Raleigh, North Carolina, hooks hungry travelers with chef-driven restaurants, creative food halls and the freshness of farmers’ markets. I’ve spent a decade photographing plates, interviewing chefs and writing many dining stories across the South. In Raleigh, I chased whole-hog barbecue and global flavors in walkable districts from Downtown to the outskirts. I shoot the details, taste widely and map the best bites and beverages so you don’t waste a meal. Use this Raleigh culinary guide to find the best places to eat in Raleigh, the Triangle’s ultimate food paradise.
The author was hosted.
Raleigh: The Foodie City
A few of the reasons Raleigh is considered a foodie city:
- Nationally recognized chefs with James Beard nominations and awards
- Award-winning restaurants
- A diverse culinary landscape showcasing North Carolina-style barbecue, Mediterranean, Latin, French and Indian cuisine
- Downtown investment and urban revitalization fuel the dining scene
It begins at the State Farmers Market, where produce and meat deliver farm-to-table freshness with local, seasonal ingredients.
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Irregardless
- Food: Creative American and International Cuisine
- Vibe: Cozy café celebrating 50 years of serving fresh-from-the-farm, healthy and innovative meals, with a lively atmosphere complemented by live music and rotating art displays.
- Of Note: Since 1975, Irregardless, a favorite spot for vegan, vegetarian and omnivore dishes alike, blends farm-fresh ingredients with creative flavors that honor both local and international influences.
- Recommended Dishes: I enjoyed the Water Lily cocktail, a lavender-infused delight, paired with their delicate lemon tahini dressing on the Mixed Green Salad. My husband savored the Seafood Bucatini served over perfectly cooked pasta. Each dish showcased the café’s commitment to fresh, thoughtfully prepared food.
What I Liked Best: The history and longevity of the restaurant, as well as the live music during our meal.
The Parlor at Heights House
- Food: Italian-inspired cocktails, wines and light bites
- Vibe: Located off the grand foyer of the Heights House Hotel, The Parlor offers a cozy yet elegant atmosphere perfect for relaxing, socializing or unwinding in style.
- Of Note: The menu features craft cocktails inspired by Italy, an all-Italian wine list, local beers and delicious charcuterie boards, making it a great spot to enjoy a sophisticated drink or light snack.
- Recommended Dishes: The Dirty Dill Martini stole the show. Served with a tiny dill pickle, cocktail onion and a sprig of dill clipped on, it was both terrific and visually charming. Perfect for a leisurely drink in an inviting setting.
What I Liked Best: The personal attention to guest services, careful renovations to the Pre-Civil War building and the crunchy snacks.
Death & Taxes
- Food: Wood-fired cuisine by James Beard award-winner Ashley Christensen
- Vibe: One of Raleigh’s premier fine dining experiences, set in a beautifully restored historic building that highlights classic charm and elegant ambiance
- Of Note: Housed in a building originally built for commercial use in the 1920s, joined by the H.J. Brown Coffin House from 1836, and restored in 2012 to reflect its original design. Death & Taxes opened its doors in 2015, offering sophisticated, expertly crafted dishes.
- Recommended Dishes: We started with the Spring Pea Vichyssoise and grilled golden beets. For main courses, the braised duck, served over delicious rye maltagliati and accompanied by charred carrots on the side.
What I Liked Best: The ceremonial pouring of crème fraîche over the spring pea soup, the arrival of a second martini served in a small carafe on ice, and the expertly crafted, delicious desserts made this a truly memorable dining experience.
I consider Death & Taxes the must-visit restaurant in Raleigh for food enthusiasts.
Herons at The Umstead, Cary
Considered one of the finest dining experiences in North Carolina, Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa is only 17 minutes away from downtown Raleigh.
- Food: Seasonal, garden-to-table cuisine showcasing fresh ingredients sourced directly from local farms and the hotel’s own One Oak Farm, creating an elegant yet natural dining experience.
- Vibe: Fine dining set in a beautiful, nature-inspired environment with prestigious Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond awards.
- Of Note: The menu included delightful amuse-bouche, English Pea Soup and Crudo, with attentive servers customizing each experience through ideal pacing, wine pairings and thoughtful extras that make every meal feel personal and special.
- Recommended Dishes: The ceremony of pouring the verdant, chilled English Pea Soup tableside created a memorable highlight, and the creative cocktails and non-alcoholic infusions perfectly complemented the cuisine.
What I Liked Best: The expertly crafted specialty cocktails, the personal touch of the amuse-bouche and the elegant presentation of the English Pea Soup, all contributed to an exceptional, refined dining experience.
The Lounge at The Longleaf Hotel
- Food: Snacks, beer, wine, cocktails and breakfast cakes
- Vibe: Very casual for Bingo Night and Comedy Festivals. Modernized mid-century hotel at the northern gateway to downtown Raleigh.
- Of Note: The menu features approachable world-class wines, cocktails and local beers. Morning coffee and pastries served inside or right outside on the private patio.
- Recommended Dishes: Try the classic salted pretzels tossed in mustard powder with your evening cocktail and the Chocolate Brioche Bun with your morning coffee.
What I Liked Best: The convenience of the Lounge in the hotel, and that the hotel was within walking distance of Downtown.
Longleaf Swine Barbecue
- Food: Slow-cooked meats with Southern flair
- Vibe: Very casual with meals served on metal baking trays
- Of Note: Famous for their chef-crafted menu and top bourbon list
- Recommended Dishes: Juicy and flavorful brisket. Popular spot with the locals and out-of-towners.
What I Liked Best: Their sense of community and down-home hospitality.
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