Affordable, convenient dining in Raleigh: 8 ways to eat well

A large pepperoni pizza from Big Cheese Pizza & Wings in Raleigh, N.C. By Kaitlin McKeown

The curated articles describe how to eat well in Raleigh without spending more than $25. They show how budget-conscious diners have many choices, from classic takeout spots to trendy restaurants. New fast-casual chains and established favorites both appear.

You can get a meal at A Place at the Table, where you pay what you can or volunteer for a meal. This offers an option for anyone on a tight budget. Little Rey serves tacos and features rotating guest chef specials. At Potbelly Sandwich Works, you can customize sandwiches and round out a meal with sides or a milkshake. Oakwood Pizza Box’s new takeout spot, Capital Pizza Box, offers large pizzas under $25 with mix-and-match toppings for variety. These options help diners stretch each dollar while trying new or popular Raleigh eats.

NO. 1: HOW MUCH ARE LARGE 1-TOPPING PIZZAS AT 97 TRIANGLE PIZZERIAS? HERE’S THE DATA

We didn’t just get the prices for nearly 100 pizzas, we calculated price per square inch. You’re welcome. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

NO. 2: RAISING CANES IS BRINGING ITS FRIED CHICKEN TENDERS TO RALEIGH. HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

Their fans are called “Caniacs,” which could get a little confusing. The popular brand submitted plans for one of Raleigh’s busiest strips. | Published February 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

NO. 3: POTBELLY SANDWICH WORKS IS OPENING ITS FIRST RALEIGH LOCATION

We’ve known about Potbelly’s planned expansion in the Triangle for a couple of years. Now we know where one new location will be. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

Avocado Toast, fruit and, cookie from, A Place at the Table Cafe, a pay-what-you-can restaurant at 300 W. Hargett Street in Raleigh on Wednesday, May 13, 2025. By Robert Willett

NO. 4: I WENT TO THE RALEIGH CAFE THAT TIKTOKER KEITH LEE VISITED. HERE’S WHAT I GOT FOR UNDER $25

It’s a place known for its menu and mission. | Published May 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

NO. 5: ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR HEALTHY RESTAURANTS IN THE US IS COMING TO CHAPEL HILL

The restaurant continues its growth with a new Triangle location. Here’s what we know. | Published May 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted

NO. 6: RALEIGH’S TACO SCENE IS CHANGING. YOUR GUIDE TO THE NEWCOMERS MOVING IN

The Triangle is reaching a queso crescendo of fast casual taco shops. | Published June 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

The taco shop Little Rey’s from Ford Fry will open in Raleigh Iron Works in 2024. By Andrew Thomas Lee

NO. 7: I WENT TO RALEIGH’S FANCIEST FAST-CASUAL TACO SHOP. HERE’S WHAT I GOT FOR $25

How does “market price” guacamole make you feel? | Published June 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Drew Jackson

NO. 8: I VISITED RALEIGH’S HOT NEW TAKEOUT PIZZA PLACE. A LOOK AT THE MENU & WHAT I GOT

It hasn’t been long since Oakwood Pizza Box started offering its signature pies in a new takeout spot in Raleigh, and it’s already proving to be a popular spot for local pizza lovers — even on a budget. | Published August 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.