Part of the excitement around moving to a new place is discovery. And there is no better way to do that than filling up your belly with delicious food. Here is a list of restaurants you should check out:
Angus Barn (Raleigh)- one of the oldest restaurants in the area and definitely a flagship. The place is located in an actual barn by RDU and serves a variety of food, mostly meat. The place has a majestic feeling, especially during Christmas and the welcoming staff is always nice and helpful. It is a place to go on a date, a business meeting, or even with your family and young children (make sure you pick up their homemade cake and they will let the kids go into the kitchen and help to decorate it). And the bonus tip- as for a texas toast instead of their regular bread.
Bella Monica (Raleigh)– for Italian food lovers, this is a must. An old-school type Italian restaurant with great pasta and parmesan chicken that you will wish never ends.
Beasley’s (Raleigh)- one of Raleigh’s downtown landmarks. Beasley’s brings the taste of the south mixed with modern fusion style. Don’t forget to try the chicken on a waffle, one of the South’s signature dishes.
Irregardless Cafe (Raleigh)- located close to NC State, Irregardless Cafe was placed at the top 50 list of best vegetarian restaurants in the country!
Hillsborough BBQ Company (Hillsborough)- if you want the good old NC BBQ, this is the place for you. From ribs to brisket, they know the job well. Watch out for their 4! Different types of coleslaw. Here is a great way to spend the day at Hillsborough.
Briggs At the Forest (multiple locations)- always a good place for breakfast or early lunch. The line on Sunday is pretty long but worths the wait. Try their eggs benedicts.
First Watch (Multiple locations)- this was our first restaurant in Raleigh. Right after driving from the airport to the house we first stayed in. It was a lovely surprise. In fact, we thought we were still in California. It is mainly a breakfast/lunch restaurant, serving all types of eggs, sandwiches, and soups. The food is really good and fresh.
Tupelo Honey (Raleigh)- Another great southern fusion style right by downtown Raleigh
Oak City Meatballs (Raleigh)- One of our first tastes of the South. A restaurant that serves meatballs in a variety of flavors. Got to try them!
Gonza – a great Mexican-Colombian restaurant with three locations in Raleigh and Wake Forest.
Aladdin’s (Raleigh)- probably the best Mediterranean restaurant in the area. They have two stores- one in North Hills and another in Brier Creek. Don’t pass on their mango-passionfruit cake.
Morgan Street Foodcourt (Raleigh)- with about 20 different restaurants to choose from, you will not go hungry (and probably cannot go wrong). We love the Japanese place over there (Katsu), but basically, everything is great!
Scratch Kitchen (Apex)-Scratch represents a partnership between two restaurant families with over a dozen successful concepts between them. With dishes made from scratch, careful attention to details, and focus on southern hospitality, we hope you find Scratch Kitchen and Taproom to be the place to enjoy a great meal with your friends and famil
Second Empire (Raleigh)- Located in the elegantly restored Dodd-Hinsdale house (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, and gourmet cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience.
So that was the quick list. Yes, there are definitely more options out there so we promise to keep updating this post.