10 Best Durham Restaurants
The top 10 restaurants in Durham are M Sushi, Little Bull, Counting House, Saltbox Seafood Joint, Pizzeria Toro, Dame's Chicken and Waffles, Vin Rouge, Goorsha, Guasaca South American Grill, and La Superior. These Durham restaurants are celebrated for their chef-driven concepts and strong connection to local farms and fisheries. Durham NC food is built on its New Southern cuisine, traditional North Carolina barbecue, and convenient access to fresh seafood.
Durham’s evolution from a tobacco hub to a center for research and technology is mirrored in its food offerings. Historic buildings in the American Tobacco Campus and Brightleaf districts now house some of the most exciting places to eat Durham provides. Acclaimed spots like Pizzeria Toro and Dame's Chicken and Waffles thrive in this downtown core, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation that defines the local character.
Situated within North Carolina's innovative Research Triangle, best restaurants in Durham include M Sushi, which is a premier destination for its fresh sushi, focused ambiance, and national recognition. Saltbox Seafood Joint, a James Beard Award-winning seafood shack, represents the pinnacle of fast-casual dining. Vin Rouge provides a classic fine dining experience with its authentic French bistro menu and romantic setting.
10 Best Durham Restaurants are listed below.
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1
Dame's Chicken and WafflesDame's Chicken & Waffles is a restaurant chain in North Carolina serving fresh daily-made chicken and waffle pairings with creative...- Item Prices 75
- Average Item Price $10.68
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Soul Food, Southern
Signature Dishes:The menu is built around "A Dame's Creation," allowing customization with different waffle types (like classic or sweet potato), chicken preparations (fried or smothered), and signature flavored butters called "shmears."
Location:530 Foster Street, Unit 103, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:The restaurant offers a wide selection of "shmears," which are flavored butters like maple-pecan, strawberry-crème, or chocolate-hazelnut, designed to complement the chicken and waffles.
What Makes It Special:Dame's elevates a single, classic dish into a versatile and customizable meal, allowing for numerous flavor combinations.
What Sets It Apart:Its singular focus on perfecting and personalizing the chicken and waffles experience makes it a definitive destination for this specific dish.
Operating Hours:Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMTuesday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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2
GoorshaGoorsha is a restaurant that serves traditional Ethiopian cuisine in a modern and stylish setting. The dining experience is centered around communal eating, with dishes served on a large platter of injera, a spongy sourdough flatbread.- Item Prices 23
- Average Item Price $10.26
Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Ethiopian
Signature Dishes:Doro Wot (spicy chicken stew), Tibs (sautéed meat), Vegetarian Combination Platter, Kitfo (minced raw beef)
Location:910 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:The restaurant promotes the Ethiopian tradition of "goorsha," an act of friendship where one person feeds another by hand.
What Makes It Special:Goorsha offers an authentic and interactive cultural dining experience, introducing guests to the flavors and customs of Ethiopian food.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of traditional, family-style Ethiopian food with a contemporary atmosphere and a full cocktail bar makes it a unique cultural dining destination.
Operating Hours:Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMSaturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:$5 to $25 per person
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3
M SushiM Sushi is an upscale restaurant in downtown Durham dedicated to serving high-quality, pure, and seasonal sushi. The setting is intimate and modern, located in a basement space that creates a focused dining environment.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Japanese, Sushi
Signature Dishes:Omakase (multi-course chef's tasting menu), M's Signature Nigiri, Tuna Tataki, Chirashi Bowl
Location:311 Holland St, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:The restaurant offers a Grand Omakase experience, which is a curated, multi-course meal showcasing the chef's skills and the freshest available ingredients.
What Makes It Special:M Sushi is led by Chef Michael Lee, and the restaurant is known for its meticulous sourcing of high-grade fish from around the world.
What Sets It Apart:Its dedication to the art of traditional sushi and its sophisticated, minimalist atmosphere provide a fine dining experience that is unique to the area.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:$30 to $100 per person
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4
Little BullLittle Bull is a restaurant that centers its menu on live-fire cooking, offering a blend of American and global flavors. The atmosphere is energetic and rustic, with an open kitchen that allows guests to see the wood-fired grill in action.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:American, Global
Signature Dishes:Hanger Steak, Charred Octopus, Lamb Ribs, Grilled Oysters
Location:810 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:The cooking is centered around a large, custom-built wood-fired grill that imparts a distinct smoky flavor to the dishes.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant provides a menu where nearly every dish is touched by the open flame, creating a unique and consistent flavor profile.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of a focused live-fire cooking technique with a menu of bold, international flavors creates a distinct and memorable dining experience.
