10 Best Restaurants in Cary
The 10 best restaurants in Cary are Herons, Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen, Bosphorus Restaurant, Lugano Ristorante, SAAP, Tazza Kitchen Stone Creek Village, Doc B's Restaurant, Chef's Palette, Craft Public House, and Scratch Kitchen & Taproom. Dining options in this city in North Carolina feature international recipes ranging from Indian vindaloo to Nepalese momo jhol, as well as classic Southern comfort meals and fresh coastal seafood. The average cost of dining at popular restaurants in Cary, North Carolina is $30 per person.
A highly recommended option is Herons, offering Five-Diamond American meals inside a beautiful hotel setting. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen is a standout choice among locals seeking classic Southern plates and fresh biscuits. Bosphorus Restaurant is a well-regarded favorite known for traditional Turkish and Mediterranean flavors.
The best restaurants in Cary are listed below.
10 Best Restaurants in Cary are listed below.
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1
Lucky 32 Southern KitchenLucky 32 Southern Kitchen specializes in classic Southern comfort food, including shrimp and grits and bacon-wrapped meatloaf.- Item Prices 74
- Average Item Price $8.59
Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Southern, American
Signature Dishes:Fried Green Tomatoes
Shrimp & Grits
Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
Location:7307 Tryon Rd, Cary, NC 27518, United States
Special Feature:A shaded outdoor patio designed for relaxed afternoon lunches
What Makes It Special:Cooks source ingredients from local North Carolina farms to create seasonal Southern plates.
What Sets It Apart:This restaurant delivers reliable and high-quality Southern classics with deep regional roots.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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2
BosphoRus RestaurantMediterraneanBosphorus Restaurant specializes in Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine especially marinated chicken kebabs and freshly made fresh pita bread.- Item Prices 369
- Average Item Price $14.20
Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Turkish, Mediterranean
Signature Dishes:Chicken Shish Kebab
Mixed Grill Kebab
Gyro Plate
Location:329 N Harrison Ave Ste A, Cary, NC 27513, United States
Special Feature:A bright and welcoming interior decorated with traditional Turkish artwork
What Makes It Special:Cooks grill marinated meats over open flames and bake fresh pita bread from scratch.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant provides a highly flavorful Mediterranean alternative to standard suburban dining.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMSunday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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3
Doc B's RestaurantChicken Sandwiches Burgers American (New) Rice Bowl Jerk Tofu TeriyakiDoc B's Restaurant anchors the Fenton shopping center with hearty American classics. The menu highlights fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs and massive smash burgers.- Item Prices 80
- Average Item Price $19.17
Type of Restaurant:Upscale Casual
Type of Food:American
Signature Dishes:The Roadside Smash
Fall off the Bone Danish BBQ Ribs
Mama B's Chicken Parm
Location:25 Fenton Main St Ste 150, Cary, NC 27511, United States
Special Feature:A sleek and modern interior located inside a bustling outdoor shopping complex
What Makes It Special:Cooks prepare classic American recipes using premium proteins and fresh greens.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant delivers incredibly consistent and high-quality meals to hungry shoppers.
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Saturday opens at 11:00 AM)Sunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $70 per person
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4
Chef's Palette Restaurant & BarChef's Palette is a neighborhood restaurant combining Southern staples with modern American cooking.- Item Prices 83
- Average Item Price $14.53
Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:New American, Southern
Signature Dishes:Pan Seared Flounder
Shrimp & Grits
Chicken Wings
Location:3460 Ten-Ten Rd Ste 118, Cary, NC 27518, United States
Special Feature:A warm and art-filled dining area featuring works from local North Carolina artists
What Makes It Special:Chefs elevate traditional Southern recipes using fresh seafood and high-quality meats.
What Sets It Apart:This restaurant provides a highly creative and chef-driven menu in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Operating Hours:Monday - Tuesday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMWednesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$20 to $60 per person
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5
HeronsHerons is a Five-Diamond fine dining restaurant inside The Umstead Hotel and Spa. The restaurant is known for upscale American dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American, Seafood
Signature Dishes:Lobster Roll
Old-Fashioned Pancakes
Dover Sole
Location:The Umstead Hotel and Spa, 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513, United States
Special Feature:A beautiful dining area featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding gardens
What Makes It Special:Chefs design highly technical tasting menus using fresh produce from a dedicated nearby farm.
