To call someone, or somewhere, the Greatest of All Time is the ultimate compliment. It should be reserved for those who truly deserve it. So, when we asked our community to choose their G.O.A.T restaurants in Raleigh, we were looking for the best of the best, and our expectations were high. We were looking for restaurants that met the following criteria:
- It has history and longevity (10+ years in business)
- It has offered top-notch service and quality food
- It has consistently positive reviews
- It has something special that no other restaurant has – essentially, it wouldn’t be Raleigh without them
While there isn’t a Restaurant Hall of Fame here in Raleigh, if there was, we would like to induct these quality establishments that the locals have dubbed the best restaurants in Raleigh of all time.
The Raleigh Restaurant Hall of Fame
The following list of restaurants was chosen by the Raleigh community. But we want to know, who do you think is the best of the best Let us know your G.O.A.T restaurant in the comments down below. Ok, let’s get into our list, in no particular order.
The Mecca Restaurant
Let’s start with the OG restaurant in Raleigh, The Mecca. Opening in 1930, it’s dubbed the oldest restaurant in Raleigh, and the minute you walk in, you sure do feel that way. It was founded by Greek immigrants who wanted to serve homey comfort food. Today’s menu features Southern comfort food that’s simple and unpretentious. It’s the legacy and the long-standing history that keeps people dinging here time and time again.
Popular dishes: people come here for meatloaf, fried chicken, pancakes, a classic burger, hash browns, and collards.
Winston’s Grille
Another long-standing restaurant and Raleigh landmark is Winston’s Grille, which opened its doors in 1986. It was founded by Charles Winston who owned a restaurant, and that passion passed on to him as he spent his whole life in the hospitality trade.
Joining partner Wil O’Neal in 1986, the lifelong friends have been working together ever since. Their commitment to friendship and community is what living in Raleigh is all about. They’re not just a restaurant, but a place where families come together, and y’all are welcome. Popular dishes: prime rib, shrimp and grits, cashew salmon, prime rib French dip sandwich, and Bananas Foster for dessert (they even make their own homemade ice cream).
Angus Barn
We’re going to kick things off with Angus Barn, which received the most votes from our Raleigh community. Angus Barn is a steakhouse with a cozy farmhouse atmosphere and old-world charm. Think crackling fireplaces, rustic oak furnishings, and every square inch of the walls covered in historic photos. Although rustic, there is a touch of elegance, and diners are expected to follow a dress code.
Angus Barn opened in June 1960 and is a long-standing restaurant here in Raleigh. It’s a popular place for private functions, where diners can enjoy the privacy of the loft, gun room, or the iconic Wild Turkey Lounge (ranked “one of the Best Business Bars in America). There’s an outdoor seating area with a bar where you can wait for a table (if you don’t reserve, you can expect to wait) and a boardwalk that takes you to a large lake and pavilion. Don’t forget to ask for a tour of the Wine Cellar, where they keep more than 1,500 wines!
Popular dishes: people come for their beef ribs and extensive wine collection. Their desserts are also exceptional, especially the chocolate chess pie, and cheese and crackers (the perfect pairing for their wines).
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
If you’re celebrating an anniversary or a special occasion, then Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is the go-to restaurant for most Raleigh locals. Set in a historic home in downtown Raleigh that was built in 1879, dining at Second Empire is not just about the food, but the experience. The former Dodd-Hinsdale mansion was built in Second Empire Victorian style (hence the name) and its design is heavily ornate – there’s no arguing that it’s beautiful.
In 1997, it was bought by owner Kim Reynolds, who turned it into a fine dining establishment. With Executive Chef Daniel Schurr at the helm, Second Empire offers a small and intimate dining experience with consistently high-quality food and personalized service. Popular dishes: the roasted Australian lamb rack, foie gras, and chocolate souffle. Read our review of Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern.
Clyde Cooper’s BBQ
Another historic restaurant in Raleigh that deserves Hall of Fame status is Clyde Cooper’s BBQ, which opened in 1938, making it one of the oldest institutions in the city. With old-school decor, a warm ambiance, and North Carolina memorabilia on the walls, this is a true Southern restaurant that embraces everything it means to live in Raleigh.
It’s one of the longest-running barbecue joints in North Carolina and has been dined at by celebrities, even past presidents. They are planning to relocate from downtown, new location yet to be named. Popular dishes: people love the pulled pork, fried chicken, hush puppies, famous Brunswick stew, pork rinds, collards, and okra. Watch our video our of Clyde Cooper’s.
Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant
Part Italian restaurant part sports bar, Amedeo’s is like a home away from home especially for NC State University alumnus and fans. Think friend’s, food and football. They have been serving the Raleigh community for over sixty years, earning them a special proclamation from the City of Raleigh; on the 27th of August, it’s officially “Amedeo’s Day.” How many restaurants have a day named after them? If that doesn’t grant you Hall of Fame status, I don’t know what does!
It was founded by Amedeo “Dick” R. Deangelis in 1963. Sadly, Dick passed away in October 2021, but the restaurant is still run by family members using the same family recipes.
Amedeo’s Italian Restaurant is all about love and family, and it doesn’t matter who walks through the door, Dick treated everyone with kindness and respect – that true Southern hospitality that is often lost. Popular dishes: their famous lasagna, all their pizzas and subs are good, and the hoagie and stuffed mushrooms get a special mention.
Big Ed’s Restaurant
One of the best places for breakfast in Raleigh is Big Ed’s, a country cookin’ establishment that has been serving the City of Oaks since 1958. It began as the brainchild of a native to Wake County, Big Ed Watkins, who grew up in a farming family, where he learned to create traditional recipes using fresh, organic produce. You could say they are one of the pioneers in “farm-to-table” dining here in Raleigh.
Although being around Raleigh for decades, it wasn’t until 1989 that they opened Big Ed’s in Downtown Raleigh’s City Market, which is the most popular of their three venues. In January 2006, Big Ed’s changed owners, but the legacy and quality of the food and service lives on! Popular dishes: people come for the giant pancakes and country ham but stay for the red-eye gravy and biscuits, made with their own special recipe! Read our review of Big Ed’s Raleigh.
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More
Ask anyone in Raleigh where to find the best hot dogs in the city, and you’re 9/10 times likely to hear “Snoopy’s” as the response. They have several locations across Raleigh, each of them offering an old-school, roadside hot dog shack vibe. No seating, just park your car, grab your dog, and eat it by the bins.
Snoopy’s began in 1978 by Steve Webb, who converted an old gas station into an eastern North Carolina grill. They are famed for their hot dogs, but they also have classic burgers with mustard, onion, and chili which move fast! Popular dishes: of course, hot dogs, but pair it with chili or cheese fries.
Poole’s Diner
Poole’s Diner is a retro, 1945 diner with a classic American diner vibe. Think red bar stools, menus on chalkboards, and a circular counter bar where you can eat whilst chatting with the bartender. Although Poole’s was one of Raleigh’s first restaurants, the diner you see today was bought by Ashley Christensen in 2007, who also owns and operates some of Raleigh’s other top restaurants such as Beasley’s Chicken + Honey and Death + Taxes.
Popular dishes: the mac n cheese, short ribs, and the baguette with house-churned butter on the side.
J Betski’s
J Betski’s is an authentic German and Polish restaurant in North Raleigh. They are known for their authentic Eastern European dishes made with fresh local produce. It opened in 2006, and though it’s one of the newer restaurants on this list, we think it deserves to be a Hall of Famer for having the best perogies money can buy in Raleigh. Popular dishes: mushroom pierogies, bratwurst, and schnitzel, and cheese spaetzle.
Taverna Agora
Another international restaurant in Raleigh that deserves Hall of Fame status is Taverna Agora, a Greek restaurant that has been serving families in Raleigh for more than 20 years. We love Taverna Agora because it’s authentically Greek. Its love of community, good food, joyous chatter, and warm smiles, means they have been truly embraced by the Raleigh community who are all about love, acceptance, and good eatin’!
Taverna Agora serves classic Greek and Mediterranean dishes with a modern flair, and their brunches are somewhat legendary. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh with an outdoor patio! Popular dishes: Backlava sticky buns, tomahawk pork chop, lamb burger, chicken penne Mykonos, and for dessert try the baklava cheesecake.
Caffe Luna
A Tuscan-inspired restaurant in downtown Raleigh, Caffe Luna is a charming, bright, and airy restaurant-come art gallery – it’s one of the most unique places to eat in Raleigh. Caffe Luna opened in 1996 in the historic Montague Building but has been under new management since 2021, when the original owner, Parker Kennedy, retired.
As well as being an authentic Italian restaurant, you can also admire and buy the original artwork by local artist Nicole White Kennedy, who has painted scenes of Europe and Raleigh and exhibited them on the Caffe Luna walls for over 2 decades. Its longevity, as well as its commitment to supporting local artists, is what puts Caffe Luna on the G.O.A.T list. Popular dishes: don’t say no to the calamari, bow-tie salmon pasta, or the cheese and pear Fiocchi.
Ole Time Barbecue
Another staple BBQ joint in Raleigh that the locals love is the aptly named Ole Time Barbecue, which has been serving traditional NC State BBQ for an “ole time” – over 30 years, actually! Restaurant owner Ben Hart opened Ole Time in 1993 and offers budget-friendly southern comfort food. The vibe feels very family-friendly, and if you visit more than once, you’ll notice that you’re not the only one going back – this place has a loyal follower base!
Popular dishes: aside from the famed BBQ pork, diners also rave about the Brunswick stew, collards, and hush puppies!
Char-Grill
Raleigh landmark burger joint
A popular restaurant on Hillsborough Street, Raleigh’s restaurant thoroughfare, is Char-Grill, a Raleigh tradition which has been serving fast charcoal-grilled burgers and shakes since 1959. It has a true old-fashioned vibe, as though it hasn’t been updated since it opened in the late 50s – and that’s part of its charm. We love that you write your order down on paper and pick it up on a tray through the window.
Popular dishes: aside from the burgers, people also rave about the apple pie and steak sandwich.
Vic’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria
One of the most popular Italian restaurants in Raleigh is Vic’s, which is where you can find some of the best pizzas in the City of Oaks. With three locations, but we like their City Market location in downtown best! This family-owned restaurant has been serving NY-style pizzas for more than 30 years. It was founded by Vic Longo and has its own family recipes. Today, the restaurant is still run by the Longo family.
Popular dishes: people love the penne alla vodka, calzone, chicken parm, and stromboli. And make sure you get your garlic knots straight out of the oven!
The Roast Grill Hot Weiners
Another hot dog staple, The Roast Grill is North Carolina’s most famous hole-in-the-wall 13 seat restaurant serving delicious hotdogs. It’s one of the oldest family-run restaurants in Raleigh, opening its kitchen in the 1940s. It’s a no-frills diner. Its walls are adorned with notes from patrons over the years, they cook the hot dogs right in front of you, and you get a free Tootsie roll at the end of your order.
It feels like you’re being cooked for by a lovable uncle who just wants to take care of you. This is what dining in Raleigh is all about! Popular dishes: the all-the-way hot dogs with mustard, onions, slaw, and chili are the best!
Irregardless Cafe
Irregardless is one of the longest-running restaurants (they have their 50th birthday in 2025) who offer a farm-to-table experience. They are known for their warm and fun atmosphere and artsy decor.
They have live music and always serve home-cooked meals. They also offer complimentary bread and scones, and their brunches have become a popular weekend thing to do for Raleighites since 1975. And it’s one of the best gluten-free restaurants in Raleigh, especially for breakfast. Popular dishes: shrimp and grits, crispy polenta frites, and gluten-free waffles, pimento grilled cheese, chicken & waffles.
The Pit Authentic Barbecue
If you’re looking to find the best BBQ in Raleigh, fair warning, this is a debate you don’t want to start with the locals! The Pit Authentic Barbecue is either loved or loathed, as everyone has their opinion on what counts as “authentic” barbecue in North Carolina. If you’re new to the state, you should know that NC BBQ is traditionally either pork (whole hog or shoulder), that has been cooked over a wood fire at a low temperature for a long time. Then there are variations between East and West – but you can read more about that here.
The Pit offers pit-smoked free-range pork, cooked Eastern-style since 2007 in their converted 1930 meatpacking warehouse. They rose to fame after winning a rib challenge on Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” and featuring on “Man v Food” and a barbecue cook-off on NBC’s “The Today Show.”
Popular dishes: they are known for their pork ribs, as well as biscuits, deviled eggs, and hush puppies on the side.
The Peddler Steakhouse
Opening its doors in 1969, The Peddler is a restaurant that has aged as well as its steaks. It serves 28-day aged steak, as well as seafood and chicken offerings, all cooked over live charcoal. It began as the brainchild of Gale Barefoot, who opened the original location on Glenwood Avenue in 1969 where it still operates today.
Although Gale passed away, it’s still an independently owned restaurant that still continues to serve quality steaks. This is the quintessential Raleigh steakhouse. Popular dishes: most people rave about the prime rib, a house specialty, and don’t ignore the salad bar!
The Raleigh Times
Nestled in the former newspaper printers in a 100-year-old building, The Raleigh Times is another historic institution that has become a staple of Raleigh over the years. Although the building is historic, the bar has only been in operation since 2006. However, it quickly became one of the most famous bars in the city and was even visited by Barack Obama who had a campaign beer there.
Popular dishes: some popular items include nachos with chopped pork, fried pickles, shrimp and grits, Barbacoa tacos, Raleigh Time’s burger, and Andy’s cheese steak!
