It is no secret that I am a big fan of all things surrounding Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s also no secret that I love trying new restaurants. I consider one of my skill sets to be in food and restaurant recommendations, and while I love Raleigh, some great dining destinations are actually in the ‘burbs and surrounding areas. So today, I am sharing 20+ of the best restaurants in Raleigh that aren’t actually in Raleigh that I love visiting.
This article is categorized into towns highlighting the restaurants I enjoy in Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, and Pittsboro. Restaurants will be in alphabetical order under each town. A note about Pittsboro being included is because of how much I enjoy the restaurants at Fearrington Village and it is a quick trip from the Raleigh area.
This post was originally published in July 2019 and has since been updated and recirculated for October 2024.
20+ Best Restaurants in Raleigh that Aren’t Actually in Raleigh
Apex
The Peak on Salem
Photo via The Peak on Salem Instagram
Located on Salem Street, the bustling center of historic downtown Apex, this restaurant is the perfect mix of a creative, upscale space that is not pretentious. Their menu features everything from tomahawk steak to fish and chips, spinach and artichoke dip to mussels. It is quite eclectic and still feels like there is something for everyone there.
126 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502
The Provincial
This restaurant features sidewalk seating in historic downtown Apex. The Provincial has a great farm-to-table menu with a nice craft beer and cocktail list. The crispy oysters and the grass-fed beef burger are absolutely outstanding. The burger earned the Readers’ Choice award in my Raleigh Burger article found here.
119 N Salem St, Apex, NC 27502
Cary
Academy Street Bistro
Academy Street Bistro is a staple in downtown Cary with a really vibey outdoor patio. I also really enjoy sitting at the bar to enjoy a nice menu while still catching a game. Their Ahi tuna is my go-to order and I also really like their drink special options.
200 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
Colletta
Photo via Glory Roze Photography
Whether you are looking for an excellent ladies’ lunch location (get the meatball sub!) or a lovely date night spot, Colletta in Cary is *it.* They have delicious pizzas, great pasta dishes, and an excellent cocktail list.
1 Fenton Main St Suite 170, Cary, NC 27511
Hank’s Downtown Dive
The heirloom tomatoes, fried okra, and tuna crudo are a must if they are on the menu! The burrata is also a great dish. This is a great spot for a girls’ night so you can split lots of the small plates and an entree. The inside is a cool aesthetic, too.
111 E Chatham St Suite A, Cary, NC 27511
La Farm Bakery
Photo via La Farm Bakery Instagram
This authentic French bakery is a true gem in Cary, and more recently, downtown AND west Cary, Fuquay-Varina, RDU Terminal 2, and Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. You can find all the locations here. La Farm is a great spot for brunch, and I highly recommend the avocado toast and the Le Grande BLT. Pick up a loaf of French bread and freshly made pimiento cheese to go. You won’t be disappointed.
4248 NW Cary Parkway, Cary, NC 27513
Lucky 32
Lucky 32 has some of my favorite starters in the area, including deviled eggs, warm pimento cheese with pork rinds, and black-eyed pea hummus. The skillet fried chicken is a delicious entree and I also enjoy the fall salmon salad. Make a reservation or grab a seat at the bar.
7307 Tryon Rd, Cary, NC 27518
MC Restaurant
This beautiful restaurant in the heart of downtown Cary is located in a fantastic building with a wrap-around porch and patio seating. I highly recommend starting with their edamame and then trying their specialty rolls. Plus they have bottles of Veuve, and you know how much I love that!
324 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511
Superica
Superica is a great, casual Tex-Mex spot in Cary’s Fenton. I met up with Kayte and Katy here for a girls’ night and still think about how much fun we had! The queso fundido is a must and I either order the quesadilla or the chicken flautas. Make a reservation online or put your name on the list and explore Fenton while waiting for a table!
Fenton Main St Suite 110, Cary, NC 27511
The Umstead Bar & Lounge
I love a date night or a solo date at the Umstead Hotel Bar & Lounge. Their food menu is exceptional, plus offers a great wine list and dirty martini. If the lobster roll is on the menu, you best believe I will be ordering it! The patio seating is lovely on seasonal-appropriate days and it truly feels like you are transported to somewhere extraordinary when here.
100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary, NC 27513
Fuquay-Varina
Assaggio’s Pizza
While David & I have only eaten at Assaggio’s in person once, we get takeout from here *often.* We love their mozzarella sticks and pizza for delivery. They also have really great sandwiches! I got a steak & cheese once for lunch delivered when I was in a time crunch between work meetings.
7417 Sunset Lake Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Mason Jar Tavern
If David and I are in the mood to go out to eat without a lot of fuss, we always go to Mason Jar Tavern in Fuquay-Varina. The staff makes you feel like family, especially our buddy Frank. I usually order the Mason Jar Salad with chicken or boneless wings with a side of bacon brussel sprouts. David’s order is the turkey delicious melt with a side of mashed potatoes.
305 S Main St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Photo via Nil’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Nil’s is one of my go-to spots for lunch in Fuquay-Varina because it is fast, delicious food, and exceptional service. The Medi Bowl with chicken is my usual order.
513 Broad St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Vicious Fishes Taproom & Kitchen
Vicious Fishes is located in the heart of downtown Fuquay-Varina and features delicious menu pairings for its beer!. You will definitely want to start with the pretzel and pimiento cheese (trust me) and I love their coastal Cobb salad while David opts for “the Varina.” They also have a dog-friendly patio.
Holly Springs
My Way Tavern
This restaurant is an excellent option in Holly Springs and has expanded into a downtown Raleigh location. Their Cobb salad is one of my favorite meals, and David and I usually split the pretzel bites. Their menu is guaranteed to have something for everyone and a great spot to catch a game.
301 Center St, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Nightingale
Nightingale is such a cool spot in Holly Springs, featuring a nice rooftop area. It is the perfect spot for a girls’ night given its tapas-style menu and the overall aesthetics of the space. Make a reservation as it is quite a popular spot! And whatever you do, order the whipped feta.
300 S Main St Suite 312, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Osha Thai Kitchen
One of my go-to favorite spots in Holly Springs is Osha Thai Kitchen. You cannot go wrong with their menu which features sushi and pad Thai selections. It has such a beautiful bar and indoor dining area and a spacious patio for outdoor seating when the weather is nice. P.S. You will also find Osha on my sushi guide!
242 South Main Street, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Osteria G
Photo via Osteria G Instagram
This local Italian restaurant has the right mix of an upscale, yet welcoming feel. You *have* to order the meatballs with whipped ricotta and the gnocchi with gorgonzola. Osteria G boasts an extensive wine list, rotating local beers, and a wide selection of whiskey and bourbon.
5160 Sunset Lake Rd #101, Apex, NC 27539
Pimento Tea Room
Y’all — I love the Pimento Tea Room! So. Much! It is such a gem in Holly Springs and their 10 layer salad with… hold please … FRIED black-eyed peas is everything. I also really enjoy their collard green dip that is served with pimento cheese. Make reservations for dinner or weekend brunch here. And do make time to explore their interior design. Pro-tip, the bar makes for a lovely seating situation.
200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540
Wake Forest
Bodega Tapas, Wine, and Rum
This Wake Forest restaurant serves delicious tapas, has an extensive wine list, and unique rums. It is right in historic downtown Wake Forest and is the perfect spot for a girls’ night out. I highly recommend ordering marinated olives, crispy fried potatoes, Parisienne gnocchi, warm goat cheese dip, cheese board, and arancini. Finish with the mousse au chocolat.
110 South White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Farm Table Kitchen & Bar
Photos via Farm Table Instagram
Another Wake Forest spot, Farm Table features a beautiful patio with a farm-to-table concept using fresh, local ingredients and a warm, welcoming vibe. I will always suggest ordering mussels and pomme frites together and the cheese tortellini bolognese is a comforting, delicious entree.
960 Gateway Commons Cir, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Over the Falls
Photo via Over the Falls Instagram
This neighborhood bar and restaurant boasts a menu that truly has something for everyone. For David, who was born and raised in Buffalo, there are some quintessential Buffalo dishes like Beef on Weck to enjoy. Over the Falls also has great daily specials and offers a creative cocktail list. If you are looking for something low-key and delicious, this is the spot for you. They also have great pizzas and wings.
419 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Fearrington Village in Pittsboro
The Belted Goat
Photo via Glory Roze Photography
This casual dining spot offers breakfast and lunch and recently opened a wine bar as well! I love their sandwich and tomato basil soup combo for a cozy lunch. Grab a book from McIntyre’s next door and stay for a while.
210 Market St, Fearrington, NC 27312
Fearrington House Bar
Photo via Glory Roze Photography
Will I ever stop recommending the cheese donuts and the burger from Fearrington House Bar? No. No, I will not. I cannot express just how much I adore the ambiance of the bar area at Fearrington House Restaurant. Whether you opt for a hightop table in the actual bar area, or a cozy booth in front of the fireplace during cooler months, it is a vibe. And the food is just outstanding.
I love the cheese donuts. It is such a savory, decadent dish. And the burger with the everything bun is out of this world. I also love their fried oysters over a bed of lettuce or the fried chicken with whipped potatoes. Make a reservation just to be sure, especially closer to the holidays.
230 Market St, Pittsboro, NC 27312
Here is a map to help you plan your trip around the area to try these great dining spots!
What are some of the best restaurants where you live? Share in a comment below!
