Written by Illa Garcia December 2018

Edited by Vanessa Carrillo April 2023

I lived in Raleigh for about a decade, and it is safe to say that I have indulged in the local cuisine extensively - from celebrating birthdays with friends, to enduring awkward first dates and even early morning study sessions at coffee shops. Raleigh, being a culinary hotspot, offers a plethora of restaurants that have been featured in national magazines. Therefore, after spending seven years exploring the food scene, I have curated a list of my top eight favorite places to eat in RDU.

Best Ramen- M Kokko (Durham)

This place is such a find! It's a total hole-in-the-wall type of establishment that I chanced upon once. The interior is a bit chaotic, with only around ten tables and a waitlist where you add your own name. However, it's definitely worth it! The ramen served here is my absolute favorite compared to any other place I've ever been to!

Best Sushi- M Sushi (Durham)

Is it merely a coincidence that these two restaurants have the same proprietor and kitchen? As someone who isn't a sushi fanatic and shamefully prefers their sushi Americanized with an abundance of cream cheese and avocado toppings, I initially thought that this overpriced sushi place wasn't for me when my boyfriend suggested it for his birthday. However, after the first bite, I was utterly blown away by the freshness of the fish. The taste is indescribable, with no strange aftertaste, and the simplicity of the flavors is just superb. For every significant celebration, we frequent this place and always order the Lite Omakase, which includes five rounds of sushi selected by the chef.

Best Bar Food- Raleigh Times (Raleigh)

Do you ever feel like dining out, but you're not in the mood for anything too extravagant, yet you still want to be in a lively atmosphere? For me, this is the ideal spot! I typically order the same thing - a chopped salad and fried pickles - so I'm not too familiar with the rest of their menu. Nevertheless, many people have their favorite items from the menu. The crowd is always vibrant, and during the warmer months, I enjoy hanging out at the open rooftop. This place is my go-to destination for a relaxed dining experience with great company.

Best Saturday Night Dinner- Brewery Bhavana (Raleigh)

No Raleigh restaurant list can be considered complete without mentioning Bhavana. Every time a new person visits Raleigh, I make sure to take them here. While they specialize in Chinese Dim Sum, they also offer a variety of larger dishes. Among my favorites are the green beans, seafood dumplings, scallion pancakes, and pork buns. I usually stick to one item at a restaurant, but not at Bhavana! I switch it up every time and always love my selection. Although the wait can be lengthy, they have a book store and flower shop to browse through while you wait. Furthermore, their sister restaurant, Bida Monda, is also one of my favorites and is conveniently located right next door!

source- https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g49463-d444919-i132118598-Irregardless_Cafe-Raleigh_North_Carolina.html

Best Brunch- Irregardless Cafe (Raleigh)

Initially, I didn't like this place when I first moved here. I had a terrible customer service experience, and I promised myself never to return. However, I was eventually compelled to give it another chance when my friends wanted to dine here, and I grew to love it. Their brunch menu offers a vast array of choices, and I appreciate the abundance of healthy options available. On weekends, they always have someone playing the acoustic guitar, which creates a fantastic ambiance. I enjoy trying something new every time I visit, and I recommend giving Irregardless a try for your next brunch event!

Best Nutritious Food- Raleigh Raw (Raleigh)

This is my preferred nutrient dense spot in Raleigh. They offer a wide range of colorful options that are not only delicious but also perfect for Instagram. I appreciate how this place has made it easy to order veggie packed foods. It's always crowded, and I believe they've had a significant influence on Raleigh's food culture. They provide poke bowls, invigorating smoothies, a variety of juices and tonics, and so much more.

Best Coffee Shop- Cup a Joe (Raleigh)

I spent a considerable amount of time at this coffee shop during my undergrad and grad school. However, I had to limit my visits to once a week as I realized how much money I was spending here. After frequenting the place so much, the staff knew my name, order, and even featured me in an art exhibit about regulars! It was a fulfilling experience. While not very trendy, this coffee shop has a diverse clientele ranging from students to grandparents. The interior is somewhat eclectic, resembling items from a yard sale, but I love it. There's always ample parking, seating, and wifi, which can be hard to find at other coffee shops. My favorite order here is the green eggs and ham with a medium coconut latte.

Final Thoughts

Raleigh, North Carolina is a great place for food lovers with a variety of local restaurants offering delicious and unique menus. From ramen shops to sushi bars, bright cafes to brunch spots, there is something for everyone in this vibrant food scene. My personal favorite spots include an intimate ramen shop, a sushi restaurant with the freshest fish, a casual hangout with good company, a dim sum eatery with a bookstore, a brunch spot with live music, a vibrant cafe with Instagram-worthy dishes, and a cozy coffee shop that feels like home. With so many options to choose from, Raleigh is truly a foodie's paradise.

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