25+ Delicious Restaurants in Durham (Casual + Date Night ideas!)

Looking for a local’s recommendation on where to eat in Durham? As certified foodies and Bull City residents, we’re here to share our list of Durham’s best restaurants.

There are so many ways to explore Bull City’s food scene, and we’ve mixed in some Downtown Durham restaurants with those in other neighborhoods.

So before you venture out for your next meal here, take a gander at our favorites!

If you’re looking for specific restaurants in Durham, here’s how we’ve organized things:

Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Durham, NC for EVERYONE (Fall in Love with OUR Bull City)

List of Durham Restaurants Featured in This Guide

• Casual Restaurants in Durham
  • Bull City Burger and Brewery
  • The Chicken Hut
  • Cugino Forno
  • The Durham Food Hall
  • East of Texas
  • Fonda Lupita
  • Fullsteam Brewery
  • Heavenly Buffaloes
  • Jean’s By The Sea
  • King’s Sandwich Shop
  • Luna Rotisserie and Taproom
  • NuvoTaco
  • Picnic Durham
  • Queen Burger
  • Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets
  • Saltbox Seafood Joint
  • ZenFish Poké Bar
• Date Night Restaurants in Durham
  • Little Bull
  • Mothers and Sons
  • M Sushi
  • NanaSteak
  • Pizzeria Toro
  • Seraphine 
• Dessert in Durham
  • Locopops
  • The Parlour
  • Simons Says Dip This

Casual Restaurants in Durham

One of the things I love about all these restaurants in Durham is how hardly two offer the same types of food. The city’s restaurateurs know you have to find a niche, and once you have, there’s always a new one to explore.

Bull City Burger and Brewery

Address: 107 E Parrish St #105, Durham, NC
Website

The perfect restaurant to grab an in-house beer and grass-fed burger in Durham, Bull City Burger and Brewery has a lot going for it. There’s always a fun new item added to the specials list, which is fun if you’ve been there more than a few times, like we have.

And if a fun rotating menu isn’t enough, check out BCBB’s exotic meat month each April. That’s when tarantulas, reptiles, scorpions, and more fun animals appear on the menu.

If you join a Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tour in Durham, you’ll likely stop by Bull City Burger and Brewery.

The Chicken Hut

Address: 3019 Fayetteville St, Durham, NC
Website

The Chicken Hut is a cafeteria-style restaurant and has been an institution in Durham for over 60 years. With daily specials and fresh, made-to-order fried chicken, people line up around the block for it, plus their incredible side dishes and moist cake.

This place is open for lunchtime orders, so plan ahead and get in fast!

Cugino Forno

Address: 800 Taylor St, Durham, NC
Website

Get a true taste of Italy when at Cugino Forno! Three cousins spent years perfecting their craft and researching the best Neapolitan-style pizza so they could dish it up to you.

Located in Durham’s Golden Belt district, expect authentic, fresh ingredients. With 80 percent of the ingredients imported directly from Italy and the pizzas fired in a 900-degree Napoli oven, we guarantee this is the best pizza you’ll have in your entire life! 

Cugino Forno also has locations in Wilmington, Winston-Salem, Clemmons, and Greensboro! 

Read more: The Best Pizza Restaurants in Durham, NC

The Durham Food Hall

Address: 530 Foster St, Durham, NC
Website

The Durham Food Hall features a wonderful mix of chef-driven restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and Durham’s best bagels! Located next to Central Park, vendors at the Durham Food Hall always emphasize quality, local, and fresh!

Read More: The Best Breakfast in Durham and 15+ Essential Restaurants to Start Your Day!

East of Texas

Address: 318 Blackwell Street Suite 100, Durham, NC 
Website

From acclaimed Winston-Salem restaurateur Claire Calvin, this is East of Texas’ newest location. Claire is a sixth-generation Texan from Houston who found a home in North Carolina, opening The Porch, Alma Mexicana, and East of Texas in Winston-Salem, and has brought her talents to Durham. 

Located in the beautiful American Tobacco Campus, East of Texas serves house-smoked meats, made-from-scratch sides, and delicious Tex-Mex inspired dishes. 

From brisket to flautas to ranch water, this isn’t your typical barbecue joint you’d see in North Carolina… and we’re welcoming it! Oh, and don’t skip the Texas Twinkies, cheese brisket stuffed and bacon-wrapped jalapeños!

Fonda Lupita

Address: 905 West Main Street, Durham, NC
Website

Fonda Lupita has long been known as a hidden gem in North Carolina.

Its first location in Sanford drew thousands of visitors and national acclaim, leading Fonda Lupita to open a second location in Durham’s Brightleaf Square in 2024.

The recipes are traditional and passed down from their family, who also sold food in Querétaro, Mexico. The tortillas are handmade, the Gorditas thick and flavorful, and they serve up Menudo every Saturday and Sunday until 3 pm. 

We highly recommend the Birria Ramen, Quesabirria, and a fresh Agua Fresca! 

Fullsteam Brewery

American Tobacco Campus Address: 320 Blackwell St, Suite 100, Durham, NC
Boxyard RTP Address: 900 Park Offices Dr, Durham, NC
Website

You cannot come to Durham without setting foot in the beer mecca that is Fullsteam Brewery. We wouldn’t have craft beer in North Carolina without Pop the Cap, spearheaded by Fullsteam Owner Sean Lilly Wilson.

At Fullsteam’s Boxyard RTP location, you’ll find the incredible brews you’re used to and the fluffiest square pizzas you’ll ever taste. They are so good that I’ve tried to recreate them at home and failed. Must be all that beer making them extra yummy!

After many years on Rigsbee Ave in Downtown Durham, Fullsteam moved from its original location to the American Tobacco Campus (ATC). The ATC location feels like a breath of fresh air into one of Durham’s most precious spaces.

Also known as “Durham’s Front Porch,” Fullsteam ATC serves Southern bar food, Fullsteam craft beer, their Wyndfall Table cider, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks.

If you or your company are looking for an event space, Fullsteam ATC can accommodate anywhere from 40 to 150 guests.

Read More: 10 Craft Breweries in Durham (The Go-To Guide for a Bull City Pint)

Heavenly Buffaloes

Original Location Address: 1807 W Markham Ave, Durham, NC
Erwin Road Location Address: 2816 Erwin Rd Suite 205, Durham, NC
Website

Heavenly Buffaloes has been one of our go-to restaurants in Durham since we moved here. It’s been a reliable takeout staple for us because we can always trust the chicken will be crispy, spicy, and oh-so-delicious!

Wings and waffle fries are really all many people need in life, and Heavenly Buffaloes is there to cater to your every need.

They even consider vegetarians, vegans, and anyone with an aversion to chicken with an incredible meatless wing! Also, who doesn’t want to Burnie Zass-Hoff?

Heavenly Buffaloes also has locations in Chapel Hill and Greensboro.

Read More: Central North Carolina (and 100+ Amazing Places to Visit)

Jean’s By The Sea

Address: 617 Hicks St, Durham, NC
Website 

If you love both fresh seafood and crispy fried options, Jean’s By the Sea is an excellent choice for a casual bite in Durham. With fresh oysters from the North Carolina coast to daily specials, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic meal at this unassuming little spot right outside of downtown.

A promise of cold beer, colder oysters, and crispy seafood, Jean’s By The Sea is a welcome addition to the Durham food scene! 

King’s Sandwich Shop

Address: 701 Foster St, Durham, NC
Website

King’s Sandwich Shop is the OG of casual restaurants in Durham. Preparing home-cooked food on Foster Street since 1942, King’s is right around the corner from the Historic Durham Athletic Park.

We love walking up and ordering something random but challenge you to a Royale with Cheese or a couple of Spicy Blackbean Burgers, depending on your lifestyle.

Luna Rotisserie and Taproom

Address: 112 W Main St, Durham, NC
Website

Bringing authentic South American Cuisine to downtown Durham, Luna is an international restaurant worth the hype. With a diverse menu that also features vegan and gluten-free options, we can’t help but fall in love every time we take a bite of maduros!

Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)

NuvoTaco

Address: 2512 University Dr, Durham, NC
Website

NuvoTaco serves Mexican-American food with fresh, local ingredients, and they are one of the few restaurants that gets dirty! I’m talking about their meats, so get your head out of the gutter!

