The Raleigh Restaurant’s To Try
Flattering Swimsuits with Built-in Support
It has been way too long since I did a recap of some of my favorite Raleigh spots! I’ve been to plenty of newer spots and have some recommendations for you if you live in the area or if you happen to be visiting this summer!
Kate’s Must-Try Spots
Madre– this is a great tapas/small plates spot downtown in Smoky Hollow–a cool district with dining, shops, and even a little jazz club. Great vibes, very good food, and a really cool setting.
Doc B’s– I’ve been here about 4 times, and each time I’m blown away by the food. I love that it’s located right at Fenton, which is a shopping area I frequent, and it has a really big menu with a lot to choose from!
I asked Amanda to share some of her favorite spots because she’s quite a foodie with great taste, so check out her selections below!
Amanda’s Must-Try Spots
We are lucky to have some amazing restaurants and bars in the Triangle area (Raleigh, Durham + Chapel Hill). As the self-proclaimed foodie of the Small Things team, I love to eat out and share places I would recommend. Kate asked me to do a write-up of my top 3 favorite spots to eat in Raleigh, but HOW? How can one pick just 3?? So I decided to split my go-tos into three categories (plus some honorable mentions). With the knowledge that everyone’s tastes are different, here are some of what I think are the best restaurants in Raleigh:
Classic Favorites:
Stanbury: For me, this is the top of the top. The menu is always changing, the ingredients are fresh and unique, the service is incredible, the vibe is casual, and the atmosphere is cozy and comfy. It feels like a true neighborhood place that you would walk to every Friday night if you lived close enough. The one downside is that they do not take reservations. On a busy weekend night, you can expect to find a line up the street at 4:15pm to take names at 4:30pm for a first seating at 5:00pm. Not my favorite aspect of the dining experience, but for me, totally worth the work!
Brewery Bhavana: (Initial disclaimer: I was threatened that if this was not included, I could no longer consider Bridget, our super-talented graphic designer+, a friend. Don’t want to make that one mad, so…). In all seriousness, I am a fan of Brewery Bhavana. I have had not only some of the best meals there since moving to Raleigh, but also some of the best memories. Part brewery/bar – flower shop – dim sum/Chinese makes this a very fun and different dining experience. The food and drinks are always on point, and it feels like a special occasion every time I go. Highly recommend!
Barcelona Wine Bar: This spot will always have a special place in my heart. Not to sound too sentimental, but to me, part of the enjoyment of a restaurant includes the experiences you’ve had there. Barcelona was one of the first team dinners I had out with the Small Things girls. It’s tapas-style, so picking and trying all sorts of dishes is a fun way to not only expand your palette, but find out more about the people you’re dining with. They have a great atmosphere and a lovely outdoor space as well.
New-ish Finds:
Figulina: Italian food is my favorite type of food. I love it. Give me any Italian carb and meat combo, and I’m there. Founded on homemade pasta, Figulina’s dishes are truly special. They are ever-changing, so no matter when you go, there will be a new special dish on offer. And the wine list is wonderful! Their space is open and welcoming. The chef is from the UK, so not only do they serve amazing northern Italian-style cuisine, but they also offer a brunch with British-inspired dishes.
Ajja: If you are from this area and remember Garland, then you will likely enjoy the dining experience at Ajja. Described as “fresh, vibrant mediterranean” the food here is a total party on the tongue. Packed with flavor, the dishes and cocktails always hit the mark for me. They have a wonderful outdoor space, perfect during a North Carolina spring and fall. Be sure to make a reservation here well in advance!
Gussies: This is a new favorite for me! Tucked near the area of NC State, Gussies is the quintessential neighborhood hangout. Fantastic apps, stellar smash burgers, great salads, unique drinks, and cocktails (including a dill pickle martini) make this spot a winner for people with lots of different taste preferences. The vibe is casual – you order at the bar and find your seat. The staff is nice and welcoming, and the service is top-notch!
Honorable Mentions:
Herons in the Umstead (for Brunch or bar apps): Herons is very well-known in Raleigh as one of the top fine dining establishments in one of (if not THE) top 5-star hotel in the area. I like to pretend to be a little bougie sometimes, so I highly recommend coming to the Umstead for weekend brunch or to enjoy drinks and appetizers at the bar. There is often live music in the evenings, and spending time by the fire pits in the incredible outdoor space or going for a walk around the property of the Umstead are some of my favorite activities while there.
Lagana (for Burgers): Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past several months, you may have heard about the opening of Lagana. The menu is small (as is the restaurant), BUT the burgers are beyond great. They also offer an Omakase experience once a month, so keep an eye out for reservations for the tasting if that’s your style. I’ll meet you there!
The Cardinal (for Hot Dogs): Ok, so. North Carolina takes its hot dogs VERY seriously. I am from Minnesota, where we do not. We take our “hot dish” and “bars” (the dessert type) very seriously. So please know I am not trying to be an expert here. I only know what tastes delish to me, and the hot dogs, made the way you like, at The Cardinal Bar are super good. And that’s pretty much what they serve. That and drinks because it’s a bar – no complaints here!
What did we miss? Please let us know your favorites!
Do you want us to do another one of these for Durham or another spot near Raleigh?
comments
Thank you for this! My husband travels to Raleigh several times a year for work and always complains about the food. Clearly they’re not going out to these restaurants when he’s in town I will share this with him!
Ajumma in Cary and it is definitely worth the try. So good!!