I do like food, especially good food. And I’ve gotten a bit more picky as my metabolism has slowed down and I realize I can’t eat like I did when I was a teenager. And we like to go out to eat, because there is more variety and we don’t have to do the dishes. Here are some of my favorites in the Cary / Raleigh NC area. In no particular order. I highly recommend all of these.
Cilantro Indian Cafe: This is the best Indian food I’ve had. My favorite is the Chicken Tikka Masala – the sauce is magical, and be forewarned that the default heat level is kinda warm, but you can request it to be less spicy. And get the chickpea salad as a side. The same young man has run the cash register for years, I think this is a family-run establishment. Located in south Cary where US-1 and US-64 split.
La Farm Bakery: This is the best French-style bakery in the area. Our favorite is the house La Farm bread – it is a huge loaf that tastes like a mix of sourdough with a whole-bodied grain and a wonderful thick crust. You can buy it by the half or the quarter. And get the white chocolate baguettes. Attached is a sit-down cafe where all the prepared dishes are great. Many years ago my wife gave me the present of a baking lesson with Lionel, the head baker. Located in west-central Cary, but they also have another facility in downtown Cary.
Sassool: If you like Lebanese / Mediterranean, this is the place. They have chilled and baked foods that can be served from the display cases, so it makes for a quick in-and-out. We did a lot of take-out from here during the pandemic lockdown. For lunch or dinner the “Pick 3” is our favorite. You can also get a made-to-order shawarma or kabob. And don’t forget the baklava on the way out. I’ve liked everything I’ve gotten. The Mediterranean Chicken Salad is magic. Informal seating (no waiters). This is my wife’s go-to place. Next to the Cary Trader Joe’s. I also highly recommend Neomonde in Raleigh and Morrisville, owned by brothers of Sasool’s owner.
Boulted Bread: This is not a French bakery, so I don’t view it as a competitor with La Farm. I go here for breakfast items. That said, when you are talking about breakfast-style baking, I think this is the best I have ever had. Really. In particular, their crusts are amazing. It is like it is toasted a little bit more than standard baking, that gives the crust an awesome texture and firmness, but still is delicate and has that toasty deliciousness, while leaving the inside perfectly soft and moist. It really is a texture dream. You must get the Morning Bun item, and whatever else looks good. Recently moved to an out-of-the-way part of downtown Raleigh, but so worth the trip. We recently discovered that a church friend worked for one of their grain suppliers.
CookOut: This is a chain in the southeast US, there are locations all over the area. This is the place we go for milkshakes. They have more than 30 flavors, and they are all quite good. There are some seasonal shake flavors that include watermelon (summer) and eggnog (Christmas), again surprisingly good. And if you want burgers, they are made-to-order, go here instead of the big chains, totally beats Wendy’s, McDonalds, etc. And honestly their BBQ sandwich (pulled pork) is decent. Our usual order format is the “Tray”, a combo where for a fixed price you can get a sandwich or chicken strips, plus 2 sides, plus upgrade the drink to a shake. They have a great selection of sides which includes a corn dog, quesadilla, chicken nuggets, bacon wrap, etc, way more than just fries. And if you do get fries, I recommend the seasoned fries. The older locations are drive-thru only (no indoor seating available). But their drive-thrus have a reputation for being quite quick. And I’m not sure how widespread it is near other college campuses and they aren’t always in-stock, but at the location near NCSU on Western Blvd when you order a tray you can also add on a CookOut t-shirt for $2 in NCSU red color, and I think the same is possible in Chapel Hill in UNC blue color.
State Farmers Market: They do have a couple restaurants here, but the real reason you want to come to the State Farmers Market is because of the farmers, the locally-grown produce and products they bring and sell at their stands, most of which is picked that morning. It doesn’t get any more fresh than this, unless you are eating it in the fields. If you want any vegetables, skip the grocery store and come to the State Farmers Market and walk up and down the large hall with the stands. A big variety, decent prices, but it’s the food quality that is amazing. Not only vegetables and fruit, but there also is a section to buy plants and some prepared food items. It’s open all year long, but of course the best seasons are summer and fall. Almost everyone takes credit cards, but seems like cash is easier and quicker, especially when buying a small sack of radishes for $2. During peach season they usually are passing out free samples, once you taste it you’ll want to buy a box. Located near the NCSU Centennial campus.
Szechuan Mansion Hotpot: Kinda like The Melting Pot, but Chinese. It’s fun and the staff is helpful. Next to Trader Joe’s in Cary.
Pro’s Epicurean Market & Café: Reminds me of a cafe in Europe where they serve smaller portions of carefully-prepared food, combined with a market that is rich in quality imported goods. After you are done eating, shop for some items to take home. Located in downtown Cary.
Bida Manda: Three words: pork belly soup. The menu is full of other good Thai options. Last time we went, we had to get reservations with 2 weeks of lead time, so plan ahead. But worth it. Located in downtown Raleigh.
Daniel’s Restaurant: If you are looking for good home-cooked Italian that isn’t expensive-fancy but is yummy and has a good variety, this is your place. This place has been around for a long time. Located in Apex near Beaver Creek shopping center.
David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar: (sadly, closed in July 2025)
Death and Taxes: The food here is a sure thing. If you are looking for a nice place for a special date night, like an anniversary, and willing to spend some money, this is quite good. Need lead time for reservations. Located in downtown Raleigh.
Kababish Cafe: Pakistani / Indian. Located in the heart of downtown Cary, feels like a family-run establishment with good food. Last time we were there, they had a live jazz combo playing.
Karavan by 3 Olives: When was the last time you had Uzbek food? Me neither, prior to this place. Although they have an American side to their menu, we went there for the Uzbek selections. It was different, but what we had was good. For when you want to break the mold. Has a Raleigh address, but is near Garner.
The BBQ Lab: North Carolina is known for its BBQ, and this is near the top. Their North Hills location recently opened, but their original location is in a gas station in Benson just off I-40 and is titled “The Redneck BBQ Lab”. OK, so here in eastern NC when you say “BBQ” it means pork that has been slow-cooked then pulled/shredded. The sauce is vinegar-based, not tomato-based. A BBQ sandwich contains pulled pork with vinegar sauce, with Cole slaw and a dash of Texas Pete tabasco sauce on the pork inside the sandwich. (Texas Pete originated in Winston-Salem NC, but that is another story.) Not only does The BBQ Lab have great pulled pork, but also brisket, burnt ends (yes, these are yummy and they are prized) (the above 3 are my favorites), along with the requisite chicken, sausage, corn bread, collard greens, etc. At the North Hills location you can order ala-carte by-the-pound, so you can get exactly what you want. For lunch at the North Hills location, check that they are open before you go.
Lawrence Barbequeue: For as much as I’m impressed by The BBQ Lab, I think Lawrence edges them out. They were located in the Boxyard food hall in RTP, but recently moved to a much larger location in downtown Cary. I think their meats were a little bit more noteworthy. The sides at Lawrence are substantially more upscale. I would describe it as “bedrock traditions get a little flair of new style added”.
Di Fara Pizza Tavern: A relatively new establishment in downtown Cary. It’s New York style. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of NY-style pizza in general (I prefer Chicago), but what I really like here are their calzones. The bread and the crust are exemplary, the fillings are great, and they are huge. Literally one calzone can feed 3 people. These folks know how to bake. There isn’t a lot of seating here, so if you want to eat in, come early.
Acme Pizza: I spent some time in Chicago, and I grew to like the local pizza. If you haven’t had it before, think a thick yeasty crust, then cheese and meats in the middle, then chunky thick sauce on top. Yes, it’s in a different order than you are used to. It’s heavy, one slice will probably fill you up. The folks at Acme cook the real deal. I’ve been going to their location in Holly Springs, but they also have one in Morrisville.
Butcher’s Market: This isn’t a restaurant, but a real butcher where you can buy quality raw meat, wrapped in old-fashioned butcher’s paper. It is pricey, but the quality is far better than a grocery store. Our strong favorite here is the House Marinated Steak Tips. When I cook them on the grill, I buy about 1/3 pound per person. The flavor and texture is magical. I cooked some at home for a work party, and won the award for best entree. This is one of our favorite “special treat” items. They carry lots of other cuts, marinades, seafood, etc. Take it home and let the grilling begin! Your family will thank you. There are several locations in the area, including Cary near Trader Joe’s.
Bosphorous: Just across the train tracks in downtown Cary. Turkish. You’ve probably noticed a lot of Mediterranean places on this list, this place does make the cut. The last couple times we’ve been there, the service has been slow but friendly, so don’t be in a hurry. The food is worth waiting for.
Videri Chocolate Factory: This is also not a restaurant, but a real chocolate factory in downtown Raleigh. And they make the best chocolate in the area, seriously. Parking can be a little bit of a challenge, but you’ll be grateful you went. Guys, this is a great place to get a gift for your romance partner.
Taste Vietnam Cuisine: If you want Pho, this is the place to go. Located in Morrisville.
Chola Nad: This is food from the southern area of India, which I understand to be less “saucy” than the items at most Indian restaurants in the US. A different selection of Indian dishes than I’m used to, more formal ambiance, and quite good. Located in Chapel Hill. Reservations recommended.
