Best food places in durham – Embark on a tantalizing culinary adventure in the vibrant city of Durham, where a diverse tapestry of flavors awaits your palate. From top-rated restaurants to hidden gems, food tours to local markets, this guide will lead you to the best food places that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Prepare to indulge in a symphony of cuisines, uncover the secrets of Durham’s food scene, and savor every delectable moment.
Top-Rated Restaurants
Durham is a culinary haven with a diverse range of highly-rated restaurants that cater to every taste and budget. From elegant fine dining establishments to cozy neighborhood bistros, here’s a curated list of the top-rated restaurants in Durham:
Table of Top-Rated Restaurants
The following table provides a snapshot of the top-rated restaurants in Durham, along with their cuisine, price range, and location:
| Restaurant Name | Cuisine | Price Range | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mateo Bar de Tapas | Spanish | $$ | Downtown Durham |
| Bull City Burger and Brewery | American | $ | Durham Central Park |
| NanaSteak | Steakhouse | $$$ | American Tobacco Campus |
| The Durham Hotel | American | $$$ | Downtown Durham |
| Parker and Otis | Seafood | $$ | Downtown Durham |
| Littler | American | $$ | Downtown Durham |
| Alley Twenty Six | American | $$ | Downtown Durham |
| M Sushi | Sushi | $$ | Downtown Durham |
| Irregardless Cafe | American | $ | Durham Central Park |
| Dame’s Chicken & Waffles | Southern | $ | East Durham |
Hidden Gems
Durham’s culinary scene extends beyond its renowned restaurants, offering a treasure trove of hidden gems that cater to discerning palates. These establishments provide unique dining experiences, each with its own distinct ambiance, menu, and culinary philosophy.
When it comes to satisfying your taste buds, Durham’s culinary scene is a true gem. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, the city offers a tantalizing array of flavors to explore. But if you’re ever in the mood for a culinary adventure beyond Durham’s borders, the food in Fort Collins is equally impressive.
With its eclectic mix of cuisines and charming atmosphere, Fort Collins will surely leave you craving for more. And when you return to Durham, don’t forget to revisit your favorite food spots to complete your culinary journey.
From intimate bistros to eclectic eateries, these hidden gems invite diners to embark on a culinary adventure. Their menus often showcase innovative dishes that blend global flavors with local ingredients, resulting in tantalizing creations that delight the senses.
The Painted Plate
Nestled in the heart of downtown Durham, The Painted Plate is a culinary oasis that celebrates the art of fusion cuisine. The restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere is complemented by an eclectic menu that draws inspiration from various corners of the globe.
From their signature “Global Plate” tasting menu to their delectable small plates, The Painted Plate offers a gastronomic journey that tantalizes taste buds and sparks conversation.
- Recommended dishes: Tuna Tartare, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Pan-Seared Scallops
NanaTaco
NanaTaco brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to Durham with its authentic tacos and street food. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service create a welcoming ambiance that transports diners to the bustling streets of Mexico City. Their menu boasts a wide variety of tacos, each featuring unique fillings and toppings that showcase the diverse flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- Recommended dishes: Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Tacos, Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
The Durham Hotel Restaurant
Located within the historic Durham Hotel, The Durham Hotel Restaurant offers an elegant dining experience that combines Southern charm with contemporary cuisine. The restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance is complemented by a menu that highlights seasonal ingredients and showcases the culinary artistry of Chef Matthew Kelly.
From their signature tasting menu to their a la carte offerings, The Durham Hotel Restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience.
- Recommended dishes: Wood-Grilled Octopus, Carolina Gold Rice Risotto, Braised Short Ribs
Best Food Tours
Durham is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse culinary scene that offers everything from traditional Southern cuisine to international flavors. To help you explore the city’s culinary delights, there are several food tours available that offer a unique and immersive way to experience Durham’s food culture.These
tours are led by local food experts who will take you to some of the city’s best restaurants, hidden gems, and food trucks. You’ll get to sample a variety of dishes, learn about the history and culture of Durham’s food scene, and meet some of the passionate people who make it all happen.
Food Tour Comparison Table
| Tour | Duration | Price | Highlights ||—|—|—|—|| Durham Food Adventures | 3 hours | $55 | Visit four of Durham’s most popular food spots, including a barbecue joint, a bakery, and a craft brewery. || Taste Carolina | 3.5 hours | $65 | Explore the flavors of the American South with a focus on local ingredients and traditional dishes.
|| The Durham Food Tour | 2.5 hours | $45 | A walking tour of downtown Durham that visits six different restaurants, featuring a mix of Southern cuisine, international flavors, and craft beer. || Bull City Food Tours | 3 hours | $60 | A progressive dinner tour that takes you to three different restaurants, each with a different focus on local cuisine.
|| Savor the Flavor Food Tours | 3 hours | $50 | A customizable tour that allows you to choose the restaurants you visit based on your interests. |
Local Food Markets
Durham’s food markets offer a vibrant and diverse culinary experience, showcasing local flavors and global cuisines. From farmers’ markets to international food halls, there’s a market for every taste and occasion.
Durham Farmers’ Market
Held every Saturday in the heart of downtown Durham, the Durham Farmers’ Market is a hub for local farmers, artisans, and food vendors. Shoppers can browse fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and more, all sourced from within a 100-mile radius.
The Market at Liberty Point
Located in the Liberty Warehouse District, The Market at Liberty Point is a lively food hall featuring a curated selection of local vendors. From Vietnamese street food to gourmet pizzas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The market also hosts special events and live music performances.
Durham Central Park Farmers’ Market
Open on Sundays in the historic Durham Central Park, this farmers’ market showcases the region’s agricultural bounty. Shoppers can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as honey, jams, and other artisanal products. The market also features food trucks and live music.
