The Best Fun & Instagram-Worthy Restaurants In Raleigh

Exploring the food scene is a must when visiting or living in Raleigh, North Carolina. The city is not only home to a thriving food culture but also boasts a rich history that adds an extra layer of charm to its dining destinations. When it comes to finding fun places to eat in Raleigh and the nearby cities, the abundance of options will leave you excited and eager to explore.

Before diving in, I need to give a shout-out to Raleigh in general. When we were living in Maryland, we often found flights to Raleigh for less than $70 roundtrip, so we were there quite often. We have friends in the area, too, so they always had the best recommendations of where to go to eat, hang out, and explore. It’s such a fun, thriving city, and never disappointed during our visits. 

There are so many places to go, new restaurants to try, and awesome views. Every time we visit, there is something new for us to see or something else to do. Since we have friends right near the city, our first question is always where to eat in Raleigh while we are there.

Eating is such a great social activity. You can talk about the atmosphere, what’s on the menu, the crazy drinks, etc. It’s really the perfect way to meet new people. So, who wants to come with me to eat everything in Raleigh next time? If you are making the trip anytime soon, I hope you enjoy these places!

Restaurants and Places To Eat in Raleigh

One of the most iconic places to visit to eat is the Angus Barn, a historic steakhouse that has been serving up prime cuts of meat since 1960. Not only is the food top-notch, but the restaurant itself is steeped in history, with a rustic interior that exudes old-world charm. I was in awe during our tour after our dinner. The meal was truly incredible but the experience as a whole will stand out forever. 

We went here for the steak because we heard it was the very best, and we left feeling like we had just gone to Disneyland. Our waiter was fantastic and took us on a tour of the restaurant after our meal, even though he should have already been off, and it was so neat. It reminded me of a Cracker Barrel when we walked in, but there were endless rooms in this restaurant. They had a cigar bar, a huge wine cellar with a $15k bottle of wine, and themed dining rooms throughout. 

Jolie is a unique, french-style cafe with a stunning rooftop and a…CHAMPAGNE window. Sign me up to live next to this adorable restaurant. The window often serves fun desserts like ice cream sandwiches alongside champagne. The perfect place for a fun girls day! 

The Morgan Street Food Hall has something for everyone, it was actually the first food hall I ever experienced. It’s a in a great location and could be a great spot to work while snacking around the stalls. 

Taverna Agora is a great option when you are in the mood for Greek food, a fun environment, and a unique rooftop bar. We have visited several times and always love the experience. 

Five Star Raleigh restaurant is not only a great option for Chinese American food, but also has a very cool mural outside for a great photo op. 

MOFU Dumping Shoppe is a dumpling restaurant. Need I say more? Even though I don’t because you are likely sold on dumplings alone, it’s such a vibe! The drinks are phenomenal (and they look great, too!), and the food is delicious. It’s a great spot for a fun dinner with friends. 

Death & Taxes mentions that they are “Dedicated to the technique of cooking with wood fire” – sign me up for the signature oysters! It’s a trendy restaurant with delicious craft cocktails. 

Whiskey Kitchen offers a diverse focus on American comfort food and an extensive selection of whiskey. The restaurant provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for great food and drinks with friends or family.

The Pit authentic barbecue in Raleigh, located in the warehouse district, serves some of the best BBQ I have ever had. I also love the fried green tomatoes and the mac and cheese. 

Trophy Brewing Company. If pizza is your middle name, you need to try Trophy Brewing Company. They have specialty pizzas that rotate, and they are delicious! I have never thought about eating pizza with honey, but I then had it twice in one week. To stick with the brewing name, they have a big beer selection.

For those looking for a more modern and unique dining experience, Brewery Bhavana is a must-visit. This extraordinary establishment combines a brewery, dim sum restaurant, flower shop, and bookstore, piquing your curiosity and making it a true one-of-a-kind destination.

Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar serves up comfort food alongside the many options for bourbon. The Shrimp and Grits is something to write home about. 

Crawford and Sons will leave you in awe from delicious craft cocktails to the the presentation (and taste) of each meal. 

Irregardless not only has delicious food but also adorns their walls with local artwork and hosts live music nearly every day of the week. 

Poole’s is a “modern dinner” with a fun atmosphere that resembles a vintage soda shop, with good food and classic twists on desserts. 

