Poole's Diner ★ 4.8
Christensen's flagship since 2007 runs a rotating blackboard menu driven by the farm network. The macaroni au gratin is a Raleigh institution.
OrderMacaroni au gratin, Roasted half chicken
9 editor picks in Raleigh.
9 restaurants in Raleigh, editor-picked for restaurants open sunday. Where to eat a sit-down dinner on sunday. All restaurants in Raleigh.
Christensen's flagship since 2007 runs a rotating blackboard menu driven by the farm network. The macaroni au gratin is a Raleigh institution.
OrderMacaroni au gratin, Roasted half chicken
A Belgian-inspired brewery, dim sum kitchen, bookshop, and flower shop under one roof on South Blount Street. Michelin Guide recommended and one of its kind.
OrderDim sum, Belgian farmhouse ales
Raleigh's defining Laotian restaurant, drawing on Lao, Thai, Vietnamese, and French traditions. Michelin Guide recommended; sister to Brewery Bhavana.
OrderLarb, Papaya salad, Slow-braised meats
New Orleans-inspired oyster bar downtown. Half-price oysters daily 17:00 to 18:00; Wednesdays feature West Coast selections. Michelin listed.
OrderRaw oyster flights, Roasted Gulf oysters
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.
OrderDry-aged prime beef, Wild Turkey Lounge cocktails
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.
OrderScratch biscuits, Country ham and eggs, Grits
Downtown Raleigh's most established Lebanese restaurant. Falafel, shawarma, mixed grill, and mezze anchor the menu; Sunday brunch adds a wider spread.
OrderFalafel, Mixed grill, Mezze platter
Over 400 whiskeys spanning bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese paired with a Southern kitchen that sources locally. NC trout is a benchmark.
OrderNC rainbow trout, Smoked catfish dip, Buttermilk biscuits
All-day cafe in Glenwood South serving Southeast Asian-inspired dishes, specialty coffee, and craft cocktails. Dinner reservations available.
OrderSoutheast Asian-spiced plates, Specialty coffee

Guided tour · 3 hours
Explore downtown Raleigh on a guided food tour with a local guide. Taste Cantonese barbecue pork buns, Lebanese dishes, and more as you learn about the city's history ...

2 hours
Learn how to make sushi with a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Jenny. Make California and vegetable rolls with fresh ingredients and enjoy your creations.

2 hours
Join a fun mystery paint & sip night at a local Raleigh wine bar. Cold drinks, brushes and a surprise painting revealed on the night, no experience needed, just show u...