Best Lunch Restaurants in Durham

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianJapanese

Regions

DurhamRaleigh

Neighborhoods

Chapel HillDurhamMorrisvilleRaleigh

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

28 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of Aaktun Coffee + Bar restaurant

1. Aaktun Coffee + Bar

4.7

Exceptional(126)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Durham

Booked 64 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 Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant

2. Nasher Cafe at Duke University

4.7

Exceptional(861)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Durham

Booked 31 times today

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.

3. Mothers & Sons

4.6

Exceptional(175)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Durham

Booked 21 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.

4. Juju Durham

4.8

Exceptional(2431)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Durham

Booked 64 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 Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant

5. Cucciolo Osteria Durham

4.8

Exceptional(1695)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Durham

Booked 45 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.

6. M Pocha

4.8

Exceptional(443)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Durham

Booked 8 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 Fairview Dining Room restaurant

7. Fairview Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(1906)

$$$$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.

8. Counting House

4.3

Awesome(1572)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Durham

Booked 14 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.

9. Nikos

4.6

Exceptional(485)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Greek • Durham

Booked 43 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.

A photo of Emmy Squared - Durham restaurant

10. Emmy Squared - Durham

4.7

Exceptional(90)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Durham

Booked 19 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

G
Gaurav
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
4.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food is decent, the eggplant parm was too bready but we liked the gnocchi which we got without meat
More info
Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
•
4.6
B
Bill
Greater Boston •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing food! Loved every bite and great service. Thank you!!
More info
Juju DurhamPrice: Expensive• Asian• Durham
•
4.8
D
DonnaVIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I LOVE this restaurant. Fresh ingredients, authentic Italian, and fabulous drink selection. My date was very impressed.
More info
Cucciolo Osteria DurhamPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
•
4.8
A
Archna
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Sooo good that we are already planning on going back. The fish tacos were excellent and so was the ceviche !!
More info
Aaktun Coffee + BarPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Durham
•
4.7
S
Susan
South Carolina •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great menu and the food was very good! Very enjoyable lunch place
More info
Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Durham
•
4.7

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