Where to Eat Lunch in Raleigh (40+ Spots Within 2-miles)

If you are looking for places to eat lunch in Raleigh, you’re never short of options. While Raleigh isn’t known as a foodie destination, there is a plethora of restaurants who do a wonderful lunch – perhaps that reputation is about to change? In this guide, I have hand-picked my personal favorite lunch spots in Raleigh, organized into categories such as Southern American, burgers, barbecue, cafes, Italian, Asian, Mexican and vegetarian.

While there is an ever-growing list of great restaurants in Raleigh, not all of them are open for lunch, especially on a Monday, so I’ve done the research for you. Below are our top Raleigh lunch spots within a 2-mile radius of downtown!

Southern American

Parkside Restaurant

Amazing burger at Parkside Restaurant in downtown Raleigh, NC
Parkside Burger

From its unmissable neon sign to its traditional American comfort food, Parkside is a popular downtown Raleigh lunch restaurant (and brunch spot) with the locals. Consider their Prime Rib, Chicken & Waffle Sandwich, Steak Frites and the Parkside Burger is one of the best burgers in Raleigh. Wash your meal down with one of the 20 beers on tap, a house cocktail or a glass of wine!

Whiskey Kitchen

Part whiskey bar, part Southern kitchen, this is one of our favorite lunch places in Raleigh for its tasty Southern American food, repurposed industrial feel, outdoor patio, and extensive Whiskey list. My pick is the lamb burger and fried Brussels, also consider the crispy broccoli, fried chicken sandwich, shrimp n’ grits, pork chop. A fun place for couples, or with a group of friends.

Winston’s Grille

Located in North Raleigh, Winston’s Grille is one of our favorite places for shrimp and grits and love their Prime Rib French Dip sandwich, but it has so much more than that. It has a wonderful, upscale and Italianesque vibe, with wood paneling and booth seating. We love the outdoor seating area on a warm summer’s day. It would make a wonderful spot for a lunch date.

Village Tavern

One of our favorite restaurants in North Hills, and in Raleigh period, is Village Tavern for lunch, brunch or dinner. Featuring a large menu of American favorites, plus an extensive wine list. It’s a local favorite for its excellent food, great service, and variety of options – the fried calamari and ribeye are phenomenal. Besides it’s modern and sleek interior, it has an excellent all-weather outdoor patio. Would make a great business lunch spot.

NOFO @ The Pig

NoFo @ The Pig is a quirky spot with a restaurant downstairs and a gift shop and market upstairs. It’s housed inside the former Piggly Wiggly supermarket and has a spacious and bright space, with huge windows and colorful displays, making it an ideal lunch spot on a sunny day. It serves typical Southern flair.

State Farmers Market Restaurant

One of our favorite places in Raleigh is the State Farmers Market, and the restaurant is the place to go for a classic Southern, fresh country cooking food. It’s particularly well known for breakfast, and closes at 3pm, so by the time lunch time hits the crowds have gone and you can enjoy a more chilled vibe. It gets very busy on weekends.

Big Ed’s City Market

people eating inside Big Ed's Raleigh, NC

This is one of those places I take visiting friends for an introduction to Raleigh and a taste of Southern comfort food. When I’m at Big Ed’s I’m like, this is Raleigh, this is the South! The perfect spot for a Southern lunch in Raleigh with a group, or solo. Popular items include country ham, aged ribeye steak, sliced pork loin, fried catfish, fried chicken liver over rice, freshly made hot biscuits, their HUGE hot cakes, and double-brewed sweet tea. 

Burgers + Sandwiches + Hot Dogs

MoJoe’s Burgers

Burger with bacon and cheese
Carnivore Burger with chili

This is probably my favorite of the burger joints in Raleigh, and if you’re craving a tasty burger for lunch from a classic neighborhood joint, you can’t go wrong at MoJoe’s on the happening Glenwood Ave. You get hand-pressed patties and can choose from a 6 ounce, 10 ounce, or “Hall of Fame” one pounder with 9 different styles to have your burger. My pick, the Carnivore: beef patty, crispy bacon, savory chili, pimento cheese, fried egg, avocado and a side of tater tots. 

The Roast Grill

roast grill

The Roast Grill in the Warehouse District is legendary in Raleigh and has been serving just hot dogs and glass bottle cokes since 1940. It’s a no-frills diner that’s also popular for its Greek desserts. Other popular hot dog places include Snoopy’s and The Cardinal Bar.

State of Beer

Chicken and cheese sandwich and bowl of chili
Smoke on the Water sandwich

Not only is State of Beer one of Raleigh’s most popular bottle shops, but they’re also well known for dishing up some of the best sandwiches in Raleigh (and hearty salads) that pair perfectly with your beer to be enjoyed outside on their casual patio. If you’re looking for Raleigh lunch spots that are super casual and to sit outside, consider State of Beer on the edge of the Warehouse District. I enjoyed my “Smoke on the Water” sandwich!

Char-Grill

Burger with lettuce, tomato, in front of the Char Grill sign

It doesn’t get much more Raleigh than Char-Grill, a local fast-food chain that’s been serving charcoal-grilled burgers fresh off the grill in their iconic downtown Raleigh location since 1959. Just placing your order is a part of the experience at this no-frills burger joint. Start with their famous ½ Hamburger Steak Sandwich at this classic of Raleigh lunch spots. My kids also love their fries and shakes!

The Berkeley Cafe

An old Raleigh staple and hole-in-the-wall. Most popular menu items are their Badass Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich, Bandit Burger, and Philly Cheesesteak – they do a different version with lettuce and tomato. The food is tasty and filling and affordable, there’s a good selection of draft beers, the staff are friendly, the vibe is unique. Close to Red Hat Amphitheater.

Manhattan Cafe

No, this is not in NYC, this is in downtown Raleigh and family owned by brothers from Florida. Well known for their signature dishes – Paninis, Sandwiches, Soups, and Salads, the Manhattan Cafe is colorful and vibrant, and the food is tasty and good value for money. I enjoyed my Turkey BLT, they have gluten free options, and I’m looking forward to going back and tasting more menu items. Consider the Manhattan Cafe for your next Raleigh lunch spot.

Carroll’s Kitchen

At Carroll’s they feed people and change lives. This nonprofit social enterprise restaurant creates healthy employment for women overcoming crisis. Their grab-and-go lunch restaurant serves as a storefront and teaching kitchen, and on the menu are sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, and kolaches.

Burger Village

Burger Village is the place to go for grass-fed, organic, and exotic burgers. I personally like to eat as healthy as I can, so when I eat out, if there’s ever an option for grass fed and organic, I’m there! At Burger Village, they serve organic, non-GMO, and grass-fed meat, from standard favorites like beef, chicken and salmon, as well as more exotic meat like bison, elk, boar, and ostrich.

BBQ

Sam Jones BBQ

plates of barbeque

The Jones family name in BBQ goes all the way back three generations, and at their location in downtown Raleigh, they smoke whole hogs on site every day. Famous for their chopped BBQ, fried chicken and baked flat cornbread, I’m also a fan of their slaw, collards, and sweet potato muffins! Indoor and outdoor seating.

Midwood Smokehouse

Midwood Smokehouse in the Smoky Hollow development near Glenwood South serves up large portions of classic Southern BBQ favorites. It has a variety of smoked meats, including brisket, chopped pork, ribs, and pulled chicken. They also offer unique dishes like smoked sausage and burnt ends. Their Well Fed Plate at $34 can feed two and is great value for money!

The Pit BBQ

The Big Boy Burger at The Pit Authentic BBQ, Raleigh, NC
The Big Boy Burger

More of an upscale bbq joint, The Pit proudly serves authentic whole-hog, and pit-cooked Eastern-style barbecue along with all the traditional Southern sides you can take. I personally love their Beef Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, but their top seller is their Whole-Hog Chopped Barbecue. And if you love burgers, their Big Boy Burger is HUGE. Also popular is their Southern Fried Chicken, Brunswick Stew, Heirloom Cabbage Collards, and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Breweries + Bars

The Players Retreat

One of my favorite sports bars in Raleigh that has been a tradition with NC State students and alumni for over 70 years. The PR is a true Raleigh landmark and the oldest continuously operating tavern between Atlanta and Washington D.C. Enjoy lunch in a booth, at the bar, or on an outside table on the sidewalk. With a focus on hamburgers and sandwiches, they serve up some of the best burgers in the city. NOTE: Kids eat free here on Sundays!

Amedeo’s

Walking into Amedeo’s is like stepping into a time capsule. It’s one of Raleigh’s longest running Italian restaurants but is also practically an NC State museum. Founded in 1963 by Amedeo (Dick) DeAngelis, a former NC State football player, the restaurant shows his devoted love of the Wolfpack. Amadeo’s remains a beloved gathering spot for locals, alumni, and Wolfpack fans like, as well as anyone who appreciates classic Italian comfort food. If you are looking for a place to share a pizza with friends, this is the perfect lunch spot.