If you’ve never had a beef tongue taco or hog jowls and want to try it, this Durham restaurant is the place. You don’t have to eat the dirty stuff, though. I will judge you if you come here without the Big Daddy Burrito!

I guarantee it’s the size of our toddler’s face.

Picnic Durham

Address: 1647 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC
Website

We’ve been coming to Picnic Durham for a long time and are not alone. This place is well known for its whole-hog BBQ and picnic tables outside. Go for the pulled pork or sway away from traditional NC BBQ with some brisket.

Also, don’t be afraid to try their smoked buttermilk fried chicken, which might be the tastiest bone-in bird you’ll ever eat. However, you must eat their bacon-braised collards. That’s an order!

Picnic Durham is near Eno River State Park, one of our favorite outdoor spots in Durham! 

Read More: 17 Amazing Eno River State Park Trails (+ Bonus Hikes)

Queen Burger

Address: 359 Blackwell St. Suite 125, Durham, NC
Website

Queen Burger is under the same umbrella of phenomenal people as Queeny’s and Kingfisher.

Queen Burger makes delicious smash burgers using grass-fed beef and ooey-gooey cheese. Not into meat? Don’t worry, because Queen Burger has one of the best house-made beet burgers in all of North Carolina! 

Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets

Address: 121 N Gregson St, Durham, NC
Website

What used to be Rose’s Meat Market is now an unassuming spot that packs giant flavor. Dishing up East Asian-inspired meals with North Carolina ingredients, diners at Rose’s slurp, devour, and leave happy.

While parking at Rose’s can be tricky, don’t be discouraged; find street parking nearby!

Read More: 10 Absolutely Delicious International Restaurants in Durham

Saltbox Seafood Joint

Address: 2637 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC
Website

James Beard Award-Winning Chef Ricky Moore brings fresh daily caught seafood to Durham, and we can see why there are always long lines! People are always flocking to Saltbox Seafood Joint all year round, but don’t miss the annual lobster roll!

Coming from a fine-dining background, Moore makes simple food shine. The chalkboard menu changes daily based on what is being caught on our shores. Nothing is frozen, and each menu item is treated with care while prepared.

Ricky Moore’s cookbook (purchase locally or via Bookshop) landed on our guide to essential North Carolina cookbooks.

ZenFish Poké Bar

Address: 810 Ninth St, Durham, NC
Website

ZenFish Poké Bar is one of Durham’s healthiest (and most delicious) casual restaurants. With a variety of base options from white rice, brown rice, salad, and quinoa to even zucchini noodles, this is the ultimate stop for build-your-own Poké bowls.

One of the best parts of ZenFish is its commitment to the community. The signature bowls of Compassion, Gratitude, Courage, and Kindness inspire and remind you to let love into your life.

Sourcing local farmers’ ingredients and ensuring that everything is compostable makes this guilt-free casual restaurant a must-stop!

Date Night Restaurants in Durham

If you’re looking for a place to impress your partner, these are some of our favorite date-night restaurants in Durham. Expect to reserve in advance for most of these hot spots!

Little Bull 

Address: 301 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC
Website

Another favorite Durham restaurant of ours comes from Top Chef alum, Oscar Diaz. Little Bull is an homage to Diaz’s heritage and Southern roots, which shine brightly throughout the entire menu. Bold and strong flavors. Delightful decor. Innovative cocktails.

Oh, and don’t skip the Birria Dumplings. This dish is one of my absolute favorites in all of Durham! 

Mothers and Sons Trattoria

Address: 107 W Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC
Website

A few of our best meals in Durham have been at Mothers and Sons.

From co-owner and chef Josh DeCarolis, the menu features fresh homemade pasta and unique flavors. We highly recommend ordering some Arancini for the table and never skip the squid ink pasta!

Alimentari and Sons next door serves lunch Monday to Friday and brunch on Saturday. I don’t like telling you what to do, but please stop by for lunch, order a chicken parm grinder, and thank me later!

M Sushi

Address: 311 Holland Street, Durham, NC
Website

M Sushi is an experience. One that cannot be replicated. We promise every bite you have once you step inside the dimly lit, hard-to-find restaurant is worth it. Make a reservation here at M Sushi because seats fill up fast, especially on the weekends.

While you can order sushi a la carte, we recommend going for the omakase experience. Everything comes to the table as prepared, and focusing on the food experience will make your night more memorable. M Sushi is arguably the best date night restaurant in Durham and has consistently been one of our favorites over the years.

NanaSteak

Address: 345 Blackwell St, Durham, NC
Website

If you are looking for a restaurant near DPAC, we highly recommend going to NanaSteak! Located steps from DPAC, it is easy to park, eat, and enjoy a show with a reservation. NanaSteak serves up more than just incredible charcoal-grilled steaks and prime rib.

If you don’t have time before your show for a meal, NanaSteak is also a fantastic place to grab a cocktail before a DPAC show.

Pizzeria Toro

Address: 105 E Chapel Hill St, Durham, NC
Website

Pizzeria Toro is what we like to call an “upscale” casual Durham restaurant. That’s because it’s accessible to all but with more advanced flavor profiles. You won’t find Buffalo mozzarella, spicy lamb meatballs, soft eggs, zucchini bechamel in your typical take-out pizza place.

The main dining room features an open kitchen layout, a farm table in the center, and tables along the walls.

It’s not uncommon to see strangers conversing with each other over the farm table, spurred by the question, “What’s that you got there?”

Grab a friend and split their PNW Chanterelle mushroom pie and the kale salad I still dream about every night!

Seraphine 

Address: 324 Blackwell St, Durham, NC
Website

Michelin Guide recommended, Seraphine at American Tobacco Campus is an excellent date-night restaurant in Durham with Louisiana-inspired flavors.

From Cajun boiled peanuts to the can’t-miss “Dragos Style,” everything on this menu is a must-order. We love the romantic vibes and can’t ever say no to a fresh order of beignets. Add this Durham restaurant to your list for your next night out! 

Dessert in Durham

For some, dessert is what you eat after a fantastic meal at a sit-down place.

But as you’ll see here, these dessert-specific spots are the perfect way to finish your journey through our favorite casual restaurants in Durham.

Locopops

Address: 2618 Hillsborough Rd, Durham, NC
Website

With seasonal flavors and tastes inspired by owner Summer Bicknell‘s travels, Locopops is the perfect place to dangle your legs off a front porch and lick a pop! We love their baby pops and silky ice cream, too.

Thanks to their expanding menu, you can grab a slice of Mexican chocolate chess pie.

If you’re into inspirational stories (I mean, who isn’t?), read our interview with one of our favorite People of NC, the loco lady herself, Summer Bicknell!

The Parlour

Address: 117 Market St, Durham, NC
Website

Want a sweet treat while strolling around downtown? The Parlour is the best place to go! Local fresh ingredients and 18 percent butterfat means this ice cream will leave you wishing for a double scoop.

They have plenty of treats, with vegan-friendly fruit sorbets and coconut milk-based creamy ice cream! Personal favorites include Bourbon Butter Pecan, Vietnamese Coffee, and Salted Butter Caramel.

Simons Says Dip This

Address: 117 W. Parrish St., Durham, NC
Website

Love a dipped cone? Then Simons Says Dip This is your spot for dessert in Durham! Choose a cone, a cup, or an ice cream sandwich, and then pick from 24 flavors to dip your ice cream in!

Can’t decide? Choose from expertly designed flavors like Caramel Popcorn Dip with Cheddar & Caramel Popcorn or Cheesecake Dip with Graham Crackers and Strawberries!

Ready to Dig Into These Restaurants in Durham?

These aren’t the only restaurants in Durham we love, but this should get you started if you’ve never eaten here. With such an awesome food scene to tackle, this was tough.

If you’ve explored some of the Bull City’s places to eat, what’s been your favorite so far? What’s your favorite casual spot to grab food in Durham?

Let us know in the comments and remember to share your Durham food adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

More Things to Do (Including Durham NC Restaurants)

We’ve created many more travel guides that feature these Durham restaurants and other things to do. Here are a few of them.