Best restaurants in Cary

Sam Jones BBQ

Bib Gourmand$Barbecue

It's all in the family at Sam Jones BBQ, where three generations of the same family have been perfecting their 'cue. This spot in downtown Raleigh (and another in Winterville) specializes in cooking Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue pork. They've been doing it their way, slow cooking the whole pig over burning embers, then chopping it all up and serving it with a vinegar-based sauce to cut through the richness of the meat, for years. Order a meat combo, which comes with sides and a sweet potato muffin or corn bread, and chase it with one of their beers on tap, brewed by the family in Winte

Mala Pata

Bib Gourmand$$Mexican

Mala Pata brings a taste of Mexico to Gateway Plaza. This upbeat spot has a lively vibe that spills over to the cocktail bar next door. Plan to start or end your evening with a mezcal mule or pisco sour.As for the food, Mala Pata takes ingredients quite seriously, importing corn from Oaxaca and grinding it in house to make their own tortillas, tostadas and chips. Sip a cocktail and order one of the botanas (snacks) like guacamole or Colombian bunuelos. Of course, tacos are a must and include fish and meat varieties. Whole market fish and beef to share are also available.

Prime Barbecue

Bib Gourmand$$Barbecue

Pitmaster Christopher Prieto relocated from his native Texas to North Carolina, setting up Prime Barbecue just outside Raleigh in Knightdale. You'll need to arrive early, be prepared to wait and know that once they've run out of food, they'll close for the day. Expect all of the classics, including brisket and ribs plus pulled pork, all sold by their weight or ordered as a "meat and 2" with two scrumptious side dishes. Keep an eye out for their daily specials, especially on Saturday when they serve their chopped whole hog lechon. You won't be hungry, but a slice of pie or a banana pudding neve

Nanas

$$$Contemporary

Nanas has been a fixture on the Durham dining scene since 1992, though new owners put their own stamp on it while respecting its history. Friendly and warm, the place has a smart retro look.This is the sort of place where there's something for everyone and you'll have a hard time deciding which dish to order. Italian and French classics with local products take center stage, while some old favorites like North Carolina shrimp remoulade remain as an homage to the original. Pasta dishes are especially popular, and some of the larger plates utilize the wood grill, but don't sleep on the dreamy ch

Nikos

$$Greek

Nikos, named for the owner's father, is set within a restored red-brick tobacco storage warehouse dating to the early 1900s. The interior plays up that rustic industrial heritage and blends it with a simple sophistication, sharing a modern tavern appeal. As for the food, expect all of the Greek and Mediterranean classics, including spanakopita and octopus carpaccio to begin. Come with family or friends to tuck into the meze grand platter, add a glass of crisp Greek wine and you might just be convinced you're basking in the sun on a Greek island. Meanwhile, baklava and honey semolina cake round

Seraphine

$$Southern

Seraphine is nestled in a quiet corner of the restored American Tobacco works. While the large terrace is ideal during the warmer months, the interior's moody, sultry ambience is especially intriguing. It's the kind of place where you'll want to sip one of their classic or creative cocktails at the marble-topped bar before dinner. The menu is equally inspired by its location with Southern classics like fried shrimp and broiled oysters vying for attention alongside gumbo and fried catfish. Be sure to save room for the beignets for a traditional treat.

Little Bull

$$$Fusion

Blending his experience cooking across America with his Mexican heritage, Chef Oscar Diaz has created his own style of cooking. His time on the West Coast is evident and best seen in the vibrant and fresh small and larger plates designed for sharing. Judicious spicing and an array of textures add to the allure of these dishes, and house recommendations include the al pastor skewer and the tom kha ceviche. Really hungry? Tuck into the half chicken with pita for a satisfying meal. It's all better paired with one of their very cold beers or a house cocktail.

The Fearrington House Restaurant

$$$$Modern Cuisine

If you're looking for an escape, few places match this charming country setting just outside of Pittsboro. Fearrington Village, a former dairy farm, has been transformed into a darling village, and at the center of it all is the Fearrington House Restaurant. Inside, the two-story house is an elegant setting that speaks to special occasions with linen-clad tables and intimate spaces. The seasonally changing menu features produce grown here and nearby and showcases a range of cooking styles from creative to classic. The chef's tasting allows for exploration, but don't miss the signature, indulge

Dampf Good BBQ

$Barbecue

Head to the countryside of Cary to find Dampf Good Barbecue, where brothers Nick and Bryce Dampf run the show from their trailer set up on Phillips Farms. It's only open Thursday through Saturday but it's worth making a special trip for a taste of their signature beef brisket and ribs, cooked low and slow. Queue at the truck, order and sit at one of the picnic tables (be warned it can be tricky in inclement weather). Meat is sold by the weight and while the brisket is certainly their specialty, the home-made sausages give it a run for the money. Come hungry and ready for a feast.

