Here are 28 Triangle restaurants readers said should be on our Top 50 list
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The N&O’s Top 50 Restaurants of 2026: The Triangle’s top places to eat
The News & Observer presents the Top 50 Triangle restaurants, an effort to identify and celebrate the many excellent kitchens and dining rooms from Durham to Raleigh, Chapel Hill to Johnston County. This list does not include every great meal in the Triangle, and readers are encouraged to reach out with feedback.
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Almost as soon as our Top 50 Restaurants in the Triangle story published in March, we heard from readers about favorite spots left off the list.
We get it, and honestly, feel your pain. It was tough narrowing down the Triangle’s deep and diverse food scene into just 50 gems. That’s why we had an honorable mention list.
Here are the 28 restaurants readers urged us to take a second look at. Some are neighborhood restaurants, some are fine dining institutions. Each one is loved.
Acme
110 E. Main St., Carrboro. acmecarrboro.com
Angus Barn
9401 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. angusbarn.com
“It’s an institution that had to be part of any Raleigh visit. True Southern hospitality.” — Anonymous, Naples, Florida
Barsa
105 W. Morgan St., Suite 100, Durham. barsanc.com
“While fairly new to the area, Barsa is serving some of the most creative Indian food in the Triangle right now. Their dishes feel thoughtful and the team is incredibly welcoming!” — Allie Nelson, Hillsborough (public relations rep for Barsa)
Boulted Bread
328 Dupont Circle, Raleigh. boultedbread.com
Bull City Burger & Brewery
107 E. Parrish St., Durham. bullcityburgerandbrewery.com
“Everything is made from scratch. Buns baked in house daily, 100% grass fed NC beef, all sauces made in house. What other burger spot puts so much love into their products. Oh, and don’t forget the beer.” — SK King, Durham
East End Bistrot
2020 Progress Court, Suite 110, Raleigh. eastendbistrotraleigh.com
“Was included but you missed the mark completely. We have been visiting chef William for decades, my mom and dad still drive over an hour away for dinner, and can safely say he is the reason East End is so good. A wonderful chef, wish more people talked about him, but in person so kind, gracious and makes any experience. Not at all luxurious like you described, very warm and cozy space, friendly people, wonderful service. Dover sole and caviar doesn’t describe the food at all. The real stars are chef Will’s French-Asian dishes. A hot and sour soup with oysters, the mushrooms with raclette, the freshest sashimi; the duck a l’orange he does is fantastic, Chinese but still very French. He does so much with flavor in simple ways. His food is very special and memorable.” — Christine Lam, Raleigh
Fiesta Grill
3307 N.C. 54 West, Chapel Hill. fiestagrill.us
“The best mole.” — Rusty Rogers, Chatham County
Lime & Lemon
811 9th St., #150, Durham; 2025 Creekside Landing Drive, Apex; 100 Meadowmont Village Circle, #101, Chapel Hill; 105 Friendly Drive, Raleigh. lnlrestaurant.com
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen
7307 Tryon Road, Cary. lucky32.com/cary
Margaux’s Restaurant
8111 Creedmoor Road, Suite 111, Raleigh. margauxsrestaurant.com
“It is a hidden gem that has one job, and they do it magnificently! They have a staff and management that works. The food is always superior and it is nice to have a local reliable restaurant where they may not know your name but they know your face and make you feel at home!” — Mary Grace Sellers, Raleigh
Mateo
109 West Chapel Hill St., Durham. mateotapas.com
Maximillian’s Grill & Wine Bar
8314 Chapel Hill Road, Cary. maximilliansgrill.com
“Looking at Top 50 list I’m always amazed about how Maximillian’s in Cary is overlooked. Is it because they’ve been around for 35 years? Because of the longevity, they are sometimes taken for granted. But they innovate constantly, adding new customers and retaining old ones based on quality, consistency, service, versatility and creativity. Sometimes it pays to revisit those that have faced the test of time.” — Bob Cramblitt
Mediterranean Deli
410 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. mediterraneandeli.com
“Local favorite, great Mediterranean food, wide selection.” — Debra, Carrboro
Mezcalito
706 Ramseur St., Durham; 1102 Walnut St, Cary; 3675 Green Level West Road, #103, Apex; 229 Briarcliff Drive A, Clayton. mezcalitogrill.com
“Outstanding food and excellent service.” — David Hopp, Durham
Nantucket Grill
5826 Fayetteville Road, Durham; 5925 Farrington Road, Chapel Hill; 1145 Falls River Ave., Raleigh. nantucketgrill.com
“Their Lobster bisque is delicious. I get a bowl of it every time I go there. Their Lobster Roll is delicious as well. The menu is varied and will satisfy anyone. As you walk into the restaurant, in front of you is a huge case full of a large selection of delicious and— huge cakes. We have been going to Nantucket Grill for years and we always recommend it to everyone. The service is excellent.” — Valerie Ehrhardt
Nomad
122 W. King St., Hillsborough. thenomadnc.com
“Creative fusion food, reasonably priced and cozy.” — Albert Lauritano, Chapel Hill
Oiso Sushi and Korean
1305 NW Maynard Road, Cary. oisosushi.com
“I have eaten many times at M Sushi and this is just as good, if not better. Pop is out front making the sushi, mom handles the kitchen cooking, waiting tables and other things, and I was told by their son that she makes the best kimchi.” — Sarah Wyne
Peace China
802 Semart Drive, #106, Raleigh. peacechinanc.com
“The BEST casual Chinese spot in Raleigh, in my opinion. Though it seems like your standard takeout spot, the food is next-level. Everything tastes super fresh and homemade.” — Lauren, Raleigh
Picnic
1647 Cole Mill Road, Durham. picnicdurham.com
“Picnic in Durham off Cole Mill is exceptional barbecue. A buddy and I discovered it on our way back from the racetrack at VIR. Craved barbecue, set the GPS to find some. Ended up at Picnic. Funky cool in a neighborhood setting. Craft beers, great barbecue, pleasant staff and excellent collards.” — Mike Rohlik, Raleigh
Rasa Malaysia
410 Market St., Chapel Hill. rasamalaysiach.com
Rue Cler
401 E. Chapel Hill St., Durham. rueclerdurham.com
“This venerable restaurant is truly a celebration of French cuisine with superb food and commensurate wines. If you don’t know it, you should. Go, eat and enjoy.” — Eleanor Ferguson
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
4140 Lassiter Mill Road, Suite 100, Raleigh; 2010 Renaissance Park Place The Arboretum at Weston, Cary. Hilton Garden Inn, 7007 Fayetteville Road, Durham. ruthschrisbsm.com
Sassool
9650 Strickland Road, Suite 149, Raleigh; 1347 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary. sassool.com
“They’ve been around for 20+ years, everything is always delicious, consistent, and never misses. There’s always a line, though it moves quickly. I didn’t see any Lebanese cuisine on your list and think they are a must. They’re family-owned, immigrant-owned, women-led. Everything is made from scratch, with fresh ingredients daily. They support and give back to the community too.” — Quinn Bostic, Johnston County (public relations rep for Sassool)
“Sassool Cafe has been a Triangle staple for Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes, known for its fresh ingredients and deeply rooted family recipes. It’s the kind of place people return to again and again!” — Allie Nelson, Hillsborough (public relations rep for Sassool)
Second Empire
330 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. second-empire.com
“It should have been included, as it is one of the Triangle’s few white cloth fine-dining experiences, where the food and service is excellent. Chef Daniel Schurr has been a champion of sustainable farm-to-table haute cuisine for over 30 years in the stunning Dodds-Hinsdale House. Stand-out items are his first gras, duck, diver scallops. Actually, the entire menu delights.” — Sandy Bridger, Raleigh
“Fine-dining experience, excels in quality of food, service and ambiance. This is one of our go-tos for special occasions.” — David Dubay
Seasons 52
4325 Glenwood Ave., Suite 2100, Raleigh. seasons52.com
“Semi-casual, emphasis on seasonal freshness, pleasant environment, excellent bar.” — David Dubay
Seraphine
324 Blackwell St., Suite 4, Durham. seraphinedurham.com
Side Street Restaurant
225 N. Bloodworth St., #427, Raleigh. sidestreetrestaurantraleigh.com
“In historic Oakwood, Side Street has made delicious sandwiches and quiches for decades. Housed in an old, old shop, the restaurant offers an enjoyable lunch or dinner at reasonable prices.” —Katherine White, Raleigh
Sycamore
480 Hillsboro St., #500, Pittsboro. thesycamoreatchathammills.com
This story was originally published April 3, 2026 at 9:54 AM.
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