The Best Places to Eat in Durham, NC

Durham is a food connoisseur’s dream destination. The best places to eat in Durham, NC, offer a wide selection of different cuisines and cater to everyone’s palates. Whether you’re visiting for parents’ weekend at Duke University, looking for a fun fall trip with friends, or a romantic couple’s getaway, Bull City is the place for you. After exploring this vibrant region, you’ll be ready for something to satisfy your appetite. Durham is just one of the fantastic food-focused cities in The Triangle, an area known for its three colleges, thriving metropolitan areas, and fantastic cultural scene.

Restaurants in Durham range from fine dining to down-home barbecue to international cuisine. No matter what mood you’re in and whether or not you are a foodie at heart, there are places to eat in Durham for everyone. Make your evening even better by enjoying a happy hour pint or glass of wine at one of the many local breweries and wineries before heading out for your meal. Durham has plenty to choose from, and mixed with its energetic vibe and authentic charm, it’s easy to distinguish Durham as one of the best places to stay in the Triangle.

When it comes to things to do in Durham, food isn’t the only consideration. The city also offers plenty of adventures and activities, including hiking and biking, shopping, and sporting events. Enjoy a fall hike at Eno River State Park, wander the gardens at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, hit the shops at the American Tobacco Campus, or browse the latest exhibits at the Nasher Museum of Art. Branch out to other regional towns, and you easily have a week’s worth of activities to pack into your getaway! 

When you’re done savoring all of the local places to eat in Durham, NC, make time to relax and recharge at the best Bed and Breakfast in Durham, NC. Located just minutes from downtown, our AAA Four Diamond-rated Bed and Breakfast is the place to rest your head and body, enjoy a sumptuous breakfast, and kick back in our garden setting. We pride ourselves on the care and warmth we extend to our guests, found in our everyday interactions and quiet features that make your stay extravagant. Whether you’re looking for a romantic couples getaway, a stunning wedding venue, a vacation, or have a business trip, our place is perfect for your needs. Book your room today!

Enjoy the best places to eat in Durham, NC. Couple laughing and eating their food.

The Best Places to Eat in Durham, NC

When we say there are some truly fantastic places to eat in Durham, NC, we mean it. You’ll find everything here from international cuisine and casual bites to elevated, award-winning restaurants that will leave you wanting more. Durham restaurants never disappoint, with everything ranging from Asian, French, and Italian food to smoky barbecue, fresh seafood, and Spanish tapas.

We love everything about the Durham food scene, and stay on top of it so you don’t have to. Below, you’ll find a few of our current favorite places to eat in Durham, NC.

  1. Take a look at award-winning chef Ricky Moore at Saltbox Seafood Joint. His fresh take on simple American seafood has earned him a James Beard Semifinalist Award for Outstanding Chef of 2025.
  2. M-Sushi is a favorite of the Triangle locals. Fresh hand rolls, poke, and sashimi are just a few highlights on their menu. Keeping “sushi, simplified,” any sushi lover can find something amazing to eat here.
  3. Nothing goes better together than barbecue and blues at The Blue Note Grill. Featuring American selections such as ribs, burgers, chili, and of course, barbecue, and featuring various blues musicians, this establishment is a cornerstone of Durham restaurants.
  4. In the mood to share? Taberna Tapas serves all you could ever want from a Spanish tapas restaurant and is one of our favorite places to eat in Durham, NC. Empanadas, jamón, and infamous paella are just a few menu items to choose from.
  5. Vin Rouge, a local French bistro, offers traditional dishes and an exceptional romantic dining experience, making it one of the best places to eat in Durham, NC.
  6. Want some fresh, healthy, and delicious Mediterranean cuisine? One of the best places to eat in Durham for just this is Nikos. The colors, ambiance, and flavors at this delightful restaurant will have you feeling less like you’re in the Triangle, and more like you’re in the Aegean!
  7. While there are many amazing places to eat in Durham, NC, there are some gems to be found just a short drive outside of the city. One of these special places is Herons in Raleigh. A Forbes five-star restaurant, this exquisite dining experience is the highest level of fine dining.
  8. Hawthorne and Wood in Chapel Hill offers a romantic, casual-fine dining atmosphere. Known for their visually exciting plates and strawberry dessert, this is a place that can’t be missed while enjoying your romantic fall getaway in Durham.
The best Bed and Breakfast in Durham, NC, bedroom with blue and white accents

Relax at the Best Bed and Breakfast in Durham this Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Durham as the cooler weather blows in, the brilliant foliage is on display, and local Durham restaurants perfect their seasonal menu offerings.  Explore the many things to do in Durham in the fall by way of sporting events, history tours, museums, and distillery tastings. Enjoy the outdoors and the vibrant fall colors by spending the day at Eno River State Park. Whatever you fancy, Durham has it all. 

After you’ve spent the autumn days exploring all that the city has to offer, come decompress at the best Bed and Breakfast in Durham, NC. Our elegant boutique inn boasts a three-course hot breakfast every morning, stunning grounds, and that famous southern hospitality. Our historic property has five main guest rooms, two main guest suites, and two cottages and cabins. All rooms have an inviting fireplace, cozy terry satin robes, luxury bedding, and private bathrooms. Some rooms include a Whirlpool or a soaking tub. 

At our Bed and Breakfast in Durham, NC, we cover the details and soft touches to make your stay warm and welcoming. Enjoy one of our specials or packages for an exclusive experience.  We offer romantic gestures, picnics, wedding specials, and even birthday cakes to make your stay unforgettable. Our six-acre property is perfect for a morning stroll or to enjoy the stunning gardens from any one of our benches and Adirondack chairs. There truly is something for everyone at our inn. Book your fall getaway today! 

Voted Best of Durham

Experience the Best of Durham! Enjoy a midweek 2nd-night discount, chocolate-covered strawberries, and sparkling wine. Use code DURHAM when booking.