25 Essential Durham Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Durham.
Byrd's BBQ Restaurant & Catering
North Carolina
Cozy, comfy restaurant offering down-home breakfast & barbecue plates, along with catering.
bartaco
North Carolina
Hip eatery for tacos & rice bowls, plus Latin cocktails, in a beachy setting with a large patio.
Alpaca Chicken
North Carolina
an everyday essential favorite for readers tracking Durham's most persuasive peruvian restaurant rooms, anchored by a Beam Score of 87.8.
Page Road Grill
Durham, North Carolina
Sleek interior with patio seating, a full bar & a menu of Southern dishes with international twists.
Kolapasi Indian Canteen - Chapel Hill NC
Durham, North Carolina
Identifies as women-owned. Service options: Curbside pickup, No-contact delivery, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
First Watch
Durham, North Carolina
Cafe chain for health-minded breakfast, brunch & lunch options such as omelets, salads & soups.
Bennett Pointe Grill
Durham, North Carolina
Longtime grill featuring a wide range of traditional American dishes & cocktails in a comfy setting.
Alley Twenty Six
Durham, North Carolina
Swanky, sophisticated cocktail bar serving a menu of charcuterie & New American fare.
Silver Spoon Restaurant
Durham, North Carolina
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great coffee, Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Breakfast, Lunch.
Pizzeria Toro
Durham, North Carolina
Buzzing, modern pizza parlor featuring wood-fired pies & a bar, plus an assortment of Italian wines.
Zaxby's Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings
Durham, North Carolina
Chain eatery serving up fried chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches & other American comfort food.
CAVA
Durham, North Carolina
Mediterranean restaurant for thoughtful food with customizable greens & grains bowls, pitas & salad.
Carmen's Cuban Cafe & Lounge
Durham, North Carolina
Buzzy haunt with Cuban fare & mojitos that go with an Old Havana look & Latin music on the weekends.
Hokkaido Ramen House
Durham, North Carolina
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great tea selection. Popular for: Lunch.
Guglhupf Restaurant
Durham, North Carolina
Vibrant cafe serving seasonal German fare, baked goods & drinks in an open, airy venue.
Pie Pushers
Durham, North Carolina
Buzzy brick-&-mortar location for a popular food truck known for specialty pizzas & wings.
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Durham, North Carolina
Chain eatery & bar serving a diverse menu of classic Italian fare in a family-friendly setting.
Jason's Deli
Durham, North Carolina
Deli chain featuring specialty sandwiches, salads & other health-conscious fare.
Thai Palace Restaurant
Durham, North Carolina
Comfy place serving classic Thai fare such as soup, curries & noodle dishes, plus lunch specials.
Banu Vegan
Durham, North Carolina
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Great dessert, Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Pizza Inn
Durham, North Carolina
Pizzeria & buffet chain offering several crust options, plus pastas & more.
Playa Bowls
Durham, North Carolina
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Popular for: Lunch, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Taqueria La Vaquita
Durham, North Carolina
Tacos, tortas & classic plates with fresh fruit waters & other Mexican soft drinks in simple digs.
Squid's Restaurant
Durham, North Carolina
Seafood eatery offering hushpuppies & other fried faves along with grilled lobster, soups & steak.
Mellow Mushroom Durham
Durham, North Carolina
Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas.