Raleigh may not be known as a major foodie city, but when it comes to finding the best Asian food, the scene has become pho-nomenal.
If you’re looking for the best Asian food in Raleigh, we’re your perfect guides to show you where to find it. We lived in Bangkok for six months, and traveled Southeast Asia extensively, so we know what makes an authentic Asian plate.
Whether you’re looking for noodles, dumplings, ramen, or sushi, the City of Oaks has more Asian fusion restaurants than you can shake a chopstick at. In this guide, we share where to find the best Asian food in Raleigh. Whether you’re a local foodie or a hungry traveler looking for your next culinary adventure, this roundup will satisfry every craving.
Top Asian Restaurants in Raleigh (so far)
Bida Manda
We know Laos food well after spending a few weeks traveling through the country, and as far as the food and ambiance at Bida Manda goes, it is hands down our favorite spot for Asian food in Raleigh, and easily one of the best downtown restaurants in Raleigh, period. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of our favorite Southeast Asian restaurants in the USA, and we’ve been to 40 states!
Well renowned for its Laotian cuisine and showcasing the culinary traditions of Laos, Bida Manda serves a variety of authentic Lao dishes in a beautiful space with Lao-inspired decor that always takes us back to our time exploring this wonderful Southeast Asian country.
The offerings are as authentic as we’ve had in Raleigh, and one of our most recent favorite dishes in the Triangle area can be found here, and a dish we used to eat almost daily living in Bangkok – Papaya Salad. Initially we were unsure how Crispy Dill and Lemongrass Trout would go with papaya salad, but it was a sensational combination and with the serving portion being huge, allowed for yummy lunch leftovers the next day!
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 vegetarian or vegan, you’re in luck as those dietary preferences are catered to, as are gluten free. As for drinks, Bida Manda also offers an impressive drink menu to satisfy all diners.
- Address: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: BidaManda.com
Waraji Japanese Restaurant
Waraji in northwest Raleigh is a fantastic Japanese Restaurant. We have never been to Japan, but last night’s experience transported us across the pacific with truly spectacular food, service, and decor. We started at the sushi bar which is a fun and engaging way to experience the food and culture. And, at the sushi bar we tried their specialty Uni Shooter paired with fruity and fragrant Ginjo or Daiginjo sake.
Sushi heaven!
Then, it was so cool to dine in a traditional Japanese tatami room seated on the floor (on comfortable cushions with a back rest) – this was when we really felt like we were not in Raleigh, but in Japan. We dined on all types of fabulous Sushi, Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura, Pork Belly Skewers, Gyu Tataki (thinly sliced certified Angus beef), Negimaki Skewers, Shishito Peppers, and Wagyu cooked using high heated river stone.
Traditional Japanese tatami room
Of course we tried Sake. Waraji has the largest sake selection on the East Coast – the Kubota Black Label Junmai Daiginjo was sensational and paired so well with all the sushi. And we finished dinner off with a Japanese whisky flight. Fubuki Flight.
Japanese whisky flight
Waraji is locally owned and operated, located convenient to RDU Airport and the Lenovo Center. Created by Master Sushi chef Masatoshi in 1997 and now owned and operated by Reuben Rodillas who is terrific. Executive Chef Ricard leads the team with many skilled Japanese chefs from Japan, New York, as well as North Carolina. They undoubtedly have the best sushi in Raleigh!
- Address: 5910-147 Duraleigh Rd
- Website: warajijapaneserestaurant.com
CO at North Hills
Located at the bottom of the AC Hotel in North Hills, CO is another of our other favorite restaurants for Asian food in Raleigh. Again, it reminds us of our traveling days through Southeast Asia with their focus on contemporary twists on staples like Pho, Noodles, Banh Mi and Dumplings. We’ve dined here a few times now, most recently on a date night in North Hills before attending the Thursday night Beach Music series and the food is consistently flavorful with large portions.
Because of our extensive travels we think we know good Asian food when we taste it and feel the quality here is pretty authentic. Our typical go to order is:
- Fresh summer rolls
- Hanoi noodles with chicken
- Pho with shrimp
- Pad Thai
- Curry Laksa
The Pad Thai and Curry Laksa are standouts. The Hanoi noodles could be a touch spicier and next time I’ll be sure to request more spice, but I highly recommend this dish!
Definitely put CO on your list of cool restaurants in Raleigh. Go order one of their signature cocktails made from scratch and enjoy the contemporary decor and attentive and friendly service. Great spot for a lunch or dinner date. Plenty of gluten-free and vegan options on offer so there’s something here for everyone.
- Address: 101 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh
- Website: eatatco.com
Heirloom Brewshop
If you’ve been following us for a while, you’ll know that we rank Heirloom Brewshop as one of our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh, but this Tea House and Sake bar also serves amazing Asian inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Heirloom Brewshop is a specialty coffee shop, premium tea house, sake bar and kitchen all rolled into one with an Asian-inspired menu and aesthetics – a unique concept for Raleigh!
