The Best Restaurants In Durham, Raleigh And Chapel Hill
North Carolina’s three main university towns Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill boast some of the state’s most exciting museums, cultural events and award-winning restaurants. From innovative chefs to Southern comfort cooking, we’ve updated our previous guide to bring you 10 more outstanding eateries in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.
Bida Manda interior | Courtesy Bida Manda
1. Bida Manda
Restaurant, Asian, Thai, Vietnamese
2. Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant
Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan
3. An Cuisines
Restaurant, Asian
4. The Fearrington House Restaurant
Inn, Hotel
Nestled between Chapel Hill and Durham in the picturesque Fearrington Village, The Fearrington House Restaurant is part of the five star Fearrington House hotel. The Restaurant is the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the USA with Green Certification and is frequently named among the top 10 venues in the country. Acclaimed Chef Colin Bedford’s contemporary American menu is changes continually, keeping his staff on their toes, creatively. Fish and meat specialties such as rosemary cured lamb and roasted heritage farm pork are delectable. The setting is likewise stunning: a white-columned house with rustic charm in a beautifully green surroundings.
5. Herons
Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan
Lantern
Lantern is an exciting fusion restaurant that blends Asian-influenced recipes with Southern ingredients, creating something new and innovative. Led by brother-sister chef duo Andrea and Brendan Reusing, Lantern opened in 2002 and defines its success not only by the exceptional tastes but also by a close-knit team-work. The venue gradually became a destination restaurant, making it tough for locals to walk in and find a seat in their favourite spot. The venue’s special treat is the famous Lantern Table, which accommodates up to 45 guests for seated dinner.
Lantern, 423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC, USA, +1 919 969 8846
6. The Little Dipper Fondue on Main
The Little Dipper Fondue on Main
Unsurprisingly, The Little Dipper Fondue on Main is all about fondue. While fondue is rightly considered a classic Swiss speciality, at The Little Dipper everything comes with dipping sauces, which are praised county-wide. Choose from over 20 types of homemade, unique sauces and enjoy how they just melts over the samples of premium meat, fresh seafood or vegetables. Though the venue offers a three-course meal comprising cheese selections, appetizers and plates to share, opting for other assortments is available from the a la carte menu, lining up excellent flavours delivered right from local farms. Once finished with the main courses, you can go right on dipping with the mouth-watering chocolate fondue, an excellent closing ceremony at this exclusive melting pot.
The Little Dipper Fondue on Main, Brightleaf Square, 905 West Main Street, Suite 21A, Durham, NC, USA, +1 910 251 0433
7. Mateo Bar de Tapas
Restaurant, Contemporary
8. ONE
Restaurant, American
9. Tonali
Restaurant, Mexican
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