams St (Apex)

Contemporary gathering place with a casual cafe menu, sidewalk seating & volunteer opportunities.

300 W Hargett St #50

Casual choice for Vietnamese eats serving pho, noodle dishes & bubble tea in a relaxed atmosphere.

6401 Triangle Plantation Dr #111

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

105 S Mangum St Unit 1 (Durham)

Casual eatery serving Southern staples like fried fish, mac and cheese and oxtails, plus desserts.

2514 Fayetteville St (Durham)

Casual food truck or caterer serving traditional BBQ and Carolina fare (brisket, pork, chicken) with all the fixings.

2161 S Wilmington St

Casual hub for chicken & vegan wings tossed in a variety of sauces at every spice level.

2816 Erwin Rd Ste 205 (Durham)

Sandwich shop for breakfast and lunch, plus a market for olives, pesto, beer and wine.

105 W Chapel Hill St (Durham)

Comfy restaurant turning out gluten-free salad bowls with thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

5431 Page Rd #110 (Durham)

Enchiladas, fajitas, and other Mexican standards dished up in a casual, family-friendly setting.

5131 NC 42 #270 (Garner)

Popular pizzeria, offering thin-crust pies and an assortment of subs.

5131 Veterans Pkwy #200 (Garner)

Casual hangout with a large patio serving burgers along with wings & pub-style appetizers.

620 Glenwood Ave

Veteran destination for Southern coastal cooking presented against a sleek backdrop.

2603 - 151 Glenwood Ave

Upscale eatery offering a menu that ranges from pasta and focaccia to grilled steak, plus gelato.

2201 Iron Works Dr Ste 137

Clean eatery specializing in the Vietnamese noodle soup dish, pho.

Next To Jason's Deli, 909 Spring Forest Rd Ste 114

Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

148 Shenstone Blvd (Garner)

Modern, industrial interiors in an elevated dining room with inspired Asian fare focused on sushi.

411 W Hargett St

Boisterous Australian-themed chain serving steaks, seafood & other hearty steakhouse fare.

845 US-70 (Garner)

Homemade international dishes & weekend brunch offered in a woodsy space with a terrace.

225 N Salem St (Apex)

Family-run venue for wings with multiple sauce options and a casual vibe.

6300 Creedmoor Rd Ste 108

Sports bar with tavern fare such as pizzas, burgers & sandwiches, plus craft brews & cocktails.

1040 Tryon Village Dr #601 (Cary)

Thai restaurant serving sushi and curries in a modern, spacious venue.

242 S Main St #100 (Holly Springs)

Homey venue preparing a curated menu of traditional Italian fare featuring housemade pasta & wine.

5160 Sunset Lake Rd #101 (Apex)

Casual chain featuring BBQ & classic sides, plus memorabilia honoring soldiers & first responders.

7520 Creedmoor Rd

Housemade pastas & pizza dough are the pillars of this airy, modern Italian bistro with a patio.

575 New Waverly Pl #106 (Cary)

Southern comfort fare with Asian fusion twists, plus beer, and cocktails in a casual setting.

160 E Cedar St (Cary)

A homey, yet stylish spot focused on homemade Italian cuisine, craft cocktails & wine.

107 W Chapel Hill St (Durham)

Steakhouse chain serving beef, seafood & cocktails in swanky surrounds with live music.

410 Glenwood Ave #100

A chill bar & grill with BBQ, wings & more, plus sports on HDTVs & live music on a patio.

837 Bass Pro Ln (Cary)

Gas-station eatery (with outdoor picnic tables) offering Southern BBQ platters and sandwiches as well as sides and desserts.

210 E Six Forks Rd

Farm-to-table Southern fare, plentiful wines & craft beers in a chill setting with outdoor tables.

7307 Tryon Rd (Cary)

Southern country breakfasts & lunches in a bright space with indoor & outdoor seats by the Market.

1240 Farmers Market Dr

Casual eatery dishing up pizza, pasta and seafood dishes.

60 Son-Lan Pkwy (Garner)

Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.

304 Grand Hill Pl (Holly Springs)

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

3424 Capital Blvd

Relaxed eatery serving homemade pasta, pizza and seafood dishes, along with beer, wine and cocktails.

300 S Main St Ste 200 (Holly Springs)

Relaxed restaurant serving traditional Italian dishes (from chicken Parmigiana to lasagna) plus cocktails.

21 Glenwood Ave

Relaxed venue for flights of wines and beers, plus casual eats such as pizza and charcuterie.

9 Fenton Main St (Cary)

Carolina-style barbecue, Southern classics & housemade desserts are offered at this modest eatery.

733 US-70 (Garner)

Stylish, eco-minded chain serving beef burgers, plus hot dogs, craft beer & wine.

2001 Walnut St (Cary)

Italian chain eatery featuring Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, plus pasta & sandwiches.

3605 Davis Dr #107 (Morrisville)

Bar & bottle shop with craft brews (12 on tap & 200+ bottles) & bar bites plus a dog-friendly patio.

8306 Chapel Hill Rd (Cary)

Cozy, relaxed restaurant featuring sushi rolls, hibachi-grilled dishes & other Japanese meals.

515 N Main St (Holly Springs)

Casual choice serving classic Italian dishes, plus a lunch buffet with BBQ ribs, lasagna & salads.

14520 Falls of Neuse Rd

Pub stop for casual grub and a long list of brews served in a sporty space with no shortage of TVs.