Founded by the husband and wife team of Chuan Tsay and Anna Phommavong, both children of Asian immigrants (Taiwan and Laos, respectively), Heirloom is located in the booming Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh on the first floor of the Dillon Building. When you first enter Heirloom you are struck with how light, sleek and clean the space is. Then your gaze moves to the impressive wood slat ceiling, a highlight of the space inspired by traditional Asian woodwork that we saw many times on our travels through Southeast Asia.
Complimenting the space are the large street facing windows that bring in that beautiful, soft natural light.
Besides creative drinks, food is central to their creativity and offerings for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with gluten free options and menu items for vegetarians/vegans and carnivores.
Consider the Taiwanese Fried Chicken Bowl and the Chicken Rice Porridge (I added a fried egg). Other options include a “Mapo” Tofu Rice Bowl, and Salt + Pepper Tofu. And their Mochi Donuts (gluten free) are a hit too.
Heirloom is now open for dinner Wednesday thru Sunday. Chef Joshua Young – a pillar of the Raleigh, NC culinary community serves up a delicious menu of Laotian, Taiwanese and Japanese fusion dishes with his unique flare! We have not eaten there yet, but have heard nothing but rave reviews.
- Address: 219 S West St, Raleigh
- Website: HeirloomBrewshop.com
Anise Pho
Six weeks of our 12-months in Asia was spent traveling through Vietnam, and Vietnamese would probably come a close second to Thai for my favorite Asian food and I miss eating authentic Vietnamese, especially Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup). While Anise Pho is not quite like sitting in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s the best Pho in downtown Raleigh we’ve had (so far), let me know your favorite spots for Pho?
Here you can choose from typical Vietnamese classics like Pho, Banh Mi, and Spring rolls – their peanut sauce is a hit. We found the Pho to be flavorful and the portions large, and the service friendly and fast.
Indoors is quite small, but cozy, or pull up a table on the sidewalk on a nice weather day.
- Address: 222 Glenwood Ave #113, Raleigh
- Website: AnisePho.com
City Market Sushi
We love visiting the historic City Market area of downtown Raleigh for its casual restaurants like our favorite breakfast spot, Big Ed’s and one of our go-to Italian lunch places, Vic’s Italian, but if you’re seeking a slightly upscale Sushi restaurant in the heart of the city, put City Market Sushi on your list. This Japanese restaurant might be small, but the ambiance is on point 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.
The menu is filled with creative Japanese cuisine, such as 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 bar, but the quality and presentation is definitely there. Reservations recommended for Fridays and Saturdays.
- Address: 315 Blake St, Raleigh
- Website: CityMarketSushi.net
Five Star Restaurant
Surprisingly, I’ve only just dined at Five Star for the first time after being recommended to this restaurant many times and knowing that it is popular with locals. Upon arrival, they had a parking lot that validates your parking for 2-hours which is nice considering it’s getting harder to park in downtown Raleigh.
I dined in early, 5pm as I had an event to attend to and initially I was the only one in the restaurant but as I was finishing my meal the place was filling up and I enjoyed the atmosphere and vibe – apparently, they are known for their cool background music.
Five Star Restaurant is named after the owner’s grandfather, General FM Hsu, who was the equivalent of a Five Star General in the U.S. Army and who served in the Republic of China (Taiwan) armed forces. When I dine out, I always ask the hostess and servers what their signature dishes are, what’s popular, and tend to stick with those suggestions on a first-time dining experience, and they gave good suggestions.
For my appetizer I had the Pork Dumplings which were tasty and cooked nicely, my daughter loves dumplings so I’m happy I found her another place to try! And for my entree, I went with the Crispy Sesame Beef with steamed rice (you can choose chicken). I love beef, and I love sesame, and it was crispy and tasty! Some of the beef strips were a little over cooked to my liking but overall, another very satisfying dish.
Many of their items can be made gluten free, and Tofu and Tempeh substitutions are available. And the prices are very reasonable for such large portions. The bar area looks inviting, the interior decor is very interesting and worth checking out, and their outdoors space seems like it would be lovely for dinner and cocktails on a nice evening. I’m looking forward to trying more dishes here.
- Address: 301 N West St, Raleigh
- Website: fivestarsnc.com
Lime and Lemon Indian Grill and Bar
Lime and Lemon is our favorite Asian restaurant on Hillsborough Street, which is not short of amazing places to eat! This contemporary Indian grill and bar has a menu packed with bold flavors that has your taste buds singing with every bite.
Some popular dishes include the Lime Curry, Chilli Garlic Mushrooms, Gobi Pepper Fry and Karaikudi Chicken Korma. They also have fantastic Indian inspired cocktails and lassi drinks – our daughter loved the mango lassi.
- Address: 105 Friendly Dr #101, Raleigh
- Website: lnlrestaurant.com/
Seoul Garden (Korean)
We haven’t been to Korea, yet, and I’m not that familiar with thier style of food so thank you to everyone in our community who emailed and left comments on Instagram suggesting we try Korean food at Seoul Garden. With locations in Raleigh and Cary, they offer traditional Korean stews, noodles, seafood, tofu and BBQ fare in a simply appointed atmosphere.
I ordered the Boiled Dumplings for my appetizer which comes with all these sides, and for my entree the Woo Guh Ji Tang; Beef ribs, Korean cabbage with sliced jalapeno, green onions, and soy beansprouts in a spicy beef broth. While Caroline ordered the Bibimbap; assortment of lightly seasoned vegetables (daikon radish, bean sprout, carrot, zucchini, watercress, and sweet potato stem), topped with a fried egg. Served with rice and Korean red pepper paste sauce on the side.
Both those dishes were a great introduction into Korean food as suggested by the manager, Joanne (tell her we sent you), and I’m looking forward to trying more menu items here, and using the grill at the Raleigh location to prepare my own foods, or should I get the chef to take care of that?
- Address: 4701 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh
- Website: seoulgardennc.com
Brewery Bhavana, Downtown Raleigh
We’ve raved about Brewery Bhavana before, it’s one of our favorite breweries in Downtown Raleigh. Not only is this a brewery, but it’s also a book and flower shop, as well as a dim sum restaurant – all under one roof.
Some of the most popular dishes are the Seafood Dumplings, Scallion Pancakes, Hot and Sour Soup, and General Tso Chicken. The decor is upscale and contemporary – it could make a perfect setting for your next special occasion or for a birthday party, or even a date night. They also opened a restaurant in Fenton Cary on April 18th 2025.
- Address: 218 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: brewerybhavana.com
Ajisai, Village District in Raleigh
Another Japanese fusion restaurant worth checking out is Ajisai. This is the place to go for some of the freshest sushi, and succulent Peking Duck. It has a stylish décor, great table service, and each meal has been expertly crafted to look as devine as it tastes. People who visit here are always blown away by the attention to detail.
- Address: 427 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh
- Website: ajisai3.com
Asian Restaurants near Raleigh
Kababish, Cary
Kababish is a unique and tasty dining experience in Cary as they create dishes that are authentic Pakistani and Indian with western adaptation, all made from scratch! Locals in Cary recommended this to us as one of the best Indian Restaurants in the Raleigh area and from the minute we walked in the stylish interior and beautiful ambience made a positive impression, as did the warm customer service.
Located in downtown Cary, Kababish focuses on authentic, modern Pakistani cuisine, serving up generous portion sizes so your table can share dishes if you are new to this type of food.
They offer a richly varied menu of fresh, natural ingredients, wholesome sauces and flavorful spices and are well known for their range of Vegan options!
- Address: 201 W Chatham St #103, Cary
- Website: KababishCafe.com
Taipei 101, Cary
When our Chinese friend said this is one of her go to spots for the best Chinese in Raleigh I listened. Taipei 101 is a popular Chinese restaurant specializing in cooking from the Sichuan and Taiwanese regions, plus a dim sum menu. We ordered to-go from here several times during the pandemic and have eaten inside once. There’s plenty of seating and it’s always pretty packed which is a good sign and the criteria we use when in Asia – if the locals are eating here, it must be good!
My go-to is the dumplings and the Beef Hot Pot which is HUGE and I always have leftovers for lunch the next day!
- Address: 121 E Chatham St, Cary
- Website: carytaipei101nc.com
Saap, Cary
When we visited Laos, we fell in love with the food there. Laotion food leads hardcore into using fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, dill, and lemongrass, which gives its dishes that tantalizing flavor that dances on your taste buds. When we learned the owner of Saap in downtown Cary used to be the chef at Bida Manda, another authentic laotion restaurant we love, we were quick to make a reservation!
My favorite dish every time is the Khao Poon Gai, and we always finish it off with a mango sticky rice – come on, you have to! Some other popular items on the menu include the Papaya Salad, Seafood Green Curry, and Lettuce Wraps. As well as having delicious food, Saap offers great service, a sleek and modern decor, and free secure parking.
Saap also do catering for corporate events and parties, so if you’re looking for a place for a rehearsal dinner, Christmas holiday party, or any other special occasion, be sure to check out Saap for your next event.
- Address: 370 S Walker St Suite 100, Cary
- Website: saapcary.com
MC Restaurant, Cary
Another must-visit Asian restaurant in Cary is MC Restaurant, a Pan-Asian restaurant with a modern aesthetic and inviting atmosphere. It’s tucked away in a historic building and has a decor that resembles an old Vietnamese restaurant found on the wealthy streets of Hanoi, but the menu speaks of new.
