The Petrel Picks

Where to eat in Raleigh

20 restaurants in Raleigh, ranked. Compiled from Michelin, James Beard and World’s 50 Best. No sponsored placements, no affiliate links, and nobody paid to be on this list.

1. 1

   Mala Pata Molino + Cocina

   Bib Gourmand 2025

   Mexican

   2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 102, Raleigh, NC 27604

2. 2

   Sam Jones BBQ

   Bib Gourmand 2025

   Barbecue, American, Spanish

   502 W Lenoir St, Raleigh, NC 27601

3. 3

   Poole's

   James Beard winner 2019

   American, Bars & drinks

   428 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27601

4. 4

   Peregrine

   James Beard semifinalist 2026

   American

   1000 Social St, Ste 150, Raleigh, NC 27609

5. 5

   Ajja

   James Beard semifinalist 2026

   Mediterranean

   209 Bickett Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27608

6. 6

   Bida Manda

   Thai, Vietnamese, Bars & drinks

   222 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

7. 7

   Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar - Raleigh

   Indian, Seafood, Bars & drinks

   105 Friendly Dr, Ste 101, Raleigh, NC 27607

8. 8

   Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh

   Mediterranean, Vegetarian

   3817 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

9. 9

   The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar

   Japanese, American, Bars & drinks

   4208 Six Forks Rd, Ste 100, Raleigh, NC 27609

10. 10

    Brewery Bhavana

    Chinese, Bars & drinks

    218 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601

11. 11

    Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

    Southern & Soul, American, Cafe & bakery

    220 Wolfe St, Raleigh, NC 27601

12. 12

    Doc B's Restaurant

    American, Bars & drinks

    25 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC 27511

13. 13

    KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot

    Korean, Barbecue, Bars & drinks

    3105 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604

14. 14

    Metro Diner

    American

    6325 Falls Of Neuse Rd, Ste 73, Raleigh, NC 27615

15. 15

    The Fiction Kitchen

    Vegetarian

    2431 Crabtree Blvd, Ste 103, Raleigh, NC 27601

16. 16

    Salt & Lime Cabo Grill

    Mexican, Seafood, American

    6006 Falls Of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

17. 17

    Taverna Agora

    Mediterranean, Bars & drinks

    326 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603

18. 18

    Poke Burri Raleigh

    Japanese, Asian fusion

    6613 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615, USA

19. 19

    Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern

    American, Bars & drinks

    330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603

20. 20

    Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar

    Southern & Soul, American, Bars & drinks

    5625 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612

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Award data from Michelin, James Beard and World’s 50 Best. Ordering also considers public review data, which is not reproduced here. Last reviewed September 2026.