400 Conservation Rd (Garner)

Vibrant cafe serving seasonal German fare, baked goods & drinks in an open, airy venue.

2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd (Durham)

Stylish restaurant with large windows serving Southern favorites such as shrimp and grits, steak frites, and more.

301 S Academy St (Cary)

Classic Italian dishes including pizza, pasta, and seafood, served in a cozy setting.

5217 Sunset Lake Rd (Holly Springs)

Casual shop serving pizzas, sandwiches & salads from family recipes & local ingredients.

2608 Erwin Rd Ste 140 (Durham)

Casual eatery serving creative combinations of loaded French fries, including vegetarian options.

1105 W Main St Unit110 (Durham)

Casual eatery featuring pancakes, french toast and fried chicken, plus wine, mimosas and bloody marys.

14460 Falls of Neuse Rd #183

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

7104 NC-751 Suite 101 (Durham)

Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that doubles as an event space and cocktail bar.

518 N West St

Laid-back eatery featuring authentic Indian dishes such as biryani, dosa and butter chicken, alongside familiar American fare.

74 Son-Lan Pkwy #108 (Garner)

Italian restaurant offering classics with modern twists, plus wine, beer, and cocktails, in a cozy setting.

8450 Honeycutt Rd #100

Homey eatery for pizza (including NY-style slices), plus lasagna, stromboli and other Italian staples.

1763 W Williams St (Apex)

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

1200 W Chapel Hill St (Durham)

Time-tested joint serving up Carolina-style BBQ at an old-fashioned counter since 1938.

1326 E Millbrook Rd

Casual chain featuring egg dishes & other breakfast items, plus brunch sandwiches.

160 Park at N Hills St Ste 127

An all-day menu of Southern comfort food with a creative twist, plus craft beers & cocktails.

425 Oberlin Rd

Small plates such as dumplings and grilled octopus, plus cocktails, served in an upscale setting.

810 N Mangum St (Durham)

Relaxed chain serving a menu of breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a colorful setting.

2686 Timber Dr (Garner)

Casual, friendly restaurant featuring a variety of dishes ranging from steaks and seafood to burgers and sandwiches.

25 Fenton Main St Ste 150 (Cary)

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

918 W Club Blvd (Durham)

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

Hilton Garden Inn, 7007 Fayetteville Rd (Durham)

Upscale-casual spot for fresh seafood dishes such as sushi nachos and lobster rolls, as well as cocktails.

120 Bass Lake Rd (Holly Springs)

Local watering hole providing burgers, wings & brews in relaxed environs with TVs tuned to sports.

6454 Tryon Rd (Cary)

Casual hub for chicken & vegan wings tossed in a variety of sauces at every spice level.

6701 Glenwood Ave #101

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

151 Tatum Dr (Durham)

Storied sports bar with an extensive menu of American fare, plus a long list of single-malt scotch.

105 Oberlin Rd

Straightforward Vietnamese eatery specializing in sandwiches & smoothies, plus delivery.

1871 Lake Pine Dr (Cary)

Casual restaurant with comfort food, sports on TV, and regular events, plus a mechanical bull and skee ball.

301 Fenton Gtwy Dr (Cary)

Laid-back burger joint serving up traditional and exotic options, plus hand-cut fries.

510 Glenwood Ave #103

Sushi & other Japanese dishes plus a few Thai options in a casual space with pendant lanterns.

1141 Falls River Ave #128

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

109 W Chapel Hill St (Durham)

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

684 Cary Towne Blvd (Cary)

Casual spot serving burgers at lunch and dinner, but it's best known for its traditional southern breakfast fare.

231 Timber Dr (Garner)

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

4104 Surles Ct Unit 2 (Durham)

Casual spot for coffee, espresso drinks, paninis, and smoothies in a cozy environment.

124 N Salem St (Apex)

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

8215 Fayetteville Rd

Cafe & bar serves updated Southern comfort food & specialty cocktails, plus retail gourmet goods.

5625 Creedmoor Rd

Japanese eatery offering a variety of hot pots as well as all-you-can-eat sushi.

404 E Six Forks Rd Ste 101

Down-home BBQ joint serving meat-&-3 plates at lunch & dinner, plus tailgate-party platters to go.

6309 Hillsborough St

Sushi, hibachi & noodles are featured on the broad Japanese menu at this relaxed strip-mall option.

2223 NC-54 Ste R (Durham)

Pizzeria serving classic and creative pies such as the Nutella pizza, plus pepperoni rolls.

74 Son-Lan Pkwy #103 (Garner)

Casual spot for mixed Asian eats including pho, curries, Chinese staples & more than 40 sushi rolls.

3812 Western Blvd

Neighborhood restaurant with a strong focus on in-house, local & seasonal ingredients.

111 E Chatham St Ste A (Cary)

Long-standing chain serving a wide variety of pancakes & other American breakfast & diner fare.

1450 US-70 (Garner)

Neighborhood pizza shop serving calzones, stromboli and subs for takeout and delivery.

1225 Amelia Church Rd (Clayton)

Casual hangout with American eats, pool tables, and darts, plus a kids' menu and TV sports.

6101 NC-42 (Garner)

Casual, family-friendly spot whipping up sushi rolls, hibachi dishes, teriyaki and soups.

2916 N Main St (Fuquay-Varina)

All-you-can-eat joint serving chicken wings, cheesesteaks, and other comfort foods in a casual setting.

3901 Capital Blvd Ste 117

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

8030 Renaissance Pkwy Suite 910 (Durham)