Mitch’s Tavern

Mitch’s Tavern is an old-school sports bar in Raleigh that looks like a quintessential British pub or tavern, but adorned in NC State Memorabilia. It has been an iconic landmark since 1974, especially for NCSU students, and is the perfect place to grab a lunch on Hillsborough St between classes. Everything about this place speaks of nostalgia, from the decor to the hearty menu. For lunch, I recommend Mitch’s Reuben or the Spicy Beef Chili.

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

Who doesn’t like a pizza and beer combo? At Trophy Brewing & Pizza you get that plus a cozy outdoor neighborhood patio and a low-key vibe the locals love. The Daredevil (spicy pizza) is popular, and they make some of my favorite beers in Raleigh – Trophy Husband and Cloud Surfer!

Woody’s at City Market

This long running locally owned sports bar and watering hole in the heart of downtown near Moore Square is a popular lunch spot in Raleigh with great lunch specials and a good selection of craft beers. Many people say they have the best wings in the Triangle – plus signature burgers, subs, salads and other typical bar food. 

The Raleigh Times

This is a timeless watering hole named after the former newspaper, and probably the most famous of the bars in Raleigh, even Obama had a campaign beer here, and another of the popular Raleigh lunch spots for their quality American pub grub and rooftop patio. Popular items include the Raleigh Times Burger, the Nachos, Far East Reuben, fried Pickles, and Cobb salad. There is a large Belgium beer selection to wash it all down!

Hibernian Irish Pub

Our favorite pub in Raleigh would have to be the Hibernian Irish Pub. We lived in Dublin for one year in 2003 and love some hearty Irish fare (washed down with a Guinness). On the menu are classics such as bangers & mash, shepard’s pie, and fish & chips. They also do a solid burger, good wings, and their Irish coffee is second to none! Nice upstairs patio, sidewalk tables, or cozy botths inside.

My Way Tavern

As soon as you enter My Way Tavern your eyes are drawn to the horseshoe style bar that has 22 beers on draft (15 of which are local). The menu has a “teasers and tidbits” section which is primarily small bar food plates. For entrees, we love their fish and chips, which I would go as far as to say are the best in the Raleigh area. The wings are good too and come with several types of rubs and dipping sauce! My Way Tavern has a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for meeting up with friends or to catch a football game.

Wilson’s Eatery/Lynwood Brewing Concern

Located in North Raleigh, Wilson’s Eatery is a relaxed, easy-going restaurant with an amazing outdoor seating area and terrace, nestled in a former warehosue turned brewery. This casual and family-friendly restaurant has some of the best burgers in Raleigh and a large list of craft beers and craft cocktails from Lynnwood Brewing Concern, their sister company. They serve up locally sourced, scratch made sandwiches, flatbreads and salads.

Cafes 

PRESS Coffee + Crepes

Press is one of our go-to spots in Raleigh not only for lunch, but for breakfast or brunch. We love their perfectly made sweet and savory crepes (gluten-free buckwheat base available), but also their sandwiches (their Turkey Havarti Panini is my favorite), and of course they have excellent coffee menu!

The Morning Times

toasted sandwich and tator tots
Turkey sandwich + Tator tots

One of our favorite coffee spots and breakfast spots in Raleigh that also serves as a solid lunch option, especially if you need a coffee perk up (they do an all-day breakfast).  Sit in the cozy upstairs that also functions as an art gallery, or on the sidewalk on a nice weather day. Consider the Turkey Sandwich, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Omelet of the Moment, and Breakfast Burrito.

A Place at The Table

sandwich and coffee on table at A Place at the Table Cafe, Raleigh
Good sandwiches + coffee

Raleigh’s first pay-what-you-can café in downtown Raleigh is an amazing concept and a pleasant spot for lunch as all the staff and volunteers are fantastic and very welcoming. For lunch choose from sandwiches, soups and salads, plus build your own biscuits. Great coffee too, they use Black and White Coffee Roasters from Wake Forest.

The Daily Planet Cafe

Bright cafe and coffee shop within the fantastic Museum of Natural Sciences. Choose from hearty sandwiches, small plates, and seasonal salads. Their coffee bar serves Raleigh-roasted Larry’s Coffee – not your average museum cafe! 

Lucettegrace  

girl at counter at Lucettegrace Cafe in downtown Raleigh.

This contemporary patisserie specializes not only in sweet and savory breakfast pastries and French inspired dessert, but also light lunches including soups, sandwiches, salads, smoothie, and coffee. Located close to the Raleigh Convention Center.

