50 Best American Restaurants in Raleigh

“Great food and overall dining experience. The Mac & cheese to share is out of this world.“

“It has to be one of my favorite restaurants for brunch in Raleigh.“

“What an all around amazing night at Second Empire! Our family gathered there to celebrate our son's wedding. The personal service the bride and groom received was way beyond expectations. Everyone made them feel so special! From start to finish, the evening was exceptional. The food was so yummy and there were even options for those in our group, myself included, who were vegan/vegetarian. And it wasn't just a salad. Just ask the server! Ours was well versed in what the chef could prepare for us. The presentation of the food to our party of 13 was also super cool...they brought out all of the entrees at once! Also there is an elevator to help those with mobility issues. Thanks to everyone for helping to make this special day even more special!“

“When in Raleigh, will make sure to make this a regular must visit! 😋“

“Nothing beats a passionate chef. Tonight was my first experience, and it's only the beginning! The staff was amazing and did not make me feel rushed. 5-star plus. I've never been to a restaurant where all the mussels were open and full of flavor until Northside Bistro. It was impressive and absolutely delicious, and they also serve some of the best cocktails I've ever had!“

“Excellent service and food quality! We had cocktails and a light appetizer while waiting for a table. Then once seated, the two of us ordered: three small plates, one large plate, and a dessert all to share. The timing was perfect. Each item came out separately, with an appropriate pause in between. We were not rushed or overwhelmed. Staff was very attentive without ever being anywhere close to overbearing.“

“We ordered the Christmas take home Meal and it was superb!! Everyone raved about the freshness. The Prime Rib was delicious and the vegetables were very tasty and the rolls and pies were the best! We will be ordering for all the Holidays meals in 2025!“

“I can see why this restaurant was on the Michelin Guide for Raleigh. The ambiance when you walk in, is so cozy. However, the food was AMAZING. All the flavors were there. The yellowtail crudo had to be my favorite dish. The rice cake they put on top is to die for, and dipping it in the yellowtail was chefs kiss. The catfish was their special and it was perfectly lightly battered and fried! Cocktails were unique and held lots of flavor. Definitely ask the waitress or waiter about the speakeasy, you’ll need a key to go! The service was 10/10, a great date night“

“Great Food, even better staff. So happy for the cuties couple/bartender Jen and Paul heard that they are having a little one this fall🥰“

“🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Margaux’s in Raleigh dazzled me! The outdoor seating set the perfect vibe, and my waiter Bill was phenomenal—attentive, engaging, and professional, just like the whole staff. Every plate was art, every bite divine, and that key lime pie? Pure transcendence. Effervescent culinary journey with next-level flavors—Perfect kickoff to my Labor Day weekend. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat!“

“Everything we ordered was excellent, but the cakes are over-the-top amazing!“

“Everything was amazing. The old fashioneds are still the best we’ve ever had. And I tell anyone who will listen about the brussel sprouts. We usually come for lunch so we often only get Brussels and sliders but the last two times we tried the featured burger and lemon risotto. The lemon flavor was subtle perfectly balanced and complemented the salmon I added. I am hoping to come back and have it again very soon. The service is always great and one of the main reasons we come back. Everyone has always made us feel welcome and often remember us. We don’t come in enough to be considered regulars but we are always made to feel that way. Be sure to make a reservation. It’s a small restaurant and we always see it fill up fast especially for lunch.“

“My favorite lunch spot. Friendly service and absolutely the freshest, most delicious food in town.“

“Great date night resteraunt. Service was fast and friendly. Food was fresh and delicious. The restaurant was quiet enough for conversation. The radio was not blasting and the tables were not too close. Restrooms were nice and clean. Its a but pricey but well worth it.“

“I stopped by to grab lunch. The food was delicious. The people were friendly and helpful. I want more corn!!!“

“One of the best places has ever eaten breakfast and the service and atmosphere is even better. Love this place. Makes the best hobo omelettes I have ever eaten . Give them the highest score possible. Been going for 15 years . Awesome place.“

“Man, I had to revise this review. Love their crab cakes, but man, I just can't get enough of their NY Strip Steak. Perfect medium rare and that incredible char on the outside of the steak, yum. The Mac and cheese side might be the best I ever ate.
These folks make the BEST crab cakes in Raleigh. Prime rib is delicious.“

“Went for dinner and it wasn't busy, so the space was quiet. The servers were very great. The biggest disappointment was that they were out of both grilled chicken and beef gravy. That meant my wife couldn't get the chicken cordon bleu crepe she wanted and I couldn't get poutine (which, honestly, was the main reason I wanted to go here).“

“We really enjoyed our food and will definitely return for more!“

“Don't believe the photo that comes up on the tripadvisor page. When I visited in April 2025, they closed at 5:00 Mon-Thurs, not 8:00. Their website has the correct hours. I had the fried chicken lunch special. It came with two sides and two slices of garlic toast. $9.99. The chicken was juicy and the breading had great flavor. The mac and cheese side was creamy and delish. The broccoli and cauliflower side needed salt and pepper. Nice sized portions for the sides. The garlic bread could use more garlic flavoring. Some patrons at my place of employment told me that they come here several times a week for lunch. The staff is very friendly, even towards me, a newcomer. They seemed to know everyone else in the restaurant. Lots of regulars, which is a good sign.“

