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LebaneseDowntown
Downtown Raleigh's most established Lebanese restaurant. Falafel, shawarma, mixed grill, and mezze anchor the menu; Sunday brunch adds a wider spread.
SignatureFalafel, Mixed grill, Mezze platter
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American steakhouseNorth Hills
A Raleigh institution since 1960 set in a converted tobacco barn. Dry-aged beef, over 1,400 wine labels, and six decades of special-occasion dining.
SignatureDry-aged prime beef, Wild Turkey Lounge cocktails
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ItalianDowntown
Open since 1996, Caffe Luna offers classic pasta technique, a warm dining room, and a serious wine list. Tightly focused on what it does well.
SignatureHouse-made pasta, Tiramisu
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Southern AmericanDowntown
Over 400 whiskeys spanning bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese paired with a Southern kitchen that sources locally. NC trout is a benchmark.
SignatureNC rainbow trout, Smoked catfish dip, Buttermilk biscuits
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Southern breakfastDowntown
At the City Market since 1989, Big Ed's serves scratch-made biscuits, country ham, grits, and eggs. The antique-laden room is deliberately unchanged.
SignatureScratch biscuits, Country ham and eggs, Grits
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Southeast AsianGlenwood South
All-day cafe in Glenwood South serving Southeast Asian-inspired dishes, specialty coffee, and craft cocktails. Dinner reservations available.
SignatureSoutheast Asian-spiced plates, Specialty coffee