Lantern is an award-winning restaurant serving Asian fusion, and they do it all with ingredients bought locally from farms and fisheries around North Carolina. The chef and owner has also received a lot of recognition for her work but the recognition doesn’t only extend to the quality of the food – she has also been celebrated as one of the best environmentally conscious chefs.
Lantern Restaurant, 423 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, +1 919 969 8846
If you want authentic Tuscan cuisine in Chapel Hill, Il Palio is the place to go. They take the essential tastes of Italy — imported cheese, prosciutto, and truffles, for example — and combine them with the freshest local ingredients to make for an unforgettable culinary experience. Their wine list is also mostly Italian, and the servers will all be able to recommend the perfect wine to complement your meal choice. Il Palio is located in the Siena Hotel, one of the top choices to stay in Chapel Hill, and as such is a perfect venue for a romantic dinner or a classy night out.
Il Palio Ristorante, 1505 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, +1 919 918 2545
Talullas’ menu offers all of your Turkish favorites and more, and it’s all served in a colorful and relaxing atmosphere that will sweep you away to the country where they get all of their inspiration. For a tasty appetizer, try one of their pides, a Turkish pizza-like creation that’s great for sharing. If you’re having difficulty choosing from their main dishes, go for one with eggplant, a favorite Turkish ingredient. Don’t forget their classic baklava for dessert.
Talullas, 456 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, +1 919 933 1177
Fiesta Grill is a small place with a long and extensive menu, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. The meat in particular is cooked and flavored excellently and the portions are generous.
Fiesta Grill, 3307 N Carolina Hwy 54 W, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, +1 919 928 9002
Rooted firmly in North Carolina but offering a glimpse at big-city dining, Elaine’s serves Southern flavors and is committed to buying local, seasonal ingredients. If you are looking for a deal, try the prix fixe menu, a 3-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings.
Elaine’s on Franklin, 454 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, +1 919 960 2770