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.“

“My wife and I went to Crawford and Son for the first time after our courthouse wedding and they gave us the best night! Great wine list and a perfect dirty martini. I think we could have had 5 bowls of the Carolina Gold Risotto it was so tasty. Our swordfish was cut into heart shapes which was so sweet of them. The GM (Kat) stopped by to ensure we were enjoying our time. Simply great food and expert friendly service. Overall felt very welcomed and would definitely come back. Also check out Jolie next door or Brodeto down the road - all of the Crawford restaurants are excellent and memorable.“

“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!“

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

“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🥰“

“It's the best wings I have ever ate!!!! The sauces were homemade. The sweet peach and Korean BBQ sauce were delicious. Had a side of bacon cheese fries that were amazing. The owner is the host, server, clerk, everything! She is AMAZING!!!!“

“🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 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!“

“Wow. Tyler was hands down the BEST server I’ve ever had. Hilarious, and despite a huge rush from the Canes game, we felt as attended to as if we were the only ones in the restaurant. Place is lovely, Oak Smash was great. I cannot stress how much I enjoyed Tyler’s service at Oak. I hope a manager sees this and commends him“

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

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

“Very nice dining experience for lunch Saturday commencing with the guidance of Chloe as the server. Truly enjoyed the Shanghai flash fried calamari as appetizer. Had to convince myself to not finish the whole plate because the entree was on order. Calamari was the winner, spicy, hot and just the right amount of chewy. Ordered the beet salad which was good- perhaps a better quality of dressing would be my comment. The cheeseburger and fries were good. Cooked the way I liked it. Chloe made it all for a good afternoon.“

“If you are downtown by the capitol building then this is a must stop! Great food options and drinks to choose from. The beef sliders were amazing and perfect for sharing. Additionally the roasted brussel sprouts with bacon was really good! Great service“

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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!!.“

“Great hand crafted cocktails with small bite food options“

“Now I don’t know if these items are still on the menu but my friend and I came here a few months back. We had the spicy pineapple margarita & Doppelgänger(the drink was strong as heck)
Emeralds coast shrimp & Filet with bearnaise. The food was absolutely delicious. I believe it was Katy & Tanya who waited on us, they were great! We sat at the bar… we just got done shopping. This place is worth the price!“

“I would like to applaud our waitress for her pleasant and professional demeanor. She had a wonderful sense of timing—giving our table space when we needed it to decide, while also knowing exactly when to check in. Her attentiveness felt natural and never intrusive.
I truly appreciate having confident, experienced women hosting our table—they truly understand the assignment and create such a welcoming atmosphere. I also noticed and appreciated how seamlessly the ladies worked together, ensuring our food was delivered promptly even if our main host was assisting another table.
It made for a truly wonderful birthday lunch experience.“

“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!!!!“

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

“I had an amazing experience at the Crunkleton. The food was absolutely outstanding—everything we tried was flavorful, well-prepared, and clearly made with attention to detail. What really made the night memorable, though, was the service.

Kevin, the bartender, was exceptional. He crafted some truly incredible drinks and took the time to make great recommendations based on what we liked. Beyond that, his personality and attention to detail made the whole experience feel welcoming and special. It’s rare to find someone who combines skill, creativity, and genuine hospitality so effortlessly.

Between the fantastic food and Kevin’s remarkable service, this is definitely a place I’ll be coming back to—and recommending to others.“

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

“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.“

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

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

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

“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.“

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

“Delicious food, and super friendly staff!!“

“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.“

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

“Well the food was good, the service was pretty good, the prices were moderate however for the amount of money I feel like the surroundings may have been a little bit more luxurious. It was almost like a high-end cafeteria as far as the ambience was concerned. Other than that the menu was good you should try it!“

“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.“

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

“First time visiting this place for my birthday when I tell you 10 out of 10 the environment was very clean. The staff was very friendly and patient very polite. Our waiter was so sweet in the shelf cooked our food with so much love the plates came out nice clean to perfection. The environment was giving anniversary date night engagement birthday dinner. Candles was everywhere. Soft music playing. Listen it was a 10 out of 10. Food was great. I will definitely be going back. They also gave me a birthday card and a free appetizer. All of their staff signed the birthday card wishing me a happy birthday. Everyone was so sweet and friendly. I recommend this restaurant definitely one of Raleigh’s hidden gems I would say.“

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

“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.“

“Great gluten free options.“

“1/20/26. I wanted to give an update. We have been back twice and both the service and the food were excellent. First time back,, tried the deviled eggs which are addictive. Lol, really the next trip was for the eggs but we each ordered a salad and the chicken was cooked to perfection. PREVIOUS REVIEW Waiter was sweet. No silverware so had to use plastic utensils. Chicken rather dark which means it was either overcooked or the oil needs to be changed. Bacon wasn't that great either. However, onion rings and sweet potatoes fries were great.“