The City of Oaks Canon: A Guide to Raleigh’s Best Restaurants
An analysis of Raleigh’s culinary landscape reveals that “all-time best” is not a static list but a dynamic synthesis of two distinct narratives. The first is that of “Old Raleigh,” comprised of foundational, experience-driven institutions that have served as the city’s celebratory cornerstones for decades. The second is the “New Raleigh” revolution, a chef-driven movement that elevated the city’s food scene to national prominence.
This isn’t just another list of the top 10 restaurants in Raleigh, NC; it is a canon. We’ve synthesized critical reviews, local buzz, and national accolades to bring you the definitive guide to the best restaurants in Raleigh, NC. From fancy restaurants in Raleigh to the hottest restaurants in Raleigh, NC, this is your ultimate guide to the essential restaurants in Raleigh, NC.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Cuisine | Price Guide | Vibe / Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poole’s Diner | Downtown | Modern American | $$$ | The JBA-Winning Pillar of New Raleigh |
| The Angus Barn | North Raleigh | American Steakhouse | $$$$ | The Unshakable “Experience” Institution |
| Crawford and Son | Oakwood | Modern Fine Dining | $$$ | The Modern Fine-Dining Standard |
| Second Empire | Downtown | New American | $$$$ | The “Special Occasion” Icon |
| Stanbury | Mordecai | New American | $$$ | The Critic’s & Foodie’s Darling |
| Beasley’s Chicken + Honey | Downtown | Southern | $$ | The JBA-Powered Staple |
| Players Retreat | Hillsborough | American Pub | $ | The “Old Raleigh” Local’s Choice |
| Brewery Bhavana | Downtown | Dim Sum & Brewery | $$ | The National-Concept Icon |
| Big Ed’s City Market | Downtown | Southern Breakfast | $ | The Legacy Breakfast Institution |
| Ajja | Five Points | Mediterranean / Middle Eastern | $$ | The “Newest Legend” |
1. Poole's Diner
📹 Video Source: CBS 17
- 🍴Cuisine:Modern American
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:The JBA-Winning Pillar of New Raleigh
- 📍Location:428 S. McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Poole’s Diner is arguably the single most important restaurant in Raleigh’s modern culinary history. Opened in 2007 by chef Ashley Christensen in a historic 1945 luncheonette, it is the undisputed pillar of “New Raleigh” and the venture that anchors any list of the top 10 restaurants in Raleigh, NC. From this flagship, Christensen built an empire, winning the James Beard “Best Chef: Southeast” and the national “Outstanding Chef” awards.
Foodie Quote: “The Macaroni au Gratin is legendary, described as ‘so rich and delicious it almost demands applause after the first bite.'”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The JBA-Winning Pillar of New Raleigh. This is the best restaurant in Raleigh downtown that started the city’s culinary revolution, and its “legitimately fantastic” food proves it’s not just hype.
2. The Angus Barn
📹 Video Source: ABC 11
- 🍴Cuisine:American Steakhouse
- 🏙️Neighborhood:North Raleigh
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:The Unshakable “Experience” Institution
- 📍Location:9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
The Angus Barn is the quintessential “Restaurant of Experience” and Raleigh’s most “legendary” dining institution. An icon since 1960, this sprawling red barn serves over 22,000 steaks a month. It’s famed for its vast, award-winning wine cellar and “exuberant” Christmas decorations, which are a destination in themselves. It’s the definition of fancy restaurants in Raleigh.
Foodie Quote: “A ‘must-do… at least once,’ where the ‘Christmas decorations are worth $350’ alone, and the experience includes a complimentary cheese and relish tray and a barrel of red apples upon leaving.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Unshakable ‘Experience’ Institution. While locals debate if the food is “overrated”, its “all-time” status is rooted in its role as a cultural touchstone for “first fancy meals” and family celebrations, making it a must-have for any best restaurants Raleigh 2025 list.
3. Crawford and Son
📹 Video Source: Scratching to Travel
- 🍴Cuisine:Modern Fine Dining
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Oakwood
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:The Modern Fine-Dining Standard
- 📍Location:618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Crawford and Son is the “crown jewel” of chef Scott Crawford and the city’s current standard-bearer for modern fine dining. This is the flagship of a five-time James Beard semifinalist for “Best Chef: Southeast” and a 2024 nominee for national “Outstanding Restaurateur”. The menu is “ever-evolving” and “product-driven,” focusing on “honest food” rather than a single static dish.
Foodie Quote: “Rave reviews from 2024 and 2025 highlight items like the ‘Manchego-Herb biscuits’ and ‘Potato Gnocchi with short rib’.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Modern Fine-Dining Standard. A 2024 JBA finalist for “Outstanding Hospitality,” its “spectacular” service and “legitimately fantastic” food are why it’s on all top 10 restaurants in Raleigh, NC lists.
4. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
📹 Video Source: Adventures with Dan & Tracie
- 🍴Cuisine:New American
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$$$$
- ✨Vibe:The “Special Occasion” Icon
- 📍Location:330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
For decades, Second Empire has been Raleigh’s reigning champion of traditional “fine dining”. It’s famously located in the “elegantly restored” Dodd-Hinsdale house (1879) and operates a “restaurant within a restaurant”: formal dining upstairs and the more casual “lively” Tavern downstairs. It’s a key player among restaurants in Raleigh downtown.
Foodie Quote: “The 2025 menu shows high-end entrees like ‘Pan-Roasted New Bedford Sea Scallops’ and ‘Classic \’330\’ French Onion Soup’.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The “Special Occasion” Icon. Local consensus is clear: go to The Angus Barn for the “fun” experience, but go to Second Empire for “top quality food,” making it the top choice for fancy restaurants in Raleigh.
5. Stanbury
📹 Video Source: North Carolina Weekend on PBS NC
- 🍴Cuisine:New American
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Mordecai
- 💰Price:$$$
- ✨Vibe:The Critic’s & Foodie’s Darling
- 📍Location:938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Stanbury is the definitive “foodie” restaurant. It is a cult-favorite, critic’s darling, and the consensus top pick for those who prize inventive, seasonal food above all else. The menu is hyper-seasonal, “changes with moods and seasons,” and is known for creative small plates. Its “in-person reservations only” policy reinforces its status among serious foodies, who agree the experience is “worth the wait.”
Foodie Quote: “One of the most-praised dishes is a unique Steak Tartare with Thai flavors served with ‘crab chips’.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Critic’s & Foodie’s Darling. A “Tier 1” pick on local “food snob” lists and featured in The New York Times, this is one of the best kept secret restaurants in Raleigh, NC that isn’t a secret to those who know.
6. Beasley's Chicken + Honey
📹 Video Source: Duke’s Mayonnaise
- 🍴Cuisine:Southern
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:The JBA-Powered Staple
- 📍Location:237 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Beasley’s is the most accessible and widely known restaurant from Raleigh’s most famous chef, Ashley Christensen. Opened in 2011 as an “ode to fried chicken,” this downtown staple pays tribute to Christensen’s family (the chicken is her mom’s recipe, the honey a nod to her dad). It’s one of the best casual restaurants in Raleigh.
Foodie Quote: “The chicken is brined, dipped in buttermilk, and pressure-fried, resulting in an ‘uber crunchy’ and ‘perfectly cooked’ product. The Chicken & Waffles with hot honey is iconic.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The JBA-Powered Staple. It serves as the “people’s” entry point to Raleigh’s JBA-winning food scene, translating high-concept acclaim into a tangible, crave-able, and accessible meal.
7. Players Retreat
📹 Video Source: North Carolina Weekend on PBS NC
- 🍴Cuisine:American Pub
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Hillsborough
- 💰Price:$
- ✨Vibe:The “Old Raleigh” Local’s Choice
- 📍Location:105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh, NC 27605
The Players Retreat (PR) is the definitive “all-time” local’s choice. A beloved historic pub established in 1951, it functions as “more of a family” than a restaurant, yet maintains a surprisingly serious menu. Located on the edge of NC State’s campus, it’s a haven for locals and fans, with an “impressive selection of single-malt scotch.”
Foodie Quote: “The menu far exceeds ‘bar food.’ It is known for its Burgers, made from Certified Choice Beef that is ‘ground on-site,’ and local-favorite staples like Mimi’s Sausage Dip.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The “Old Raleigh” Local’s Choice. This “beloved Raleigh institution” endures not just because it’s old, but because it maintains high standards, serving high-quality, fresh ingredients rather than frozen bar snacks.
8. Brewery Bhavana
📹 Video Source: WRAL
- 🍴Cuisine:Dim Sum & Brewery
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:The National-Concept Icon
- 📍Location:218 S. Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Brewery Bhavana became an instant “all-time” icon by delivering one of the most ambitious and nationally-recognized concepts in the South. It is famous for its unique and harmonious combination of four businesses in one: a craft brewery, a dim sum house, a bookstore, and a flower shop. This stunningly designed space is one of the coolest restaurants in Raleigh.
Foodie Quote: “The menu is designed to ‘touch your heart’ with small, flavorful dim sum plates meant for sharing, like the Pork & Chive Shumai and Char Siu Bao.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The National-Concept Icon. Named one of the “Most-Instagrammable Restaurants in America” by Food Network, it represents the confidence and creativity of the “New Raleigh” culinary scene.
9. Big Ed's City Market Restaurant
📹 Video Source: RoseMarie Reviews
- 🍴Cuisine:Southern Breakfast
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Downtown
- 💰Price:$
- ✨Vibe:The Legacy Breakfast Institution
- 📍Location:220 Wolfe Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Big Ed’s is the undisputed “Old Raleigh” institution for a classic Southern country breakfast. Founded in 1958 by “Big Ed” Watkins, it has been a “longstanding member” of the historic City Market since 1989. It is a Raleigh staple, serving “North Carolina country cookin’ classics” all day, including massive pancakes, grits, country ham, and biscuits.
Foodie Quote: “Locals confirm it has ‘deep roots around here’ and serves an ‘incredible breakfast or brunch’.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The Legacy Breakfast. Along with The Angus Barn and Players Retreat, Big Ed’s forms the “all-time” trinity of “Old Raleigh” institutions, securing its spot as the best in its category.
10. Ajja
📹 Video Source: NC F&B Podcast
- 🍴Cuisine:Mediterranean / Middle Eastern
- 🏙️Neighborhood:Five Points
- 💰Price:$$
- ✨Vibe:The “Newest Legend”
- 📍Location:209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608
Ajja is the “Newest Legend” on the list, representing the current pinnacle and future of Raleigh’s dining scene. Opened in 2023 by chef Cheetie Kumar (whose previous restaurant, Garland, was a beloved JBA-nominated staple), Ajja immediately garnered overwhelming critical acclaim. It’s the definition of the hottest restaurants in Raleigh, NC.
Foodie Quote: “The menu features ‘fresh, vibrant sharing plates’ inspired by the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and the Levant, crafted with Southern produce.”Why is it our top choice?
It’s The “Newest Legend”. Named one of Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants in America 2023” and a 2024 JBA finalist for “Best New Restaurant”, Ajja immediately set a new standard for excellence, making it one of the top 10 restaurants in Raleigh, NC.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Based on a deep analysis of critical acclaim, cultural legacy, and current quality, the top 10 restaurants in Raleigh, NC are: 1. Poole’s Diner, 2. The Angus Barn, 3. Crawford and Son, 4. Second Empire, 5. Stanbury, 6. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, 7. Players Retreat, 8. Brewery Bhavana, 9. Big Ed’s City Market, and 10. Ajja.
The downtown area is packed with many of the city’s best. Poole’s Diner is a modern JBA-winning icon. Second Empire offers formal fine dining in a historic mansion. Beasley’s Chicken + Honey is a JBA-powered staple. Brewery Bhavana is a stunning national-concept icon. And Big Ed’s City Market is the go-to for a classic Southern breakfast.
Absolutely. For best casual restaurants in Raleigh, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey is a top pick for its famous fried chicken. Players Retreat is a beloved historic pub with surprisingly great food, and Big Ed’s is a classic for a no-fuss Southern breakfast. Honorable mentions like Clyde Cooper’s BBQ (a 1938 staple) and The Roast Grill (a 1940 hot dog legend) are also essential casual eats.
The hottest restaurants in Raleigh, NC are the new-school spots getting national buzz. Ajja is at the top, named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants. Stanbury is a cult-favorite “foodie” darling with a no-reservations policy that keeps it in high demand.
While it’s now famous among foodies, Stanbury still feels like one of the best kept secret restaurants in Raleigh, NC due to its neighborhood location and in-person-only reservations. For sushi lovers, honorable mentions Waraji and Sushi Tsune are consistently named by locals as the city’s “all-time best” sushi spots, often flying under the radar of national press.
For a truly “fancy” experience, The Angus Barn is the legendary choice for celebratory atmosphere. Second Empire offers a more traditional fine dining meal in a historic Victorian mansion. Crawford and Son is the modern standard for upscale, chef-driven fine dining. These are all top-tier fancy restaurants in Raleigh, NC.
Yes, this list was verified for 2025. Every restaurant is confirmed to be operational and maintaining a high standard of quality. It also includes Ajja, which opened in 2023 and was named one of America’s best new restaurants, making this a current guide to the best restaurants Raleigh 2025.
The Angus Barn is the most iconic restaurant located in North Raleigh. While many of the “New Raleigh” culinary hotspots are concentrated in and around downtown, The Angus Barn remains the undisputed anchor of North Raleigh’s fine dining scene.
While this top 10 list focuses on restaurants that have defined Raleigh’s unique culinary identity (New American, Southern, etc.), the city has a strong Italian restaurants in Raleigh scene. Many locals have their neighborhood favorites, but the restaurants on this list have achieved a higher level of broad, sustained critical and cultural impact.
Ajja is the clear winner. Opened in 2023 by JBA-nominated chef Cheetie Kumar, it was immediately named one of Esquire’s “Best New Restaurants in America” and was a 2024 JBA finalist for “Best New Restaurant” in the entire country. Its instant and massive success makes it one of the top 10 restaurants in Raleigh, NC right out of the gate.
