Looking for the best restaurants in Raleigh, NC? Weโve got you covered for the twenty, best restaurants in the rapidly growing City of Oaks! These options are primarily focused Inside the Beltline and near downtown Raleigh. My 20 best Raleigh restaurants run the gamut from simple to fancy and across all price ranges! Because I donโt believe you should have to spend a lot of money to get great food.
Click on the restaurantโs name for a review or their website. Click on the address for a Google map. (Updated on 2/20/2024)
Find more food and restaurant information on Raleigh, NC below!
New restaurants and bars in Raleigh
Best bars and lounges in Raleigh list
Classic Raleigh restaurants for newcomers
1. Ajja
๐ฌ Ajja (Mediterranean)
๐ 209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608
โ 919.213.1276
This new addition to the Five Points neighborhood is doing a lot of things right! Fun and eclectic decor, interesting kebabs and dips along with some very creative desserts. Note, the space is small and a good portion of the seating is under a covered patio, enjoy!
2. Barcelona Wine Bar
๐ฌ Barcelona Wine Bar (Spanish Tapas)
๐ 430 W Martin St, Raleigh, NC 27603
โ 919.808.5400
A fun and lively spot for delicious, Spanish small plates and a lush, green covered patio! Donโt miss their croquetas, Spanish tortilla, torrija, or steak offerings. Enjoy the bar scene, side dining room, or patio with a glass of cava the dining space at Barcelona offers a lot of options depending on the size of your party.
3. Beasleyโs Chicken and Honey
๐ฌ Beasleyโs (Fried Chicken, Southern food)
๐ 237 S Wilmington Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
โ 919.322.0127
A great hip and casual eatery for classic Southern with a twist from Ashley Christensen. Enjoy crisp and tender Southern fried chicken, mac n cheese, french fries, collards, and co*cktails. A great spot for dinner or brunch in downtown Raleigh in a light and open space, you may sometimes hit a line out front during the weekend so be patient.
4. Brewery Bhavana
๐ฌ Brewery Bhavana (Dim Sum, Chinese)
๐ 218 S Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
โ 919.829.9998
Brought to you by the folks from Bida Manda, this modern take on fresh beer and fancy Chinese dim sum (small plates) offers a great experience along with excellent, fresh beer. A bit pricey for what you get but a unique space with a flower shop and library, conveniently located on Moore Square.
5. The Cortez
๐ฌ The Cortez (Seafood)
๐ 413 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603
โ 919.342.8227
Enjoy fresh and creatively prepared seafood in a hip dining room with a clean Mediterranean feel. A high-end option for seafood conveniently located in Glenwood South. Order a half-dozen oysters on the half-shell on their secluded patio, great for a date or smaller party. And donโt miss Cuya, a beautiful bar and lounge above Cortez
6. Crawford and Son
๐ฌ Crawford and Son (Southern, Upscale)
๐ 618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
โ 919.307.4647
A modern take on Southern gourmet fare serving up crudo, rabbit pot pie, and more from Chef Scott Crawford. A small, stylish dining room with a lovely bar and great service. Good for smaller groups and couples, reservations are highly recommended.
7. Cucciolo Terrazza
๐ฌ Cucciolo Terrazza (Italian)
๐ 4200 Six Forks Rd Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
โ 919.747.7887
An upscale spot for elevated Italian in the newer section of North Hills. The large, open, and modern dining room is a beautiful space to dine in. Nom on their seafood agnolotti, butter chicken, and much more in luxe surroundings with super chic decor.
8. Hayes Barton Cafe
๐ฌ Hayes Barton Cafe (American, Comfort)
๐ 2000 Fairview Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608
โ 919.856.8551
The epitome of comfort food and amazing cake, get the stretchy pants ready. The chicken pot pie, crab dip, and meatloaf are legendary, size-wise. And then comes the cake which can feed three people per slice! Diets are NOT allowed at the classic Hayes Barton Cafe, this restaurant has been a Raleigh favorite for 15 years.
