Best Restaurants in Raleigh (2025)

A nightly changing menu and no‑reservations policy keep this neighborhood haunt lively, with adventurous plates and warm service that locals swear by. Consistently ranked among the Triangle’s best by Axios and praised by local critics.

Cheetie Kumar’s vibrant Five Points spot channels the Levant and Mediterranean through Carolina produce—mezze to share, grilled mains, and smart drinks. A James Beard semifinalist that locals and national editors alike celebrate for its energy and flavor.

Scott Crawford’s Iron Works dining room draws on the Adriatic—think razor‑clam crudo, black risotto, wood‑roasted fish—translating travel memories into polished, soulful plates. Widely featured by Eater Carolinas and Raleigh publications.

The flagship that cemented Crawford’s neighborhood‑first ethos: thoughtful seasonal dishes, tight technique, and hospitality that keeps regulars returning. Frequently cited by Eater Carolinas as an essential Raleigh table.

A light‑filled gathering place where house beers meet refined dim sum—lo mein and Peking duck share the stage with baskets of delicate dumplings. Regularly praised by local magazines and still a singular downtown experience.

A heartfelt Laotian restaurant where family recipes shine—crispy rice lettuce wraps, pumpkin curry, and pork belly soup—served with gracious hospitality. Long regarded by local critics as a downtown essential.

Fine dining in the historic Dodd‑Hinsdale House with a tavern next door for a more casual take—both led by a long‑tenured kitchen focused on seasonal polish. A stalwart honored with major dining awards and strong local press.

Old‑world Central European flavors—pierogi, schnitzel, smoked trout—reimagined with North Carolina ingredients at its new Bernard Street home. A beloved indie that Raleigh diners champion for craft and comfort.

Market‑style barbecue with Eastern NC whole‑hog at its heart, plus brisket and ribs that draw lines. Spotlighted by Southern Living and the News & Observer as a top new barbecue joint in the South.

Raleigh’s plant‑based pioneer, now at Gateway Plaza, turns seasonal produce into memorable plates—think fried oyster mushrooms and vegan chicken and waffles. Praised by local media for thoughtful cooking and community ties.

Ashley Christensen’s modern diner still sets the downtown standard—chalkboard menus, that famous macaroni au gratin, and polished hospitality from a two‑time James Beard Award winner. Expanding into a larger next‑door space in late 2025, per local reporting.

A 2025 arrival centered on fresh‑milled masa and Latin American flavors from a super‑group behind Centro, Ex‑Voto, and Locals Seafood. Editors flagged its opening as a defining addition to Gateway Plaza’s dining scene.