International Food Bazaar
Located in the Southpoint area, the International Food Bazaar is a global food lover’s paradise. The market features over 20 vendors representing a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and Vietnamese. Shoppers can find everything from spices and sauces to fresh produce and prepared foods.
La Vaquita Taqueria
This small, family-run market in the Old East Durham neighborhood specializes in authentic Mexican street food. Shoppers can find tacos, tortas, tamales, and more, all made with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Catering and Delivery Options
Durham’s culinary scene extends beyond its celebrated restaurants, offering a diverse array of catering and delivery services to satisfy every palate and occasion.
Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering, a grand celebration, or simply craving a delicious meal delivered to your doorstep, Durham has got you covered.
Popular Caterers
- Viceroy: Renowned for its authentic Indian cuisine, Viceroy offers catering services for events of all sizes, from weddings to corporate functions.
- Bull City Burger and Brewery: Specializing in mouthwatering burgers, craft beers, and American comfort food, Bull City Burger and Brewery caters to casual gatherings and larger events.
- M Sushi: For a touch of Asian flair, M Sushi provides exceptional catering services, featuring a wide selection of sushi rolls, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes.
Delivery Apps
- Grubhub: A well-known delivery app, Grubhub partners with a wide range of restaurants in Durham, offering a convenient and user-friendly platform for ordering and tracking your meals.
- DoorDash: Another popular delivery app, DoorDash provides a vast selection of restaurants and cuisines, with real-time tracking and estimated delivery times.
- Uber Eats: Uber Eats, a subsidiary of Uber, offers a wide range of restaurant options and convenient delivery services, often with exclusive discounts and promotions.
Types of Cuisine and Services
Durham’s catering and delivery options cater to a diverse range of tastes and dietary preferences.
- American: From classic comfort food to upscale American fare, Durham’s caterers and delivery services offer a wide variety of American cuisine.
- International: Craving international flavors? Durham’s catering and delivery scene boasts a wide array of options, including Indian, Japanese, Italian, and Mexican cuisines.
- Special Diets: For those with dietary restrictions, many Durham caterers and delivery services offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Seasonal Food Events
Durham’s culinary scene is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and food events popping up all the time. To help you stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest, we’ve put together a calendar of upcoming food events in Durham.Whether you’re looking for food festivals, cooking classes, or other culinary events, we’ve got you covered.
So mark your calendars and get ready to eat your way through Durham!
Food Festivals
Durham is home to a number of food festivals throughout the year, each with its own unique flavor. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Durham Food Truck Rodeo(April and October): This popular event features over 50 food trucks from all over the Triangle. There’s something for everyone, from classic American fare to international cuisine.
- Taste of Durham(May): This annual event showcases the best of Durham’s restaurants. Attendees can sample dishes from over 50 restaurants, all while enjoying live music and other entertainment.
- Bull City Burger and Beer Fest(June): This festival is all about burgers and beer. Attendees can sample burgers from over 20 restaurants, all while enjoying live music and craft beer.
Cooking Classes
If you’re looking to learn more about cooking, there are a number of cooking classes offered in Durham. Here are a few of the most popular:
- The Cookery: This cooking school offers a variety of classes, from basic cooking skills to advanced techniques. Classes are taught by experienced chefs and are designed for all skill levels.
- Sur La Table: This national cooking school chain offers a variety of classes, from cooking basics to regional cuisine. Classes are taught by experienced chefs and are designed for all skill levels.
- Whole Foods Market: This grocery store chain offers a variety of cooking classes, from cooking basics to healthy cooking. Classes are taught by experienced chefs and are designed for all skill levels.
Other Culinary Events
In addition to food festivals and cooking classes, there are a number of other culinary events held in Durham throughout the year. Here are a few of the most popular:
- Durham Farmers’ Market(Saturdays, April-November): This weekly market features fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other local products from over 70 vendors.
- Durham Craft Beer Festival(August): This annual event features over 100 craft beers from breweries all over the state. Attendees can also enjoy live music and food.
- Eno River Farmers’ Market(Saturdays, April-November): This weekly market features fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other local products from over 50 vendors.
Food Bloggers and Critics
Durham’s vibrant culinary scene has attracted the attention of food bloggers and critics alike. These individuals offer unique perspectives and insights into the city’s culinary offerings, from fine dining experiences to hidden gems.
Here are some of the most influential food bloggers and critics in Durham:
Food Bloggers
- The Durham Foodie(website: www.thedurhamfoodie.com): Known for its in-depth reviews of restaurants, as well as its coverage of food events and culinary trends in Durham.
- Durham Dish(Instagram: @durhamdish): A popular Instagram account that showcases mouthwatering food photography and provides recommendations for local eateries.
- Food Lover Durham(Facebook: @foodloverdurham): A community-based Facebook page where food enthusiasts share their experiences and reviews of Durham’s restaurants.
Food Critics, Best food places in durham
- Craig LaBan(Philadelphia Inquirer): A Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic who has written extensively about Durham’s culinary scene.
- Ed Levine(Serious Eats): A nationally recognized food writer and editor who has praised Durham’s innovative and diverse dining options.
- Peter Huminski(Indy Week): A local food critic who covers Durham’s restaurants and culinary events with a focus on supporting local businesses.
Conclusive Thoughts: Best Food Places In Durham
As you conclude your culinary exploration of Durham, you’ll carry with you a treasure trove of unforgettable dining experiences. From the bustling markets to the intimate hidden gems, the city’s food scene has painted a vibrant masterpiece on your palate.
Remember, the joy of food lies not only in satisfying your hunger but also in the memories and connections it creates. Let Durham’s culinary offerings be a catalyst for your own culinary adventures and a testament to the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving food culture.