MC Restaurant is led by award-winning chef Michael Chuong, who is of Vietnamese descent but grew up in the foodie city of New Orleans, so his dishes are bursting with flavors of the South but also pay homage to traditional meals from across Southeast Asia. The Sashimi and Pan-Seared Scallops are the perfect options to start your dining experience off, followed by Tuna Taco Makis, and finish it off with their highly-rated Coconut Cake. Guests love the attentive and friendly staff, as well as the quaint wraparound porch.
- Address: 324 S Academy St, Cary
- Website: http://mccuisines.com/
Osha Thai Kitchen, Holly Springs
Finally, we had a pan-Asian restaurant that melts our heart, but without giving us heart burn. We love Osha Thai Kitchen over in Holy Springs, which pairs Thai food and Japanese food.
Whether you want Sushi, Sashimi and Nigiri or an authentic Pad Thai, Osha has bold flavors that are synonymous to what you would find in Asia. We also love the Crispy Spring Rolls. People rave about the bartender here, who is professional, attentive, and skilful in his craft.
- Address: 242 S Main St Suite 100, Holly Springs
- Website: oshathaikitchennc.com/
Final Thoughts
To say Asian is our favorite cuisine would be an understatement, and we’re so grateful to have found so many quality Asian restaurants in Raleigh. There are a lot of Asian restaurants I am still yet to try in the Raleigh area, because to be honest, we don’t have high expectations, so don’t seek them out as much.
We have dined at other Asian restaurants in Raleigh, but the above are the places we keep going back to. But, with that being said, the restaurants in this guide are ones we currently vouch for from an Asian food perspective. Of course, my list is subjective, let me see your list in the comments at the bottom!
So, if you’re also on your phone searching for “Asian restaurants near me”, be sure to make it one of thse top restaurants in Raleigh for Asian food!
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I have also spent a lot of time in Asia and nearly 30 years in the San Francisco Bay Area where Asian food is close to the real thing. I moved to the Raleigh area in Feb 2020 and have also been mostly disappointed with the Asian offerings. I have not tried the Ramen places you mentioned although I have walked by several times. For pho, I have eaten at No.1 Pho Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine in Cary many times and think it is pretty good. I just got a lock on a good dimsum place from someone who is from Taipei but lives in Greensboro but comes into Durham to eat here: Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant 3003 Guess Rd – cannot validate, but I hope to get there soon!
Hey Andi, hope you are well. Yes, as far as the US goes the best Asian food we have had has been in California. Thanks for the suggestion for the Pho place in Cary, will definitely pay them a visit. And will look up that Hong Kong Chinese place in Durham. Cheers!
You missed Noodle Blvd in Cary (on walnut street).
It started as a small place next to a subway on Harrison Avenue, and got so packed that the parking lots couldn’t accommodate them (Subway couldn’t get any business). They changed locations to walnut and… it’s the same thing. We only ever get takeout from them, and we often have to park in the hotel next to it because it’s always so busy (due to this, service can be slow if you eat in person)
But the thing is: it’s worth it. They accommodate vegetarians like me. The broth has the perfect spice levels. The noodles are delicious, and even the Tofu is even done right. The Gyoza is flavorful and not over fried. Every time I get them and have broth left over I save it, because I can’t bear to waste any of it. My only complaints are that the new location is further from me and that they used to have wonderful ginger ice cream. The first time we ate there I almost cried.
Hey Jon, appreciate the suggestion for Noodle Blvd in Cary, sounds good, will be sure to check them out.
Thank you for a very informative article! I live in Downtown Raleigh (it is a great place to live) and know most of these restaurants well. But, I still learned so much about them … e.g., the upstairs of Tonbo, which I was not aware of.
I love all of the restaurant you mention where I have eaten, and there are now many more in the area to try that I was aware of, but had not visited.
One that I might add as a favorite of ours is MoFu. You should give it a try. I would like your thoughts.
Hi Sylvia, ahh yes, MOFU dumplings we have been to in the past, but it’s been a few years. Thanks for the nudge to visit again and then will add to this list of Asian food in Raleigh.
Having moved to NC from PA two years ago, I’ve really enjoyed your posts and newsletter, and the photos are enticing. Is there a way to provide just the list with the restaurant names and addresses to print for a quick reference? I’d love to keep handy in the car for when we’re out exploring.
That’s a great idea. Let me work on finding a solution for that! Are you part of our email community? Considering whether that might be an extra bonus I offer to them and curious as to whether you are, and if not, what’s the biggest obstacle for you for joining?
Have you tried Champa in Brier Creek?
Not yet! But thanks for the tip. What do you love about it?