“Everyone was Friendly. Service was great. Drinks and Food came out quick Wings were yummy and the fish and chips! We will be back!!.“

“Love their coconut macaroon, rum, and strawberry puree cakes!“

“Thanks so much for the free steak dinner on Veteran's Day for my husband (Air Force Veteran). He looks forward to it every year. Our food was AMAZING and our waitress was kind and accommodating! It was a quite busy when we walked in but the hostess did a wonderful job of getting us seated quickly and managing the masses! We will definitely be back!“

“I had brunch here with friends and everything was wonderful! The food was well seasoned and the portions are quite generous. Friendly service as well.“

“We are staying at this hotel for a softball tournament at NC STATE. I came down for coffee and there were several people in the restaurant. There was just one employee taking everyone’s order and making coffee and breakfast entrees and she was AMAZING! She was friendly, she was fast and efficient getting everyone their food and drinks. She came around to each table and checked on every patron. I don’t know how she did it, but this was such a pleasant experience in a crowded bistro! Bravo and well done!!!!“

“excellent food, customer service and great memories every time I visit...keep up the great work!“

“The food is amazing! Though I haven’t tried every yet👀 I’m sure it won’t disappoint!“

“Great hand crafted cocktails with small bite food options“

“Love you Ryan and sorry we missed you Ash love 💕 you“

“Nestled in an business office complex, you may not see it at a glance. I only stopped because it was close to my hotel. Went there for lunch and the line was out the door. Well worth the wait. I had a gyro sandwich that was to die for. Mostly sandwiches, panini and wraps. They do have a special of the day that could be rice with a protein. Everything looked amazing. They do have in-dining tables. Very nice Spanish speaking ladies that are very quick and helpful. I will be back.“

“Great dogs and exceptional service. Will visit again soon.“

“Raleigh Grande is a very nice place to watch a movie and grab a bite. The chicken sandwich is delicious. The food is priced low and it’s an all around nice family theatre.“

“Karaoke 🎤 nights fun, first time here I definitely recommend attend a karaoke night.“

“It’s great!! We really enjoyed triangle restaurant week!!!“

“Always get the meatloaf cannot go wrong very good and the gravy for the REAL mashed potato is super !!!“

“Jamie and Marie are awesome. Drinks were amazing!! Desserts were also amazing!! Espresso martini was the best I’ve ever had.“

“On NCSU campus in Talley, but not the best place to grab food between classes because of the wait. I don't know if they're understaffed or what but it took almost 40 minutes to get our food one time.The food itself is good though, so without time constraints I would recommend it.“

“This is the best restaurant I been to in a long time and it was one waitress that stood out to me cause her customer service was awesome her name was Malayna and she made me and my husband very welcome…i will be back when i visit the Raleigh again….“

“The food is delicious and the presentation is beautiful. If you have not tried First Watch please treat yourself soon😊“

“Christmas Eve dinner 2025. Everything delicious. Counter seating, so entertaining watching the pace and positive attitudes of those working the line. Roasted oysters, agnolotti divine, NC fish perfect. Staff friendly and, well, just a special evening all together. We have only been twice, but were greeted like regulars.“

“This place has a great atmosphere with views of the lake. Brunch was good . The short rib eggs Benedict was excellent. Chicken and waffles were below average with dark meet instead of white breast. Service was good and live music a surprise addition.“

“The best chicken and waffles I've ever had.“

“We celebrated my birthday at The Oak last night and had an amazing experience. Our server, John, was fantastic, and the Wright Flight cocktail is a must if you love gin. We loved the bone marrow starter, my husband’s ribeye was incredibly tender, and the confit duck tasted like fall on a plate. The Espresso Martini Affogato and peanut butter pie were perfect desserts. They even sent us home with mini banana breads! The Oak is officially my new favorite spot in Raleigh.“

“Grows excellent with all 4 of us . He was so pleasant and helpful.“

“I planned a post funeral for the attendees who traveled to Raleigh from out of town. Since the time was for 3 PM on a Tuesday afternoon we got the area that can also be sectioned off from the rest of the restaurant, although in our case it was not. It did not need to sectioned off as the restaurant was not busy at this time. Lesan was our server and he was great. Energetic, friendly, quick with a smile and a master of the menu details. Our group was a mixture of different age groups but we love to talk and laugh. Lesan blended in seamlessly.“

“Great Mac and cheese AND offer gluten free! best of all! usually when a place offers gluten free, you have to settle for only one item. but here there were lots of choices. very pleased. could not tell the difference in this gluten free dish and non gluten free. fantastic taste! great job!“

“This was my first visit to the Raleigh location on May 28, 2025 with two out of town guests. three diff dishes were ordered..brisket, St. Louis rubbed ribs and burnt ends. The brisket and burnt ends were amazing. The ribs however were dry and tough. The meat certainly did not fall off the bone. I would not recommend the ribs based on this experience.“

“The food at First Watch is always delicious and Justin is an excellent server!“

“Delicious food, and super friendly staff!!“