9. J Betskiโs
๐ฌ J Betskiโs (German-Polish)
๐ 1916 Bernard St, Raleigh, NC 27608
โ 919.803.0008
A succesful reboot of a Raleigh classic, J Betskiโs offering up itโs great E. European eats in a more relaxed and casual setting. Feast on their cheese pierogi, spaetzle, schnitzel and much more!
10. Jolie
๐ฌ Jolie (French)
๐ 620 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
โ 919.803.7221
A modern French bistro offering all the classics along with a great rooftop patio! Offering classic French dishes like cassoulet, coq au vin, and bouillibaise. This small eatery is very popular and will likely require reservations given Chef Scott Crawfordโs reputation and track record.
11. Layered Croissanterie
๐ฌ Layered Croissanterie (Bakery)
๐ 911 N West St Suite 107, Raleigh, NC 27603
โ 984.200.1200
A bright and hip bakery focused on croissants and pastries layered with butter and deliciousness! Great for sweets and savory tastes for breakfast and lunch, donโt miss out on their Popeye croissant with bechamel and spinach. Order online and grab your pastries to go or dine in their light and bright cafe area.
12. Longleaf Swine
๐ฌ Longleaf Swine (Barbeque)
๐300 E Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
โ 984.200.9649
A new take on classic barbeque, brisket, ribs, smoked chicken and mac n cheese in downtown Raleigh! Enjoy great smoked meats with fresh Southern sides and a micro-brew beer underneath their lovely patio. Parking can be tough in this area, but itโs worth the short walk.
13. lucettegrace
๐ฌlucettegrace (Patisserie)
๐ 235 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601
โ 919.307.4950
A exquisite French bakery and sweets shop offering amazing pastries, ice cream sandwiches, coffee, and much more! A welcome spot for a relaxing break with a treat and coffee. Conveniently located in downtown Raleigh on Salisbury Street, watch the crowd roll by on the sidewalk.
14. Madre
๐ฌ Madre (Continental small plates)
๐ 518 N West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
โ 919.594.1871
A trendy and stylish dining option in the Smoky Hollow neighborhood offering small plates showcasing Spanish and European flavors. Great space with beautiful dining room, U-shaped bar, lounge area and patio makes for a great date night or GNO.
15. Oakwood Pizza Box
๐ฌ Oakwood Pizza Box (Pizza)
๐ 610 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
โ 919.594.1605
Fantastic NY thin-slice pizza made with high-quality ingredients (flour, tomatoes, cheese). Dine at a table or get a slice at the counter, I recommend getting a whole pie to make sure your pizza is fresh out of the oven. Oakwood Pizza Box offers a small selection of beers, wine, and co*cktails with your meal.
16. Pooleโs Diner
๐ฌ Pooleโs Diner (Southern)
๐ 426 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
โ 919.832.4477
The quintessential Southern eatery with uplifted favorites like mac n cheese, shrimp and grits, and much more. Crowded seating and a bit noisy for conversation but good, lively energy. One of the most popular eateries in town, thereโs usually a wait during busier periods and no online menu so youโll have to trust Chef Ashley.
17. Sam Jones BBQ
๐ฌ Sam Jones BBQ (Smoked meats, Southern)
๐ 502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601
โ 984.206.2555
Fantastic Eastern NC vinegar-based barbeque, ribs, and classic sides for comfort food. A fun spot with great beer choices for family, friends, and much more. Great outdoor patio and family space under the lights next to the smokehouse, convenient to Red Hat Amphitheater.
18. Stanbury
๐ฌ Stanbury (Seasonal, American)
๐ 938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
โ 919.977.4321
A stylish and raucous eatery focused on farm-to-table eats in a quiet neighborhood of Raleigh. Eclectic seasonal menu with a focus on fresh seafood and seared meats prepared just right. This secluded spot sits right next to Escazu chocolates which is a great option for dessert.
19. Sushi Mon
๐ฌSushi Mon (Japanese)
๐ 3700 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27612
โ 919.803.1000
A stylish, little sushi joint known for its fresh fish and creative take on Japanese cuisine from Chef Chris. Small but well-designed space with a mod sushi bar. Great for dates and small groups, conveniently located on Glenwood Avenue near I-440 in the new Glenwood Place.
20. Whiskey Kitchen