18 Essential Restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina

"Semantic appropriateness of the word itself aside, Irregardless Cafe was serving globally inspired food before fusion cuisine was the buzzword it is today. With a heavy emphasis on vegetarian and vegan cuisine (nearly two-thirds of the menu is meat-free), the cafe has become something of a Raleigh institution. Mushroom stroganoff, teriyaki tempeh, red-wine braised short ribs, and a paella with shrimp, chicken, mussels, scallops, and lobster butter are just a few of the menu offerings. The popular Sunday brunch has vegan burritos, smoked salmon hash, asparagus omelettes, and more." - Matt Lardie