Durham, North Carolina, offers a thriving food scene that is growing each day. From Mexican fare to up-and-coming breweries and everything in between, the best restaurants in Durham are serving up some of the region’s most flavorful dishes that consistently earn high Yelp ratings. Here are seven of the city’s best places to eat.
1. Enjoy flavorful Mexican-American dishes at NuvoTaco
Featuring a walk-up window in a fun, open-air environment, NuvoTaco serves some of the best Mexican-American food in Durham. This family-friendly establishment has gained a loyal following since opening as NanaTaco in 2011, and it cooks up an authentic selection of classics like tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos and quesadillas. Be sure to order from their renowned menu of “Dirty Meats,” including local hog jowls or pork belly, roasted duck and fried chicken livers. Wash it all down with a craft beer or a milkshake. If you're looking for a quick catering option, you can order ahead for a “Quick Pack” and go to town on more than 2 pounds of mixed proteins and sides back at the hotel!
2. Celebrate Southern farm and food traditions at Fullsteam Brewery
One of the best breweries in Durham, Fullsteam buys local to brew local, giving its beer a distinct Southern character. This great Durham brewery supports farmers, foragers and agricultural entrepreneurs throughout North Carolina. The brewery and tavern is both family-friendly and dog-friendly. And just like the beer it brews, the food from the kitchen is seasonal and locally sourced. Check out the Old Fashioned Burger, an all-beef burger with the works, or the B.A.L.T. (bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato sandwich). Another favorite is the Pulled Chicken Sandwich—tender pulled chicken with BBQ sauce and pickles on brioche bread.
3. Indulge at the locally famous Nana’s
Long considered one of the best restaurants in Durham, Nana’s has been a neighborhood institution for over 26 years, known for its impeccable service and warm hospitality. At James Beard Award-nominated chef Scott Howell's restaurant, you’ll discover a menu focused on local ingredients, seafood from the North Carolina coast and a tasty craft beer and wine list. While its menu changes based on the season, you can never go wrong ordering Nana’s famous seasonal risottos. Other favorites include truffled chicken liver pate and entrees such as rosemary roasted lamb rack and a wood-fired prime New York strip steak.
4. Taste a variety of craft ciders at Bull City Ciderworks
If you're gluten-free or just not big on wine or beer, Bull City Ciderworks could be one of your new favorite breweries in Durham. Bull City crafts unique ciders that lean toward semi-dry and bridge the gap between wine and beer, using an array of ingredients like black tea, hops, ginger, bacon and hibiscus. Their Sweet Carolina cider is infused with local honey, while the semi-sweet Cherry Tart is made with tart Montmorency cherries. Orange You a Hippy is another semi-sweet cider steeped with sweet orange peel and hibiscus flowers. Their tasting room typically features 24 different ciders on tap and is both child and dog friendly. And while they don't serve food, they often have food trucks worth standing in line for.
5. See what else is on tap at Ponysaurus Brewing
Located in the Downtown East neighborhood of Durham, Ponysaurus Brewing serves a variety of American, Belgian and European style beers meant to be sipped and savored. This 15-barrel Durham brewery produces a delightful range of brews, like their Muchu Durham Ale made with Sorachi Ace Japanese hops or the bright and refreshing Peach Sour with notes of flaky pastry crust and tart peach skin. If you're hungry, you can actually reserve a grill and order a variety of meats and picnic sides. Try pairing your grill favorites with the Dunkelweizen, made with German hops, malt and yeast.
6. Grab a wood-fired slice at Pomieri Pizza
For delectable Neapolitan-style pizza and another one of the best restaurants in Durham, look no further than Pompieri Pizza in the heart of downtown Durham. Everything in this casual restaurant is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. The Classic Margherita pizza is made with red sauce, house-made mozzarella, basil and Sicilian olive oil. Meat lovers should opt for the Drunken Horse, made with beer pizza crust, rich red sauce, spicy pasture-raised pork Italian sausage, house-made mozzarella and Sicilian olive oil. They also have sandwiches like the Mighty Melanzana, which features pan-seared eggplant, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, roasted peppers with greens, balsamic vinegar and basil olive oil. For dessert, try the Beer-amisu—house-made ladyfingers drenched in craft beer and espresso, layered with mascarpone custard and dusted with cocoa.
7. Walk next door for cocktails and authentic Mexican dishes at Dos Perros
Immediately next door to Pompieri Pizza—and often mentioned among the best restaurants in Durham—Dos Perros honors the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine by serving classic dishes alongside innovative specials rooted in the flavors of Mexico. In addition to amazing tacos and perfect tamales, Dos Perros offers signature hand-crafted cocktails and margaritas. Favorite dishes include the Plantanitos Rellenos appetizer: jalapeno- and cheese-stuffed sweet plantain fritters topped with crema and pico de gallo. The Camarones offers a hybrid of Southern and Mexican flavors: sauteed N.C. shrimp over cheese-corn polenta with a black bean puree and topped off with green poblano salsa. The Classic Chile Relleno is also worth checking out. It’s a poblano pepper stuffed with roasted seasonal vegetables and asadero cheese over black bean puree and Oaxacan crema.
Hungry yet? Book a trip and grab a table at one of the best restaurants in Durham to discover your next favorite restaurant or pub.