The Workaholic and I love to eat out. We might be Paleo at home, but when we go out, the gloves come off and our mission is to sample the best offerings at local restaurants that we’ve never been to before.
Some days, eating Paleo is absolutely necessar, so most of the following restaurants also have fantastic Paleo & gluten free options.
One of my criteria for a “top restaurant” is that it must be locally owned. I am an enormous supporter of restaurants that are owned by local residents, and restaurants that use farm-to-table and local food sources. You won’t find any corporate chains or franchises on this list, and fortunately, The Triangle Area offers a gluttony of locally owned restaurants to choose from.
These are listed in no particular order, though I will tell you that the first one holds a very special place in my heart because Lebanese food is my all-time favorite.
Raleigh, North Carolina & The Triangle Area’s Best Restaurants
1. Sitti
This Downtown Raleigh Lebanese restaurant offers authentic Lebanese fare. Lebanese food is light and delicious, with regional tastes like lemon, olive oil, garlic, and mint at the helm. The Workaholic is allergic to mint, so Sitti was extremely accommodating in finding foods that he could eat that were still enormously satisfying. The garlic whip that they serve with the Chicken Shawarma is to die for. You could easily eat it with a spoon. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
Don’t miss this dish:
Start with the Chicken Shawarma and follow it up with the Fatteh with Lamb. You won’t be disappointed and you will spend the next year dreaming of each dish.
2. Busy Bee Cafe
This Downtown Raleigh Cafe offers local and organic fare in a relaxed and comfortable, yet refined space. Busy Bee Cafe has a fun and rich history and food to match. Because of the local nature of the menu, items change from time to time, but we’ve never been disappointed.
Don’t miss this dish:
The Macaroni and Cheese is divine. This small plate dish isn’t your typical mac & cheese. The rich flavors will tickle your tongue and leave you dreaming of frolicking in fields of cheese and penne pasta. Follow it with the Chicken sandwich which pairs basil with honey and pear.
3. Watts Grocery
This Durham Eatery serves local food by the forkful. Many of the foods served at Watts Grocery are sourced from within 2 hours away. This is a perfect date night restaurant or a great place to have a quiet lunch meeting where satisfying food is required. The menu changes often which is another reason this is one of my favorite restaurants in “The Triangle”. Chef Amy Tornquist has done a phenomenal job of compiling some of North Carolina’s best tastes in unique, mouthwatering ways.
Don’t miss this dish:
If the Goat Cheese Dumplings are on the menu, make the splurge. There isn’t a single thing on the menu that you could possibly go wrong with.
4. Vin Rouge
This French Durham Bistro is one of The Triangle’s most critically acclaimed restaurants, and for good reason. Service is attentive and knowledgeable and the food is exquisite. Dim lighting and lace punctuate the atmosphere, creating a perfect European getaway for couples, without having to renew your passport.
Don’t miss this dish:
The Charcuterie Plate. I thought I was afraid of pate, and I’ve found myself dreaming of it since my first bite. Ask your server for the best wine pairing, and savor every exquisite bite and sip.
5. Tobacco Road Cafe
This Durham Sports Cafe sits on the edge of the Durham Bulls baseball park. The outside porch is a great place to sit and enjoy a beer and some well crafted nachos while watching a ball game. They boast a gluten-free menu with delicious offerings that are safe for your gluten sensitive family members. The atmosphere is that of an upscale sports bar and the cuisine is American done differently. Hit the restaurant before a game with your family and enter the park from the gate on the patio where ticket takers can scan your mobile tickets. If you’re married to a sports enthusiast, this is the perfect restaurant for them, especially on game day.
Don’t miss this dish:
Shrimp and Grits. This traditional southern dish is served with white cheddar, giving it a northern flair, and chipotle gravy for a sassy kick. Bonus? It’s gluten free!
6. Main Street Grille
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path dive? This popular Wake Forest cafe & Bakery is full of the most delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch fare in Wake County. The house made donuts are heavenly, with the Peanut Butter & Jelly donut as a family splurge favorite. The low prices and personal service make this a go-to restaurant for consistently delicious breakfast. Go prepared to wait in line, as this is an extremely popular Wake Forest restaurant, and for very good reason.
Don’t miss this dish:
The Greek omelette platter will satisfy for the whole day, and costs less than $7.
7. Fig
This Wake Forest restaurant is a great dining experience for date night or dinner out with the girls. You purchase a wine card and can choose from several different wines at different price points. The food is all natural and the menu changes often to reflect the freshest and most available locally sourced foods. This is a favorite place to hang out with girlfriends for a quick, light bite and some delicious wine, paired with fantastic conversation and lots of laughs.
Don’t miss this dish:
Start with the fig & goat cheese mousse and follow it up with the free range roasted chicken breast.
8. Humble Pie
Looking for a brunch restaurant? This Downtown Raleigh eatery makes the BEST biscuits this side of the universe. I don’t care how iron your will, you won’t be able to stay away from them. The atmosphere is so much fun, and this is a great place to take out-of-towners to impress them with some of Raleigh’s finest. Make a reservation for brunch, order a mimosa, and savor a few biscuits. You won’t regret it.
Don’t miss this dish:
The Huevos Rancheros are delectable. The chorizo has a pleasant bite and pairs well with the huevos. The Breakfast Burrito runs a close second. Close your eyes and pick one.
9. The Bar & Lounge at The Umstead Hotel & Spa
You don’t often think about going to a hotel for a good bar experience, but this Cary hotel offers the best, most exquisite bar and lounge experience in the Triangle. Take a seat in a plush sofa or chair and enjoy delightful bar snacks with a seasonal, hand crafted drink. The baby faced bar manager is a talented mixologist. If you’re looking for satisfying drinks that you’ll never forget featuring local North Carolina spirits, visit The Bar & Lounge at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. The Bar & Lounge offers its own menu of divine dishes for your dining pleasure. Bonus? Odds are good you might spy an A-List Celebrity while sipping your seasonal beverage.
Don’t miss this dish:
The Seared Salmon. As someone who grew up in Alaska, I can honestly say that this is the best salmon I’ve ever in my life sampled. Chef Crawford hit the nail on the head with this dish.
Alright lady, I’m coming to visit you for a week and we’re going to eat good! I want the mac & cheese from Busy Bee because I definitely need the tongue tickling. 😉
You just have NO Idea how good it is!
Sounds like a great variety of places to chose from and I love that a few change the menu regularly and use locally sorced foods!
I am also participating in the #cbias restaurant blog tour and having a great time checking out all the yummy places to eat!
Monica at Older Mommy Still Yummy
Hi Monica! I haven’t had the opportunity to check everyone’s out yet but I Really want to! I love eating at new and delicious restaurants no matter where I am!