Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

Best Lunch Restaurants in Durham

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

27 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Mothers & Sons restaurant
1. Mothers & Sons
4.6
Exceptional(204)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 41 times today
Our lunch and dinner menus differ greatly. Please see the menu link below to see an example of our offerings.Partners Matt Kelly and Josh “Skinny” DeCarolis are proud to offer Mothers & Sons, a trattoria in downtown Durham featuring regional Italian food with seasonal sensibility. DeCarolis introduces the first restaurant in the South to focus on fatta a mano —handmade pasta. Mothers and Sons offers antipasti dishes such seasonal bruschettas or smoked octopus. Choose from primi dishes like the bucatini al amatriciana, squid ink tonnarelli or rigatoni alla norma and secondi dishes like the bistecca alla floretina and eggplant parmigiana. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients so menus may change depending on when you visit. An extensive Italian wine list, dozens of amari as well as an imaginative cocktail list with an italian flair assures there will be a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.
A photo of Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant
2. Cucciolo Osteria Durham
4.8
Exceptional(1718)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 23 times today
Cousins Jimmy and Julian Kim welcome you to Cucciolo Osteria Durham! A sister restaurant to the original Cucciolo Osteria in Seoul, Korea, offering modern Italian cuisine with a twist.We are located in the same building as the Amtrak train station, just opposite side, next to West End Wine Bar.
A photo of M Pocha restaurant
3. M Pocha
4.9
Exceptional(451)
Price: Moderate
• Asian • Durham
Booked 18 times today
Located in the heart of downtown Durham, M Pocha is a vibrant dining destination that brings the energy and flavors of Korean Pojangmacha to life. A modern twist on the traditional "tented street carts" of Korea, M Pocha offers an intimate, casual setting where friends gather to share exceptional food, creative cocktails, and great conversation.Led by locally renowned Chef Michael Lee and part of the esteemed M Restaurant Group, our menu celebrates Asian fusion cuisine with a special focus on bold Korean-inspired flavors. From small plates perfect for sharing to signature dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, M Pocha delivers a culinary experience as dynamic as the city we call home.Whether you’re stopping by for a cozy night out or an exciting taste adventure, M Pocha promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere and unforgettable dishes. Join us and discover why we’re one of Durham’s most talked-about dining spots!
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
4. Nasher Cafe at Duke University
4.9
Exceptional(862)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Durham
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.
A photo of Juju Durham restaurant
5. Juju Durham
4.8
Exceptional(2464)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Durham
Booked 56 times today
Juju serves up small plates with bold flavors, each prepared creatively with attention to tradition, whimsy, local integrity, and, of course, deliciousness. In addition to its extensive and delicious menu, Juju features a dynamic beverage program of hand-made cocktails, Sake selections and a well-chosen list of artisan wines and craft beers.
A photo of Aaktun Coffee + Bar restaurant
6. Aaktun Coffee + Bar
4.7
Exceptional(162)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Durham
Booked 36 times today
Our cozy cafe is a delightful haven where friends gather amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, savoring delectable pastries and engaging in warm, leisurely conversations. Take a step into our dining room and allow us to whisk you away to a tropical paradise where contemporary tiki cocktails blend seamlessly with vibrant Latin American and Caribbean Flavors. Our culinary journey is guided by the talented Oscar Diaz, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist and our esteemed chef-owner.
A photo of Counting House restaurant
7. Counting House
4.2
Awesome(1579)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Durham
Booked 5 times today
At Counting House restaurant, led by Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson, local cuisine meets bold flavors and playful execution. A seafood-driven menu set amongst the art of today, designed to provide you with an easy-going escape that will feed your soul. The bar and lounge is a welcoming place to taste innovative cocktails, sample local craft brews, and explore broad bourbon and wine lists.Reestablishing the warmth and vitality of a historic gem, Counting House combines contemporary design with architectural details including the building’s original terrazzo floors and arched windows.
A photo of Nikos restaurant
8. Nikos
4.8
Exceptional(513)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Durham
Booked 13 times today
NIKOS offers a treasure trove of flavors distilled from Greece and the surrounding regions — spanning from the southern coast of Crete to the north of Mount Athos, and from the Ionian islands to the Aegean Sea.We invite you to embark on a culinary journey that encompasses health, wisdom, dreams, passions, and the timeless pursuit of ideas that transcend boundaries. Regular hours may be different during holidays weekend.
A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant
9. Fairview Dining Room
4.7
Exceptional(1927)
Price: Expensive
• American • Durham
Booked 23 times today
The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years. With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.
A photo of Emmy Squared - Durham restaurant
10. Emmy Squared - Durham
4.8
Exceptional(107)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Durham
Booked 11 times today
Founded on an unconditional love of well-made food, we use only the highest quality ingredients for our famous Detroit-style pizzas. As Emmy Squared has grown, we’ve continued to make fans and receive accolades along the way, including winning Nashville’s Battle of the Burger, being recognized as one of "The Best New Burgers in NYC" (Gothamist) and one of the "20 Best Burgers in NYC" (Infatuation). Besides award-winning pizzas and burgers, you’ll find delectable appetizers, sandwiches, and salads on our extensive menu. We look forward to welcoming you to Emmy Squared Durham and sharing our unique take on American “comfort food.”

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • GretchenVIP
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •33 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server, Brandon, was stellar. He knew the menu perfectly, could easily explain ingredients, and was personable and patient . Everything about our service was excellent. Everyone enjoyed their entre and especially the beet salad and pate appetizers. Due to the decor (exposed brick walls, very high ceiling) and close quarters, it was difficult for our group "of a certain age" to hear. The first time I was there we were seated in the front corner and that was a much better choice which I will request next time, or perhaps the outdoor patio.
    More info
    Cucciolo Osteria DurhamPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • Karen
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    JuJu was fabulous. What an assortment of delectable plates. We had vegan, seafood and gluten allergies in our party of four, and everyone was blown away with the flavors and assortment of dishes from appetizers to entrees to small plates…and whatever you do, DO NOT skip dessert!!!
    More info
    Juju DurhamPrice: Expensive• Asian• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • ToniVIP
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 26, 2025
    We love the interesting take Mothers & Sons has on Italian cuisine. Our wine, cocktails, focaccia, appetizer, entrees, desserts were delectable! Service was also excellent.
    More info
    Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • Danielle
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 23, 2025
    Incredible food and service! Loved everything we tried.
    More info
    M PochaPrice: Moderate• Asian• Durham
    •
    4.9
  • Anthony
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 8, 2025
    I’ve had lunch here twice and both times the service and food has been excellent.
    More info
    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Durham
    •
    4.9

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo