Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Raleigh

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Raleigh? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Herons

4.9

4.9 (3081)

$50 and over

American

Cary

About the restaurant

Herons, the signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina, offers an exceptional fine dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Located close to Raleigh, North Carolina, Herons is known for its locally inspired, seasonal menus and stunning garden views, Herons showcases a full-view kitchen and an elegant, art-filled dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Every detail—from the fresh, regionally sourced ingredients to the curated wine list—reflects a commitment to artistry and culinary excellence.

Top review

Joan

Dined 4 days ago

Servers work as a team really well. Excellent food, customer service and ambiance.

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4.8

4.8 (4196)

$30 and under

Brewery

Raleigh

About the restaurant

To make a reservation, if joining us for dinner, please use OpenTable to book your reservation of parties of 6 guests and less. Though reservations are highly encouraged, walk-in guests are also welcome.

For gatherings of 7-16 guests, please send us an email at info@brewerybhavana.com, and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours.

For events and parties of 17+ guests, please visit our Events tab at brewerybhavana.com.

Thank you for your continued support. We can’t wait to see you again very soon!

Top review

BillyVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Always a great experience. This is now my go-to lunch spot for downtown Raleigh both for casual or business lunches.

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4.8

4.8 (274)

$50 and over

Asian

Cary

About the restaurant

M Test Kitchen is the newest concept from Michael Lee and his "M" brand. Come in and enjoy classic Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist. We take the best dishes such as fried rice and dumplings and elevate them to a new flavor profile that is above the norm. Enjoy these dishes in an industrial style feel that is inviting for you to relax with friends, enjoy great cocktails, and share amazing food that you won't get anywhere else.

Top review

Virginia

Dined 3 days ago

The food was great and our server was very knowledgeable!

Cortez Seafood + Cocktail

4.7

4.7 (856)

$30 and under

Seafood

Raleigh

About the restaurant

If you can't find the date you are looking for here, please call or text the restaurant directly at 919.342.8227 as it may still be available through our central booking.

Reservation Cancellation Policy: As we are a small restaurant with limited seating, No Shows and Reservations cancelled with less than 12 hour notice may be subject to a charge of $20 per person.

Our Patio counts on a heated and covered tent that will run through December, January and February for additional seating.

The Cortez is a fresh seafood and small plates experience with a freshly kept selection of tropical cocktails that draw on our food memories, travels through the years, and Mexican-American heritage.

Top review

Deb

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

We had a wonderful dinner: oysters, grilled romaine, drum ceviche, a raw tuna dish and a shrimp dish - all on the small plate menu and all so good! Service was excellent. Our biggest challenge was finding the restaurant- no big sign however the sign on the door was helpful. Strong recommendation.

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4.6

4.6 (204)

$31 to $50

Pizza Bar

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Giorgio Pizza Bar, located in the North Hills neighborhood of Raleigh, offers a local, seasonal approach to both hand-tossed, crispy, sourdough pizzas as well as other regional pizza styles. In addition to pizza, our menu offers small Italian-style shared plates of vegetables, meat, seafood, and pasta- served alongside Italian wines and craft cocktails. Enjoy a seat at our large bar for lunch or dinner with pizza tossing in action!

Top review

Jihan

Dined 2 days ago

I discovered this gem in North Hills, what a wonderful experience! Whether it is their buttermilk herb salad or their meatball deep dish pizza, I rate it a 40 out of 10. I would describe this as an explosion of flavors in our mouths! It was a very pleasant experience for us!

Khao Sen

4.6

4.6 (36)

$30 and under

Thai

Fuquay-Varina

About the restaurant

Join us at Khao Sen and discover why our passion for Thai cuisine extends beyond the kitchen. From our family to yours, let's share the joy of good food and great company.

Top review

erin

Dined 7 days ago

Hidden gem. Food great and service excellent. We will go back again!!

True Food Kitchen - Raleigh

4.5

4.5 (73)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

RALEIGH OPENING 11/11/2024! True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Raleigh for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious!

Top review

Darryle

Dined 4 days ago

True Kitchen provided a unique dining experience for me. In search of something new in the Raleigh area, I discovered a gem. I enjoyed lunch, and both the service and the meal were exceptional. I highly recommend trying the Air Fried Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey sauce and the Kale Salad. Additionally, I suggest requesting professional server Alex for an excellent experience.

CO - Raleigh

4.4

4.4 (719)

$30 and under

Southeast Asian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

At CO - Raleigh, you will find uniquely inspired dishes with fresh robust flavors and handcrafted cocktails. Our menu is full of bright, bold flavors from Southeast Asia that everyone can enjoy. Explore new dishes or taste familiar ones; from noodles to pho, sushi to banh mi. CO is designed to be a place for gathering. Taste fresh, robust flavors, and cheers with signature cocktails made from scratch, designed to pair perfectly with a variety of dishes on the menu. Gluten-free and vegan options guarantee there’s something for everyone, every time you visit.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined 7 days ago

4.5 stars - very good - no complaints. Love the Crab Rangoons. Poke bowls were solid too. Good choice. Prices fine too.

Bellini Italian Cuisine

4.3

4.3 (15)

$30 and under

Italian

Holly Springs

About the restaurant

Welcome to BELLINI ITALIAN CUISINE, a taste of Italy in Holly Spring, NC. Located at 7256 GB Alfort Hwy, we offer a warm atmosphere for special moments.

SIGNATURE DISHES: Enjoy our delicious CAVATELLI ORTOLANA, traditional LASAGNA, exquisite LINGUINI SEAFOOD, and savory CHICKEN ROLLANTINE, each prepared with fresh, authentic ingredients.

SPECIAL PLATES: Try our succulent OSSOBUCO, tender LAMB SHANK, and exquisite BRANZINO MARECHIARA for a true Italian culinary experience.

Enjoy our cozy atmosphere with Italian background music in a controlled environment to escape the hustle and bustle. Our well-stocked bar offers high-quality Italian wines and fresh cocktails. Additionally, we have a cozy indoor patio for outdoor dining in a tranquil, natural setting. Follow us on social media to stay updated on special promotions, including beverages and appetizers that complement our dishes.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Top review

Geoff

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

Excellent as always. Really the best Italian in the triangle

Element Gastropub

4.2

4.2 (407)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Element: the simplest principal of a subject. Here at Element, we believe that sharing quality food and drink is the simplest and best way to create memories and cultivate friendships. Nestled in the great City of Oaks, Element is here to showcase that a plant-based meal can be delicious to both omnivores and vegan foodies alike.

Top review

Catherine

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Had the Reuben and was excellent. Have had consistently great service and food.

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Experience

TRAP Brunch With Brian Dawson & DJ Grant

Experience

Tacos & Margaritas Tuesday at Element Gastropub

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