Best Restaurants in Durham
Local Dining
Explore Durham’s diverse culinary scene with Arrowhead Inn’s curated guide. Discover top places to eat in Durham for Southern comfort food, farm-to-table dining, fresh seafood, and international flavors—all just minutes from our bed and breakfast.
Experience the Top Restaurants in Durham
Durham restaurants are often the first place people think of when it comes to standout dining in the Triangle, and with good reason. This city has earned its reputation as a culinary hot spot, offering a mix of creative menus, locally sourced ingredients, and passionate chefs. To make it easy for you to choose where to go, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for Durham restaurants located close to our award-winning bed and breakfast.
When you stay at Arrowhead Inn, you won’t have to search far to find amazing food. Your day will kick off with our signature three-course breakfast made fresh each morning with ingredients from our garden and produce from local farms. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before heading out to explore.
If you’re deciding where to go for lunch or dinner, these are just a few of the best restaurants in Durham that we recommend. From chef-owned gems to local favorites that reflect the city’s vibrant personality, you’ll find no shortage of places to eat in Durham. And if you’re craving something quick and casual, Durham’s food trucks are a great way to sample bold flavors on the go. You can also check out the Durham Convention and Visitors Bureau’s guide for a deeper dive into all the restaurants in Durham worth visiting.
Italian
Mothers & Sons Trattoria
Mothers and Sons Trattoria is one of our favorite Italian restaurants in Durham. It offers delicious regional Italian food in the heart of Durham! The menu features mouthwatering selections. Savor menu items like marinated olives, tagliatelle al ragu, Grilled swordfish, Calabrian shrimp stew, mussels, and saffron potatoes. Browse their entire menu and find your favorite.
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 5:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays
Another local Italian favorite is GoccioLina Restaurant in Durham! Their menu changes daily, so there is always something new to try. The fare is a delicious mix of Italian classics like antipasti and a combination of southern cuisine. Check their website for the daily menu and prepare to take your tastebuds on an adventure!
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
French
Step into an airy and welcoming atmosphere at Vin Rouge French Café, which is one of our favorite restaurants in Durham, NC. This Fresh local favorite is known for its French New Wave style and delicious food! French cheeses, oysters, roasted chicken, escargot, and more are all available so you can escape to France in the middle of North Carolina.
Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Closed Monday
Named after the famous market street in the seventh arrondissement in Paris, Rue Cler offers guests a delicious taste of France. Executive Chef Todd Whitney is passionate about creating French dishes that will transport you back to Paris. Experience some of his culinary creations and make memories with friends and family at this delight place to eat.
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Steakhouse
Metro 8 Steakhouse is where a classic American steakhouse meets Argentine flair, which makes it one of our favorite places to eat in Durham. Owner and chef Francisco Pirillo and his team offer both experiences, from your starter dish to dessert, or you can mix it up if you want. Enjoy shrimp cocktails, empanadas, filet mignon, and Dulce de Leche Crêpes. This is only the beginning of their menu, so review all the delicious choices and head on over to this exceptional Durham restaurant.
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Closed Sunday and Monday
Asian
JuJu Asian Tapas & Bar
Enjoy an exceptional meal at JuJu Asian Tapas & Bar. The restaurant offers a rotating menu with local ingredients. Featuring a wide selection of Asian cuisine, there is a dish for every taste. Whether you’re in the mood for General Tso’s chicken, grilled lemongrass hanger steak salad, or shrimp dumplings, you’ll find it here. Pair that with a refreshing cocktail, and you’ll see why it makes our list of top Durham, NC restaurants.
Hours:
Lunch Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday and Monday 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Mediterranean Roots
Bleu Olive
The Papanikas family has run Bleu Olive since 1994. The family continues to provide the community with quality ingredients, consistent execution, and warm hospitality, which is a big part of why it’s one of our favorite restaurants in Durham, NC. Enjoy their dolmades, tzatziki, hummus, and more! The delicious cuisine here will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take a trip to Greece!
Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dinner: Monday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The restaurant Nikos draws inspiration for its dining and dishes from history, culture, family, and Philoxenia. Taste the traditions and love that go into the many delicious Mediterranean dishes served up during your dining experience. There’s a reason this establishment is one of the top places to eat in Durham.
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Local Fare
Foster’s Market
Enjoy a Durham classic and visit Foster’s Market! This family-owned restaurant has been serving locals for over 30 years. Foster’s Market offers breakfast, sandwiches, and salads to enjoy. They also offer takeout if you’re looking for a quick option! Be sure to review their menu and find your favorite dish.
Hours:
Daily 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
South American
Luna Rotisserie And Empanadas
Indulge in South American Fares at Luna Rotisserie and Empanadas, where they are best known for their crispy and savory empanadas and wood-fired rotisserie meats. They have a wide range of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free fare, making it one of the go-to Durham restaurants for discerning travelers with dietary restrictions. These small plates, sides, and savory dishes will surely have you coming back for more!
Hours:
Lunch: Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dinner: Monday – Saturday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed Sunday
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