3 Best Restaurants in Raleigh, Central North Carolina

Background Illustration for Restaurants

We've compiled the best of the best in Raleigh - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

Transfer Co. Food Hall

$ | Oakwood Historic District Fodor's Choice

The city's best food hall has a soaring ceiling with giant skylights, filling the room and its many stalls with natural light. Grab a hearty burrito, an empanada, or a sandwich from Benchwarmers Bagels, where heirloom grains and a wood-fired oven result in one of the Southeast's best.

Beasley's Chicken + Honey

$ | Downtown

James Beard Award–winning chef Ashley Christensen (also behind Poole's Diner and Death & Taxes) opened this hip fried chicken spot, which serves the namesake dish as well as modern takes on Southern classics. Sit at the bar and wash down the restaurant's hearty cuisine with a craft cocktail or glass of champagne. Brunch is also a hit on the weekends.

Sam Jones BBQ

$ | Downtown

The Jones family have been smoking whole hogs in the Carolina Piedmont for three generations, so Raleigh urbanites greeted Sam's chopped pork and slow-cooked ribs with open arms. Order a platter and a craft cocktail (rare for a barbecue restaurant) and grab a seat in the light-filled dining room or at a picnic table in the yard.

502 W. Lenoir St., Raleigh, NC, 27601, USA
984-206–2555
Known For
  • Slow-smoked pulled pork, eastern North Carolina style
  • Local fried catfish
  • Laid-back bar scene

Something incorrect in this review?

Recommended Fodor's Video