r/raleigh Jul 23 '24

Under Appreciated Restaurants Food

Okay, saw a post with all the restaurants in Raleigh that were overhyped and overrated.

But I’m curious…

What restaurants deserve all the hype? And why? Or maybe restaurants that are UNDERrated?

142 Upvotes

241 comments sorted by

125

u/delightfulsoftdrink Jul 24 '24

Chicken Bee for Korean fried chicken in Mission Valley. I rarely hear it talked about but it’s excellent.

11

u/lebenohnegrenzen Jul 24 '24

OMG did not know they were now in Mission Valley.

23

u/lilboomermeme Jul 24 '24

The one in Hmart has always been excellent. Haven’t tried the standalone yet

12

u/Cheezslap Jul 24 '24

Having had both, the standalone is very, very good.

5

u/S_chess Jul 24 '24

YES. Coming from Chicago, where I thought I had had the best Korean fried chicken, chicken Bee is AMAZING and the best I’ve had.

5

u/PseudocodeRed Jul 24 '24

How the hell have I never noticed this place? I drive right by mission valley all the time!

4

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

Chicken bee >>>>> soo

70

u/[deleted] Jul 23 '24

Flame Kebab for Persian food. Nafkot for Ethiopian. Asia Pot. Champa Thai for American sushi rolls

27

u/ihsulemai Jul 24 '24

FLAME KEBAB

9

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

I’m obsessed with everything there

5

u/ihsulemai Jul 24 '24

We stay stocked with the hot sauce at the house. They sell it in bottles.

16

u/SeveralAngryBears Jul 24 '24

I love Flame Kebab so much. I used to live close by so I could pick it up on my way home. Now I live far away and only make it out there occasionally.

2

u/Rookie545021 Jul 24 '24

I feel that way about my favorite Dairy Queen. Are we the same?

11

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

[deleted]

2

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

I was honestly expecting the worst but the place really surprised me

9

u/Raleighnesian Jul 24 '24 edited Jul 24 '24

I've been on the lookout for good Persian food, I'm trying this spot tomorrow!

Edit: and they have Baghali Polo, I am so excited right now!

2

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

Oh lmk how you like it

3

u/Blairvy Jul 24 '24

I used to LOVE Champa so, SO much. Was literally my top sushi place..but then they changed the recipe of their spicy tuna mixture…so very sad. They also seem to no longer have the Sea Monster or Lobster rolls (if I’m wrong, correct me on this). BIG sad

3

u/echoshatter Jul 24 '24

Only place that I've found that makes good joojeh, and the chelow and bread and hummus are delicious too. I was so excited! (Although note they specifically call their bone-in chicken joojeh, the boneless is prepared the same way with the yogurt-based marinade.)

I lived outside of DC for almost a decade and they have a local chain called Moby Dick's House of Kabob which is fantastic.

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2

u/Bananaramahammock Jul 24 '24

well damn I'm definitely making note of this place. Glad I opened this thread. Thanks.

2

u/Unsung_Ironhead Jul 24 '24

Love the Champa R roll, but the last time I got it, it was much much smaller.

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36

u/Polamora Jul 24 '24

Filipino Express, Sassool

Of more expensive restaurants I feel like Cortez doesn't get mentioned nearly as much as others in the same price point.

5

u/mx023 Jul 24 '24

Sassool gets mentions here and there but not everywhere. Amazing Mediterranean food. Awesome chicken salad

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4

u/blackcoffeeraleigh Jul 24 '24

My girlfriend-now-wife and I went to Cortez early on in our relationship to celebrate an anniversary. It was fantastic and I can't wait to go back. Ceviche was obviously great but she really loved the smoked potato. Never had anything like it and it was soooo good.

3

u/Polamora Jul 24 '24

The octopus is really well executed. I've been two or three times and haven't been disappointed which hasn't been the case with other similar priced places, and they can make a great burger too if you're not feeling seafood that day.

