Our Favorite Downtown Raleigh Restaurants For All Tastes!

Although not known as a foodie city, this reputation may well be changing, as downtown 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 as there’s so many great restaurants in 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.

To make it easier for you to find our recommendations, here is a map of our favorite places to eat in downtown. You can download this map onto your phone by clicking the square icon in the top-right corner.

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen – Best Rooftop Patio in Downtown

• Address: 326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: Tavernaagora.com

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, Mezze, Gyros, Stuffed Grape Leaves, Moussaka, and Lamb Burgers. On the brunch menu, the Gyro Hash, Greek Omelet, Baked Eggs and Pita are hard to beat. If you’re looking for cool brunch restaurants in Raleigh, this is a good shout, as 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-alcoholic Greek wine are also on the menu. Read our full review of Taverna Agora Raleigh here.

Stanbury – An Innovative Neighborhood Delight

• Address: 938 N Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: StanburyRaleigh.com

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 downtown 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!

Rather than having a traditional menu, each evening Stanbury has a set menu, which is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The menu is released at 4.30pm each day, when seating begins, and is served from 5.00pm. You can choose between indoor and outdoor seating – we opted for pre-dinner drinks under the oak tree.

The dishes are eclectic and adventurous, and change every day, so you will always discover something new. On our visit, we had a ribeye Steak. It was 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.

Although the menu changes almost daily, there’s a few staple menu items that they keep – they update the menu on their Instagram and Facebook accounts so you can check it out before deciding on visiting. 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!!

Bida Manda – Best Asian Restaurant in Downtown

• Address: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: BidaManda.com

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.

An entree we keep falling back on is the Manda Amphone’s Curry with either Chicken or pumpkin for veggies (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!

Press Coffee & Crepes – Best brunch + coffee / European café ambiance

• Address: 400 Hillsborough St
• Website: pressccc.com

There is not a visitor to our home in the past year who we have not taken to Press Cofee & Crepes for breakfast or brunch. Located in the new 400H tower in downtown Raleigh, Press is a European-inspired café bringing craft coffee (our favorite coffee in Raleigh) , sweet & savory crepes, brunch favorites, and cocktails to the heart of the city.

What sets Press apart: they lean into a light, airy café feel with a nod to European sidewalk cafés, while still embracing local ingredients and seasonal rotations. Their menu includes gluten-free options to accommodate dietary preferences. Yes, that includes all the crepes – there are not many items on the menu that can’t be made gluten free.

Our favorites are the BLT morning crepe with smoked bacon, pimento cheese, eggs and avocado; the BBJ&M bourbon bacon jam, grilled portabella mushroom, blue cheese and tater tots topped with hurricane eggs, hot honey, and goat cheese; and the blueberry lemon curd crepe (sweet heaven!) There hash brown waffles are also gluten sensitive. Best for: morning meetups, brunch, light lunches, coffee + pastry breaks, or an afternoon cocktail.

Read our full review of Press Coffee & Crepes

Madre – Best Mediterranean / tapas-style vibes

• Address: 518 N West St, Raleigh
• Website: Madre

In Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow district, Madre delivers a modern Mediterranean small-plates experience with a warm, inviting interior and a curated wine + cocktail program. We dined here on a double date with friends and had an exceptional experience following it up with a visit to the Moon Room jazz bar just a couple of steps away.

Madre’s menu leans into shareable dishes—ideal for groups or date nights—and traverses Mediterranean influences beyond Spain alone. The ambiance blends elegance and comfort, with ambient lighting and thoughtful interior touches, making it feel relaxed yet special.

Popular items include the madre margarita, roasted cauliflower with chevre crumble and green goddess sauce, and salchipapas, Madre’s take on patatas bravas (but South American style) featuring tender chunks of roasted potato with bits of savory chorizo and drizzled with dijonaise. polenta with pork ragout (with a vegetarian version for our friend), and roasted duck with bok choy and mushroom ju, and delicious squash and vanilla yoghurt (a favorite of the non-gluten free eaters) cake with honey sauce, and Italian style chocolate fudge topped with hazelnut and sea salt.

Best for: evening dining with friends, wine & tapas nights, romantic dinners, or those wanting to graze and explore flavors. Read our date night at Madre and Moon Room here.

Sam Jones BBQ – A downtown pick for true North Carolina barbecue

• Address: 502 W Lenoir St
• Website: SamJonesBBQ.com

Another BBQ joint in Raleigh that has to be praised for bringing wood-fired Eastern NC–style whole-hog barbecue back downtown is Sam Jones BBQ in the Warehouse District. Owned by the family behind the Skylight Inn tradition, Sam Jones smokes whole hogs over hickory wood daily and serves classic sides, sauces, and cornbread (the minimalist square style) that are rooted in tradition.

With a full downtown location, it’s accessible to visitors without the long drive. It’s also been recognized broadly: Sam Jones has been named in rankings of top barbecue spots in the Triangle and beyond and as of Sept 2025, landed 2nd place in USA Today’s 10Best in the country, and is one of only seven North Carolina restaurants to earn a Bib Gourmand in the first Michelin Guide of the American South.

Popular items include the smoked turkey sandwich, the smoked chicken wings, spare ribs, and when on the menu, I love the brisket and pork belly with cheerwine sauce – the only time I’ll ingest that stuff. Best for: visitors wanting an authentic BBQ experience, casual group meals, lunch or dinner comfort food.

Big Ed’s City Market – Best Southern Breakfast in Downtown

• Address: 220 Wolfe St Raleigh
• Website: Bigedsnc.com

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.

Second Empire Restaurant – Best For Special Occasions

• Address: 330 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
• Website: Second-Empire.com

If you have a special occasion coming up, 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 KvarØy Salmon, and follow it off with the Empire Chocolate Souffle. Reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot! Hungry for more? Here is our review of Second Empire Restuarant in Downtown Raleigh.

Crawford & Son – Perfect For Date Night

• Address: 618 N. Person St, Raleigh
• Website: CrawfordAndSonRestaurant.com

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.

Mojoe’s Burger Joint – Best Burgers in Downtown!

• Address: 620 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
• Website: Mojoesburgerjoint.com

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.

Smokestacks Cafe – Best Hidden Gem!

• Address: 701 E Lane St, Raleigh
• Website: SmokeStacksCafe.com

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 Smoked Wings and steaks. There’s a good selection of local beers here too!

Vic’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria – Great Value Italian

• Address: 331 Blake Street, Raleigh
• Website: Vicsitalianpizzeria.com 

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, and they have some of the best pizza in Raleigh. 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. They also have weekly specials, such as deals on slices on Monday, half-price wine on Wednesday, and deals on a small cheese pizza on Fridays. We also love their grab & go Pizza joint on Glenwood Ave – delicious gluten free pizzas. I had a breakfast gf pizza here the morning of the Raleigh Christmas Parade. #doit

Gringo A Go Go – Authentic Mexican Food

• Address: 100 N Person St, Raleigh
• Website: GringoRaleigh.com

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, Quesadillas, Red or Green Chilaquiles, and Empanadas. They also have scrumptious vegetarian and vegan options, as well as great margaritas and full bar including Mezcal.

Irregardless Cafe – Best Farm-to-Table Experience

• Address: 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh
• Website: Irregardless.com

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 and Tomato Omelet, Vegan Pancakes, Smoked Salmon Benedict, Belgian Waffles, Open Face Sandwich, and Shrimp & Grits!

Char-Grill – Another Great Burger Joint

• Address: 618 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: Chargrillusa.com

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!

Whiskey Kitchen – Great Lamb Burger AND, well, Whiskey

• Address: 201 W Martin St, Raleigh
• Website: Whiskey.Kitchen

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, and their pork chop smoked NC pork chop was the best I’ve ever had! This is a fun place for couples, or with a group of friends.

Sitti – Best Lebanese in Downtown!

• Address: 137 S Wilmington St
• Website: Sitti-raleigh.com

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, and Falafel. There’s something on the menu for everyone, including vegetarian options and a kids menu. 

City Market Sushi – Best Japanese Cuisine

• Address: 315 Blake St, Raleigh
• Website: CityMarketSushi.net

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, Crispy 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.

Here are more sushi restaurants to love in Raleigh and the Triangle.

Figulina – For Modern Italian

• Address: 317 S Harrington St, Raleigh
• Website: figulinaraleigh.com/

We discovered Figulina back in 2025 and instantly found it was an Italian restaurant worth the hype. Figulina is best known for offering Italian tradition paired with British heritage and creativity. It serves handmade pasta, locally sourced ingredients, and large portion sizes.

What’s cool about Figulina is that it has an open-view pasta room, where you can see the masters at work.

It also offers a Sunday brunch, where chef David’s British roots shine through with menu items like Eggs Benedict, Crumpets, and fresh scones with house-made clotted cream and jam.

It also has a provisions market selling Italian wines, gourmet treats and housemade sauces, if you like what you taste!

Centro – Organic, Cantina Mexican

• Address: 106 S Wilmington St, Raleigh
• Website: centroraleigh.com/

Centro is one of our favorite spots to grab a quick, fresh Mexican meal at an affordable price. We love the vibrant and bold decor, which feels authentically Mexican to us.

This quirky cantina is adorned with Mexican folk-art murals, hanging lanterns, and other decorations that feel like a Mexican fiesta.

On our visit, we tried the fish tacos, mole enchiladas, and had tres leches for dessert. The mole sauce is the crown jewel here, it’s sensational. And if you enjoy a cocktail, the mezcal and margaritas are delicious!

El Rodeo – For Flavorful Mexican

• Address: 329 S Blount St, Raleigh
• Website: elrodeorest.com/

Another Mexican restaurant we’ve stumbled upon in recent years is El Rodeo, who have locations in downtown Raleigh and Wake Forest Rd.

It has a classic, roadside diner vibe with affordable prices to match. The service is always friendly and attentive, and the food is always flavorful with a generous helping. This is a favorite of ours to stop in at when a festival is on Downtown, like the Hopscotch Festival.

Sullivan’s Steakhouse – The Best For Classic Steak

• Address: 410 Glenwood Ave #100, Raleigh
• Website: sullivanssteakhouse.com/raleigh/

For a classic steak lover, Sullivan’s Steakhouse is where to go for the finest hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood. It’s a fine dining restaurant, and has an extensive whiskey and bourbon menu, cocktail menu, and happy hour menu to pair with your meal.

On Fridays and Saturdays, there is live jazz music playing, which adds to the warm ambiance. It’s definitely a place we would recommend for a date night.

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 Foodie Guides

Need more inspiration about places to eat in Raleigh? Here are some other guides that may be useful to you.

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• Local Raleigh breweries for a great pint
• Best breakfast spots in Raleigh