What Sets It Apart:This restaurant brings a nationally recognized and award-winning dining destination to the North Carolina suburbs.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM (Friday until 9:00 PM)Saturday - Sunday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Saturday dinner 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
Price:$100+ per person
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6
Lugano RistoranteLugano Ristorante is a traditional Italian restaurant located on Darrington Drive. The restaurant is famous for its rich bolognese sauces and freshly made Margherita pizzas.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Italian
Signature Dishes:Chicken Marsala
Margherita Pizza
Rigatoni Ala Bolognese
Location:1060 Darrington Dr, Cary, NC 27513, United States
Special Feature:A lively bar area pouring Italian wines and mixing classic cocktails
What Makes It Special:Chefs hand-toss fresh pizza dough and prepare traditional pasta dishes using old-world recipes.
What Sets It Apart:This restaurant offers a highly consistent and family-friendly Italian dinner away from the busy downtown streets.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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7
SAAPSAAP is a modern Asian restaurant introducing bold Laotian flavors to the downtown district. A window-lined dining area overlooks the new downtown park.Type of Restaurant:Upscale Casual
Type of Food:Laotian, Asian
Signature Dishes:Chicken Curry
Crying Tiger
Pad Lao
Location:370 S Walker St #100, Cary, NC 27511, United States
Special Feature:A modern and window-lined dining area overlooking the new downtown park
What Makes It Special:Cooks blend imported Southeast Asian spices with fresh local ingredients to create complex curries.
What Sets It Apart:The restaurant brings a highly unique and spice-forward Laotian menu to the local community.
Operating Hours:Monday - Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMThursday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:30 PM (Sunday until 9:00 PM)
Price:$30 to $60 per person
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8
Tazza Kitchen Stone Creek VillageTazza Kitchen Stone Creek Village is a modern restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas and fresh pastas.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:New American, Italian
Signature Dishes:Brick Oven Crab Cakes
Bolognese Pasta
Basil Chicken Alfredo
Location:600 Ledgestone Way, Cary, NC 27519, United States
Special Feature:A massive wood-burning oven anchoring the main dining area
What Makes It Special:Chefs roast meats and bake pizzas in a high-heat stone oven to develop deep flavor profiles.
What Sets It Apart:This restaurant merges a trendy and modern atmosphere with high-quality comfort food.
Operating Hours:Monday - Tuesday: 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMWednesday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM (Friday lunch until 2:30 PM)Sunday: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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9
Craft Public HouseCraft Public House is a local tavern pouring draft beers and preparing hearty pub fare like country fried steak and eggs.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:American, Pub Fare
Signature Dishes:Country Fried Steak & Eggs
Carolina Country Boy
Wake N' Bacon Bowl
Location:1040 Tryon Village Dr #601, Cary, NC 27518, United States
Special Feature:A lively bar area pouring dozens of rotating craft beers from North Carolina breweries
What Makes It Special:Chefs grill thick burgers and assemble massive breakfast bowls using fresh local ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:The pub offers a highly social and sports-focused tavern environment with elevated bar food.
Operating Hours:Monday - Sunday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
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10
Scratch Kitchen & TaproomScratch Kitchen & Taproom merges Asian and American flavors, with menu offerings like bibimbap bowls and smokehouse macaroni and cheese.Type of Restaurant:Casual Restaurant
Type of Food:Asian Fusion, American
Signature Dishes:Bibimbap Bowl
Jammin' Burger
Smokehouse Mac & Cheese
Location:160 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511, United States
Special Feature:A vibrant and modern dining area located in the heart of the revitalized downtown district
What Makes It Special:Cooks fuse traditional American pub fare with bold and globally inspired spices.
What Sets It Apart:This restaurant brings a fun and high-energy fusion menu to the downtown streets.
