Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Napoli Pizzeria & Gelateria

4.9

4.9 (129)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Carrboro

About the restaurant

Offering small plates, True wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, housemade gelato, local beer on draft, wine & cocktails in downtown Carrboro!

Top review

Nathan

Dined 4 days ago

Awesome experience and I hope to be back when I’m in the area!

Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi

5.0

5 (978)

$30 and under

Thai

Holly Springs

About the restaurant

Osha Thai Kitchen & Sushi, named after the Thai word “osha” meaning, tasty or good, is more than just providing you, the guest, with good food. We are striving each day to deliver an atmosphere that is not only welcoming, but one that you will be happy to share with your friends and family. A consistent experience of authentic Thai food and sushi that will wake your taste buds up and have you asking for more.

For Take Out ordering online, please visit oshathaikitchennc.com

Please note that if you party does not arrive within 15 minutes of your reservation time, we may need to release your table and place your back on the waitlist (if exists) or offer the table to other customers. We will provide you with the current wait time so that you can make an informed decision. If you think you may be running late, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.

We may contact you about this reservation so please ensure your email and phone number are correct when setting.

Top review

Michael

Dined 3 days ago

Quality ingredients prepared to perfection! Recommended!

Durham - M Sushi

4.9

4.9 (3084)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Durham

About the restaurant

M Sushi, the flagship of the acclaimed M Restaurants group by Chef Michael Lee, is the Triangle’s first dedicated sushi and seafood restaurant. Located in the heart of Downtown Durham, M Sushi sets the standard for exceptional sushi, Omakase, and seafood-driven cuisine. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and masterful execution, the menu showcases traditional Japanese techniques with innovative twists. Open for lunch and dinner, M Sushi delivers an unparalleled dining experience that continues to set the bar for sushi excellence. Experience the origins of M Restaurants at M Sushi.

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 1 day ago

Magnificent birthday dinner. Just wow! Service was attentive and the food remarkably fresh and delicious

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4.9

4.9 (17)

$31 to $50

Afternoon Tea

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Tucked inside Little Native Coffee Co., the "Littlest Tea Room" is Raleigh's first SpeakTEAsy and offers a cozy speakeasy-style retreat with a "dark academia" vibe. Dress to impress or come as you are—either way, you’ll love the ambiance and charm. Our space is perfect for intimate gatherings or a casual, but unique afternoon escape. Reserve your spot today!

Private bookings available! ......................................................................................................................................................................................................
PARTIES OF MORE THAN (4) PEOPLE - Please email LittlestTeaRoom@gmail.com as parties of 4+take up multiple tables and need to be manually added. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE COFFEE SHOP. Our baristas cannot add reservations.

Top review

Sally

Dined on 8 May 2025

Our experience at The Littlest Tearoom was nothing short of magical! My 20 year old daughter and I both loved the tea, the food and the ambiance. Ashley was a gracious and kind hostess. In a world of disconnection, stress and unbelievable politics, finding a gem like this to escape to for an hour and a half is priceless.

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar

4.9

4.9 (974)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Cary

About the restaurant

Maximillians Grill & Wine Bar has been serving Cary & the Triangle since 1991. Owned and operated by Will & Margie Hennessee, Maximillians offers global cuisine using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Offering over 15 wines by the glass in addition to an extensive bottle list, or enjoy one of our hand crafted cocktails or local draft beers. We hope you will join us, and if it is your first visit, it won't be your last! Cheers!

Top review

AndyVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Outstanding cuisine, service, and hospitality! Several restaurant industry friends referred me to Maximillian’s when I visited Raleigh and I’m glad they did. From the minute I walked through the door, I was treated as a valued guest. The wine and cocktail program were well curated and offered compelling pairings for each dish. Service was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The fresh seasonal ingredients made each selection delicious. I loved the grilled Caesar salad, as well as Chef’s signature Voodoo Market fish. Maximillian’s is an absolute gem and worth the short drive from downtown Raleigh. I look forward to returning anytime I’m back in the area.

Gonza Tacos y Tequila - North Raleigh

4.9

4.9 (1448)

$30 and under

Mexican

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Come experience Raleigh's Colombo-Mexican Tacos y Tequila Joint!

Hand Crafted Latin Cocktails
Extensive List of Tequilas & Regional Spirits
Carefully Selected List of Latin Wines & Latin Beers

Voted Best Latin Restaurant in the Triangle by Wake County Living Magazine!

Won the Indy Award for Best Mexican / Latin American in the Triangle!

Top review

David

Dined on 9 May 2025

Excellent food and attentive service in a funky atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

Bleu Olive

4.9

4.9 (1322)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Durham

About the restaurant

For parties of 5 or more, pease give us a call.

A family operated - Mediterranean Bistro serving a fresh & local ingredient inspired menu.

The Papanikas family first opened the doors at this location in 1994 under the name Papas Grille, a fine dining Greek and Mediterranean restaurant. With “Papa” and Sam in the kitchen and Angelika, Chris & Yianni running the front of the house, Papas Grille turned into one of the finest and well-respected restaurants in the Durham food scene. After eighteen successful years as Papas Grille, it was time for a makeover and with that came a new brand as well. The reconstruction took place in 2012 in which the changes brought a more casual setting and modern feel. With “Papa” retiring during the changeover, Sam took over the realms in the kitchen fine-tuning his craft which is highly focused on quality ingredients and consistent execution. The front of the house continues to be overseen by Angelika and Yianni.

Top review

Margie

Dined 1 day ago

Great tasting food and wonderful service. It's m y favorite restaurant in Durham.

Simply Crepes Cafe of Raleigh

4.8

4.8 (206)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

A full-service restaurant and bar. Offers progressively traditional, French Canadian farmhouse vibes. Scratch-made comfort food is handcrafted in our kitchen using fresh meats, produce, signature sauces and dressings.

Menu Musings: Nosh on some of fan favorites for breakfast like French toast, Maple Sausage Stackers, oatmeal creme brulee, simply strawberry crepes. Lunch can be healthy! Many gluten and dairy free options. Try a Mediterranean Chicken (or make it vegetarian with tofu). Vegan friends love the Thai Curry Crepe. Food Network has featured our Rugby Crepe on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Try it, is it the best?! Come for dinner and grab a burger or fried chicken sandwich. After dinner nutella dessert crepes - yes!

Top review

Cam

Dined on 11 May 2025

Great meal and great service. The brussel sprouts were amazing!

Bodega Tapas and Wine

4.9

4.9 (917)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Wake Forest

About the restaurant

Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum. Local and imported artisanal ingredients offered in an affordable small plate format. Enjoy the rum bar with craft, from scratch cocktails, or rum tastings in one and two ounce pours. Most of our extensive wine list is offered by the glass, bottle and tasting pour so you can indulge on high end wines with out breaking the bank. Order as many or little small plates as you like to snack on or piece a meal together and try an array of different wines. We’re perfect for a small bite after work, a night out with friends or an intimate date night. we look forward to having you at our table .
If you are a party of 5 and more, please contact us at Bodega and we will be happy to accommodate you.

Top review

john

Dined 4 days ago

This critique is not applicable to every diner, but for those of us of us who wish to converse during our meal some people will be deterred by the ambient background noise. Bodega Tapas and Wine may not be ideal for a first date. Otherwise the dining experience is outstanding. Our server was a delightful young lady, and the food and drink is exceptional.

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Popular dish

Lamb Meatballs

Popular dish

Beef Empanada NC Wagyu

It's A Southern Thing Ellis Crossings

4.8

4.8 (64)

$30 and under

Southern

Durham

About the restaurant

It's A Southern Thing is our owner's personal love letter to The South. We've proudly served Downtown Durham since 2017 and are thrilled to expand and open up our second location here at Ellis Crossing. Known for our unique take on traditional Southern fair, we welcome you with a laid back atmosphere, Southern hospitality, delicious craft cocktails and thoughtfully created, scratch made dishes. From our best-selling Shrimp and Grits to Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chops, Fried Green Tomatoes, Collard Greens, Chicken and Waffle Skewers and everything in between, you will find familiar flavors presented in an original way. Offering brunch and dinner seven days a week, with extended bar hours and a private dining area for small functions, we invite you to come in, stay a while and let us show you why so many customers love being part of our It's A Southern Thing family.

Top review

Dennise

Dined on 20 Apr 2025

It's always a good time at It's a Southern Thing at Ellis Road. Bernard is great! It was a perfect way to celebrate our Mom's birthday. The food was delicious and beautiful. We walked right in for our reservation. It was a good evening...will definitely be back soon

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