I love a long, leisurely lunch, and any time I have a holiday break or time away from work, I schedule a lunch with my girlfriends so we can be Ladies Who Lunch. That was the inspiration for this post! The Triangle has blossomed into such a vibrant dining scene, and some of the most charming spots worth knowing about are tucked just beyond Raleigh’s city limits — in Cary, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina. So while this started as a Raleigh list, it has grown into a broader southern and western Wake County guide. Here are the best places for lunch in Raleigh NC for your next ladies who lunch outing!
This post was originally published in February 2022 and has since been updated and recirculated for March 2026.
Top 9 Best Places for Lunch in Raleigh NC (and around Wake County)
Academy Street Bistro – Cary
Heading to downtown Cary? Academy Street Bistro is a lovely spot that punches well above its weight. The seafood is a standout — people rave about the clam chowder, the seafood bisque, and especially the crab cake sandwich. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, and it makes for a perfect midday escape whether you are local or just passing through. My go-to is to add a crab cake to their Cobb salad.
Academy Street Bistro is at 200 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511.
Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen – Raleigh
Birdie’s is one of downtown Raleigh’s most exciting newer spots, right on Fayetteville Street. The space is warm and inviting, and the menu feels both elevated and approachable — perfect for a leisurely midday meal. The crab dip is a must for a starter, and the chopped Cobb-esque salad is a lighter lunch done right. I also highly recommend the deviled eggs for a starter to share. The cocktail and mocktail program is equally impressive, so do not skip a drink!
Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen is at 150 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Coquette Brasserie – Raleigh
Located in North Hills, Coquette is such a Triangle treasure with a delicious lunch menu. The bistro salad with grilled chicken is my go-to order with a side of truffle frites. The crispy fried oysters and the steak sandwich are incredible options as well. I do enjoy a Cassis and Soda for a refreshing lunch cocktail.
Coquette is at 4351 The Cir At N Hills St, Raleigh, NC 27609.
La Santa Modern Mexican Food – Raleigh
La Santa on Glenwood Avenue is a fun vibe, and their lunch service is one of the best deals in Raleigh. The ACP and the chicken quesadilla are my go-tos from their lunch menu because of course there are chips and queso that are ordered first. The drinks are crafted with fresh ingredients and the indoor/outdoor seating makes it a lovely spot to linger. A true Ladies Who Lunch vibe with a festive twist.
La Santa is at 222 Glenwood Ave #107, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Lucci Blue’s Social Café — Fuquay-Varina
Lucci Blue’s in downtown Fuquay-Varina is a gem that the rest of the Triangle is just starting to discover. It is a social café with a wine bar sensibility — think flatbreads, charcuterie, great coffee served in real mugs, and an atmosphere that is equal parts stylish and welcoming. The covered patio is lovely for a warm afternoon, and the whole place just feels like somewhere you want to stay for a while. A perfect spot for a long catch-up lunch with your favorite people. I like their Figgy Piggy grilled cheese and the turkey sandwich.
Lucci Blue’s is at 209 Fayetteville St, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.
Pimiento Tea Room — Holly Springs
This one is worth the drive, y’all. Tucked inside a beautiful historic home in downtown Holly Springs, the Pimiento Tea Room is utterly charming and completely delicious. The menu is creative and Southern inspired — think Brunswick stew, collard dip served with Frito scoops, rosemary cheddar scones, and unexpected flavor combinations that feel both playful and refined in my personal favorite, the 10 layer salad with fried black-eyed peas and a pimento cheese dressing. One of the more unique dining experiences in the Triangle, full stop.
Pimento Tea Room is at 200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540.
RH Rooftop Restaurant – Raleigh
If you really want to feel like a lady who lunches, RH Raleigh is the place to do it. Located inside the stunning RH gallery in North Hills, the rooftop restaurant is jaw-droppingly beautiful — all natural light, sweeping ceilings, and gorgeous décor. The lobster roll is wonderfully indulgent, the truffle fries are a must-order, and just sitting there feels like a special occasion. Dress up a little — you will want to.
RH Rooftop Raleigh is at 4120 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609.
Side Street Restaurant – Raleigh
Side Street Restaurant is one of my absolute favorite hidden gems in Raleigh. It is tucked away in Historic Oakwood and has a delightful old-fashioned feel. They serve up flavorful soups, unique sandwiches, and sweet treats. Order the Dr. Barb’s Suggestion with a side of soup — and whatever you do, order dessert, especially if they have key lime pie on the menu that day.
Side Street Restaurant is at 225 N Bloodworth St #427, Raleigh, NC 27601.
Tazza Kitchen – Cary and Raleigh
There are two locations for Tazza Kitchen in the Triangle, one in Stone Creek Village in Cary and one in Village District in Raleigh. Both have great patio seating plus traditional indoor seating. Order either their chips & guacamole or cast iron skillet goat cheese to start, then get the Baja bowl — I like mine with chicken, though the shrimp is a great option. I also really enjoy the mixed greens and goat cheese salad with a crab cake.
Tazza Kitchen is at 432 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605 and 600 Ledgestone Way, Cary, NC 27519.
Final Thoughts
The Triangle is having such a beautiful moment when it comes to dining, and honestly, the suburbs are keeping pace with Raleigh proper these days. Whether you are doing a quick downtown lunch at Birdie’s or making an afternoon of it at the Pimento Tea Room in Holly Springs, there are so many ways to embrace your inner lady who lunches. I would love to hear your favorites — drop them in the comments below! Use this map to help you plan your next ladies who lunch outing.
