Raleigh Restaurants You'll Love

Just outside downtown Raleigh, nestled between Crabtree Valley Mall and Five Points, Glenwood Grill serves up low-country delights for lunch and dinner. Chef John Wright’s menu features Southern staples like shrimp and grits, lump crab cakes with creamed corn, and North Carolina catfish. Try the Carpet Bagger—two succulent four-ounce fillet mignons paired with fried oysters. Lunchtime favourites include Carolina she-crab soup, chicken sausage gumbo, a Southern Caesar salad with fried bacon and grit croutons, and fried green tomatoes. A full bar and convenient grab-and-go options at the Grill’s Annex, which also offers catering, make this spot a must-visit.

Right in the hustle and bustle of downtown Raleigh, Beasley's Chicken + Honey is a vibrant spot to grab a bite. It’s all about fried chicken here, served up alongside waffles, fried catfish, chicken pot pie, or pork shoulder meatloaf. For a twist, try their smash burger or dive into an assortment of other sandwiches and salads. Sites like buttermilk biscuits, creamed collard greens, and pimento mac-n-cheese custard are quintessentially Southern. Make sure to save room for dessert—options like banana pudding, chess pie, cinnamon biscuit bread pudding, and apple pie are all irresistible. Plus, they offer a weekend brunch to kick-start your Saturday or Sunday.

Tucked away in Raleigh, Relish Craft Kitchen and Bourbon Bar is a cozy spot with a relaxed, down-home vibe, making it a local favourite. Open for brunch on weekends and lunch and dinner during the week, Relish puts a fresh spin on Southern classics. Indulge in shrimp and cheese grits, chicken fried steak, fried green tomatoes, killer grilled cheese sandwiches, and an array of decadent mac-and-cheese dishes. Don’t forget to try their desserts like chocolate chess pie or banana pudding served in a Mason jar for a nostalgic twist. For those with dietary restrictions, there’s a separate gluten-sensitive menu, and kids can pick from their own menu too.

Immerse yourself in the exotic flavours of Laos at Bida Manda, one of the first Laotian restaurants in the country, right in the heart of Raleigh. The name Bida Manda means 'father and mother' in Sanskrit, honouring the owners' cultural heritage and family tradition. This spot is famed for its beautiful bamboo decor and a heartfelt menu that includes dishes like crispy pork belly soup, papaya salad, and duck larb. The bar serves up unique cocktails infused with Southeast Asian flavours, making every meal an experience.

At Fiction Kitchen, what you see is not meat! This top-tier Raleigh restaurant breaks the mould with a 100% vegan menu that still screams Southern charm. Chef-owner Caroline Morrison and her wife, Siobhan Southern, dish out delights like gluten-free cast iron skillet cornbread with hickory syrup, mock chicken and waffles, and barbecue pulled plant-based "pork" complete with all the fixins—hushpuppies, coleslaw, and mashed potatoes. Don’t miss the mac and "cheese" (vegan and gluten-free), organic chickpeas, and the colourful roasted rainbow potatoes with a variety of vegan dips. Wash it all down with a choice from their full bar, which includes gluten-free beers, and top it off with a slice of their rotating vegan cheesecake.

Step into the past at Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery, located in Raleigh’s Five Points neighbourhood. Known for its nostalgic, old-school diner feel, this cafe serves up hearty entrees and to-die-for desserts. Locals flock here for Southern dessert classics like Key Lime pie, carrot cake, Bourbon pecan pie, hummingbird cake, and red velvet cake, plus gluten-free flourless chocolate options. Main dishes aren’t to be overlooked, with choices like fried oysters, beans and rice, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie rounding out a comfort food menu.

Get a taste of New Orleans in the heart of downtown Raleigh at St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar. Chef Sonny Gerhart brings the bayou to you with fantastic cocktails, fresh local oysters, and Creole-inspired dishes. Start with the raw bar selection, then dive into main dishes like dirty rice with duck meat confit, 'gator Bolognese, barbecue shrimp, or corn and crawfish. Although the dessert options are brief, who needs more than their exquisite beignets, served with bourbon caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar? Don’t miss their full bar and lively weekend brunch.

Gravy brings the authentic taste of Italy to downtown Raleigh with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. They take pride in using locally-sourced ingredients to craft dishes like homemade meatballs, spaghetti alla carbonara, and eggplant parmigiana. Their signature gravy, made from slow-cooked San Marzano tomatoes, is a real showstopper. With a thoughtful wine list and a variety of Italian desserts like tiramisu and cannoli, Gravy makes every meal feel like a Sunday dinner at Nonna’s.

Happy + Hale is committed to promoting healthy living through delicious, nutritious food. Located conveniently in downtown Raleigh, this fast-casual spot offers a menu focused on salads, smoothies, and bowls. From the protein-packed Chicken Hill bowl to the energizing Acai bowl, each dish is prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect place for a quick lunch that keeps you fueled and satisfied without slowing you down.

Trophy Brewing and Pizza is not just about excellent craft beer, their pizzas are a major draw too. Located on Morgan Street, this vibrant spot combines inventive pizza recipes with locally brewed beer. Favourites include the Daredevil (with hot capicola, jalapenos, and sriracha), the Local Celebrity (with local mushrooms and arugula), and a classic Margherita. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly service make it a great place to unwind after work or gather with friends on a weekend.