Operating Hours:Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Price:$20 to $30 per person
What Makes Restaurants in Cary, North Carolina Famous?
Restaurants in Cary, North Carolina are famous for breaking the suburban chain-restaurant mold to offer a vibrant dining culture. The revitalized downtown district draws visitors seeking independent bistros and Asian fusion restaurants. The city features an impressive Asian food sector, with chefs preparing everything from traditional Laotian curries to Nepalese momo jhol. The Umstead Hotel and Spa anchors the local fine dining market by hosting a Five-Diamond restaurant that draws guests from across the state. The sprawling Fenton development adds to the appeal, which brings modern American bistros and upscale restaurants to a walkable outdoor shopping center.
What Types of Restaurants are Commonly Found in Cary?
The most common categories of Cary restaurants include Southern comfort kitchens, traditional Asian noodle shops, upscale hotel dining destinations, and casual neighborhood pubs. The following list highlights the restaurant types found in Cary.
- Southern Comfort Kitchens: Restaurants cooking classic shrimp and grits and baking fresh biscuits.
- Traditional Asian Noodle Shops: Casual spots preparing spicy curries and steaming bowls of pho.
- Upscale Hotel Dining Destinations: Fine dining restaurants offering multi-course tasting menus and premium wines.
- Casual Neighborhood Pubs: Local bars grilling thick burgers and pouring regional craft beers.
Does Cary Have an Authentic Restaurant?
Yes, restaurants in Cary use traditional cooking methods to prepare classic regional and international meals. Bosphorus Restaurant cooks true-to-roots Turkish dishes by grilling marinated kebabs and baking fresh pita bread daily. SAAP honors traditional Laotian cooking methods by blending imported spices and fresh herbs to create complex curries. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen prepares classic North Carolina recipes, simmering rich grits and frying green tomatoes using generations-old regional standards.
Do Restaurants in Cary Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, the majority of the restaurants in Cary accept online reservations through platforms like OpenTable and Resy.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Restaurants in Cary?
The signature dishes of the best restaurants in Cary include fried green tomatoes and brick oven crab cakes. The following list highlights the most popular food in Cary.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Sliced and breaded green tomatoes fried until golden brown and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Brick Oven Crab Cakes: Fresh lump crab meat formed into patties and baked in a high-heat stone oven.
- Chicken Shish Kebab: Marinated chicken chunks skewered and grilled over an open flame.
- Crying Tiger: Grilled and marinated beef served with a spicy and sour dipping sauce.
- Dover Sole: A delicate and flaky white fish prepared with classic French techniques at Herons.
Does Cary Enjoy Restaurant Food?
Yes, people in Cary enjoy global and Southern dishes, exploring a booming restaurant culture that breaks the typical suburban mold. Diners frequently visit the revitalized downtown district to eat at independent bistros and Asian fusion spots. The new Fenton development provides a walkable outdoor environment where shoppers stop for fresh salads and craft burgers at modern American restaurants.
What is the Average Meal Price at Restaurants in Cary?
The average cost of dining at popular restaurants in Cary, North Carolina is $30 per person. Casual Turkish restaurants and fast-casual noodle shops offer affordable meals ranging from $10 to $20. Family-style platters and multi-course Italian dinners cost between $20 and $30 per guest. Upscale dining destinations with premium seafood and extensive wine lists require a larger budget of $100 to $150 per diner.
Are There Vegan Options at Restaurants in Cary?
Yes, Cary restaurants accommodate plant-based diets with vegan options at SAAP, Bosphorus Restaurant, Scratch Kitchen & Taproom, and Tazza Kitchen Stone Creek Village.
Do Restaurants in Cary Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, restaurants in Cary offer gluten-free options, including Herons, Chef's Palette, and Lugano Ristorante. Herons serves naturally gluten-free premium seafood seared to order and paired with fresh unbreaded salads. Chef's Palette provides wheat-free alternatives, which allows guests to safely enjoy fresh fish and grilled meats without flour interference. Lugano Ristorante customizes elegant Italian plates to safely accommodate wheat-free dietary requirements by offering gluten-free pasta and unbreaded proteins.
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