50 Best American Restaurants in Raleigh

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

“My friend and I ordered and enjoyed a lot of food: - Pimento Cheese w/ Fried Saltines - Roasted Beets w/ Pickled Kumquat, Siano Burrata & White Balsamic-Thyme Vinaigrette - Baguette w/ Cultured Salted Butter - Crispy N.C. Shrimp w/ Marinated Newly-Dug Potatoes & Pickled Ramp Remoulade - Roasted Airline Chicken Breast w/ Herb-Scented Whipped Yukons & Smoky Triple Chicken Jus - Macaroni Au Gratin (the best I’ve ever had, at least four unique cheeses. If you don’t order this Mac ‘n Cheese, that’s your fault!) From the moment we walked in, I knew we were in for something special. The rainbow “Don’t Forget Kindness” window etchings, the upscale modern yet retro decor, the attention to detail, and then learning the history, dating back to 1945 — it’s all so impeccable! Oh, and a fantastic cocktail. The 1806 — Orange Infused Bourbon, Brulee'd Brown Sugar, Bitters! Suffice it to say that I will make it a point to be back, often 🏳️‍🌈 Highly recommend!“

“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! 😋“

“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.“

“Went to Crawford & Sons for dinner tonight. I have not been here since before Covid. I was enticed by their online menu which included hamachi crudo. It was amazing. The mushroom appetizer special was perfect for solo dining. The sauce / gravy on the mushroom special was very delicious and savory. The two very lightly fried eggs made this an exquisite brunch menu item.“

“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!“

“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!“

“Recently a friend introduced me to the Oak and I was impressed well beyond my expectations. The drinks and the food are all top notch. Lots of places have “good bar food” but that’s not the case here, they have custom eats not “bar food”. There’s nothing we ordered that have us scraping up the crumbs. Justin the bartender is particularly knowledgeable and friendly, he’s a sharp guy who is eager to please and quick to serve, we never had to flag him down or ask for help, he was on the spot the whole time! I’ll be back for client lunches and meet ups for sure!“

“I come here about once a month for lunch with a friend. We used to bounce around to different restaurants, but we have found this one to be so excellent that it has become our standard. The food is superb and very creative. They make a hamburger with feta cheese and blueberries that is a fun just for the experience. I normally get the wings; I’ve tried them in a number of sauces. Each is very distinct. I’ve ended up enjoying the Korean most of all. The side items are perfectly prepared, and the tater tots are extra crispy… just saying.
Service is top-notch. The only wait involve is for your food to be freshly prepared, hot, and that’s well worth it. Drinks are brought to the table quickly and with a smile.
Looking forward to my next visit in a few weeks.“

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

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

“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🥰“

“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.“

“🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 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!“

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

“I had a Cobb esque salad with fried chicken for lunch, it was really really great. Perfect amount of dressing, and the chicken was crunchy outside and tender inside, with lots of flavor. Ranks up there with the best Cobb sausages I've ever had. Lots of people were ordering the burger, it looked delicious coming out of the kitchen, will have to try next time .“

“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.“

“My Thai Chicken Salad was incredible and quite a huge portion The peanut butter pie was out of this world My server Courtney Lynne was the icing on the cake So fun knowledgeable and so very pleasant. She helped make my 62nd birthday awesome“

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

“My fiancé and I celebrated our engagement at Oak Steakhouse in May of 2026 and the entire staff made the evening magical. Oak has quickly become a frequent date night spot for us and will be for years to come. The food is always amazing and John our waiter (as well as the entire staff) has always treated us like family.“

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

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

“Great food and service.
PESTO CHICKEN AND FRESH MOZZARELLA FLATBREAD
FIELD GREENS SALAD
GARDEN TOMATO SOUP
WOOD-GRILLED IDAHO RAINBOW TROUT
BRICK-OVEN ROASTED CHILEAN SEA BASS
DESSERT WAS COMPLIMENTARY FOR B.D
Total $107 tip not included.“

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

“Great gluten free options.“

“The food is great. The noise level was off the chart when I was there. Large party, and they were very loud. Made conversation at our table hard to hear. Restaurant has high ceilings and tables are close together. The food though is wonderful.“

“I can’t remember our waitresses name which is shame one me. We visited this last weekend with our 3 toddlers. Needless to say, our waitress was awesome. She was quick, patient & super friendly!

I will get her name once we return so she can get some recognition!“

“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!!.“

“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.“

“Had a great meal at the restaurant. Our server Ben was very attentive and answered all our questions. The only suggestion I would make is the water they service which probably Raleigh water is terrible! Filtered water would be MUCH better! I couldn't drink it!“

“Super tasty and the staff was on point! Highly recommended!“

“I am at Glenwood often and love the main dining area and the atmosphere. The food is great especially the salmon.“

“Great hand crafted cocktails with small bite food options“

“Great family breakfast spot. Can’t eat enough bacon. Thanks Lathaniel for being a wonderful server!“

“A Friday night for 2, served by Kait (who also drew the illustrations on the menu!) - friendly service, great recommendations, and really yummy food! The Brussel Sprouts are delicious, the Strawberry salad is yummy, and both chicken wing option are a win! Will be back!“

“Drinks were delicious, but the wagyu skewers were very disappointing. It must’ve been from a chuck cut or something because even though they were cooked perfectly (medium rare) they were still super chewy - where as I expected them to melt in my mouth from the cook temp and the fact they were Wagyu! Definitely wouldn’t order those again.
Toni on the other hand was a fantastic server! He had great recommendations for drinks and dessert. The pecan pie with caramel ice cream would be worth coming back for alone. That is a dessert that I’ll be thinking about for years to come, and has certainly set the bar for pecan pies! Absolutely delicious.
Vibes were great, ambiance was enjoyable for a date nigh. I’d definitely go back again but probably just for drinks and dessert. Definitely hope we get Toni again!“

“We were there last night with our soccer team so it was around 40 people. They sat us in the tent area and Christian was our server/bartender. He did AMAZING!!!!!!! We were all shocked how he was so efficient and fast with serving that many people. He made great drinks too!!!“

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

“Chloe was our waitress and she was amazing! I come here fairly often and she’s been the best service I’ve had in a long time. Although everyone is super nice but her customer service was superb. Thank you for making my night amazing! ❤️❤️❤️“

“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.“

“I have always had a great experience at First Watch 💓 So refreshing to see excellent customer service on display and a priority! Food was delicious and served quickly ✨ This is definitely our go to restaurant when we have guests in town 😍 Thanks First Watch!“

“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!!!!“

“I was running 30 mins late for my reservation, called in, no problem to postpone. The staff were amazing, so friendly and were very helpful with menu choices. The food was unbelievable! My only regret was that I couldn’t eat anymore! Just make a reservation well ahead of time to be seated at a table, otherwise sitting at the bar is the next option. We ordered the Risotto and the crab cakes! Both delicious and ended sharing a slice of cheesecake! 5 stars plus to this incredible vegan restaurant.“

“Lunch food is great but the servings are meager.“

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

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

“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.“

“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.“