Talullah’s: Turkish, located in Chapel Hill. I really like Turkish food, I think think this is the best I’ve found in the area. Reservations recommended. They have a round booth for a group that is fun if you can get it.
Escazú Chocolates (added 9/9/2023): So I just said Videri is the place to go, but Escazú will give them a run for their money. I’m not much into chocolates, I mostly buy them for my spouse. She really likes this place. In a small building in a residential area just outside of downtown Raleigh.
V Pizza (added 8/20/2024): Last year we took a trip to Rome. The food was definitely good, but it was strange to literally not be able to escape pizza and pasta. But when in Rome… Anyway, some months later we tried this place with my picky-eater teenager, and it was like, “Wow, this is authentic Roman pizza!” Both the outside and inside of the building don’t really indicate to me what this restaurant is about. But you start digging and you start to uncover their story. As mentioned on their website, “the V stands for veloce which means fast in Italian. Our 900° ovens cook your pizzas in as little as 90 seconds — now that’s fast!” They use wood-fired ovens imported from Italy. Their specialty is Naples style. They import many of their ingredients from Italy. When go, we order their Naples style – thin crust, simple toppings, like the “Margherita V Signature” pizza. No crust is left behind.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (added 12/8/2024): This one isn’t in the list because of just the food, but because of the overall experience. The food is decent for a restaurant, but quite good for a theater. But what makes it noteworthy that it is a movie theater that is aimed at movie lovers. Yes, you get the fancy reclining chairs with footrests. And dining that is brought to your seat during the movie. But what makes it special is that they really love movies. The lobby is a rental store for old movies on VHS tapes, like an old Blockbuster. Posters of foreign B movies all over. Clean bathrooms with individual rooms. Late arrivals aren’t allowed (be on time!). But I specifically encourage you to arrive and get seated early: before the movie they will play a documentary or explainer about the movie you are about to watch that is both entertaining and helpful. There are no ads or generic movie news. They also have an occasional special session “movie party” with props, games, sing-alongs, cereal, costume-wearing, etc. This is more fun than your usual movie theater, we go out of our way to attend because it is worth it. And if you get sick and can’t attend your reservation, call the theater and ask for a rain check. (Honestly use the honor system.)
Andia’s Ice Cream (added 6/22/2025): Yes, it’s expensive. And it has the usual popular regular flavors. But they also have some unusual flavors: Rose Pistachio, Coffee Bean Crunch, Malted Twix, Lavender Lemonade, Strawberry Matcha, Ube, etc. It’s unique as you want to get, which to me makes this place unique, and all the flavors I’ve had are great. I like to get the Sampler Flight, which is a 6-flavor sampler served on a cardboard tray, you get to pick the 6 flavors.
Miso Ramen Bar (added 6/22/2025): So the ramen you are used to gets purchased at the grocery store for $2, you boil a rectangle of noodles, and rip open the foil pack to pour in flavored salt. This is not that ramen. This is so different, totally forget what you know about the word “ramen”. This is a hearty meal with all kind of tastes mixed in that comes in a homemade broth. Every time we’ve been there we walk away full, and with a warm happy tummy. If you like Asian food, and haven’t had something like this before, I highly recommend it.
Amorino Gelato (added 6/22/2025): this is as close as I’ve seen to real Italian gelato, with all the flavors, and an option to add a macaroon on the side. This is MY FAVORITE dessert place to go. I’ve been to Rome recently, so the comparison is fresh. Right downtown Raleigh across from the RedHat building.
Utica Bakery (added 6/22/2025): I have a bit of a passion for bakeries. This is a distribution point for their remote kitchen. And it is all good. Italian influences. My favorites are their eclairs filled with custard (more than enough for 2 people), and the stuffed baguettes. They have a good selection, but they tend to sell out early. Near downtown Apex working out of a trailer.
Afgan Kebab (added 7/20/2025): This humble storefront is in a strip-mall near our home, and I’ve wanted to try it for a while. I was very pleasantly surprised. The samosas were wonderfully spiced, on the first bite I said “oooooh!”. The other appetizer we got was the Bolanee bread which was fried and stuffed with onions and potatoes. Our entrees were the Beef Kobidah (like a hamburger patty, a bit spicy, but nicely flavorful) and the Beef Tikka Kebab (smoky instead of spicy). The chickpea side was piping hot and stew-like, but surprisingly tasty and a bit spicy. The rice for our entrees was moist and tender. Even though we ate in, all the food was served on paper plates with plastic silverware. Don’t forget to take a good look at the weavings hanging on the wall. Overall I really liked the food, and will definitely be returning.
As I come across other favorites, I’ll add them here with a note.
marcelk.org 