Raleigh Raw Juice Bar & Cafe

Bananas and strawberries on toast.
Image by RaleighRaw.com

For organic raw juices and smoothies, head to Raleigh Raw, which has delicious coffee and specaility drinks, as well as healthy lunch options. We love the diverse menu. A top hit is the poke bowl, sushi, and Avo Toast with salmon. This is a place where you don’t just fuel up, you restore your body!

Italian

Vic’s Italian

pizza on table
Great pizzas

One of my favorite downtown Raleigh restaurants for authentic Italian cuisine and New York style pizza, plus they serve a wide variety of delicious pastas and entrees in healthy portions at reasonable prices. Popular dishes include their specialty pizzas (gluten free bases available), Penne Alla Vodka, Calzones, and the complimentary garlic knots. Grab a seat on the sidewalk in the warmer weather months!

Gravy

people sitting at tables Gravy patio
Love this patio

Another of the Italian restaurants in Raleigh for lunch we like to frequent is Gravy, for great pasta dishes and to eat out in their cozy courtyard when the weather is right. They serve traditional Italian-American dishes with the highest quality ingredients, have gluten free options, and they make all of their pasta in house. Popular dishes include Risotto balls, the Lasagne, the Gnocchi, Tagliatelle Bolognese, Chicken Parmigiana, Eggplant pie.

Oakwood Pizza Box

When you research for “best pizzas in Raleigh”, Oakwood Pizza Box regularly appears at the top of the lists. This is real New York-style pizza and a pizza joint run by a New York native. Simple menu with three basic pizza pies; cheese, square, white, each 18″ in diameter, and you can build on those with extra ingredients at $2 each. Or, you can order just a slice. Gluten free bases available! This would only be a weekend lunch option, as they are only open for dinner on weekdays.

Benny Capitale’s Pizza

Slice of peperoni and sausage pizza
Giant slice of peperoni & sausage

Capitale means capital in Italian, and since they are only steps away from the State Capitol Building on Fayetteville St in downtown Raleigh the name fits!  I love how they keep it simple and to the point, and affordable! Pizza, by the slice, and I mean BIG slices (you need two paper plates) and only $5-$6. Our kids love popping in here for their favorite slice! 

Asian

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. 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 

Waraji Japanese Restaurant

Waraji in northwest Raleigh is a fantastic Japanese Restaurant with truly spectacular food, service, and decor. Waraji is locally owned and operated, located convenient to RDU Airport and the Lenovo Center. Dine at the sushi bar or in a traditional Japanese tatami room. Incredible food, and Waraji has the largest sake selection on the East Coast.

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 with their focus on contemporary twists on staples like Pho, Noodles, Banh Mi and Dumplings. The Pad Thai and Curry Laksa are standouts. 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.

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 have 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.

Heirloom Brew Shop

Fried Chicken Bowl and coffee
Fried Chicken Bowl

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. It’s also one of our favorite places for Asian food in Raleigh as this Tea House and Sake bar serves amazing Asian inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 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. Oh, their Mochi Donuts (gluten free) are a hit too, and their space and ambiance is so inviting! 

Anise Pho

We spent 6 weeks traveling through Vietnam and miss eating authentic Vietnamese cuisine, especially Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup). While Anise Pho is not quite like sitting in Ho, it’s the best Pho in downtown Raleigh we’ve had so far. Choose from 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.

International Cuisine

Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen + Bar

This is the best lunch in Raleigh downtown for those who love Mediterranean food and rooftop patios. Truly a Raleigh lunch experience that will have you dreaming of the Greek Isles! Start with Souvlaki Skewer Platters and Sun-dried Tomato Hummus, then enjoy traditional Greek favorites like Stuffed Grape Leaves, Grilled Octopus, Souvlaki Skewer Platters, and their Lamb burger.

Sitti

This popular Middle Eastern restaurant serves up modern versions of authentic Lebanese dishes in an upbeat atmosphere with communal tables or your own space. You can expect really good food including hot mezze (kibbeh), house-baked flatbreads, chicken/lamb/beef shawarma, falafel, and house-made flatbreads. There’s something for everyone, including vegetarian options and a kids menu. 

Coquette

Coquette Brasserie is a sophisticated and authentic-feeling French brasserie restaurant in North Hills. It has a stylish and inviting long bar, marble-topped tables, red-leather booths and banquettes, and white and black tiled floor. On the menu, it has French classics like truffle frites, Quiches, French onion soup, and Escargot. All perfect for a light lunch meal. If you’re looking for a lunch date with friends in North Hills, pull up a chair at Coquette.

Mexican

Bartaco (North Hills)

If you like unique and tasty tacos, fresh ingredients, and delicious Margaritas, and cool vibes that make you feel like you’re in coastal Carolina, and gluten free restaurants, you’ll love this spot. One of the most popular restaurants in North Hills, Bartaco is not only home to our favorite tacos in Raleigh but it’s more than just a place to eat, it’s an experience to savor. 

Gym Tacos

A popular and casual taco spot on Hillsborough Street not far from NC State University. The vibe inside is upbeat, inviting and clean with plenty of seating, or consider grabbing one of the tables outside in the warm sunshine. The tacos are tasty, but a little on the small side for me. And for a taco joint, I actually preferred the Burrito more which was very good, and filling.

Gringo A Go Go

Looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Raleigh, this is one of the popular downtown restaurants with their colorful outdoor patio, real Mexican food. and seasonal hand-crafted Margaritas. Popular items include their tacos, chorizo cheese dip, quesadillas, guacamole ed chilaquiles with carnitas, spinach empanadas, delicious vegetarian and vegan options, and full bar including Mezcal. It’s also a top spot for brunch.

Centro

chicken mole

Modern Mexican food in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Funky little place with a laid back Mexican vibe and atmosphere, Centro utilizes organic and local ingredients in flavorful ways in an energetic setting. You can’t can’t go wrong with any of their tacos. Excellent salsa. Love the torta. The habanero house made hot sauce is amazing. Their vast lunch menu with many items come in under $10. 

El Rodeo

A quality and affordable choice for great Mexican food in downtown Raleigh for a lunch break with quick and attentive service is El Rodeo. Your typical large menu with lots of options including vegetarian, and strong Margaritas! 

Chido Taco

Plate of tacos and rice and beans on a tray.

For an easy grab and go restaurant, you can’t beat the tacos at Chido Taco, which are so flavorful and unique. Our daughter, Kalyra, and I love their quesabirria tacos, which come with a beef consumé to dip them in. They have three locations in Raleigh, one on Fayetteville Street, one on Bale Street, and one in Cary. If you’re in Downtown Raleigh for an event, a festival, a concert, show or conference, Chido’s is an excellent choice for a quick bite.

Food Halls

Morgan Street Food Hall

The 22,000 square foot Morgan Street Food Hall at the Warehouse District is home to 20 different food concepts. Take your pick then grab one of the picnic tables outside. Our favorite vendors are CowBar Burger, Crispy Cod, Iyla’s Southern Kitchen, Curry in a Hurry, and Raleigh Rolls.

Transfer Co. Food Hall

Hand holding up a hamburger
Cowbar Burger

A similar concept to Morgan Street, Transfer Co. Foof Hall is housed in the historic Carolina Coach Garage with 50,000+ square feet of warehouse space. Take your pick from the 12+ vendors inside then enjoy your meal outside on the back patio. 

Vegetarian + Vegan

Irregardless Café

exterior of irregardless cafe

Irregardless Cafe is one of the longest-running Raleigh restaurants and a true farm-to-table experience offering excellent vegetarian and vegan options, but also meat and seafood dishes – something for everyone!

Element Plant-Based Gastropub

Smoked vegan bbq burger on a bun by Element Gastropub.
Smoked bbq burger

Casual eatery serving vegan finger foods, sandwiches & desserts, plus unique cocktails & draft beer. All their food is derived from plants and they’re one of the popularvegan restaurants in Raleigh. Indoor dining plus a spacious outdoor patio.

Sasool

 Sassool is a family-owned business that makes fresh Mediterranean Lebanese food made with the passion that lives inside family recipes in a fast casual setting. While they operate like a fast casual restaurant, thier food is all made from scratch using quality ingredients and produce from the farmer’s market. They have two locations, one in North Raleigh off of Strickland Road and one in Cary off of Kildaire Farm Road.

Neomonde

Another Mediterranean restaurant in Raleigh heavy on vegetarian and vegan options is an old favorite. Neomonde. Expect intense flavors in meals such as vegetarian flatbread, veggie lasagna, vegetarian plates, and grilled veggie or falafel pitas. Their chicken salad is very popular. Sides and salads are filled with plant-based options, and your sweet tooth will be happy with plenty of choices!

True Food Kitchen

Pizza with egg
Pizza with egg

True Food Kitchen is not a vegetarian restaurant per-say, but it is a health-conscious restaurant that is very vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. The menu is more than just your typical salad bar, which tends to be what you think of when you think of healthy food. Instead, it has an ever-changing menu of dishes using fresh ingredients, using seasonal produce so that you can get the benefit of the nutrients from naturally ripe fruit and freshly picked vegetables. For those looking to eat clean, this is the ideal lunch spot.

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