Discovering Durham’s Culinary Oasis
As the summer heat settles in, there’s no better time to explore the dynamic food and beverage scene that Durham, North Carolina, has to offer. I must admit, I’ve been a bit of a serial fast-casual diner lately – the convenience of ordering at the counter and not having to bus my own table has become a bit of a go-to routine, especially with an 8-year-old in tow. But every so often, I find myself longing for a more thoughtful and exciting dining experience – one where the menu has been meticulously crafted by skilled chefs, and the entire atmosphere transports me to a different world.
Well, let me tell you, Durham has certainly delivered on that front. The city’s culinary landscape has been undergoing a remarkable transformation, with a flurry of new restaurants, bars, and specialty food shops popping up all over town. From The Up & Under Pub‘s cozy atmosphere and innovative pairings to the bold flavors of the city’s latest international additions, Durham is quickly emerging as a true foodie haven.
Elevating the Fast-Casual Experience
Take, for instance, the arrival of Curry Up Now – a fast-casual Indian eatery that has brought its West Coast flair to the heart of Durham. This vibrant newcomer is serving up flavor-forward dishes that will have your taste buds doing cartwheels. Think tikka masala burritos, naan pizzas, and Indian-inspired poutine. The best part? They cater to all dietary needs, so whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or halal, you can indulge in their creative, outside-the-box offerings.
But Curry Up Now isn’t the only fast-casual spot shaking things up in Durham. Just a stone’s throw away, CO has opened its seventh location in the Tar Heel State, bringing its diverse Southeast Asian menu to the Southpoint Mall area. From sushi and ramen to rice bowls and banh mi, this stylish eatery has something for everyone. And the best part? They’ve got a killer happy hour lineup, with $1 dumplings on Mondays and Wednesdays, and half-off sushi rolls on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Embracing Healthy and Sustainable Eats
If you’re in the mood for something a little more virtuous, Durham’s got you covered there too. Just check out Will & Well – a minority-owned, passion-driven spot that specializes in fresh, customizable salads and juices. No more settling for unsatisfying health food here; these bowls are packed with hearty, vibrant ingredients sourced locally whenever possible. And the menu keeps getting better, with smoothies and smoothie bowls on the horizon.
And the healthy eats don’t stop there. Nautical Bowls is serving up plant-based, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free acai and smoothie bowls that are as beautiful as they are delicious. From the classic Nauti Bowl with acai, peanut butter, bananas, granola, and cacao nibs to the tropical Paddle Bowl, these nutrient-dense creations will have you feeling virtuous and satisfied.
Expanding the Horizons of Mexican Cuisine
But Durham isn’t just about healthy fare and fast-casual concepts. The city is also embracing the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine in a big way. Just across the border in Chapel Hill, El Tesoro is serving up traditional stews, handmade tortillas, house-made salsas, and recipes straight from mom’s kitchen. This casual spot is all about comfort and flavor, whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night bite.
And the Mexican food renaissance doesn’t end there. Over in Brightleaf Square, Fonda Lupita has opened its second location, bringing its acclaimed Sanford-based restaurant to the Durham community. With a welcoming, modern atmosphere and a menu that celebrates traditional Mexican recipes, Fonda Lupita is quickly becoming a local favorite.
Elevating the Pizza Game
But let’s not forget about the most fundamental of all foods – pizza. Durham has always had its fair share of excellent pie purveyors, but the city has recently welcomed a newcomer that’s shaking up the game. Emmy Squared has brought its unique blend of Grandma and Detroit-style pizzas to the Brightleaf Square area, and the results are nothing short of delightful.
Whether you’re a fan of a soft or crispy crust, Emmy Squared’s deep-square pies provide the best of both worlds – a fluffy center and those irresistible, cheesy edges. And the menu doesn’t stop at just classic toppings; you can also indulge in house-made sauces, appetizers like garlic sticks and waffle fries, and refreshing cocktails. The family- and pet-friendly patio only adds to the charm of this new Durham pizza destination.
Discovering the Sweeter Side of Durham
But let’s not forget about the all-important dessert course. Durham has been busy whipping up some truly decadent and innovative sweet treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. Take, for instance, the new Andias Ice Cream outpost at The Can Opener, the city’s latest food truck park. This family-owned, Raleigh-based ice cream maker is known for its trendy flavors, unforgettable sundaes, and seasonal creations. Prepare to be transported to a frozen paradise.
And if you’re craving something a little more tropical, head over to Localicious, Durham’s new Caribbean-inspired ice cream shop. With flavors ranging from island pound cake and banana grape-nut to rum-infused sorbets, this North Duke Crossing spot is sure to transport your taste buds to the tropics.
Elevating the Coffee Culture
Of course, no culinary exploration of Durham would be complete without a deep dive into the city’s burgeoning coffee scene. Joe Van Gogh has expanded yet again, with a new SouthCourt location that boasts not only your favorite JVG beverages and pastries but also its very own in-house bakery. This means you’ll have access to even more delectable treats and sneak peeks at their latest creations.
And for the fitness enthusiasts out there, North Durham Coffee Lab has become a true hidden gem, tucked away inside Body Games Gym. With limited hours, this cozy spot is the perfect way to refuel after a grueling workout or kickstart your morning with a locally sourced cup of joe.
Elevating the Entertainment Experience
But Durham’s culinary renaissance isn’t just about food and drink – it’s also about the overall experience. Take, for instance, State of Golf, a high-tech entertainment venue that combines a fully stocked bar with golf and sports simulators. Whether you’re a pro gamer, a seasoned golfer, or just someone looking to hang out with friends in a comfortable environment, this place has something for everyone.
And speaking of unique experiences, let’s not forget about 1953 – a modern cafe that pays homage to the year the Ethiopian government sent troops to aid South Korea during the Korean War. This collaboration between the owner of Goorsha Ethiopian restaurant and a Korean family-owned coffee shop is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and, of course, delicious food and drink.
Rediscovering Old Favorites with a Fresh Twist
But Durham isn’t just about newcomers – the city is also seeing some beloved institutions reinvent themselves in exciting ways. Take, for instance, Backyard BBQ, a local Black-owned barbecue restaurant that recently underwent a major renovation. After an 8-month hiatus, this Durham staple is back in action, serving up the same comforting classics that have made it a community favorite for the past 18 years.
And speaking of rediscovering old favorites, let’s not forget about Beyu Caffé, the beloved downtown Durham coffee shop that has now expanded to the RDU airport. Now, travelers and residents alike can enjoy the aromatic coffee, baked goods, and soulful eats that have made Beyu a local institution.
Embracing Diverse Culinary Influences
But the real standout in Durham’s culinary renaissance has to be the city’s embrace of diverse culinary influences. From the Zimbabwean flavors of Zwelis Kitchen to the Peruvian-inspired offerings of Pollo Tropical, Durham is truly becoming a melting pot of global cuisines.
And the latest addition to this international culinary lineup is Cheeni – a stunning new restaurant in the heart of downtown Durham that celebrates the regional cuisines of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. Helmed by James Beard Award semifinalist Preeti Waas, this homestyle Indian eatery is sure to transport your taste buds on a journey through the subcontinent.
A Vibrant, Ever-Evolving Culinary Landscape
As I wander through the streets of Durham, I can’t help but be amazed by the sheer breadth and depth of the city’s culinary offerings. From fast-casual gems to fine-dining destinations, from healthy havens to indulgent sweet spots, Durham has truly become a foodie’s paradise. And the best part? The city’s culinary landscape is constantly evolving, with new and exciting concepts popping up all the time.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a flavor-packed burrito, a refreshing acai bowl, or a perfectly seared steak, Durham has got you covered. And who knows – you might just stumble upon your new favorite spot, one that transports you to a whole new world of dining delights. The only way to find out is to get out there and start exploring. After all, the culinary adventure that awaits in Durham is just too good to miss.
