Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Durham

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mothers & Sons restaurant
1. Mothers & Sons
4.6
Exceptional(170)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 49 times today
Our lunch and dinner menus differ greatly. Please see the menu link below to see an example of our offerings.Partners Matt Kelly and Josh “Skinny” DeCarolis are proud to offer Mothers & Sons, a trattoria in downtown Durham featuring regional Italian food with seasonal sensibility. DeCarolis introduces the first restaurant in the South to focus on fatta a mano —handmade pasta. Mothers and Sons offers antipasti dishes such seasonal bruschettas or smoked octopus. Choose from primi dishes like the bucatini al amatriciana, squid ink tonnarelli or rigatoni alla norma and secondi dishes like the bistecca alla floretina and eggplant parmigiana. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients so menus may change depending on when you visit. An extensive Italian wine list, dozens of amari as well as an imaginative cocktail list with an italian flair assures there will be a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.
A photo of Mateo Bar de Tapas restaurant
2. Mateo Bar de Tapas
4.8
Exceptional(2446)
Price: Expensive
• Spanish • Durham
Booked 32 times today
Mateo Bar de Tapas is the first solo venture from chef Matthew Kelly, housed in the old Book Exchange building in the heart of downtown Durham. Featuring a menu that blends the flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South. We offer a casual, yet refined, menu of Spanish small plates with Southern inflection. Accompanying the food is a robust Spanish wine list as well as one of the largest sherry offerings in the country!
A photo of Parizade restaurant
3. Parizade
4.7
Exceptional(3343)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Durham
Booked 37 times today
Parizade is Mediterranean inspired culinary creations. A vast open kitchen spans the length of the restaurant. Surreal art by Henryk Fantazos adorns the walls and ceiling. Parizade is truly the crowning jewel of Giorgios Hospitality Group. *Large parties, please call the restaurant at 919-286-9712*
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
4. Nasher Cafe at Duke University
4.6
Exceptional(858)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Durham
Booked 25 times today
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Durham restaurant
5. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Durham
4.4
Awesome(2166)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 32 times today
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.
A photo of Jujube restaurant
6. Jujube
4.7
Exceptional(1474)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Chapel Hill
Booked 16 times today
Jujube offers a unique culinary experience to the Triangle that brings Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Indian and Indonesian cuisine infused with the finest Western influenced flavors. We feature an extensive collection of craft beer, a wide variety of wines that elegantly complement our menu, as well as a refreshing assortment of signature cocktails. Escape the ordinary. Come enjoy our social and harmonious environment where Asian themed decor and soft lantern lighting awaits you. In the warmer months, enjoy dining al fresco on our screened patio. At Jujube we aim to bring you an eclectic myriad of tastes in an ambiance that brings together both the beauty of Asian tradition paired with a whimsical modern twist. Curbside Pickup and Dine in daily. Reservations or call ahead strongly encouraged.
A photo of Bombolo restaurant
7. Bombolo
4.6
Exceptional(307)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Chapel Hill
Booked 8 times today
Named 2023 Restaurant of the Year by Eater. Dishes you’ve long loved served alongside dishes you’ve never heard of make our ever-changing menu an adventure you’ll want to embark on often. Our wine list is as varied as our food, and every one of our cocktails has been created just for Bombolo by our mixologist.
A photo of Il Palio restaurant
8. Il Palio
4.8
Exceptional(1774)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Chapel Hill
Booked 15 times today
Il Palio is an intimate restaurant in the Siena Hotel. We strive to emulate the best of the great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass. Our vision is simple – use the best local and Italian ingredients as purely as possible and serve them with comfort and pride. We cook as an Italian might in North Carolina.
A photo of Elements restaurant
9. Elements
4.8
Exceptional(2487)
Price: Expensive
• Fusion / Eclectic • Chapel Hill
Booked 11 times today
Elements is OPEN for DINE IN & TAKEOUT! From the moment you walk in to the last delicious morsel you will taste, we promise to deliver a unique and exquisite dining experience. Our cuisine combines classical as well as modern Asian and European cooking techniques to enhance the flavors of local and sustainable ingredients. Our menu changes often to capitalize on the freshest and most seasonal fare. We believe George Barnard Shaw said it best when he said. There is no love sincerer than the love of food." We couldn't agree more. From fork to mouth, we wish you good eats.Elements Team

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Really enjoyed the entire experience. Staff were great and food was delicious.
    More info
    HeronsPrice: Very Expensive• American• Cary
    •
    4.8
  • Debbie
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food, drinks and service were impeccable. We will definitely be returning.
    More info
    ParizadePrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Durham
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable Diner
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our waitress was excellent, very friendly atmosphere. The food was very good, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
    More info
    Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • Maureen
    Coastal North Carolina •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This was our second time to the cafe. It is soooo nice to finally eat out and get healthy , delicious, real food cooked to perfection and served artistically. All I can say is I feel restored and fully nourished. FINALLY, someone who knows how to make a PERFECT salad! The ingredients were unusual, complementary, fresh and dressed to perfection. Wait staff are alert, considerate, helpful and professional. We will definitely return. Wish there was something similar closer to our home in Wilson. Keep up the excellent work
    More info
    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • kateVIP
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Every dish was exquisite. Our server couldn’t have been better. Ambiance is great. Noise level is really high, but there’s lots of life in there!
    More info
    Mateo Bar de TapasPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Durham
    •
    4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Durham

Discover the charm of Durham's neighborhood gems in the vibrant dining scene of Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill. Each restaurant featured on this page exemplifies the essence of a "neighborhood gem," offering a unique blend of culinary excellence, cozy ambiance, and attentive service that locals cherish and visitors seek out. These establishments are celebrated for their commitment to quality, showcasing menus that often feature locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a casual outing with friends, these neighborhood gems provide the perfect setting for any occasion. The dining experience in Durham is characterized by its diversity and the ability to deliver exceptional food and memorable moments, making it a top choice for food enthusiasts. Explore these hidden treasures and enjoy a culinary journey through one of Durham's finest offerings.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo