It’s no secret that Raleigh is a foodie’s paradise. The buzzing downtown district is the heart and soul of the City of Oaks, especially when it comes to food, and is where you’ll find some of the most lip-smacking restaurants in the city.
Whether you’re looking for wholesome Southern cuisine, heavenly sweet treats, regal dining spaces or relaxed, family-friendly bistros, you need not leave the 1.18 square miles that make up downtown Raleigh.
In fact, in this small neighborhood, there’s estimated to be over 150 restaurants, which can make choosing which establishment to dine at no easy task.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of our personal favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants where we dine regularly and take visiting friends from out of town.
Best Downtown Raleigh Restaurants
To make it easier for you to find our recommendations on places to eat in downtown Raleigh, here is a map of our favorite restaurants. You can download this map onto your phone by clicking the square icon in the top-right corner.
1. Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen – Best Rooftop Patio in Downtown
- Address: 326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: Tavernaagora.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Monday – Thursday and Sunday, 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday and Saturday, Brunch is served from 11.00am – 3.00pm
Not only do we frequent Taverna Agora often because they have the best rooftop patio in Raleigh, but because the decor transports us back to Greece, which we love!
You instantly feel the vibes from a typical village style Greek restaurant as soon as you walk through the front door, and of course, as you indulge in delicious Greek food!
This open-air Mediterranean rooftop oasis overlooks Hillsborough Street and is a tastefully designed, tree-shaded space with lush green vines wrapped around trellises, classic Greek statues, and olive trees.
True to the Greek Mediterranean flavors, you’ll find traditional Greek dishes like Baklava Sticky Buns, Gyro Hash, Greek Omelet, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Baked Eggs and Pita, Moussaka, and Lamb Burgers.
If you’re looking for cool brunch restaurants in Raleigh, the Baked Eggs and Pita and Gyro Hash are hard to beat. Plus, they have $3 mimosas! I mean, just look at these dishes we ordered at Taverna Agora!
Drink wise, enjoy a Greek Mule, a Greek lemonade, or our favorite, a glass of Greek wine! Beer and non-Greek wine are also on the menu.
Read our full review of Taverna Agora Raleigh here.
2. Stanbury – An Innovative Neighborhood Delight
- Address: 938 N Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: StanburyRaleigh.com
- Hours: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
I never know where to start when describing this place, it’s so unique! This is definitely one of the most interesting and old-school places to eat in Raleigh.
Our foodie friends who live nearby recommended this place forever, and we finally took the plunge, for our anniversary dinner no less, and now we can’t stop talking about it.
Stanbury specializes in modern American cuisine and the food, atmosphere, and service is outstanding!
You can choose between indoor and outdoor seating – we opted for pre-dinner drinks under the oak tree.
The menu is eclectic and adventurous and this is the perfect place to order a bunch of shared small plates and try various dishes. Their large plates are exceptional too if you want something for yourself.
The ribeye is possibly THE best ribeye I have ever had – better than all steak houses – and the mashed potatoes are incredible. I don’t know what they do with their food, but just keep doing it.
The menu changes almost daily, with a few staple menu items, and they update it on their Instagram and Facebook accounts.
I loved the open kitchen concept, there’s a great selection of beverages, plus craft cocktails.
Fair warning, there is no option to make reservations here! We arrived close to opening time and were seated within 15-20 minutes, but they have a nice bar and space out front for pre-dinner drinks and small-plates whilst you wait!!
3. Bida Manda – Best Asian Restaurant in Downtown
- Address: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: BidaManda.com
- Hours: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Monday, 11.30am – 2.00pm and 5.00pm – 10.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11.30am – 2.00pm and 5.00pm – 11.00pm Friday – Saturday, Closed Sunday
We know Laos cuisine well after spending three weeks traveling through the country, and as far as the authentic food, quality and ambiance go, Bida Manda has nailed it! It’s hands down our favorite Asian restaurant in Raleigh.
Well renowned for its Laotian cuisine and showcasing the culinary traditions of Laos, Bida Manda serves a variety of dishes in a beautifully-designed space with Lao-inspired decor that always takes us back to our time exploring this Southeast Asian country.
The offerings are probably the most authentic we’ve had in Raleigh. A dish we used to eat almost daily living in Bangkok, Papaya Salad with Crispy Dill and Lemongrass Trout, is one of my favorite dishes on the menu.
Some appetizers we love include the Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps (hand-tossed crunchy coconut rice with fresh herbs, fried garlic, shallot crisp, peanuts, eggs, lime, and baby romaine lettuce), and the Crispy Chicken Wings (six crispy chicken wings served with a choice of three house-made sauces Panang Curry, Hot Sweet Chili, or Lao Spicy Roasted Habañero Peanut.
Another entree we keep falling back on is the Manda Amphone’s Curry with Chicken (slow-cooked house coconut curry with fresh root vegetables, and jasmine rice).
If you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants or vegan options, you’re in luck, as those dietary preferences are catered to as well – as are gluten free options.
Bida Manda also offers an impressive drink menu with some craft cocktails, local beers from Brewery Bhavana, and a well-rounded wine list. Don’t miss out on a Mekong Sunrise cocktail! It’s delish!
4. Big Ed’s City Market – Best Southern Breakfast in Downtown
- Address: 220 Wolfe St Raleigh
- Website: Bigedsnc.com
- Hours: 7.00 am – 8.00 pm Tuesday – Friday, 7.00am – 2.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Whenever I have a friend visit Raleigh from out of town and I want to introduce them to Raleigh, and kick off the day with a classic Southern breakfast and hospitality, I take them to Big Ed’s.
You don’t get more Raleigh than this quirky tavern!
Walking through Moore Square past the magnificent oak trees, then over the cobblestone streets in Historic City Market, and then inside for a hearty meal is an experience I never tire of myself – and makes for the perfect introduction to the City of Oaks.
At Big Ed’s, you can enjoy breakfast food like what grandma used to make! They also have personable service, and a laid-back cafe with funky antiques hanging from the old rafters and memorabilia scattered around.
Popular items on the menu include their HUGE Hot Cakes, Country Ham, Aged Ribeye Steak, Sliced Pork Loin, Fried Catfish, freshly made Hot Biscuits, French Toast, and Double-Brewed Sweet Tea.
Read our full review of Big Eds Raleigh and why I think it’s the best breakfast in Raleigh.
5. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey – Best Fried Chicken in Downtown
- Address: 237 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
- Website: ac-restaurants.com/beasleys
- Hours: 11.30am – 9.00pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11.30am – 10.00pm Friday, 11.00am – 10.00pm Saturday, 11.00am – 9.00pm Sunday, Closed Tuesday
If you’re looking for lunch restaurants to dine at in downtown Raleigh, you can’t do much better than Beasley’s, especially if you love Southern fried chicken or want to try it for the first time!
The moment I walk into this popular restaurant by famed local chef, Ashley Christensen, I immediately feel like I’m in the South – that this is Raleigh!
With that said, this is another restaurant I recommend to visiting friends from out of town to introduce them to southern comfort food and ambiance.
Popular dishes include Biscuits and Gravy, Hot Chicken Eggs Benedict, Fried Chicken on a Buttermilk Biscuit, and the Loaded Breakfast Bowl.
Wash it all down with a Blackberry Mule, a local craft beer, or a glass of wine or bubbles.
6. Second Empire Restaurant – Best For Special Occasions
- Address: 330 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
- Website: Second-Empire.com
- Hours: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
If you have a special occasion coming up soon, look no further than the award-winning restaurant, Second Empire Restaurant, for an incredible dining experience (not to be confused with the Second Empire Tavern, the bar next door).
They’re consistently ranked one of the best restaurants in Raleigh for fine dining, and are the recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award – it’ i’s the perfect place to eat if you want to experience some regality with your food.
It’s an elegant American restaurant set in a historic, circa-1879 Second Empire house that speaks to the original character of the city.
Here you can expect spectacular service and presentation, an intimate and magical ambiance, old fashioned architecture and history, and gourmet cuisine. We enjoyed a memorable anniversary dinner here.
Truly a foodie experience to savior, and popular dishes include Empire Seafood Paella, Grilled Australian Lamb Rack, Roasted Five Spice Pennsylvania Duck Breast, Grilled Chilean Verlasso Salmon, Empire Chocolate Souffle.
Reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot!
7. Crawford & Son – Perfect For Date Night
- Address: 618 N. Person St, Raleigh
- Website: CrawfordAndSonRestaurant.com
- Hours: 5.00pm – 10.00pm Tuesday – Saturday, Closed Sunday and Monday
Looking for date night ideas for dinner in Raleigh as a couple? We believe Crawford & Son is the perfect date night experience for those who want an intimate setting with a little buzzy vibe.
Crawford’s style is casual yet has an air of elegance with dimmed lighting, exposed brick walls, and a polished L-shaped quartz bar.
It’s not too quiet that it feels awkward if you were to suddenly burst out laughing.
The namesake restaurant from Chef Scott Crawford, a five-time semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Southeast, Scott is known for creating innovative dishes that are beautifully presented.
Signature cocktails are created to pair well with the food, or choose from an eclectic list of wines. Service is warm, friendly, and attentive. There are gluten free and vegetarian options on the menu.
A casual and cozy neighborhood restaurant in the Historic Oakwood area on North Person Street (one of our favorite Raleigh streets), Crawford & Son undoubtedly serves some of the best food in Raleigh that ranges from the familiar to the unexpected.
Read our full review of Crawford & Son here.
8. Mojoe’s Burger Joint – Best Burgers in Downtown!
- Address: 620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: Mojoesburgerjoint.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm daily
Raleigh has no shortage of burger joints to choose from, and if you’re craving a tasty burger from a classic neighborhood joint you can’t go wrong at MoJoe’s in the Glenwood South Raleigh area.
They’ve been serving some of the best burgers in Raleigh since 2002.
This is my favorite burger spot in the city, hands down. It’s quintessential old Raleigh with a diverse crowd, fun atmosphere, and tasty creations that will leave you satiated yet craving for more.
At MoJoe’s you get hand-pressed patties using 100% Sterling Silver Choice Beef and you can choose from a 6 ounce, 10 ounce, or “Hall of Fame” one pounder with 9 different styles to have your burger.
My pick is their Carnivore: 10 oz beef patty, crispy bacon, savory chili, pimento cheese, fried egg, avocado and a side of tater tots. Our eldest daughter loves their fried chicken sandwiches.
You can build your own creations (they have gluten free buns), a dozen local beers on tap, and boozie shakes!
Popular sides include their tater tots, onion rings with MoJoe’s signature sauce, and their fried pickles.
9. Smokestack Cafe – Best Hidden Gem!
- Address: 701 E Lane St, Raleigh
- Website: SmokeStackCafe.com
- Hours: 5.00pm – 9.00pm Wednesday – Friday, 11.00am – 8.00pm Saturday, 11.00am – 5.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday
One of the restaurants in downtown I classify as a hidden gem is Smokestack Cafe, which is tucked away in one of our favorite neighborhoods in Raleigh, Historic Oakwood.
Imagine an old house that’s been converted into a restaurant, becoming a great little neighborhood corner eatery that’s charming with a no frills ambiance.
Here you can enjoy a unique Raleigh brunch experience either in their cozy interior, or sitting outside in their nice little outdoor shaded patio area.
Their menu changes daily (displayed on their Instagram) with some common staples and favorites such as their Signature Wings, Deviled Eggs, Aged Ribeye, Crispy Fried Pig Ears, house-smoked meats and Dirty Butter Fries (hand cut, tossed in cajun garlic butter, topped with grated parmesan).
Last time we dined for a Sunday brunch we had Mimosas for only $3. There’s a good selection of local beers here too!
10. Vic’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria – Great Value Italian
- Address: 331 Blake Street, Raleigh
- Website: Vicsitalianpizzeria.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 9.00pm Monday – Thursday, 11.00am – 10.00pm Friday and Saturday, Closed Sunday
One of our favorite family-friendly restaurants in downtown Raleigh is Vic’s, which has yummy and authentic Italian cuisine and New York style pizzas, plus they serve a wide variety of delicious pastas and entrees in healthy portions.
Owner Mario has been serving guests his family recipes for nearly 30 years, and in 1998 opened Vic’s in downtown’s Historic City Market.
When we’re in downtown and craving affordable Italian dishes, we head to Vic’s and enjoy sitting on the sidewalk and people watching!
Using fresh and local ingredients, the lunch and dinner specials change daily.
They offer generous sized pasta portions at very reasonable prices, and boasts a warm and familiar atmosphere loved by locals and visitors.
Popular dishes include their specialty pizzas (gluten free bases available), Penne Alla Vodka, Calzones, and the complimentary Garlic Knots.
11. The Pit Authentic Barbecue – Best for BBQ
- Address: 328 W Davie St, Raleigh
- Website: ThePit-Raleigh.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Sunday – Thursday, 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday and Saturday
We have several excellent choices for BBQ restaurants in downtown, but I’ve chosen to highlight Pit BBQ purely because I personally love their Beef Brisket and prefer beef over pork (chopped Carolina BBQ).
That being said, their top seller is in fact their Whole-Hog Chopped Barbecue.
You can get so many tasty BBQ dishes here, including Pit-Smoked Free-Range Pork, Texas-Style Brisket and other BBQ staples, all served up in a smart-casual setting.
The Pit is one of the most popular BBQ spots in Raleigh and they proudly serve authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked Eastern-style barbecue.
My other favorite dish is their Big Boy Burger; two house-ground brisket patties, western BBQ sauce, brisket, pulled pork, pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion straws – I changed out the pulled pork for pulled turkey! The burger is phenomenal.
The Pit is more than a typical whole-in-the-wall BBQ joint that you may be used to, even serving craft cocktails in a smart-casual setting with indoor and outdoor seating.
12. Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing – Best Patio Views
- Address: 201 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh
- Website: Wye Hill.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 3.00pm, 4.00pm – 10.00pm Monday – Thursday, 11.00am – 3.00pm, 4.00pm – 11.00pm Friday, 10.00am – 3.00pm, 4.00pm – 11.00pm Saturday, 10.00am – 3.00pm, 4.00pm – 9.00pm Sunday
Another great restaurant with an outdoor patio in downtown with amazing views of the city skyline is Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewery. Although known for their craft beers, paired with unique and creative food options, it’s the perfect spot for brunch, lunch or dinner.
Yes, we bring all first-timers to Raleigh here, too!
The covered pergola offers shade and misters/fans to help make the North Carolina midday heat and humidity in summer more bearable, and doubles as rain protection coupled with heaters for the cooler months.
But you don’t come here just to sit under a pergola, you also get to taste some of the most interesting and diverse food we’ve eaten in Raleigh.
While it has the name “brewery” attached, don’t expect your typical pub grub or brewery food – this is more innovative, like a Gastropub (specializing in high-quality food) with an emphasis placed on North Carolina ingredients and unique twists on familiar dishes.
This is one of the best local downtown Raleigh restaurants with a welcome offering of choices for everyday carnivores to vegetarians and those seeking gluten free options.
Read our full review of Wye Hill Brewery and Kitchen here.