MoJoe’s Burger Joint
Another popular burger joint in Raleigh is MoJoe’s, in Raleigh’s popular Glenwood South district. It serves up award-winning burgers, wings, and pub-style appetizers, in an inviting dive-bar-style venue. We love that they have a photo wall, dubbed their 1 Pound Hall of Fame, where those who have successfully devoured the whole thing can be remembered forever! It’s that kind of community contest that makes it a special part of our Raleigh community.
Popular dishes: as well as their burgers (I personally love the Carnivor burger with chili), people love their chicken wings, turkey burgers, tator tots, and homemade ranch dressing!
Five Star Restaurant
Five Star is a Chinese restaurant named after the owner’s grandfather, General FM Hsu. He was the equivalent of a Five Star General in the US army for the Republic of China (Taiwan) armed forces. It opened in 2000 in a converted old warehouse, with the help of local artists. The space is inviting and industrial, but with a very Raleigh-esque style to it. And it’s also one of the first restaurants to feature local DJs on a weekly basis, including some world-renowned DJs.
Popular dishes: pork dumplings, crispy sesame beef, soup dumplings, and General Tso’s Chicken. Read more: Favorite Asian Restaurants in Raleigh.
Players Retreat
For sports fans, the Players Retreat (PR) is a tradition with NC State students and alumni for over 70 years and where you need to go to catch a Wolfpack game on the TV with some comforting bar food snacks on the side. Established in 1951, very little has changed at this sports bar. The walls are adorned with sports memorabilia and the vibe is always friendly. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, everyone can enjoy good times and laughs at the PR.
They also serve the largest collection of single malt whiskeys in the state and are the longest continuously running tavern between Washington DC and Atlanta. Popular dishes: famous for their burgers, Mimi’s sausage dip, and the cheese fries with bacon. (kids under 12 eat free on Sundays!)
Angie’s Restaurant
Over in nearby Garner, Angie’s Restaurant is another popular restaurant that has had a loyal band of followers for decades, and often suggested as the best breakfast spot around the county! It started just after World War II when restaurateur Mr. Durwood Green converted an old barn into Green’s Garner Grill. He ran this restaurant for over four decades until 1990 when he passed.
It was taken over in 2011 by Angie Mikus, who continued his legacy of serving food to “as many friends as possible.” Angie was a lovable waitress with a smile, and people would come to her for her service, not the food.
But Angie always had a dream of running her own place. “I had an idea of how I think people should be treated – a place where people could sit and talk and stay all day if they want to.” She got the opportunity in September 2011 when she opened Angie’s Restaurant. Popular dishes: biscuits and gravy, French toast, and peach cobbler.
Mitch’s Tavern
Another college bar that has made its stamp on Raleigh’s history is Mitch’s Tavern, which was named one of the top college bars in America by Complex Magazine. The vibe is rustic, with wooden interiors and antiques on the walls. As I walk up the stairs to the second story bar area, the ambience and decor takes me back to our times living and traveling around the UK and Ireland.
Established in 1974, there’s cool NC State memorabilia, and it’s located in the heart of Hillsborough St right across from NC State’s main campus. And it is well-known as the tavern in the 1988 Kevin Costner and Susan Sarandon movie “Bull Durham.” Popular dishes: Beef chili, Reuben sandwich, London Broil sandwich, gumbo, and Cuban sandwich.
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery
Located in the historic Five Points neighborhood Hayes Barton Cafe has been serving hearty meals since 1998. It’s known for its giant cake slices and old-fashioned American diner decor. As well as serving their famous cakes, it also has delicious cocktails and hearty American entrees. Popular dishes: meatloaf, chicken pot pie, and coconut cake for dessert!
State Farmers Market Restaurant
The State Farmers Market is the place to go for fresh produce. It opened in 1955 as the first State Farmers Market in Raleigh, but the restaurant didn’t open at the market until 1991 by Jackie Watkins.
In 2002, it was bought from Jackie by Gypsy Gilliam and her son Tony, who have been serving fresh home-cooked meals at the “Market,” ever since. Everything on the menu is North Carolina sourced. Popular dishes: country ham, giant biscuits, molasses, and the sausage gravy on the side!
Hibernian Irish Pub
The Hibernian is an Irish pub that’s all about hearty food and good vibes. It opened its doors on Glenwood Ave in May 2000 and has become one of the most popular venues in the city. In 2012, it suffered a devastating fire, but it didn’t take long to bounce back on its feet. They now have multiple bars and music venues in the facility, as well as a second-floor patio with city views.
Popular dishes: Irish breakfast, Hibernian burger, mac n cheese, fish n’ chips, bangers & mash, fish sandwich, and egg rolls. Now it’s your turn. What other Raleigh restaurants should we add to this list? Many of these made our list of favorite places to eat in Raleigh this year as voted by locals. (and favorite places to drink)
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