Raleigh Magazine, Author at Raleigh Magazine

Raleigh Magazine’s Best Restaurants

by Raleigh Magazine | Aug 26, 2024 | Eat, September 2024

Food is said to be the one thing that unites us all. And nowhere is that more prevalent than Raleigh. Our city possesses a ream of illustrious restaurants catering to all palates, pockets and preferences—not to mention dishing diversity by the mouthful, from fine French establishments to elevated Indian offerings to new takes on American cuisine and everything in between. A foodie city on the rise (looking at you, Michelin), the City of Oaks saw a slew of new spots open in the last year alone, ascending our culinary star—while likewise making this year’s selections tougher than ever. These eateries boast the best of Raleigh’s divine dishes, esteemed service and awe-inspiring atmospheres, worthy of any occasion or none at all. We put our taste buds to the test once again to present you with our 2024 cast of Best Restaurants, including Restaurant of the Year, Best New Restaurant and five suburb standouts. And because we believe a restaurant requires some seasoning to earn a “Best” accolade, we required restaurants to be open by May 1 for consideration. Now, if there’s one thing you won’t be left with, it’s an empty stomach.

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

2024 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

EAST END BISTROT

A magnificent magician, Giorgios Bakatsias has once again waved his wand to unveil sheer wonder. Raising the curtain on what could only be described as culinary theater, the layered experience begins from first entree onto the lush Champagne terrace, into the bar abuzz with diners and drinkers, and continuing to the fine dining room churning out fantastique French selects at the hands of executive chef William D’Auvray. The Cuisine Minceur summer menu (stay tuned for a comfort food-esque fall/winter variation) dishes lighter fare like Scarlet bibb salad, crab tartine and bluefin cru, while the Bistrot menu features a fanciful experience, from caviar service and fruits du mer (think Ora king salmon) to pommes de terre (the fries with duck fat aioli are life-changing) and “boucherie”-like filet mignon grilled over beech wood. Essentially, regardless of the occasion, the experience is the event. A Michelin star in the waiting, this masterpiece is an elevated affair that has single-handedly taken dining next level in Raleigh—and proven that level can be delivered flawlessly.
RM recommendation: Chilean sea bass roti; eastendbistrotraleigh.com

2020 Progress Court, Ste. 110
Iron District
French Fine Dining

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

LA TERRAZZA

Photos by Derrick Bryant for Raleighwood Media Group

Nine floors up The Dillon elevator sits Manhattan—or at least the very essence of what any discerning diner could easily confuse for a quick trip to the Big Apple. Sexy skyline vistas abound at the restaurant and sky bar floating above the city and occupying the most regal slice of restaurant real estate in Raleigh history. From the mind of Samad Hachby (of Mulino fame)—and helmed by executive chef Jean Paul Fontaine—an approachable array of dishes inspired by their travels and cultures descend into the interior glass box and alfresco rooftop, pleasing all pockets and palates while taking flavors to new heights. Impeccable service accompanies flawless seasonal plates ranging roasted beet salad, octopus and butcher’s cut to pasta and pizzas—and roasted cauliflower that will convince you the cruciferous veg is indeed still cool… all while serving the city a cutting-edge concept where every enchanting inch is utter perfection.
RM recommendation: Tuna tartare; laterrazzaraleigh.com

223 S. West St., ninth floor
Warehouse District
Southern Italian & Mediterranean

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

HUMMINGBIRD

Buzzing since day one, Hummingbird tapped into a previously unsated culinary appetite with its Nawlins’ flair. Bringing the Big Easy to Raleigh in a big way, chef/owner Coleen Speaks’ menu is rich with seasonally rotating selects that transcend the South—from the Peacemaker po’boy and charbroiled oysters to the lobster roll, deep-dish pizza, gnocchi and fresh protein selects. And, naturally, the all-cravings menu is made all the more palatable with the all-seasons wraparound patio overlooking the booming Iron District that keeps locals flocking in for more.
RM recommendation: New Orleans BBQ shrimp; hummingbirdraleigh.com

1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 111
Iron District
New Orleans-inspired

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

BRODETO

Photo by Jessica Crawford, courtesy of Crawford Hospitality

Scott Crawford has done it again. His latest restaurant at Raleigh Iron Works is a love letter to the Adriatic Sea, paying homage to and showcasing the culinary bounties from Southern Italy and Croatia. Taking inspiration from Crawford’s many travels to the region, the menu is comprised of light seafood-focused dishes—the likes of octopus carpaccio, sardine toast, black risotto with squid, and tuna crudo eliciting visions of seaside snacking on the Italian coast. Those transportive flavors are complemented by a stunning space filled with awe-inspiring details at every turn—not least of which is the uberunique leathered quartzite bar always worth snagging a spot at.
RM recommendation: Peka octopus; brodeto.com

2201 Iron Works Drive, Ste. 137
Iron District
Adriatic-inspired

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

ORO

Photo by Albright Studio, courtesy of ORO

To say the least, dining at Oro is never boring. The globally influenced mod tapas-style restaurant boasts a constant rotation of crowd-pleasing dishes from the land, garden and sea that keep taste buds on their toes—from truffle mac and cheese and sesame cauliflower to pork belly skewers and grilled octopus. And the over-the-top (in the best way) desserts and cocktails deserve a shoutout of their own. See: the Chocolate Dome unfurled tableside via poured-over chocolate, or the Bathtub Hooch served in a literal mini-bathtub. Altogether, consider the “labOROtory” a perfectly executed experiment of ingredients, flavors, influences and presentations.
RM recommendation: Wild mushroom carbonara; ororaleigh.com

18 E. Martin St.
Fayetteville Street District
Global Tapas

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

AJJA

No plane ticket required to visit acclaimed Raleigh restaurateur Cheetie Kumar’s newest endeavor, but a meal here will elicit a culinary journey through vast cultures as inspired by the team’s diverse experiences. The worldly tour includes such delectable dishes as warm Moroccan hummus, charred broccoli raab, amba-glazed pork belly and whole fried trout—to name but a few. Further transporting guests is Ajja’s colorful lantern-laden outdoor bar and expansive year-round patio, complete with dreamy string lights, plus fans and firepits for that classic bipolar NC weather—at once serving primo DTR skyline views against a fun and funky vibe that truly feels like a sweet escape.
RM recommendation: Carrot houriya; ajjaeats.com

209 Bickett Blvd.
Five Points East
Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

TAMASHA

A “grand performance” (aka the literal translation), Tamasha has already made quite the name for itself in the local F&B industry—and beyond. Splashing on the scene in early 2024 with its elevated approach to Indian fare that prior required a plane ticket to such foodie cities as Chicago, the gorgeous gastronomic affair invites via divine dishes like tandoori paneer tikka, oyster 65 and char-grilled butter chicken. The modern stunner of a restaurant has even scored such accolades as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America by OpenTable and People Magazine. So, truly a feast for the senses.
RM recommendation: Purple sweet potato, crunchy kale and shiso chaat; tamashanc.com

4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 130
Midtown
Modern Indian

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

BREWERY BHAVANA

Peking duck Bhavana — Photo courtesy of Brewery Bhavana

Like a lively yet intimate living room in a home you’d see in Architectural Digest, this nirvana of food, beverages, books and flowers nourishes the community in more ways than one. But the main event is, naturally, the house brews and dim sum, a primo pairing made all the more palatable in the brewery/restaurant’s light-filled, nature-inspired surrounds. Bamboo baskets contain treasures such as pork and chive shumai, seafood dumplings, and chicken curry bao buns, while larger entrees like lo mein noodles, Peking duck, and rice congee are leading examples of Bhavana’s core tenant (and literal translation) to cultivate, develop and produce—at the utmost level.
RM recommendation: Edamame ginger dumplings; brewerybhavana.com

218 S. Blount St.
Moore Square District
Dim Sum

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

MADRE

It’s like the warm embrace of mom’s house—if your mother was a culinary artist impressing your friends with a steady stream of visionary small plates out into a sexy museumesque lounge under a canopy light with moody candle wax dripping down a side wall. From a concept built on community, sharing and serendipitous friend-making, an adventurous cast of rotating fresh selects shine. The likes of watermelon salad and burrata tempt, while yellowfin crudo, butternut squash risotto and pork belly transcend in a space alive with the theatrical energy that only local visionary Bryan Costello could manifest. It’s enthralling. It’s edgy. It’s spontaneous. Mother may I, indeed.
RM recommendation: Pulpo; madreraleigh.com

518 N. West St.
Smoky Hollow
Small Plates

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

ST. ROCH

Roch nation is real—and for really good reason. The food coming out of Sunny Gerhart’s kitchen is simply sublime. As the James Beard-nominated chef famously puts it: “It’s a little nod to New Orleans, but it’s not any sort of traditional New Orleans menu. It’s not New Orleans deconstructed either.” Instead, Creole spices collide with Carolina influences and Southern bounties in a flavor explosion you can spend your meal defining as you eat your way through any of the fresh oysters (try them roasted), No Bullsh*t Salad, gumbo, the market catch, red beans & rice, or literally any dish on the menu. It’s that good. RM recommendation: Gator Bolognese; strochraleigh.com

223 S. Wilmington St.
Moore Square District
New Orleans-inspired

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

ANGUS BARN

Bovine bounty may be the name of the game (literally) but there’s more to this barn than beef. A go-to for anything from promotions and proposals to just plain Wednesdays—or a glimpse of those legendary holiday lights—the nationally renowned and highly recognized fine Southern dining establishment has exceptionally served up an unparalleled bucket list destination since it bowed in 1960 with its tour of land and sea. Aged-to-perfection classic, bone-in and special cuts are always on point, while specials like the blackened tuna makes blackened tuna relevant again and the baked potato cart serves up a taste of the past. Decades of stories echo across the authentic dining room—rivaling the revelry of a casual dinner in the Wild Turkey Lounge, bourbon around the firepit, or even an enchanting evening wining and dining in the award-winning—and stocked—wine cellar.
RM recommendation: Barn’s BBQ pork ribs; angusbarn.com

9401 Glenwood Ave.
Northwest Raleigh
Steakhouse/Fine Southern Dining

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

STANBURY

The best part about Stanbury? It’s full of surprises. From the hidden-in-plain-sight knickknacks and artwork lining the walls to the weekly menu changes, there’s always something new to experience at this gem of an elevated-yet-approachable restaurant. And those playful rotating dishes are unlike anything else you’ll find in Raleigh, ranging from the likes of tandoori sweetbread and soy-braised pork cheeks to a duck confit crunchwrap that would put Taco Bell out of business—not to mention the plethora of fresh produce that remains a staple on the menu. Essentially, you never know what you’re going to get—and that’s what makes it so damn good.
RM recommendation: Fried oysters; stanburyraleigh.com

938 N. Blount St.
Seaboard & Person Street District
Modern American

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

CRAWFORD AND SON

A meal at Scott Crawford’s premiere establishment is nothing short of amazing—some even call it perfection. And that acclaim is no secret given the chef’s long-overdue grab as a 2024 James Beard Outstanding Hospitality finalist. To wit, the treasured restaurant continues to maintain the perfect balance of classy and casual with stunning and delectable dishes in a welcoming neighborhood-friendly atmosphere. Like something you’d see Carmy R&D at one of his many critically acclaimed institutions in The Bear, Crawford’s dishes are, in essence, a work of art. Fresh produce and purposeful ingredients come together in seasonal masterpieces like heirloom tomato salad, grilled octopus, and short rib cavatelli. And dessert is a must—period.
RM recommendation: Tartare; crawfordandsonrestaurant.com

618 N. Person St.
Seaboard & Person Street District
Modern American

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

MULINO

The palatial patio people prop up on for poolside pizza and pasta, the alfresco table-dotted space is exactly the kind of place Harper would’ve sipped a spritz a la The White Lotus. Instead, sans the sojourn, it’s the local hot spot regulars return for amore—an approachable night of burrata, pie and wine… or to lean adventurous through red wine-braised lamb shank with risotto or market fish. Either diverged road leads consistently back to the same unique place unlike anything else in town—and service is always on par with what you’d find at any of the best osterias in Italy.
RM recommendation: Gnocchi; mulinoraleigh.com

309 N. Dawson St.
Capital District
Italian

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

VIDRIO

Sharing is caring. And at this Mediterranean masterpiece—the restaurant easily doubles as a modern glass museum—much care is taken in leaning into the communal dining philosophy. Artisanal small plates spotlighting fresh, seasonal, wholesome ingredients star against the gorgeous restaurant’s signature wall of cylindrical colorful handblown glass pieces, serving as a vibrant backdrop for the plated poetry emerging from the kitchen. Think such selects as charred octopus, cheese croquettes, Moroccan beef skewers, and brown butter chicken. For the trifecta, impeccable service dishes class—and makes sense of the wine pairings (48 vinos on tap and 300+ bottles)—making for not just a meal, but a moment.RM recommendation: Fresh fettuccine; vidrioraleigh.com

500 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100
Glenwood South
Mediterranean

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

POOLE’S

Dishing daily specials chalked on a board since before chalkboard menus were de rigueur, what Ashley Christensen created with Poole’s diner is the key ingredient of a recipe for success we’ve since seen play out in spades across the States. Rotating seasonal farm-fresh ingredients shine in Southern staples crafted in only a way the two-time Beard-winning “Darling of Raleigh” can deliver. The cult-classic mac and cheese needs no introduction, while such reimagined comfort foods as pimento cheese with crostinis and palatable proteins like cornmeal-fried NC flounder invite regulars and newbies near and far back again and again to a place that is real Raleigh at its core—and as authentic and intentional today as the day it opened. RM recommendation: Macaroni au gratin; ac-restaurants.com

426 S. McDowell St.
Fayetteville Street District
New American Comfort Food

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

VINNIE’S STEAKHOUSE & TAVERN

If you thought steakhouses already had their moment in the sun—think again. This circa-1987 fine-dining establishment strikes up the perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary cuisine via chef/GM Tom Armstrong’s rotating seasonal features starring fresh NC produce and other local ingredients. While steak is obviously the main affair, the seafood, pasta dishes, apps (the hot crab dip and oysters Rockefeller are standouts), and tavern selects like Vinnie’s certified Angus beef cheeseburger are not to be ignored. And no steak dinner would be complete without the shareable sides (pro tip: The homemade mashed potatoes and white cheddar mac and cheese are musts) and dessert, which is always worth saving room for.
RM recommendation: Bacon-wrapped filet mignon; vinniessteakhouse.com

7440 Six Forks Road
North Raleigh
Southern Steakhouse & Seafood

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

SONO

So no? So yes. This sleek sushi stalwart anchoring Fayetteville Street has stood the test of time—and for good reason. From its sexy environs to its perfect perch for people-watching, the Asian haven is quite frankly a vibe that delivers every time. From first slurp of miso soup with beech mushrooms or ramen selects, the tasty tour through hamachi jalapeno, tuna tataki and the like to the colorful range of rolls and nigiri always keep diners coming back for those signature screaming O’s.
RM recommendation: Spicy miso ramen; sonoraleigh.com

319 Fayetteville St., Ste. 101
Fayetteville Street District
Asian/Japanese

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

CUCCIOLO TERRAZZA

This is not your nonna’s Italian food—in the best way. Instead of your traditional spaghetti and meatballs or chicken alfredo, the menu features a cornucopia of unique modern pasta dishes spotlighting everything from elk and wild boar to lobster—even a spicy breakfast rigatoni, aka the stuff brunch dreams are made of. Beyond pasta, the sophisticated yet approachable—and oh-so-stunning—restaurant offers pizzettes and meat dishes like veal scallopini and butter chicken “sostanza style” so good they’ll live in your mind rent-free for days. And truly the best way to experience it is to bring a crew and share it all—over a bottle or two of wine, naturally. RM recommendation: Spicy vodka tomato cream rigatoni; cuccioloraleigh.com

4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 100
Midtown
Italian

RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS

HAYES BARTON CAFE & DESSERTERY

Equal parts time machine and epic epicurean experience, one bite of Hayes Barton’s iconic Southern fare is a literal window into Raleigh’s rich, cultural history. Petite, postmodern portions have no place here as expertly crafted heaping plates of the likes of Dial “M” for Meatloaf and “MGM” Mussels- Marget’s Great Mussels!—never mind those cosmic cake slices—exit the kitchen into a buzzing quaint dining room. The nostalgic black-and-white checkerboard floors, authentic vibey lunch-counter barstools and walls dripping with photos from the Greatest Generation only serve to enhance the experience—showcasing what makes Raleigh uniquely and unapologetically Raleigh.
RM recommendation: “Two Chickens in Every Pot” Pie; hayesbartoncafeanddessertery.com

2000 Fairview Road
Five Points
Classic American