Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Raleigh, United States
1. Barbeque at The Pit
Savor traditional North Carolina barbecue made from whole hogs cooked over wood coals. Taste the smoky goodness and discover why it's a local favorite.
- Authenticity: Traditional North Carolina barbecue recipe using whole hogs
- Famous Location: Legendary restaurant in Raleigh with multiple awards for its barbecue
- House-Made Sauce: Vinegar and pepper based sauce, a key ingredient in the authentic NC BBQ taste
2. Shrimp and Grits at Irregardless Cafe
Indulge in a Southern classic with house-made cheese grits, local shrimp, andouille sausage, and Creole sauce.
- Local Ingredients: Locally sourced shrimp and cheeses
- Vegetarian Option: Vegetarian shrimp option available using jackfruit
- Eco-friendly Restaurant: Certified green restaurant with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices
3. Fried Chicken at Benelux Coffee
Experience crispy fried chicken served in a cozy coffee shop. It's the perfect comfort food meal paired with specialty coffee.
- Coffee Shop Fusion: Fried chicken and coffee shop combination, a unique offering in Raleigh
- Homemade Recipe: Hand battered and fried to perfection, using a family secret recipe
- Artisanal Coffee: Coffee roasted in-house, offering unique coffee blends
4. Fried Catfish at Poole's Diner
Savor tender fried catfish served with Southern sides such as collard greens and hush puppies.
- Historic Location: Located in a restored 1947 diner, rich in local history
- Celebrity Chef: Created by renowned chef Ashley Christensen
- Southern Comfort Food: Traditional Southern comfort food with a modern twist
5. Pimento Cheese at The Hawker House
Taste the South's favorite spread made from cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos. Enjoy it as a sandwich or alongside other Southern dishes.
- Southern Tradition: Classic Southern recipe with regional variations
- Asian-Inspired Menu: Fusion of Southern and Asian cuisines for a unique dining experience
- Artisanal Cheese: Handmade pimento cheese using high-quality ingredients
6. Biscuits at Biscuitville
Savor flaky and buttery Southern biscuits served with homemade jams or gravy. A must-try for biscuit lovers.
- Family Owned: Family-owned business with a focus on quality ingredients
- Fresh Ingredients: Biscuits made fresh daily using real butter and buttermilk
- Community Engagement: Active in supporting local schools, farmers, and charities
7. Boar's Head Sandwich at The Borough
Sink your teeth into a mouthwatering sandwich made with Boar's Head premium meats and cheeses. Choose from classic combinations or create your own masterpiece.
- Premium Ingredients: Boar's Head meats and cheeses, known for their quality and taste
- Build-Your-Own Option: Customize your sandwich to your preferences
- Gourmet Shopping: Boutique store offering Boar's Head products for purchase
8. Chicken Salad at La Farm Bakery
Savor a refreshing chicken salad made with fresh ingredients and served on homemade bread. Choose from several creative flavors.
- French Inspiration: Inspired by French baking techniques
- Artisanal Breads: Homemade breads baked fresh daily
- Creative Flavors: Variety of chicken salad flavors, including curried, chipotle, and herb-roasted
9. Tacos at Tacos, Las Taqueria
Experience authentic Mexican street food with handmade corn tortillas and fresh ingredients. Choose from a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetarian options.
- Authentic Mexican Street Food: Traditional taco stand experience with handmade tortillas
- Fresh Ingredients: Locally sourced produce and meats for freshness and quality
- Variety of Choices: Wide selection of taco fillings, including unique options like lengua (beef tongue) and barbacoa de cabeza (slow-cooked beef head)
10. Pulled Pork at The Brewery Bierwerks
Savor tender pulled pork served with homemade sides and topped with coleslaw. Enjoy it alongside craft beers brewed on-site.
- Craft Beer Pairing: Craft beer brewed on-site, allowing for perfect pairings with your meal
- Homemade Sides: Freshly made sides, including baked beans and mac and cheese
- Friendly Atmosphere: Casual, family-friendly environment with live music on weekends
11. Chef's Special at Angus Barn Steakhouse
Treat yourself to a delectable chef's special dish, showcasing the finest ingredients and flavors.
- Fine Dining Experience: Upscale dining experience with attentive service
- Steakhouse Specialty: Famous for its steaks and seafood, featuring USDA Prime beef
- Extensive Wine List: Extensive wine list to complement your meal
12. Chicken Shawarma at Mediterranean Deli & Grill
Savor the flavors of the Middle East with a chicken shawarma wrap. Enjoy the mix of seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini sauce.
- Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine: Traditional Mediterranean dishes prepared with family recipes
- Freshly Prepared: Chicken shawarma cooked fresh daily on a rotating spit
- Friendly Service: Warm and welcoming atmosphere with quick service
13. Beef Brisket at Raleigh BBQ House
Experience classic Texas-style barbecue with tender beef brisket slow-cooked to perfection.
- Texas-Style BBQ: Texas-style barbecue techniques and flavors
- All-You-Can-Eat Option: All-you-can-eat option for a true barbecue experience
- Friendly Competition: Annual BBQ cookoff competition, showcasing local pitmasters' skills
14. Pad Thai at Thai Spices
Taste the flavors of Thailand with a classic Pad Thai noodle dish. Enjoy the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy in every bite.
- Authentic Thai Cuisine: Traditional Thai dishes prepared with family recipes
- Customizable Options: Ability to customize your dish based on spice level and protein preferences
- Warm Atmosphere: Cozy, inviting atmosphere with friendly service
15. Vegan Tacos at The Irregardless Cafe
Savor delicious vegan tacos filled with flavorful plant-based meats and fresh vegetables.
- Vegan-Friendly Restaurant: Completely vegan menu, offering a variety of meat alternatives
- Creative Dishes: Creatively prepared vegan dishes that don't compromise on flavor
- Sustainable Practices: Commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices