9 Best Restaurants in Central North Carolina, North Carolina

An Old North Durham mainstay for more than a dozen years alongside Fullsteam, Motorco, Cocoa Cinnamon, and King’s Sandwiches, this neighborhood gastropub is becoming more dwarfed by big buildings by the day as construction of mixed-use apartment buildings transforms the city. Always reliable, friendly, and unpretentious, diners can enjoy a variety of burgers and sandwiches, salads, and simple Southern-style plates at communal picnic tables on the covered patio or inside in a converted garage with exposed brick walls and bold local artwork (some of it by the artistic staff). Chef-owner Andy Magowan regularly pays homage to classic Chinese dishes and Mexican cuisine with menu specials and theme weeks. Sunday brunch is less inspired but still popular.

The most cutting-edge restaurant in the region, if not the whole state, MACHETE grew out of monthly underground supper club dinners and dining with them still has a feeling of being a culinary insider. Food and cocktails here are not just prepared, but curated and presented as edible works of art, yet feel effortless and unassuming. The menu, divided into Snacks and Plates, has sparse descriptions ("flank steak: black garlic. potato. mushroom") but dishes arrive with evocative descriptions from the well-informed servers. Drinks have fun, poppy names like Disco Stu Likes Disco Music (a Simpsons reference), with surprises like a popcorn garnish or a splash of squid ink.

A place to please both pizza purists and just plain enthusiasts, Mission Pizza serves authentic Neapolitan pizza with a perfect crust char and simple toppings, along with a few pasta dishes and starters. Those who are serious about their pie might opt for the five-course pizza prix-fixe menu ($50 per person, served family style) or give themselves over completely to the pizzaiolo with Pizzakase ($65, based on the Japanese tradition of "I leave it up to you"). Tongue-in-cheek notes on the menu note that pizza should be eaten hot out of the oven (takeout is discouraged), with hands, without devices on the table, and without ranch dressing for crust-dipping (see: $100 "ranchage" fee). Reservations are only taken for the multi-course experiences, but there are plenty of nearby spots for a drink or a browse while you wait for a table. 

House-made pasta, innovative bruschetta with 'nduja (spreadable pork sausage), and roasted vegetables and meats are the stars of this sophisticated Italian spot. By day, the Alimentari side serves lunch and brunch, as well as pasta and provisions to go. Chef Josh DeCarolis brings his passion for his Sicilian heritage and expertise in Italian cooking, while his partner Matt Kelly has contributed significantly to Durham's culinary scene next door at Mateo tapas, French classics at Vin Rouge, and the highly anticipated reopening of Nana's Rockwood.

Known as Hillsborough's living room since 2003, this neighborhood pub has grown from an intimate nine-table bar and restaurant to a multilocation gathering space for craft beer and farm-to-pub grub. Folks of all stripes crowd in for a burger made from humanely raised cows from their own Wooden Nickel Farms, baskets of wings tossed in their choice of hot-as-you-can-handle sauce, and a pint from the rotating guest menu of craft beers from all over the world. The busy, friendly bartenders are as much of a draw as the food, and will happily recommend a beer (if you can flag them down). The James Pharmacy building next door holds a bottle shop and weekend bakery, while the Wooden Nickel Mebane opened in late 2023, 10 miles from Hillsborough.

The menu at this intimate seafood spot includes Lowcountry favorites, often presented with an Asian flair and a bit of French influence. The standout ahi tuna varies by season in its preparation. With black leather chairs and soft lighting, this is a classy pick for a date night. This white-washed brick restaurant is tucked away behind commercial buildings off of the highway, and is easy to miss after dark.

This restaurant's full name is Sweet Potatoes (Well Shut My Mouth!), and once you have a taste of these Southern classics, you'll know why. Expect friendly service and more food than you could possibly eat.