13. Gringo A Go Go – Authentic Mexican Food
- Address: 100 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: GringoRaleigh.com
- Hours: Closed Monday, 11.00am – 9.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11.00am – 10.00pm Friday and Saturday, 10.00am – 2.30pm Sunday
If you’re looking for Mexican food in Raleigh, then Gringo A Go Go is one of the most popular places to eat Mexican with their colorful outdoor patio area and authentic Mexican food. It’s a place we enjoy for its lovely neighborhood atmosphere.
It’s a low-key and yet still decorous, located right in the heart of downtown Raleigh. A highlight being their outdoor patio surrounded by plants making for a fun place to eat and converse under the shade of umbrellas.
Popular menu items include the Tacos, Chorizo Cheese Dip, Quesadillas, Guacamole ed Chilaquiles with Carnitas, and Spinach Empanadas.
They also have scrumptious vegetarian and vegan options, as well as great margaritas and full bar including Mezcal.
14. Irregardless Cafe – Best Farm-to-Table Experience
- Address: 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh
- Website: Irregardless.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 9.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 11.00am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 10.00pm Friday and Saturday, 10.00am – 2.30pm, 4.30pm – 9.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday
A Raleigh staple since 1975, Irregardless is one of the longest-running Raleigh restaurants and a true farm-to-table experience offering everything from meat and seafood dishes to vegan and vegetarian options – something for everyone!
Whether you come for brunch, lunch or dinner, you can enjoy the warm and fun atmosphere, artsy and eclectic decor, live music and home-cooked innovative meals (and good portions).
Brunch favorites include Tofu Scramble, Asparagus Omelet, Vegan Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Hash, Strawberry Waffles, Brisket Sandwich, and Shrimp & Grits!
15. Anise Pho – For Great Pho, Of Course
- Address: 222 Glenwood Ave #113, Raleigh
- Website: AnisePho on Facebook
- Hours: 11.00am – 9.00pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11.00am – 10.00pm Friday – Sunday, Closed Tuesday
Having spent 6 weeks traveling through Vietnam, we miss eating authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup).
I admit, Anise Pho is not quite the same as you would find in Vietnam, but it’s definitely the best Pho in downtown Raleigh we’ve had so far.
The restaurant is small and has only a few seating areas, so we chose to sit outside on the sidewalk along Glenwood Ave. The buzzing street atmosphere and balmy evening did take us back to those Vietnam days where eating on tiny stools on the street is the norm.
On the menu you can choose from Vietnamese classics like Pho, Banh Mi, Spring Rolls, and their Peanut Sauce is a hit.
We found the Pho to be flavorful and the portions large, and the service friendly and fast.
16. Char-Grill – Another Great Burgers Joint
- Address: 618 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: Chargrillusa.com
- Hours: 10.00am – 9.00pm Monday, 10.00am – 11.00pm Tuesday – Thursday, 10.00am – midnight Friday and Saturday, 10.30am – 9.00pm Sunday
It doesn’t get more old school Raleigh than Char-Grill, a local fast-food chain that’s been serving charcoal-grilled burgers fresh off the grill in their iconic downtown location since 1959.
Take a trip down memory lane at this fun burger joint with a true old fashioned feel – just placing your order is a part of the experience as you fill out a paper order sheet with a pencil and wait while your food is cooked to order.
When I think about no-frills restaurants to grab a quick burger with the kids, Char-Grill is what comes to mind. Besides the burgers, our kids are also big fans of their shakes and fries!
My suggestion, start with their famous ½ Hamburger Steak Sandwich: a thick, juicy burger with lettuce, tomato, cheese, served on a sesame seed bun.
The Char Grill menu might be simple, but simple is often best!
17. Whiskey Kitchen – Great Lamb Burger AND, well, Whiskey
- Address: 201 W Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: Whiskey.Kitchen
- Hours: 5.00 pm – 12.00am Monday, 11.00am – 12.00am Tuesday – Sunday
Another of our favorite places to eat in Raleigh for its outdoor patio, tasty Southern American food, and extensive Whiskey list is the appropriately named, Whiskey Kitchen.