Herons

$$$$Modern Cuisine

Need a getaway but have limited time? Herons offers the experience of a country escape without the commute. Set within The Umstead Hotel and Spa on three acres of woodland, this restaurant is a showpiece for their nearby farm's produce. Try several dishes or opt for the chef's surprise five- course menu to relish fresh and vibrant plates crafted with care by Chef Steven Devereaux Greene. His South Carolina roots are best seen in dishes like shrimp and grits, and dessert is impressive, especially the appealing blackberry panna cotta with fresh poached blackberries and crème fraîche.Be sure to c

Tamasha

$$$Indian

Tamasha in Hindi translates as "grand performance," and this North Hills restaurant certainly makes a visit here feel like a special occasion. Rather like the striking modern interior, the cooking is contemporary with subtle creativity and vibrancy. The kitchen takes high-quality, local ingredients and turns them into dishes made with traditional Indian techniques and flavors. Some dishes lean classic, others share a fusion influence, as in the Kerala pork belly bao. There is plenty to like in dishes like steamed yellowtail snapper in a coconut curry. For dessert, North meets South honors the

Stanbury

$$$american

Tucked away in the sleepy Mordecai neighborhood in a former grocery store, Stanbury is a favorite with the locals. They don't take reservations, so you'll need to arrive early when they open around 4:30 pm or wait with a drink in hand on their decked terrace. The menu is as eclectic as the place itself (think hunting lodge with taxidermy). You'll find everything from European to Mexican dishes on this menu, including a roasted marrow with parsley and capers that feels straight out of London. While the menu leans international, North Carolina seasonal produce is always the centerpiece. You'll w

The Pit Authentic Barbecue

$$barbecue

You'll certainly smell the smoke from around the block before you even spot this former warehouse in the aptly named Warehouse district. From that first whiff, it's clear that North Carolina barbecue is the name of the game here, and this spot offers more than your average bbq joint. Start with freshly cooked cornbread with a seasonal, flavored butter and some fried green tomatoes. The chopped BBQ pork is the mainstay, of course, but with ribs, smoked sausages, catfish and shrimp, decision-making isn't easy. Order one of the combos with a choice of sides, but don't fill up too much, as you'll

🕐 Mo-Th 11:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:00-23:00; Su 11:00-21:00

Jolie

$$$french

Sitting right next door to one of his other restaurants, Crawford and Son, Chef Scott Crawford has created his version of a classic French bistro in Historic Oakwood at Jolie. Inspired by family trips to Paris and named after his daughter, the menu blends French classics with more modern interpretations, marrying punchy flavors with clear respect for traditional techniques. Steak tartare and French onion soup are two signatures not to be skipped, as is the delicious rum-soaked baba. The wine list is strictly French; stop by and get a glass of bubbles from their champagne window out front or si

Crawford and Son

$$$american

Owner Scott Crawford lends his name to this restaurant in Raleigh's beautiful, historic Oakwood neighborhood. This classic American place emanates an upscale, neighborhood feel, where a long bar counter dominates one side, and a banquette set with black marble-topped tables runs along the other.This is a kitchen that keeps things short and seasonal, though each dish sounds more enticing than the next. Manchego herb biscuits, served fresh from the oven, are a house specialty. Quality ingredients are left to shine in appetizers like smoked trout rillettes with grilled milk bread and main dishes

Poole's

$$$American

First opened as Poole's Pie Shop in 1947 before switching to a diner, Poole's is the sort of restaurant that is part of the fabric of the community. The original horseshoe counters, recently restored, are available to book and also open for walk-ins. They also have a much larger dining space in a former warehouse next door.As for the food, Poole's promises good, honest cooking with a distinct nod to the South. Must-orders include tomato pie and North Carolina slow shrimp, and when they insist you try a side of their mac and cheese, listen to them.

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

$$$Seafood

Set in a former clothing store in downtown Raleigh, this oyster bar and bistro retains some of its original features while sharing a new spirit. Chef/owner Sunny Gerhart's Louisiana roots inspire and inform the menu where, as should be expected, oysters play a big role. Find the resident shucker behind the counter prying open the daily selection from North Carolina and beyond. Not a fan of raw oysters? They're available fried, too, so be sure to start with a selection of these briny jewels. It's all about seafood here, where a Carolina calabash keeps things local, and their barbecue shrimp and

Brodeto

$$$Italian

Brodeto occupies the ground floor of the former Raleigh Iron Works (RIW), now home to a hub of eateries, retail outlets and offices. The name, a nod to a fish stew found along the Adriatic coast, is the first hint that this restaurant takes its inspiration from the cuisines of Italy and Croatia. From crudo and must-have pasta dishes to wood-fired fish and meat to peka, a Croatian slow-cooked, fire-grilled dish with octopus and potatoes, and of course, the namesake brodeto, this menu is packed with appealing choices. You won't go wrong with any of the selections, but be sure to consult the wine

Brewery Bhavana

$$chinese

As the name suggests, beer does indeed figure largely here, but don't assume this Raleigh spot is just another pub. There are a number of beers to choose from, including seasonal supplements, but there's nary a burger in sight at this bistro-style restaurant. Instead, expect Chinese cuisine with a selection of dim sum that's perfect for lunch or as appetizers before a feast of their larger plates designed for sharing. Some dishes pack a little more heat than others. Peruse the flowers, local crafts and second-hand books for sale before or after your meal. There is a second location in nearby F

🕐 Su 11:30-21:00; Mo-Th 11:30-22:00; Fr-Sa 11:30-23:00