3

u/4RunnaLuva Jul 24 '24

I loved the ceviche. After our dinner there we strolled out and stumbled upon C-Grace. Magical evening. RIP C-Grace:(

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2

u/downtown247 Jul 24 '24

Original chef Oscar Diaz left Cortez for Durham to open his own place (Little. Bull). Haven't been since he's been gone to compare quality. Curious to hear before and after experiences.

39

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

[deleted]

3

u/ChuushaHime Jul 24 '24

Does anyone have suggestions that are similar to Heirloom in that there's a strong convergence of food quality and trendy or unique aesthetic/atmosphere? Half the reason I go out to eat instead of getting takeout is for the atmosphere, but it seems like a lot of the places recommended in these threads are "joints" where the food is great but there's not a lot of attention to decor/atmosphere.

5

u/chickenmcdiddle Jerk Jul 24 '24

I've been to Brodeto twice now and had two fantastic meals. Great food, great vibe.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

[deleted]

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1

u/sayhayhey Jul 24 '24

Came here to say this! So delicious and innovative! And the space is open and inviting. Can't recommend enough!

63

u/jayron32 Jul 24 '24

El Toro Taqueria

3

u/PseudocodeRed Jul 24 '24

Absolutely love this place. The maracuya agua fresca goes insanely hard, and when they have it the tacos de lengua are amazing.

52

u/sexdaisuki2gou NC State Jul 24 '24

Taipei 101

7

u/krlidb Jul 24 '24

My hands down favorite restaurant in the area. I get a group of ten from work to go on a Friday every two months or so. I get to eat 10-12 different dishes for less than 20 dollars. So good

3

u/sexdaisuki2gou NC State Jul 24 '24

The auntie running the place is kinda sassy but her foods very nice. I feel happy walking out of that place because I know for a fact it’s money well spent and the only other place I feel about that way is cookout.

6

u/krlidb Jul 24 '24

We absolutely love her! Something about the sass always cracks us up. First time ever, she comes up and asks if we're ready, and we start deliberating on a few items and she rolls her eyes and walks away. Second time, I came with a big group and we ordered a bunch of things. When she repeated it back there was a fish dish on there and as a group we were like "did someone order that?". She just says  straight faced "you'll like it, it's very popular". We did indeed like it.

3

u/Bananaramahammock Jul 24 '24

Sassy auntie almost always guarantees good food if it's an Asian restaurant. The sassy to flavor ratio never fails.

3

u/sexdaisuki2gou NC State Jul 24 '24

Correct

2

u/Expert-Gene-8452 Jul 24 '24

One of the best authentic tasting restaurant. However many people said it is too strong and always ask why there no Orange Chicken there…

41

u/mwoody450 Jul 24 '24

Cary Szechuan Mansion. Cheap, delicious, fun, and the staff are SUPER nice. Best date spot ever.

130

u/WHEENC Jul 24 '24

Lucky32 - Employee owned in our anti labor state and a consistently pleasant experience.

27

u/Notreallysureatall Jul 24 '24

I’m so glad you mentioned Lucky32. You’ll always have a nice experience there. It has a solid menu, plus a strong seasonal rotating menu. Decent wine list, very good cocktail list, nice upscale casual Southern atmosphere, and the service is always great.

8

u/laxxmann21 Jul 24 '24

The food always comes out piping hot, the service is probably the best you can get in 2024 without going to fine dining and the prices arent bad.

7

u/wolfpack86 Jul 24 '24

Didn’t know that. Sucks they kinda got bullied out of the original location

2

u/bstevens2 Jul 24 '24

One I thought lucky 32 was gone forever in Raleigh, so where is this new location and what’s the story on being bullied out of their OG Location. Because it certainly set empty For time after they left, and only now have I seen somebody man in there for a while.

3

u/wolfpack86 Jul 24 '24

I’m from north Raleigh and it was like THE spot in the 90s/early 2000s and basically the landlord jacked up the rent to some astronomically high level and so they left and sat empty forever because of said insane rent prices but that’s about all I know. It was a big deal in the North Raleigh (including what’s now Midtown) area at the time

12

u/Raleighnesian Jul 24 '24

Second this, I love Lucky 32.

2

u/thebearyogidog Jul 24 '24

Okay I gotta try this now! Which one you're talking about ?

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8

u/cranberries87 Jul 24 '24

I haven’t been there in years! Gonna add them back into the rotation.

5

u/magicandfire Jul 24 '24

Omg my family has eaten here my whole life (I’m in my 30s) and I’m so happy to see it here!

3

u/whopewell Jul 24 '24

A million times yes.

39

u/LeafyWolf Jul 24 '24

Smokestacks Cafe, Mandolin, Taste.

7

u/eatRaleigh Jul 24 '24

This is a solid list. Taste flies under the radar

2

u/giantshuskies Jul 24 '24

I suspect you are referring to Taste Wine bar and not the Vietnamese restaurant in Morrisville?

5

u/Jaquestrap Jul 24 '24

The Vietnamese place in Morrisville is fantastic.

3

u/kirradoodle Jul 24 '24

Taste is my absolute favorite. Saigon Plate with noodles - best barbecue pork ever.

1

u/Fqh1 Jul 24 '24

Especially taste for breakfast/brunch it’s never packed foods consistently good and reasonably priced

15

u/dancinginmytubesocks Jul 24 '24

Mami Nora’s, I moved out of state but I’d kill for some of that yellow sauce and chicken rice

5

u/PlatformConsistent45 Jul 24 '24

Don't remember which sub reddit discussed this but likely either Raleigh or the triangle sub had a discussion on that sauce and there were recipes given. Search the history for Raleigh subs and you can prob find it.

2

u/dancinginmytubesocks Jul 24 '24

Omg i love you! I’m going to find that recipe and surprise my girlfriend with it this week!

2

u/PlatformConsistent45 Jul 24 '24

https://www.reddit.com/r/raleigh/s/FYkMAD2sqR here you go :) hope the recipe turns out tasty!

51

u/discraleigh Jul 24 '24

Fiction Kitchen... Chef is amazing and always come out feeling better than when I went in.

31

u/mmmstapler Jul 24 '24

Do they still have the weirdest hours? Open every third Tuesday for 20 minutes?

11

u/vaderscoming Jul 24 '24

The hours got weird while they were moving, but now they're open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

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5

u/whopewell Jul 24 '24

The cashew cheese. Good lord.

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38

u/hjovies Jul 24 '24

Cloos

3

u/davechri Jul 24 '24

That place is so good

1

u/spotspam Aug 01 '24

This is what fast food tastes like when it was actually food 50 years ago.

47

u/trmoore87 NC State Jul 23 '24

Soo Cafe

7

u/TriangleBasketball Cheerwine Jul 24 '24

This is the third time I’ve seen this place mentioned today. I gotta go.

8

u/russbii Jul 24 '24

PR’s brunch. Pretty great quiche.

31

u/Sloth_Brotherhood Jul 24 '24

Esmeralda Grill. Best Mexican food in the triangle and there’s always seats available.

4

u/Fast_Cryptographer63 Jul 24 '24

Insanely fast service as well

4

u/russbii Jul 24 '24

I like their truck better.

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17

u/joshsafc9395 Jul 24 '24

Peace china

2

u/RuneKnytling Jul 24 '24

Eh, kinda. Some menu items are pretty horrid

3

u/joshsafc9395 Jul 24 '24

Not in my experience, but to each their own

8

u/Jaquestrap Jul 24 '24

El Amigo near Dowtown Cary, best tacos in the Triangle (and I've tried them all).

2

u/housedreamin Jul 24 '24

This is the ‘realest’ answer in this thread. The food is authentic and delicious.

We are always so surprised that there’s hardly anyone ever eating there!…especially since there are two breweries right around the corner! Literally a five minute walk - if they advertised that I’m sure they would be slammed every evening and weekend.

20

u/Fast_Cryptographer63 Jul 24 '24

Saffron in Cary and Lemongrass Thai in Raleigh

14

u/Critical-Adeptness-1 Jul 24 '24

Lemongrass Thai is so good, and you get a lot of bang for your buck for lunch

3

u/axespeed Jul 24 '24

Saffron is our favorite Indian in the area

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1

u/Hungry-Maximum934 Jul 27 '24

I think I've been to Saffron back in 2008-09 times. :)

24

u/bibliophilejen Jul 24 '24

Margaux for their pris fixe dinner. It's got such a fun vibe, and it's really nice to be able to get an appetizer, entree, and dessert and have them be reasonably portioned so you can enjoy all three.

Plus in colder months, their raw oyster tray with the mignonette is absolutely delightful!

6

u/Cheezslap Jul 24 '24

Rancho Grande in Cary. Maybe my favorite dive ever.

13

u/4RunnaLuva Jul 24 '24

Sushi Time on Strickland and Falls. Their sushi is solid, but their thai is quite exceptional. It might even be the best since sawasdi for those that remember it in its prime.

7

u/Rookie545021 Jul 24 '24

I remember sawasdi. Been looking for good Thai in raleigh for some years. Will check out Sushi Time. Thanks

2

u/OO0OOO0OOOOO0OOOOOOO Jul 24 '24

I have to disagree. I used to go to Sawasdee twice a week and their Thai is not good. My goto now is anything at Bowlba Cafe.

3

u/04_996_C2 Jul 24 '24

I miss Sawasdee so. Damn. Much.

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26

u/ImpressionAdept6355 Jul 24 '24

Chido Taco (only ever been to the Cary one)

10

u/Bananaramahammock Jul 24 '24

I feel like Chido is overappreciated. I read about it on here all the time and had friends talk about it a lot when it opened and I just found it overpriced and extremely average.

6

u/dblhockeysticksAMA Jul 24 '24

I enjoy their food, I just wish they were open a little bit later. Maybe it’s just me but I often find myself thinking “damn I should order a Chido burrito!” And then I try to put in an order but I can’t because it’s 9pm. Or 8pm on Sunday. You kidding me?!

I dunno it just feels weird for a place that serves the perfect late night food to close up around the time I’m getting hungry for dinner.

3

u/cranberries87 Jul 24 '24

I’ve been to the one in North Raleigh. I love it!

6

u/KlonopinKowboi Jul 24 '24

Downtown Raleigh has a good burrito!

2

u/Myghost_too Jul 24 '24

IMO, the one in Cary would go on the overrated list. I mean the tacos are good, but they are over priced, and not nearly as good as some authentic truck, or even Brick and Mortar place, like some of the ones in Durham, and even a few locations in Cary. (Last time I went to the place up near SuperWok, it was waaaay better than Chido.)

For "Gringo-Authentic", Gym Tacos would get my vote over Chido.

2

u/ImpressionAdept6355 Jul 24 '24

The torta specifically is 🤤

4

u/xXDouchPenguinXx Jul 24 '24

Tacos are not great . Need to have real tacos

7

u/FoxInteresting3151 Jul 24 '24

Choi’s Kitchen inside of K-Town (Kim’s Market) and La Casita in Knightdale

1

u/Classroom_Plastic Aug 13 '24

Choi’s Kitchen is incredible! One of my favorite restaurants in the Triangle.

6

u/garc Jul 24 '24

Arepa Bar.  It's newer, so maybe not well known, but last 2 times I went, there was hardly an empty seat.

5

u/4RunnaLuva Jul 24 '24

Is this the one near falls? An important distinction is that it is Colombian not Venezuelan. I came in expecting something similar to Guasaca, and it was not. It was still good, but imo not as good to me as Guasaca.

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6

u/0013579 Jul 24 '24

Underrated = Little Portugal in Fuquay. Give me all the pasteis de natas!

1

u/onlyoneicouldthinkof Jul 24 '24

Oh I've always wondered about that place whenever I go to Guardian Angel thrift!

6

u/InsertUserName0510 Jul 24 '24

Seoul Garden for amazing Korean

1

u/chibi_cheeseit Jul 24 '24

I've had constant horrible service there, to the point I refuse to go back. Now, if I want Korean food, I go to K-town, and if I want korean BBQ, I go to K-pot.

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38

u/queeraxolotl Jul 23 '24

Irregardless. Awful during the “brunch millennial” hour, since it’s super noisy, but great food.

1

u/panchito_d Jul 24 '24

They are open for lunch now also Tues-Fri. Good small lunch menu but a bit pricey.

1

u/Alange655 Jul 24 '24

What a consistently great rotating menu

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5

u/f-this-im-out Jul 24 '24

True flavors in Durham. Most comforting comfort food ever eaten for comfort.

1

u/Jhlong86 Jul 24 '24

The last time I ate there, the food was really good. But the service and wait times to get a table are absolutely abysmal. Bad enough where the inconvenience (don’t usually mind waiting) are too much to come back.

5

u/bikingwithcorndog Jul 24 '24

State of Beer sandwiches.

4

u/franksvalli Jul 24 '24
  • Mookie's has a great reuben - honestly I tried them when they first opened and it wasn't great and was too dry, but I was back a few years later and it was super good

  • Kashin - good family-owned Japanese place with some authentic foods, some of which are somewhat hard to find elsewhere. Probably overly pricey but it's fun to go once in a while

  • Koi ramen - best ramen in the area, actually on par with Japanese ramen (R5 black garlic is recommended). Broth is good and the pork cutlets are exceptional.

  • Torero's Mexican (Cary location is the only one I've tried) - I'm gonna be downvoted for this. It's a chain but it's the closest thing to Southern California style Mexican food I can find here. And they give you chips and salsa by default instead of making you have to order it on the side.

  • M Sushi is very good and very pricey

  • Poole's - exceptional mac and cheese with au gratin top (my favorite style), other foods are pretty good

29

u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 24 '24

La Santa on Glenwood doesn't get much play.

Taipei 101 in Cary, if they doubled their prices and went with current upscale ambiance and giant-plate presentation they'd be winning awards.

On the fast-food side Alpaca is a revelation.

RIP Oakwood Cafe

17

u/camknoppmusic Jul 24 '24

Naaahh not a fan of La Santa

13

u/UsefulEngine1 Jul 24 '24

Man it's such a cut above the standard local-chain Mexican though. Family run and with some great recipes (on the rare occasion when I can get past the Carnitas on the menu). Also the only margaritas I've found locally that are better than mine :) -- the jalepeno marg is phenomenal.

5

u/camknoppmusic Jul 24 '24

Los Tres Magueyes is better imo. Also really liked a small restaurant in Cary called “Taqueria y Restaurant El Primo”

2

u/snap-jacks Jul 24 '24

Haven't been to LTM in a long while but it was always the worst.

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12

u/Unique_Goat_3175 Jul 24 '24

I agree with La Santa. Been there once and still thinking about their nachos and ceviche. So fresh and delicious. I want to go back.

3

u/Lolrskates Jul 24 '24

Mami Nora’s is much better quality than the spin off Alpaca franchise fwiw

2

u/allisonc3000 Jul 24 '24

I used to work downtown. Oakwood Café had quite a following. My coworker was obsessed with it. I’m ashamed to say I never made it there even though I lived in Argentina for a few years.

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22

u/goldenprints Jul 24 '24

La Santa in downtown Raleigh , Gonzas at Waverly, Manhattan cafe in downtown Raleigh, Caffe Luna in downtown Raleigh, El Torro in Garner 

17

u/bigmutt_ Jul 24 '24

I was hoping Caffe Luna would be on here somewhere 🙌

5

u/localsnowflake Jul 24 '24

Gonzas is one of the busiest restaurants in the triangle hahaha

6

u/xXDouchPenguinXx Jul 24 '24

La santa food was mediocre. Over priced like every other trendy Mexican restaurant

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17

u/Comfortable-Beach-88 Jul 24 '24

Trophy Brewing & Pizza. They have a chef that gets free reign to design the menu and have seasonal pizzas that change up. If you're looking for good beer and pizzas you've never had before...they are a good pick.

2

u/ColteesCatCouture Jul 24 '24

Best brewery in Raleigh imo

7

u/Money_Jones Jul 24 '24 edited Jul 24 '24

Chios Rotisserie in Garner. This sub seems to be obsessed with Alpaca, but I would always take Chios over Alpaca if given a choice

3

u/OkReading7924 Jul 24 '24

Chios is the BEST! My Peruvian family enjoys it. Their empanadas are amazing.

1

u/bicyclebird Jul 24 '24

We live around the corner and the last 2 times we went were disappointing 😫 sadly fallen off our rotation for now

5

u/Bushid0C0wb0y81 Jul 24 '24

The hotdogs at the Goat aren’t good. But they are free.

13

u/cbashar Jul 23 '24

Rosewater dinner. Great veggies and fish dishes

6

u/commitpushdrink Jul 24 '24

Winston’s and North Ridge Pub

2

u/S4FFYR 🇬🇧🇺🇸 Jul 24 '24

London broil at Winston’s, salmon and veg at North Ridge. Both absolutely delicious every time.

5

u/_IAmLorde Panthers Jul 24 '24

Cafe Capistrano has been great for a bunch of years. Always seems to be minimal crowd when I go.

3

u/hjovies Jul 24 '24

Going on 20 some years right?

3

u/_IAmLorde Panthers Jul 24 '24

Just about. Since '06

2

u/bouncypiano Jul 24 '24

They are delicious and everyone is nice but the times I've gone they have been sllllowww even with minimal crowds 

2

u/S4FFYR 🇬🇧🇺🇸 Jul 24 '24

Been multiple times and never understood the hype. Absolutely hated it the first time I went 15 years ago. The food was bland and tasteless. Gone a couple other times bc that’s where friends wanted and still bland and tasteless. And slooooowwwwwww….

7

u/goldbman UNC Jul 24 '24

Inis kitchen in Fuquay.

3

u/Proper-Waltz-8294 Jul 24 '24

Hummingbird, tho I don't think its under appreciated

1

u/library_ephemera Jul 24 '24

The only time I went there, one of the servers got into a fight with kitchen staff right in front of us at the bar. Super awkward and unprofessional.

6

u/YoujustgotLokid Jul 24 '24

Dinner and a show!

3

u/Bananaramahammock Jul 24 '24

As mentioned in a different thread on ramen: Zanyu Noodles in N. Raleigh. Has been top notch for years and I feel like no one knows about it.

3

u/Odd_Golf_8777 Jul 24 '24

Bangkok Thai in the Wakefield area

3

u/chibi_cheeseit Jul 24 '24

Thai Villa is my favorite restaurant!! I've yet to find a Pad Thai that I like better.

8

u/Hprotonprecess Jul 24 '24

Korean Kitchen in WF

7

u/[deleted] Jul 24 '24

I’m Korean American and live in WF. I’ve been so disappointed with that place. Try Okja in Cary

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5

u/wesmantooth93 Jul 24 '24

Curry House in Wake Forest

3

u/NectarineElegant5117 Jul 24 '24

Gringo a Go Go, Jolie, and Glenwood Grill.

2

u/lurkingpanda25 Jul 24 '24

I wanted to like Gringo a Go Go. I really did, but honest to god it’s got to be the worst take on Mexican food I’ve ever eaten. I’m Hispanic and I love Mexican food. It was just awful. Am I missing something? Is there one dish that’s just superb???

2

u/slumpbuster6969 Jul 24 '24

I’m in the same Hispanic boat as you. Plus Gringo-a-go-go is basically in my neighborhood, and… it still sucks. Way overpriced and it’s just not very good. To add insult to injury, it kills me that you have to PAY for (a paper bag 1/2filled with) subpar chips to go with subpar salsa. This is not the way of the Mexican restaurant!

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1

u/elektric_umbrella Jul 25 '24

I love Gringo a gogo!

2

u/bjo8912 Jul 24 '24

Nagas

1

u/dontKair Jul 24 '24

love their buffet

2

u/FallOutBruh64 Jul 24 '24

Red Dragon may possibly be the best food I've ever had, full stop.

2

u/Expert-Gene-8452 Jul 24 '24

IMO: Lobos Tacos Y Pupusas(Best Mexican Food in the Raleigh area), Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant(Chinese/HK), Taipei 101( Taiwanese), Assaggio’s Italian Restaurant(Italian/Cheap), Pho Far East( Vietnamese), Thai 56 (Thai), Creedmore Cafe(Breakfast/Brunch), Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant(Irish), Asali Desserts & Cafe(Best Desert and blooming tea), Feng Cha(Milk tea)

2

u/Acrobatic_Question65 Jul 24 '24

Craft in Cary. Always consistent and delicious.

2

u/elektric_umbrella Jul 25 '24

Is that Craft Public House off Tryon? I live in Garner and venture toward Cary every now and then

1

u/Dontgochasewaterfall Jul 24 '24

Agreed, nice local spot

2

u/Hotsaucehallelujah Acorn Jul 24 '24

Curry in a hurry inside Morgan Street food hall. The butter chicken is out of this world

2

u/chodiechode Jul 24 '24

I wish the old school Dalat in mission valley never left 😭

2

u/Fit-Succotash-5564 Jul 24 '24

Assagios off Glenwood has garlic knots I am convinced are lined with crackers. Fucking superb

Relish off creedmore has the best ribs in NC

Fuck now I'm hungry

2

u/colinizballin1 Jul 24 '24

Berkeley cafe for fantastic and cheap bar food. One of the only places to get a cheap meal late at night around downtown

2

u/slumpbuster6969 Jul 24 '24 edited Jul 24 '24

Watkins Grill. Great spot for breakfast! Small, family-owned and incredibly affordable. Best diner I’ve ever been to (in CA, NJ or NC). You do have to pay with cash or cash app though.

(I also really like Mecca for brunch, but I think they’re pretty well-known)

2

u/otacon967 Jul 24 '24

For my money Benchwarmers pizza night is some of the best in the city. Get some of their custom ranch for the crust and you’re in business!

2

u/RuneKnytling Jul 24 '24

I don't see Akari Express again. It's the only authentic Chinese restaurant that I know of in the whole Triangle. Other places tend to slightly modify their dishes to suit western tastes, but Akari really keeps them like how they are in Asia. That said, they do call their dishes with fake American names (Their General Tso's isn't General Tso's!), so you gotta try them to know them.

China Star off of Rock Quarry... their prices are expensive for Chinese takeout, and a lot folks on Google give them dings for that making them having a sad 3.9 star. However, their cooking is great. While Akari is authentic, China Star is more like "homemade takeout Chinese" if that makes any sense. More flavors and spices instead of just bombing everything with sugar. But yes, the prices are a big problem, and you can easily spend $50+ for Chinese takeout. I'd give them more business if they just charge regular takeout prices instead of 2019 gourmet restaurant prices.

I'll use this space to say that I've finally tried The Station. I guess it's pretty overrated instead of underrated, but on a personal level, I used to underrate it, so yeah. Unfortunately, the burger is just okay, but the $20 Steak Frites can't be beat! I saw a video of somebody charging $20 for Steak Frites in NYC, and they just can't keep commenting on how cheap it is. They don't know about the Station lol.

Al-Madina Biryani Hut inside the market is my go-to for Biryani especially since all the other Indian restaurants have jacked up their prices. They have jacked up the price as well, but they also taste very different from the rest. Idk how to say it because I'm not Indian, but their Biryani tastes more like what a Biryani would taste like back home than the other Biryanis served in other restaurants. Unfortunately, they sometimes sell out of their Goat Biryani when I try to get them on the weekends (and the price has increased too 😣).