Operating Hours:Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday:Brunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PMDinner: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMTuesday: Closed
Price:$40 to $80 per person
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5
Counting HouseCounting House is a restaurant and bar located inside the 21c Museum Hotel in downtown Durham. The restaurant serves a menu of regional cuisine that highlights North Carolina's food traditions, all within a contemporary art gallery setting.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:New American, Southern
Signature Dishes:Charcuterie and Cheese Boards, Seared Scallops, Berkshire Pork Chop, Counting House Burger
Location:111 Corcoran St, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:The dining room is integrated with a contemporary art museum, allowing guests to dine surrounded by rotating art exhibitions.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant offers a unique blend of upscale dining and cultural immersion in a historic, art-filled bank building.
What Sets It Apart:Its location within a museum hotel and its focus on refined, locally sourced North Carolina ingredients provide a sophisticated experience that connects food and art.
Operating Hours:Breakfast:Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AMLunch:Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMDinner:Sunday - Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMWeekend Brunch:Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PMLounge:Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:$30 to $50 per person
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6
Saltbox Seafood JointSaltbox Seafood Joint is a casual, walk-up seafood shack that serves fresh, locally sourced North Carolina seafood. The menu changes daily based on the catch from the coast, reflecting a commitment to freshness and seasonality.Type of Restaurant:Fast Casual, Seafood Shack
Type of Food:Seafood
Signature Dishes:The menu changes daily, but signature items include Fried Fish Plates (like Grouper or Flounder), Seafood Rolls, and Grilled Fish, all served with slaw and seasoned potatoes.
Location:2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
Special Feature:The menu is written on a chalkboard and changes daily, depending entirely on what fresh seafood is available from North Carolina fishermen.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is founded by Chef Ricky Moore, a James Beard Award winner, who brings a culinary expert's touch to a simple, traditional seafood shack concept.
What Sets It Apart:Its unwavering dedication to serving only fresh, seasonal North Carolina seafood gives it an authenticity that distinguishes it from other seafood restaurants.
Operating Hours:Tuesday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMSunday & Monday: Closed
Price:$12 to $17 per person
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7
Pizzeria ToroPizzeria Toro is a bustling restaurant in downtown Durham that specializes in wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas. The restaurant has a modern, industrial aesthetic with long communal tables that create a social and energetic atmosphere.Type of Restaurant:Casual Dining
Type of Food:Italian, Pizza
Signature Dishes:Margherita Pizza, Spicy Lamb Meatball Pizza, Soft Egg and Guanciale Pizza, Kale Salad
Location:105 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701
Special Feature:The centerpiece of the restaurant is a large, wood-burning oven imported from Italy, which cooks pizzas at high temperatures in minutes.
What Makes It Special:The restaurant is known for its perfectly blistered pizza crusts and its use of high-quality Italian and local ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of authentic Neapolitan pizza-making techniques with a lively, communal dining environment makes it a central downtown gathering spot.
Operating Hours:Daily: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price:$12 to $28 per person
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8
Vin RougeVin Rouge is a classic French bistro that offers an authentic Parisian dining experience in a historic building. The restaurant features a traditional menu, an extensive French wine list, and a romantic, old-world ambiance.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:French
Signature Dishes:Steak Frites, French Onion Soup, Escargots de Bourgogne, Moules Frites
Location:2010 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC 27705
Special Feature:The restaurant has a popular and picturesque garden patio for outdoor dining, reminiscent of a French courtyard.
What Makes It Special:Vin Rouge is known for its faithful execution of classic French bistro fare in a setting that transports diners to France.
What Sets It Apart:Its long-standing reputation and unwavering commitment to traditional French cuisine and atmosphere make it a timeless and authentic bistro.
Operating Hours:Dinner:Tuesday - Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMSunday Brunch:10:30 AM – 2:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:$31 to $50 per person
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9
Guasaca South American GrillGuasaca South American Grill is a fast-casual restaurant specializing in fresh, customizable Venezuelan food. The central menu item is the arepa, a grilled corn-flour patty that is stuffed with a choice of fillings.Type of Restaurant:Fast Casual
Type of Food:Venezuelan, South American
Signature Dishes:Build-Your-Own Arepas, Bowls, and Salads with fillings like shredded beef, grilled chicken, or black beans. The namesake "Guasaca" sauce (an avocado-based salsa) is a key topping.
Location:2200 W Main St., Durham, NC, 27705
Special Feature:The service model is assembly-line style, allowing customers to watch and direct the creation of their meal from a selection of fresh ingredients.
What Makes It Special:Guasaca provides a healthy, affordable, and quick meal option that introduces the flavors of Venezuelan street food to a broader audience.
What Sets It Apart:Its focus on the arepa as a primary offering and its modern, build-your-own format make it a distinct and popular fast-casual choice.
Operating Hours:Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:$10 to $20 per person
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10
La SuperiorLa Superior is a no-frills taqueria and market that serves authentic Mexican street food. The establishment operates as a small grocery store in the front with a simple counter-service restaurant in the back.Type of Restaurant:Fast Casual, Taqueria
Type of Food:Mexican
Signature Dishes:Street Tacos with fillings like Al Pastor, Carnitas, Lengua (tongue), and Barbacoa. Sopes and Tortas are also popular.
Location:3325 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704
Special Feature:The restaurant is attached to a small Latin American market where customers can purchase imported goods, spices, and fresh meats.
What Makes It Special:La Superior is widely regarded for its authenticity, offering traditional taco preparations and flavors that are not Americanized.
What Sets It Apart:Its dual function as a neighborhood market and a taqueria provides a genuine, immersive cultural experience that is focused on authentic food over ambiance.
Operating Hours:Daily: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price:$8 to $15 per person
What Food is Durham Famous For?
Durham is famous for its New Southern cuisine, traditional North Carolina barbecue, and fresh coastal seafood. The city's food reputation is built on a foundation of chef-driven restaurants that reinterpret Southern food traditions with modern techniques and a strong emphasis on farm-to-table sourcing. Durham is a key part of the state's barbecue scene, specializing in the Eastern-style, vinegar-based pulled pork. Proximity to the North Carolina coast allows restaurants like Saltbox Seafood Joint to source and serve fresh, local seafood daily.
What is the Average Cost of a Meal in Durham?
A meal for one person at a fast-casual restaurant in Durham costs between $14 and $25. Dinner for two at a mid-range casual dining establishment is generally between $60 and $77. At fine dining restaurants like M Sushi or Vin Rouge, the price for two can start at $120 and exceed $250, especially when choosing a tasting menu or wine pairings.
What are the Most Popular Fast-food Restaurants in Durham?
Durham's popular fast-food choices include major national chains and beloved North Carolina-based institutions. Cook Out is a regional favorite for its extensive menu of burgers, barbecue, and milkshakes. The North Carolina-born chain Bojangles is a go-to for its fried chicken and buttermilk biscuits. These spots are part of a larger landscape of quick-service options in the city. The most popular fast-food restaurants in Durham are listed below:
- Cook Out: A North Carolina chain known for its "trays," which include an entree, two sides, and a drink at a low price.
- Bojangles: Famous for its Cajun-seasoned fried chicken, made-from-scratch biscuits, and "Bo-Rounds."
- Chick-fil-A: The national chain is a popular choice for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
- Guasaca South American Grill: A local fast-casual spot specializing in Venezuelan arepas, bowls, and salads.
- Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken: A regional chain serving Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken with sides like fried rice and plantains.
- Shake Shack: Known for its smash burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and frozen custard shakes.
- Cosmic Cantina: A long-standing local favorite near Duke University, serving large, inexpensive burritos and other Mexican fare.
- Heavenly Buffaloes: A local spot famous for its chicken wings with a very large selection of house-made sauces.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Durham?
Durham's restaurant offerings continue to expand with new establishments like Queeny's and Seraphine along with a few others that are listed below.
- Queeny's: A casual restaurant and bar below the King's Sandwich Shop, serving burgers, creative bar snacks, and cocktails. Located at 334 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701.
- Seraphine: An upscale restaurant and bar in the Durham Hotel focusing on cocktails and French-inspired small plates. Located at 315 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC 27701.
- Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails: A European-style cafe in the American Tobacco Campus serving sweet and savory crepes, coffee, and cocktails. Located at 359 Blackwell St #125, Durham, NC 27701.
- Ideal's Sandwich and Grocery: A neighborhood shop offering classic and creative sandwiches, salads, and a small selection of grocery items. Located at 2108 Angier Ave, Durham, NC 27703.
Where are the Best Restaurants in Downtown Durham?
The best restaurants in downtown Durham are concentrated in the City Center, Brightleaf, and American Tobacco Campus districts. This central, walkable area is home to many of the city's most acclaimed and popular dining establishments, from upscale sushi bars to bustling pizzerias. The best restaurants in downtown Durham are listed below.
- M Sushi: An upscale basement restaurant serving high-quality, seasonal sushi and omakase menus.
- Pizzeria Toro: A lively spot specializing in wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas and Italian small plates.
- Counting House: A restaurant inside the 21c Museum Hotel offering New American cuisine in an art gallery setting.
- Goorsha: A modern restaurant serving traditional, communal-style Ethiopian food.
- Dame's Chicken and Waffles: A popular eatery dedicated to creative and customizable versions of the classic soul food dish.
Are There Lunch Spots in Durham Worth Trying?
Yes, Durham has many lunch spots worth trying, such as the nationally acclaimed Saltbox Seafood Joint, the fast-casual Guasaca South American Grill, and Foster Street Coffee. Saltbox Seafood Joint is a premier lunch destination, offering a daily-changing menu of fresh North Carolina seafood served from a walk-up window. Guasaca South American Grill provides a quick, customizable, and affordable lunch with its Venezuelan arepas and bowls. For a more traditional cafe experience, Foster Street Coffee serves sandwiches and salads in a relaxed setting.
Are There Good Places for Dinner in Durham?
Yes, the city offers a strong selection of restaurants for dinner, including the fine-dining M Sushi, the classic French bistro Vin Rouge, and the rustic Little Bull. M Sushi provides an intimate experience with its high-quality omakase menus. For a classic and romantic dinner, Vin Rouge offers traditional French bistro fare in an old-world setting. Little Bull presents a more energetic option, with a menu of globally-inspired dishes cooked over a wood-fired grill.
What Restaurants in Durham Serve Vegan Food?
Durham has many restaurants that serve vegan food, such as the fully plant-based Pure Vegan Cafe and establishments with extensive vegan offerings like Goorsha, Bimbé, and The Refectory Cafe. Pure Vegan Cafe serves a 100% vegan menu of comfort foods like burgers, cheesesteaks, and mac and cheese. Goorsha's Ethiopian menu is very vegan-friendly, with a popular vegetarian combination platter that is entirely plant-based. Bimbé, a West African restaurant, offers several vegan stews and dishes. The Refectory Cafe also has a dedicated menu of vegan entrees, sandwiches, and bowls.
What Restaurants in Durham Serve Gluten-Free Food?
Several restaurants in Durham serve gluten-free food, including Guasaca South American Grill, M Sushi, and Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken. The arepas at Guasaca are made from corn flour and are naturally gluten-free. M Sushi can accommodate gluten-free diners by using tamari instead of soy sauce for its high-quality sushi. The entire menu of rotisserie chicken and sides at Alpaca is gluten-free. Fine dining establishments like Counting House and Vin Rouge can also modify many of their dishes to accommodate gluten-free needs.
What are the Most Famous Cuisines in Durham?
Durham's most famous cuisines are New Southern and North Carolina Barbecue. The city's location in the heart of North Carolina and its growth as a hub for creative, independent chefs have shaped its culinary identity. Listed below are the most common and popular cuisines in Durham.
- New Southern: This is the defining cuisine of Durham's modern food movement. Restaurants like Counting House take traditional Southern ingredients and recipes and elevate them with contemporary culinary techniques.
- Barbecue: As a North Carolina city, Durham is home to traditional barbecue, specifically the Eastern-style which uses a whole-hog, vinegar-based sauce.
- Seafood: Proximity to the coast makes fresh seafood a staple. Saltbox Seafood Joint is a nationally recognized example, serving only what is caught daily by North Carolina fishermen.
- Japanese: The influence of M Sushi has made high-quality, traditional sushi a significant part of the fine dining landscape in the city.
- Italian: Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta are popular, with establishments like Pizzeria Toro being central to the downtown dining scene.
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