As a former cook in Michelin-star restaurants and current restaurant-industry obsessive, I consider dining out a hobby. Now, as Discover Durham’s senior manager of content, I’m here to guide you through the can’t-miss essential restaurants and unique food and drink combinations that make our city an unforgettable place to eat.
Discovering Durham’s Culinary Gems
Durham, North Carolina, has rightfully earned its reputation as a star in Southern food culture. Dubbed by Southern Living as “The Tastiest Town in the South,” this vibrant city is crawling with James Beard Award darlings and recipients of countless other accolades. From elevated takes on familiar flavors to all-new experiences with authentic international cuisines, Durham offers restaurants at any price point or time of day.
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, satisfying a craving, or looking for a quick meal with the kids, I’ve got you covered. Prepare to have your taste buds transported as we explore some of Durham’s most unique and delightful food and drink combinations.
Elevating the Breakfast Experience
Let’s start the day right with Durham’s remarkable coffee scene. Cocoa Cinnamon, a beloved local coffee shop with three locations across the city, is the perfect spot to sip on house-roasted Little Waves Coffee and indulge in a locally made pastry. For a more Instagram-worthy experience, head to The Durham Hotel’s lobby, where you can sip on a trendy shaken latte or Vogue-approved coffee soda amid the mid-century modern decor.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, Monuts is the place to be. Their breakfast sandwiches on bagels or biscuits, avocado toast, and breakfast burritos are all made with care, but don’t forget to save room for their homemade doughnuts. For an authentic taste of the Northeast, head to Isaacs Bagels, where you can get some of the best bagels south of the Mason-Dixon Line.
Sandwiches and Salads: Lunchtime Delights
When it comes to satisfying midday cravings, Durham doesn’t disappoint. Toast Paninoteca in downtown offers delectable paninis, homemade soups, and salads, plus a bottle of their signature salad dressing to take home. Just a few doors down, Alimentari at Mothers & Sons serves up authentic Italian-American sandwiches and salads, with a deli case full of cured meats, sauces, and fresh pasta.
In East Durham, Ideal’s Sandwich and Grocery bakes its bread fresh daily for its Northeastern-style deli sandwiches, including the beloved roast turkey. If you’re in the mood for something a little more international, Roses Noodles Dumplings & Sweets in the Brightleaf District serves up seasonal Asian-inspired dishes and delicious house-made pastries.
Elevating the Dinner Experience
As the sun sets, Durham’s culinary scene truly shines. For seafood lovers, Saltbox Seafood Joint is a must-visit, with Chef Ricky Moore’s James Beard Award-winning dishes showcasing the freshest local catch. Don’t miss the hush honeys and fried broccoli and brussels sprouts – they’re the perfect accompaniment to any fish platter.
For a taste of Spanish tapas with a Southern twist, head to Mateo Bar de Tapas, where the paella and sherry selection are sure to impress. Sushi enthusiasts will be delighted to score a table at M Sushi, the only North Carolina restaurant to make OpenTable’s top 100 restaurants in 2021. The omakase experience, with its trio of scallops, is simply divine.
Exploring the World through Durham’s Diverse Cuisine
Durham’s culinary scene is a melting pot of global flavors, and you don’t need a passport to experience them. For a taste of the Caribbean and South America, explore the upscale Cuban cuisine and cocktails at COPA or the more casual rotisserie chicken, empanadas, and grain bowls at Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas.
Craving the flavors of Ethiopia? Head to Goorsha or its sister café, Gojo, for a traditional combo platter that’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach. For a South African experience, Ekhaya in American Tobacco Campus offers beautiful Bantu tapas, cocktails, and a menu of South African wines.
Celebrating the Art of Pasta and European Fare
Durham’s pasta lovers are in for a treat. At Mothers & Sons Trattoria, chef Josh DeCarolis offers handmade pasta inspired by his Italian nonna, along with a full four-course Italian-style meal. For a more casual Italian experience, Gocciolina serves a charming handwritten menu of classics and seasonal specials, with must-try items like crudo, cacio e pepe, and homemade cannoli.
If you’re in the mood for French cuisine, Vin Rouge in the Ninth Street neighborhood serves up escargot, foie gras, and moules frites, while Rue Cler has been a Chapel Hill Street staple since 2006, renowned for its beignets.
Embracing the Flavors of Asia
Durham’s culinary scene wouldn’t be complete without its exceptional Asian offerings. For Korean street food, head to M Pocha, and for comfort food favorites like ramen and grilled skewers, check out Dashi and its popular omakase series.
Namu, a hidden gem tucked away near a shopping center, brings casual Korean eats amid a bamboo forest. And for modern Indian cuisine and cocktails, Viceroy downtown is the place to go, especially if you’re craving a hearty and flavorful lamb curry.
Celebrating the Art of Barbecue and Southern Fare
No trip to Durham would be complete without indulging in the city’s renowned barbecue scene. Head to Lawrence Barbecue at Boxyard RTP, named one of the best new barbecue joints in the South by Southern Living, or Picnic, one of the only spots in the state for hand-picked whole hog barbecue made with humanely raised pork.
For a classic Southern experience, Dames Chicken and Waffles offers a choose-your-adventure menu of crisp fried chicken paired with waffles, schmears, and drizzles. Lula and Sadie’s serves up photo-worthy red velvet chicken and waffles for brunch, along with a mouthwatering selection of grits, fried catfish, pulled pork, and more.
Discovering Hidden Gems and Unexpected Delights
Sometimes, the best dining experiences come from the most unexpected places. Pizzeria Toro, with its wood-fired pizza and seasonal toppings, is a local favorite for a low-key bite or a full dinner, especially when paired with an Aperol Margarita at the bar.
NanaSteaks, with its award-winning wine list and locally sourced ingredients, is the perfect spot for pre- or post-show appetizers and drinks. And at the intimate Littler, you’ll find a cozy, dinner party-like atmosphere and a commitment to seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes and responsibly sourced proteins.
Satisfying Burger Cravings
When a burger craving strikes, Durham has you covered. At Bar Virgile, you’ll find a practically ideal double smashburger with all the fixings, while Alley Twenty Six’s over-the-top burger, with its medium-rare patty and unparalleled bacon onion jam, is a true standout.
For a more classic pub-style burger, check out Dain’s Place or The Federal, both of which also offer easy takeout options. And at Bull City Burger and Brewery, you can build your own burger, hot dog, or veggie burger from a plethora of toppings.
Family-Friendly Dining Delights
Durham is an excellent place for a family-friendly adventure, and the dining options cater to all ages. Elmo’s Diner on Ninth Street is a hit for breakfast, with all the pancakes, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns your heart desires. And if you’re heading to the Museum of Life & Science, the onsite café has you covered for a refueling lunch.
For a quick and kid-approved dinner, BB’s Crispy Chicken is a no-brainer, especially on Tuesdays when kids eat free. And the Durham Food Hall offers a wide range of options, from burrito bowls to pizza and gelato, all within walking distance of the Durham Central Park and its playground.
Exploring Durham by District
Ready to dive deeper into Durham’s diverse neighborhoods and the culinary gems they have to offer? Check out our district guides for a curated list of must-try restaurants, bars, and attractions in each area.
Whether you’re a longtime Durham resident or a first-time visitor, I hope this guide has inspired you to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the unique food and drink combinations that make our city a true dining destination. Happy exploring, and don’t forget to stop by The Up & Under Pub for a taste of Durham’s vibrant pub culture.
