Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Durham

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianChinese

Regions

DurhamRaleigh

Neighborhoods

Chapel HillDurhamRaleigh

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

24 restaurants available nearby

1. M Pocha

4.8

Exceptional(442)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Durham

Booked 11 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 Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant

2. Cucciolo Osteria Durham

4.8

Exceptional(1681)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Durham

Booked 31 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 Mateo Bar de Tapas restaurant

3. Mateo Bar de Tapas

4.8

Exceptional(2446)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Durham

Booked 32 times today

Mateo Bar de Tapas is the first solo venture from chef Matthew Kelly, housed in the old Book Exchange building in the heart of downtown Durham. Featuring a menu that blends the flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South. We offer a casual, yet refined, menu of Spanish small plates with Southern inflection. Accompanying the food is a robust Spanish wine list as well as one of the largest sherry offerings in the country!

4. Taberna Tapas

4.7

Exceptional(1808)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Durham

Booked 18 times today

Spanish Tapas Extensive Spanish Wine listFull barServing dinner

5. Krill

4.5

Awesome(449)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Filipino • Durham

Booked 13 times today

Filipino Kitchen Re-Imagined by Chef Karl & Chef PaulaAt Krill, every dish tells a story-one of tradition, family, and the deep-rooted heritage of Filipino cuisine. Created by the talented Chef Karl and Chef Paula, our menu celebrates recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations. We’re offering a taste of home, reimagined. Our mission is to elevate Filipino cuisine, bringing its vibrant flavors to the forefront in a way that feels both timeless and innovative.The heart of our team is built on family, with Dona leading as the General Manager and Evan as Bar Manager, together we strive to create an elevated dining experience for all who walk through our doors, introducing guests to the rich cultural heritage and dynamic flavors of the Philippines.Join us for an unforgettable journey through Filipino cuisine, where tradition meets modern creativity, and every meal is an experience to remember. Welcome to Krill—your new favorite Filipino kitchen, re-imagined.

6. Little Bull

4.8

Exceptional(591)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Durham

Booked 31 times today

Little Bull is sincere, nostalgic comfort food, inspired by the palates of first-generation immigrant kids. Pocho cuisine is not a gimmick. Like Oscar, it’s a little bull-headed, but with no bullshit. It means more than loaded terms like “New American” or “modern Mexican.” And it’s authentic to Chef’s personal experience.“American food is undefined. But it’s been designated to certain ideas and people. It’s actually evolving, as much as our landscape is a melting pot. As much as my own identity as a first-generation American and chef.”Pocho started as a term used by people in Mexico to poke fun at the “American” kids who speak Spanglish. At Little Bull, pocho cuisine showcases the evolution of being a chef in America, inspired by every immigrant and their growing influence on our food.

A photo of Aaktun Coffee + Bar restaurant

7. Aaktun Coffee + Bar

4.7

Exceptional(108)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Durham

Booked 56 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.

8. Juju Durham

4.8

Exceptional(2420)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Durham

Booked 62 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 Emmy Squared - Durham restaurant

9. Emmy Squared - Durham

4.7

Exceptional(88)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Durham

Booked 20 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.”

A photo of Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery restaurant

10. Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery

4.2

Awesome(62)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Gastro Pub • Durham

Booked 5 times today

Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery is a veteran and woman owned business located in the heart of Durham’s Innovation District. Using only the best seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, ou scratch kitchen serves your favorite American Classics as well as regional favorites. This is not just your average pub menu! The Flying Bull proves that craft beer and elevated cuisine are a perfect pairing. We also offer an extensive wine list and full service cocktail bar. Looking to host a special event for business or family occasion? Our large beer hall is the perfect solution. Prix fixe full menu or catered hors d’oeuvres available. Whether you’re looking for a meal with family or friends before the theatre, business or date night, or even a little Latin music with your beverage, our friendly and courteous staff will make sure your visit is a wonderful experience.

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