If you are looking for incredible chicken and waffles, Beasley’s Chicken needs to be on your list. The chicken, the sides, the gravy, are all delicious. There will likely be a wait when you visit, but it’s worth it! Don’t forget to order a sweet tea! 

Gringo A Go Go took a gas station and turned it into a must-visit restaurant for the best tacos and spicy margs in Raleigh. 

Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing is a hip vibe with a modern design. Their outdoor patio space is perfect for brunch with small plates, mimosa flights and great conversation. 

The Flying Biscuit. Seriously, I would go to Raleigh just to eat here, but I actually don’t need to because they have multiple locations. They have the most amazing breakfast/brunch. I imagined everything on the menu is great, because everything we have had was perfect. They also make a mean man-mosa which is orange juice and Blue Moon. The Shrimp and Grits is the best you will ever have. They have 14 locations between NC and Florida.

Venturing beyond Raleigh, the nearby city of Durham is a culinary hotspot in its own right. The Durham Food Hall offers a diverse selection of eateries all under one roof, making it a perfect destination for groups with varying tastes. This culinary hub is located in the heart of Downtown Durham, a city with a rich history in tobacco and textiles, which can still be seen in the preserved architectural gems scattered throughout the area.

Just a short drive from Raleigh, the city of Chapel Hill is home to Crook’s Corner, a celebrated restaurant that has been serving up Southern cuisine since 1982. With a menu that highlights the flavors of the region, this spot pays homage to the culinary traditions deeply rooted in North Carolina’s history.

​Coffee

Morning Times. This is the perfect coffee shop to hang out on your laptop, read a book or just hang out with a friend. The best part is the food and drinks. I had a breakfast burrito and a latte and loved them both.

Sola Coffee is the cutest spot serving delicious breakfast and lunch all day. Pair your breakfast drink of choice, from a Jeanne Capp to green juice, kombucha, or wine. You will often find local goods for sale, and there is space to have great conversations with friends inside. It’s a true local favorite. 

Heirloom is a beautiful cafe, from the stunning branding to the light wooden and pink interior in the dining room, it’s a great option for a slow morning, or even lunch or dinner. 

Sir Walter Coffee is a spot for the cool kids. I love their mission and reasoning behind building the cafe they have today. From perfecting the best coffee to great cocktails, this is a great place to add to your list! 

Jubala Coffee has a few locations around Raleigh, including downtown and in Lafayette Village, all of which offer coffee direct from the source where the owners have relationships with global growers, and local roasters. 

Little Native Coffee Co. is another cafe with great branding. They welcome pups and have a great outdoor space. Their mission is to take time to slow down and recharge while sipping a delicious drink with friends. 

Lucky Tree serves local organic roasted coffee with wheat-free ingredients and an inviting atmosphere. 

NoRa cafe, standing for North Raleigh, is a good time for the entire family as they have fun events for children, like “Storytime and Steamers” to “Coffeeology,” where everyone can learn about the process of making coffee. They also have board games to play while hanging out. 

Cocktails 

Raleigh Times. This bar is directly next to Morning Times and is just as delicious. The atmosphere is very quaint and you feel like you are back in time. They made traditional cocktails but also had a good selection of beer.

Raleigh Beer Garden. With an amazing outdoor space along Glenwood Ave to match the huge beer list, Raleigh Beer Garden is the place to go. The inside has a tree going through the front bar, and then the back bar has a beer list a mile long. All around the restaurant is outdoor seating, some under twinkle lights and others with fire pits. They have a second floor with indoor dining, and then a rooftop bar with beautiful views. The german pretzel platter was the best I have ever had, and the peach beer was amazing. The beer garden is an amazing experience for friendly staff and the best kid friendly afternoon. 

Clockwork. If you are looking for an electric space with delicious unique cocktails, this is where you want to go. From the decor to the menu, you will be in for a treat. We went here with a group of 6 and everyone got something different and said it was delicious. I had the Last Tango in Paris and loved it.

Stir Raleigh is a craft cocktail bar, where they also claim to have “artisanal ice”- in my opinion, if a bar makes a claim specifically about their ice, it’s got to be good! 

Rewind Retro Bar has the most fun cocktails in Knightdale! With video games to play, rotating food trucks, fun and nostalgic events, it’s a fun place for the whole family. 

 From historic steakhouses to modern food halls, the downtown Raleigh area offers a culinary journey as diverse as the region’s history. Whether exploring the city’s best restaurants or venturing into nearby towns, there’s no shortage of fun and flavorful places to satisfy any craving.