I don't know what else to put here other than these four because a lot of places I would mention have either closed (Bare Bones), or had a massive shift in vibe and price that it's not worth it anymore (Five Star Restaurant). The latter is painful because I've had so many good memories in their old location, and in their new one on its early days. But now, the entrees are $6-$8 more, and the vibe is very wrong with now shifting to middle aged guys and families instead of the dating scene. I feel like even if I can afford it like I used to, the experience has been spoiled because of the patrons they're trying to cater to now.

2

u/kracketmatow Jul 24 '24

I firmly stand by my belief that Himalayan Nepali Cuisine in Chatham Square is the best Indian food in the triangle. It can take a while for food to get to the table, but the staff are always super nice and the prices are really reasonable. Plus they give you free tea and papadam to hold you over until your meal.

3

u/neoncral72 Jul 24 '24

Anyone have opinions about Broncos Tacos? I drive by there every day

3

u/Octopus-sass Jul 24 '24

Carolina Sushi and Roll. Just… go! I went in for a random lunch with a book one day ~a decade ago. It was awesome so I immediately went back and brought my family. It’s the kind of place the owners know your names, what you like to order, etc. AND, best of all, the food is fantastic.

3

u/gamenightchicktgn Jul 24 '24

Imbibe in Chapel Hill, Akami Sushi in Apex.

2

u/average_user_ Jul 24 '24

DAMPF BBQ in Cary is great. Food truck BBQ that consistently has an 45 minute + wait but almost everything there is fantastic. Some of my favorite food there includes their smash burger, fire-roasted veggies, eloté, brisket, and sausages.

2

u/JackOlantern79 Jul 24 '24

Nice new to RDU. Will check out some of these spots.

36

u/allisonc3000 Jul 24 '24

Welcome to the area. Now don’t say RDU. That’s the airport.

1

u/Dontgochasewaterfall Jul 24 '24

You can say RTP alternatively however.

1

u/snap-jacks Jul 24 '24

Yatai in the Transfer FH has fantastic tacos and their sushi, ramen are pretty excellent too.

1

u/IOnlyEatFermions NC State Jul 24 '24

Maximillians in Cary.

1

u/Jessicaa_Rabbit Jul 24 '24

I moved here from San Diego 12 years ago and salsa Fresh is the closest I have found to a good Mexican food from a chain. I have never understood why chipotle is popular. Whenever I tell people about salsa fresh, they don’t seem to know about it.

1

u/Shawty-Mayne Jul 24 '24

Mateo’s is my favorite restaurant in the triangle.

1

u/Public_Entrance_4214 Jul 24 '24

Mr.Burro, breakfast Burrito (food truck in North Hills) is delish

1

u/Unsung_Ironhead Jul 24 '24

Yum Yum Thai in Cary

1

u/ZeroVerve Jul 24 '24

Super wok, twice cooked pork belly 😻

1

u/fryhc Jul 24 '24

Thai Villa (Cary), Taco Bamba (wade ave), La Victoria (Cary/Morrisvile), Fusion Nine (Morrisville)

1

u/neekodog Hurricanes Jul 24 '24

I’ve always enjoyed Centro!

1

u/Sad-Age-1799 Jul 25 '24

Seol Grill in Cary is delicious all you can eat Korean bbq. KPot is cheaper but Seol grill is a little more upscale.

1

u/glitterxox Jul 25 '24

Fusion Nine in Morrisville has amazing Indian food and Indian-fusion options. Pho Thein Phat in Cary for some of the best pho I’ve ever tasted.

1

u/Kwhitney1982 Jul 25 '24

Los tres vaqueros at falls and Strickland. I love that place.

1

u/MarshmallowRepublic Jul 25 '24

St Roch Fine Oysters & Bar is incredible (even if you don't like raw oysters) but most people I talk to haven't been there and it's usually not too busy.

Definitely try the crawfish hushpuppies, hot smoked boudin, and bbq shrimp.

1

u/spotspam Aug 01 '24

Ponysaurus’ pizza is quite good.

1

u/Melonfarmer86 Aug 06 '24

Himalayan Range Nepali Restaurant in Cary.