Mohamed N.
Yelp
"Upscale (local) food court in downtown Raleigh"
Want a change of pace from the usual food court with the Panda Express, Burger King, Cinnabon, etc.? This place is definitely a noticeable step up with local eateries/ retailers. The food hall is quite large and had a rustic atmosphere-- and has three "areas" as well as a significant amount of outdoor seating (much of which is covered). Be warned: it was super LOUD inside, and the indoor seating is somewhat limited. There is parking very nearby, but it's really tight and not free, so be prepared.
We got food from Makus Empanadas, Cousins Maine Lobster, and Kupkake Fairy. My wife had three empanadas from Makus, my son and I split the lobster tacos and lobster tots from Cousins, and we all got mini-doughnuts from Kupkake Fairy. The food came quickly from Cousins and Kupkake, but a little slower from Makus.
My wife liked her empanadas, though she noted that the sweet corn one was unexpectedly spicy for her (though she does have a very low spice tolerance). The lobster dishes were EXCELLENT in quality (big chunks of lobster, where you could even see pieces came from the claw since they held the shape). I liked the other toppings on the tacos, too. The portions were not quite fully filling, but we were good splitting the two AND having a half-dozen mini-doughnuts each. The doughnuts were tasty-- my son and I both got the strawberry drizzle on them, while my wife had the (slightly sweeter) maple one. They came out super hot and fresh, too-- yum.
Overall, we loved the food, and service was good, but I confess I didn't love the setting. It was so loud inside that all of us had headaches after a bit, and it was just a bit too hot to stay outside on that day. But maybe on a day when the weather is cooler (but not too cold), it'd be optimal.