The best restaurants in Durham

“Local counter-serve cafe chain offering breakfast & artisan sandwiches, plus coffee & smoothies”

“Delivery, carryout & dine-in chain offering a wide range of pizzas, plus a variety of other dishes & sides.”

“Casual kitchen featuring sushi & familiar Chinese/Japanese mains, plus cocktails.”

“Popular, casual standby with porch tables featuring Italian comfort food, imported wines & desserts.”

“Traditional New England seafood served in a sprawling, laid-back locale on the waterfront.”

“Comfy eatery/bar with refined comfort food & cocktails in a warm ambiance with exposed-brick walls.”

“Roland's Sub Shop keeps Dover fed with generously packed, customizable sandwiches on fresh, artisanal bread that actually holds up. Friendly team, easy takeout, and solid catering make it the kind of dependable lunch spot you end up bragging about.”

“Buzzy, bi-level spot with a ground-floor American tavern & an intimate upstairs live-music venue.”

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

“Serving Durham since 1976, Durham House of Pizza is the classic, no-nonsense spot for a hot slice, a whole pie, or an easy order online. They’ll even sort your pizza party, so keep them on speed dial for game nights and spontaneous cravings.”

From the Dover newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Strafford House of Pizza is your local pizza shop, the dependable move for last-minute dinners with hot pies and simple online ordering you can even track by phone. When you need something tasty that makes everyone stop arguing about dinner, this Dover standby quietly gets it done.”

“Easygoing, cozy hangout serving New York-style, wood-fired pizzas with ample toppings & draft beers.”

“Quaint rooms in an upmarket Victorian B&B offering an elegant cafe & a garden, plus free Wi-Fi.”

“Stalk is the cozy neighborhood spot where creative small plates meet legit entrees, the bar is dialed, and the wine and cocktail list keeps things interesting. Great for split-everything dinners, a midweek sip, or lingering at the bar while Dover catches its breath.”

From the Dover newsletter, September 7, 2026