It does excellent and inventive Southern food in a fantastic location on the edge of the ever evolving Warehouse District (across from Nash Square).
Part whiskey bar, part Southern kitchen, it features a beautiful open space with a repurposed industrial feel and an inviting decor and atmosphere. It boasts over 300 whiskies and craft cocktails.
Inside are tables, couches and bar seats – you can’t miss the impressive mural behind the bar, and there’s a garage door that opens in the summer and the outside patio is fabulous in the warmer months.
Food wise, my pick is the Lamb Burger and Fried Brussels, also consider the Crispy Broccoli, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Shrimp N’ Grits, Pork Chop.
This is a fun place for couples, or with a group of friends.
18. Sitti – Best Lebanese in Downtown!
- Address: 137 S Wilmington St
- Website: Sitti-raleigh.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Sunday – Thursday, 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday and Saturday
In case you don’t know, our home country of Australia has a sizable Lebanese population and we’ve eaten a lot of Lebanese food over the years and are grateful we have Sitti in downtown.
This popular Middle Eastern restaurant serves up modern versions of authentic Lebanese dishes made fresh in house daily.
There’s an upbeat atmosphere with communal tables or your own space, and an antique Art Deco bar with Lebanese liquors, beer and wine, plus French wines and local craft beers.
You can expect really good Middle Eastern food including Hot Mezze (Kibbeh), House-Baked Flatbreads, Chicken/Lamb/Beef Shawarma, Falafel, and House-Made Flatbreads.
There’s something on the menu for everyone, including vegetarian options and a kids menu.
19. Gravy – An Excellent Italian Courtyard
- Address: 135 S Wilmington St
- Website: GravyRaleigh.com
- Hours: 11.00am – 10.00pm Sunday – Thursday, 11.00am – 11.00pm Friday and Saturday
Another Italian restaurant in downtown Raleigh we like to frequent is Gravy, located Next door to Sitti. And no, this is not a biscuits and gravy joint, ‘gravy’ refers to Italian pasta sauce!
Gravy is one of the best restaurants in downtown for wholesome pasta dishes and other Italian delights.
A warm and inviting space with a super cozy courtyard (our choice when the weather is right, they serve Authentic and traditional Italian-American dishes and prepare their signature gravy (hearty tomato sauce) fresh daily.
There’s a focus on using seasonal ingredients, putting a modern twist on classic dishes, and providing a warm, friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Gluten free options available, and they make all of their pasta in house too!
Popular dishes include Risotto Balls, the Lasagne, the Gnocchi, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant Pie, all washed down with Tuscany red wine,
20. City Market Sushi – Best Japanese Cuisine
- Address: 315 Blake St, Raleigh
- Website: CityMarketSushi.net
- Hours: 5.00pm – 9.30pm Monday – Thursday, 5.00pm – 10.00pm Friday and Saturday
We love City Market for its casual restaurants like the aforementioned Big Ed’s and Vic’s Italian, but if you’re seeking a slightly upscale restaurant in the heart of downtown to try, put City Market Sushi on your list.
It might be small, but the ambiance is prestige with black and white decor, decorative art adorning the walls, overhead lamps providing warm lighting, and modern wooden tables and chairs creating an intimate space perfect for a date night or dinner with friends.
On the menu are creative sushi rolls, sushi plates, nigiri & sashimi and great bento box options for lunch.
The sushi is fresh, the flavors well-balanced (the tuna melts in your mouth), and the rolls have a lot of filling.
Other popular dishes include the Soft Shell Crab Sliders, Squid Salad, Pork Belly, and Shrimp Tempura.
Prices are a little on the high side for a sushi restaurant, but the quality and presentation makes it worth it. Reservations recommended for Fridays and Saturdays.
