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As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m always on the hunt for delicious food. I keep a running list in my phone of restaurants I’m excited to try. But I always grapple with the same question when it’s time to pick a place for dinner: Do I try something new, or do I fall back on my favorite spots that I already know I love?
The compounding problem with a city like Durham is that there are simply too many good restaurant options to choose from. Every year at least a few restaurants or bars around town get a nod from the James Beard Foundation, which solidly makes Durham a foodie lover’s dream. These are the spots I would visit again and again without getting tired of the food.
Cheeni | Downtown
Sit at the counter at this downtown Durham spot serving up phenomenal Indian fare so you can watch chef Preeti Waas and her team in action. Not surprisingly, given Waas’ many accolades in the restaurant world, every dish at Cheeni is an explosion of flavor. I can’t go without ordering the aloo chaat or the fish moilee, and it would be a sin not to order a side of naan or paratha to wipe up every last bit of sauce.
Little Bull | Old Five Points
Little Bull is situated in the Old Five Points neighborhood in Durham. Since opening in 2023, the Mexican-inspired eatery has quickly shot up to a popular staple in the city’s restaurant scene. Inside, moody lighting and exposed brick walls make the space cozy and inviting. Even when it’s packed, it still feels like an intimate dining experience.
Whatever ceviche is on the menu is a must-order, as are the birria dumplings made with goat. While there are a few larger dishes available, the emphasis on small plates means you don’t have to forego anything that looks appealing.
Parker & Otis | American Tobacco Campus
There is something about a great sandwich that can change the trajectory of your day. Parker & Otis is part mercantile, part eatery located in the American Tobacco Campus. In addition to being able to peruse a curated selection of wine or, in my daughters’ instance, a wide range of colorful stickers, you’ll find expertly crafted sandwiches.
I can never say no to a turkey sandwich, and their option topped with Foster’s Markets’ seven pepper jelly is a gem. But other go-tos include their green goddess tuna salad sandwich or their BLT with pimento cheese.
Sofia’s | East Durham
Every city needs an affordable, no-frills pizza shop, and Sofia’s in East Durham fits the bill perfectly. The picnic tables outside are a great spot to sit and enjoy a giant slice of hand-tossed pizza or one of their house-made chicken tenders. Their ranch dressing is, without a doubt, the best condiment in the city and is a perfect accompaniment for the pizza, tenders, or wings.
Parizade | Old West Durham
For over 30 years, Mediterranean-focused Parizade has been a Durham institution. With its white tablecloths and dim lighting inside, it’s the perfect spot for a special occasion. It does feel fancier than a lot of spots in Durham, but not pretentious, which is often the case for restaurants with white tablecloths.
You can’t go wrong ordering the mezze trio to get a taste of their take on classic dips like hummus and spicy red pepper, but the spaghetti entree with shrimp and feta is also a knockout.
Saltbox Seafood Joint | Rockwood
No Durham list would be complete without including powerhouse Chef Ricky Moore’s seafood joint. Moore won the coveted Best Chef Southeast James Beard Award in 2022 and has been a semifinalist for Outstanding Chef, too.
The menu changes daily and according to the season, but you’ll find everything from scallops and crab cakes to flounder and tilefish at Saltbox, depending on when you go. Then there’s the ‘hush-honeys,’ their take on hushpuppies doused in honey.
There’s often a line out the door, and reservations aren’t accepted, but the wait is worth it to experience the fresh, locally-sourced seafood Moore dishes up.
KoKyu | South Durham
KoKyu is a fast-casual Asian fusion restaurant that started as a food truck before transitioning to a brick-and-mortar location. It feels a bit off the beaten path, tucked behind I-40 in an office building complex in South Durham, but don’t let that deter you.
This fast-casual Asian fusion spot is one of my newer favorite places in Durham for its punchy flavors and low-key vibe. Their burnt-end nachos have both a Mexican and Asian flair while their bahn mi sandwich skews more traditional in its approach, but every dish on the menu maxes out on flavor.
Alley Twenty Six | Downtown
While there is plenty of seating inside, try to sit in the alley that gives this downtown restaurant and bar its name. Twinkling fairy lights zig-zag back and forth across the space, giving it a magical feeling. But the ambiance isn’t the only allure here—it was not only the first craft cocktail bar in downtown Durham, but also the first bar in North Carolina to be nominated for Outstanding Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation.
Owner Shannon Healy puts a major emphasis on using homemade syrups for the wide array of creative cocktail options. The menu changes often, but you can request any old favorites from the menu. If you love a cocktail, you can ask for a recipe to take home to try to recreate, and even purchase some of the syrups they use in the cocktails from the restaurant.
An entire section of the menu at Alley Twenty Six is dedicated to tinned fish options that are great for pairing with one of the cheese boards for an excellent ‘girl dinner’, but the signature 8-oz burger also hits the spot. Save room for the affogato for dessert with local mocha liqueur from Durham Distillery.
The Original Q Shack | Rockwood
There might not be a better spot for BBQ in Durham than The Original Q Shack. A fan favorite since 2003, Q Shack gives diners a choice between Western North Carolina and Texas-style BBQ favorites.
Decision-making is tough here, so opt for a combo plate so you don’t have to choose just one of their smoked meats. They also offer tailgate options that have a plentiful amount of meat and sides, like their jalapeno deviled eggs and mac & cheese, for family gatherings or for nibbling on before Duke games.
Nanas | Rockwood
The swanky new Nanas opened at the end of 2023 after an extensive renovation and ownership change. Plush blue velvet, polished woods and leather accents give off a sleek yet comfortable atmosphere, reminiscent of your grandmother’s living room.
It’s a high-end dining experience with a heavy emphasis on service and food quality. The team makes frequent trips to the farmers’ market for fresh, seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes according to what they find. The aged NY strip complements the overall vibes, but the pastas are also outstanding. Whatever you choose, do not skip the dinner rolls.
M Sushi | Downtown
Since opening in 2016, Chef Michael Lee has created a veritable empire of restaurants across the Triangle focusing on traditional Japanese and Korean flavors. M Sushi is his flagship restaurant, located in the basement of an old office building in downtown Durham. The focus is on simplicity—both from a decor perspective and for the food. Go for the Grand Omakase to experience multiple courses of the chef’s daily selections. If that feels like too much food, don’t skip the nigiri to taste some of the freshest fish in Durham. The smoked Chilean sea bass is a great option if you want more than just sushi.
Looking for more stories from Durham? Click here. And, for a full list of Essential Restaurants, click here.
This article is presented in partnership with Discover Durham.
