Best Restaurants In Raleigh, NC

This Article Was Updated On April 18, 2023

Chances are, if you’re visiting Raleigh for the first time or living here and looking for a new restaurant to try, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with all of the choices available. That’s why we’ve put together this blog post about some of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh. Whether you want seafood, pizza, Mexican food, or something else entirely–we have a list that is sure to satisfy any craving!

The Raleigh area is known for its diversity and vast options when it comes to food. There are families from all around the world who have brought their love for food to the Raleigh area. There are cultural meals from all around the world and we believe you will be able to find the perfect restaurant no matter what your preferences are.

With thousands of restaurant options in the Triangle, it can be impossible to come up with a list of options, this is why we have broken it down into different categories of restaurants. This will allow us to feature more restaurants and support more local businesses and entrepreneurs in the central North Carolina area.

You can use this article as your guide to dining across Raleigh as we will continually update this list with new restaurants and special deals that we come across. We want you to find a new favorite place to eat and to support local restaurants in the area. Please reach out to our team if you believe we should include any other restaurants or categories for this article.

Raleigh offers many different food categories that range from pizza, sushi, southern, farm-to-table, Mexican, and everything in between. The Raleigh area is home to many different restaurant and food truck festivals as well, so be sure to check those out if you haven’t already.

Without further ado, below are the best restaurants in Raleigh, broken down into individual categories that you have to check out as soon as possible!

Best Pizza In Raleigh

Pizza is one of the most popular types of food in the world and Raleigh, North Carolina provides dozens of different types of pizza restaurants available. You can find authentic Italian pizza, New York-style pizza, thin crust, thick crust, and everything in between! This means you should try out a few different pizza shops to find out what style of pie you enjoy and then compare restaurants from there!

Read More: Best Pizza In Raleigh, NC

Best Sushi In Raleigh

Sushi is one of the most popular sushi restaurants in North Carolina. There are many different types of dishes available with any type of sushi you want, from California rolls to spicy tuna rolls and much more! Whether you’re looking for a place to hang out on Friday night or just have some takeout before bed after a long day at work. Raleigh has seen the introduction of multiple new sushi restaurants that have taken the area by storm!

Read More: Best Sushi In Raleigh, NC

Best Brunch In Raleigh

Brunch is one of the most popular meals on Saturday and Sunday in Raleigh. Everyone seems to get out of bed a little bit later on the weekends and wants an excuse for some extra time in bed, so why not go out to brunch? Raleigh has many different types of restaurants that serve up delicious brunches. Whether its eggs Benedict or stuffed french toast you’re looking for, there is definitely going to be a restaurant you will love in Raleigh.

Read More: Best Brunch In Raleigh, NC

Best Italian Food In Raleigh

Italian food is another of the most popular types of cuisine in North Carolina. There are countless restaurants that serve up delicious Italian dishes, from spaghetti to lasagna and much more! Whether you’re looking for a place to have dinner before going out with friends or just want some takeout when it’s been one of those days, Raleigh will have the perfect Italian restaurant for you!

Best BBQ In Raleigh

BBQ is a staple in North Carolina and Raleigh has so many restaurants that can guarantee you will leave with an amazing meal. Whether it’s the pulled pork, ribs, or brisket everyone loves BBQ! Try out the different styles of barbecue available in Raleigh and join the debate about which style is best!

Best Seafood In Raleigh

Raleigh has a lot of seafood restaurants since it’s only a short drive to the coast. The different types vary from coastal food to other dishes with shrimp, scallops, and more! Seafood is one dish you won’t want to miss out on while visiting Raleigh. Learn about which restaurants provide fresh seafood and which ones offer great deals for larger parties!

Best Breweries In Raleigh

Raleigh has a great craft beer scene with many breweries and different types of beers around the city. The best Raleigh breweries offer an extensive variety including pale ales, lagers, porters, stouts, and more! Whether you want to try out local beers or stick to your favorite brew there are plenty of options in Raleigh.

Best Steak in Raleigh

Raleigh has a wide variety of high-quality and well-known steak restaurants. There are steakhouses that have been around for decades, as well as many new restaurants with upscale menus. No matter what type of steak you prefer, you will be able to find a great option here in the Triangle.

Best Coffee In Raleigh

There are plenty of places to grab a cup of coffee throughout Raleigh, with everything from traditional cafes and donut shops to Starbucks. There is something for everyone’s taste here in the city! If you like traditional chain coffee shops then there are many of them in the area, but some of the best coffee shops in the area are family-owned businesses that we visit every week!

Best Dessert In Raleigh

Raleigh has long been known for its amazing quality of food, but many people do not realize that the city is also home to some great desserts. No matter what you are craving, Raleigh can provide it! From fresh ice cream at the NC State Dairy Farm to fresh fruit pies, you will be able to find any type of dessert in the Raleigh area.

Best Burger In Raleigh

Burgers can come in a variety of different styles and flavors but everyone knows a good burger when they taste one. Luckily, the Raleigh area has dozens of award-winning burger restaurants that you can compare to! No matter what type of burger you are looking for, the central North Carolina area will be able to provide it.

Best Mexican Restaurant In Raleigh

If you are looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant, look no further than Raleigh. From food trucks to five-star restaurants, all types of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes can be found in Raleigh. The Raleigh area is one of the few Southeastern cities that is known for its Mexican food.

Best Wings In Raleigh

Everyone loves wings, and Raleigh has some of the best. Whether you are looking for chicken or buffalo style, there is a restaurant in town that will satisfy your craving! Don’t feel like leaving the house? No problem; most wing restaurants offer delivery options to keep everyone happy (and full).

Best French Fries In Raleigh

French fries may be seen as a side to the main meal but oftentimes they are the highlight of your meal! With so many mouth-watering options in the Raleigh area, you will want to try out each option to compare them. From crinkle fries to larger potato wedges, and everything in between, you will be able to find the perfect french fry.

Best Rooftop Restaurant In Raleigh

The Raleigh area is full of amazing rooftop restaurants that offer the best views in town! Whether you are looking for a romantic outdoor dinner or to celebrate an occasion with friends, you will be able to find it. You can even enjoy live music while enjoying your meal and drinks on some rooftops throughout the city.

Best Hotdogs In Raleigh

Raleigh offers a wide variety of different types of hotdogs from classic Chicago style hotdogs to more unique styles from all over the country. You can find everything from traditional New York-style dogs with sauerkraut and mustard or a chili cheese dog in Texas. No matter what type of hotdog you are looking for, Raleigh has it!

Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Raleigh

If you are looking for a restaurant that offers great vegetarian options, Raleigh has restaurants with some of the best dishes in town. You can find everything from traditional vegan cuisine to unique and flavorful dishes you will not be able to find anywhere else. The vegetarian and vegan movement has provided delicious restaurants to the Raleigh area that everyone will love!