21. Bittersweet – Best Dessert Bar
- Address: 16 E. Martin St, Raleigh
- Website: Bittersweetraleigh.com
- Hours: 4.00pm – 11.00pm Wednesday and Thursday, 4.00pm – 12.00am Friday, 2.00pm – 12.00am Saturday, 2.00pm – 10.00pm Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday
We love the concept of a dessert bar, a place where you can get bourbon with your pie, champagne with your cake, or Irish whiskey in your coffee.
Bittersweet serves up delicious desserts, coffee and cocktail pairings in a fun and delightful atmosphere with nostalgic decor and cool tunes playing.
All of the desserts are made in-house and some popular options include Pumpkin Creme Brulee, Derby Pie, S’mores Sundae, and Salty Chipwich Ice Cream Sandwich. The cocktails are excellent.
Not a big place inside with a few tables on the sidewalk, so it fills up quickly, especially on weekend nights. There are no reservations for Bittersweet so my advice is to get there earlier than you want to eat as you may have to wait 15-20 mins for a table.
22. Jubala Coffee – Best Biscuits
- Address: 2100 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: JubalaCoffee.com
- Hours: 7.00am – 5.00pm Monday – Friday, 8.00am – 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Yes, Jubala is a specialty coffee shop first and foremost, but I love their biscuits for breakfast and they pair so well with their coffees, so I had to include it on this list! They make one of the best lattes in the city!
I didn’t grow up in the South and I’m no expert when it comes to biscuits, and it took me a while to embrace them, but I’ve since acquired the taste and get what all the fuss is about.
So far the biscuits at Jubala are the best I’ve had. Their biscuits come with a bit of brown crunch on top and fluffy and moist on the inside. They have quality fillings, but the biscuit is the highlight for me.
My favorite is their Fried Egg + Pimento Cheese + Bacon. Do your taste buds a favor and go see for yourself, I guarantee you’ll at least love their coffees.
Not a biscuit fan? Our kids love their Banana Nutella Waffles. They order them every time we visit.
I also love the location on Hillsborough St underneath the cool Aloft Hotel. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoors undercover and out on the sidewalk.
We love sitting out on the sidewalk and watching the world go by up and down Hillsborough and look up at the iconic NC State University bell tower.
23. Benchwarmers Bagels – The Local’s Favorite Bagel Spot
- Address: 500 E Davie St STE 107, Raleigh
- Website: BenchwarmersBagels.com
- Hours: 7.00am – 2.00pm Tuesday – Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Not a restaurant I know, but hey, it’s about food and if you’re looking for bagels in downtown, Benchwarmers is one of the most popular bagel shops in Raleigh and the best in the downtown area.
Benchwarmers use a wood-fired oven, heirloom grains, extended fermentation, and fresh-milled, pre-fermented 100% organic flour to make their modern bagels.
They have 6 styles of bagels including the usual classics and some unique cream cheese spreads including pimento cheese, Maitre d’hotel (herby + lemon), Carolina reaper (spicey), pecan butterscotch, and a cashew (vegan).
Their bagels don’t contain any dairy or egg, and if you’re looking for a tasty bagel and coffee option don’t sleep on this spot for breakfast in Raleigh – one of the founder’s is the owner of Jubala Coffee, so good coffee here too!
Final Thoughts
The restaurant scene has certainly evolved since we moved here in 2004 and Raleigh’s reputation continues to grow with several award winning chefs now calling the capital city of North Carolina home.
These culinary pioneers have introduced new innovative restaurants, bold flavors and intriguing foodie concepts to the city.
If you’re new to downtown Raleigh and not sure what you’re in the mood for, I’m confident this list will have something on it to wet your appetite!
When you drive into downtown see all parking options here.
We’ll be dining at many more restaurants in downtown Raleigh in the near future and the best way to hear more of our dining recommendations is by joining our VIP email tribe.
More Raleigh Foodie Tips
Need more inspiration about places to eat in Raleigh? Here are some other guides that may be useful to you.
