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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Raleigh

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Raleigh? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Oxford Oaks Distillery restaurant
4.9
4.9 (223)
$31 to $50
American
Oxford
About the restaurant
A Unique Dining and Libations Destination in the heart of downtown Oxford, N.C.

Oxford Oaks features a micro distillery, specialty cocktail bar and upscale restaurant where the community can gather and enjoy fine spirits, elevated cocktails and delicious cuisine.

Top review
Kathy
Dined on Oct 30, 2024
Great food and service as always. Would highly recommend.
A photo of Herons restaurant
4.9
4.9 (3060)
$50 and over
American
Cary
About the restaurant
Herons, the signature restaurant at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina, offers an exceptional fine dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Located close to Raleigh, North Carolina, Herons is known for its locally inspired, seasonal menus and stunning garden views, Herons showcases a full-view kitchen and an elegant, art-filled dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Every detail—from the fresh, regionally sourced ingredients to the curated wine list—reflects a commitment to artistry and culinary excellence.

Top review
Joycevip
Dined 5 days ago
We enjoyed a lovely meal. The location is beautiful.
A photo of Mezcalito Clayton restaurant
4.8
4.8 (15)
$30 and under
Mexican
Clayton
About the restaurant
WELCOME TO MEZCALITO


At Mezcalito We're a family, united by our love for great food, vibrant music, and exceptional service.

Thriving to ensure we are the family oriented joint you are happy to dine at.



MEZCALITO was born in early 2015, when founders saw the need for a restaurant for all. Something that would meet in the middle where we could serve food and drinks for all pallets and socio-economic groups, because all deserve to have a unique experience they cannot have elsewhere- nice music, beautiful scenery, good food, and great drinks. This was then when owners overcame their own personal fears of pursuing their real dream of having something of their own after working for decades elsewhere. Always with the purpose to proudly serve flavorful and colorful meals that better describe the origins of Mexican cuisine; bringing new flare and fresh ideas by incorporating trendy and traditional authentic elements.

Top review
Cindy
Dined on Oct 29, 2024
When we are in town we love dining at Mezcalitos.
A photo of On The Square restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1294)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Tarboro
About the restaurant
Due to limited seating, we are only accepting in-house reservations. Please call the restaurant directly for a reservation.

Located in Historic Downtown Tarboro, one of the oldest towns in North Carolina, On the Square Restaurant offers seasonal, sustainable ingredients that are celebrated throughout the ever-changing menu. Open for dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and for lunch on Monday through Friday, we are as proud of our food and comfortable atmosphere as we are of our eclectic and value-driven wine list.

Top review
chris
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
this is a great place for date night or any occasion. The food and service is always wonderful.
A photo of Bazil Indian Cuisine restaurant
4.9
4.9 (184)
$30 and under
Indian
Raleigh
About the restaurant
Welcome to Bazil Indian Cuisine, a truly unique dining experience in Raleigh, NC. Our restaurant is not just a place to enjoy delicious food; it’s an enchanting story waiting to be savored. At Bazil Indian Cuisine, we pride ourselves on pushing culinary boundaries and introducing new flavors to the vibrant Indian food community in Raleigh. Led by a passionate mother, our restaurant offers an extensive wine list that perfectly complements our fusion menu. Prepare to be captivated by our assortment of dishes, including delicacies like sea bass, lobster, and octopus offerings that you won’t find in other Indian restaurants. We believe in creating an unforgettable experience for our guests, where every bite is an adventure of flavors and textures.As a mother-owned establishment, we strive to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where families and friends can come together to celebrate life’s moments.
Top review
Liz
Dined on Oct 29, 2024
Great food! Great service! Great atmosphere Highly recommend!
A photo of Oak Steakhouse - Raleigh restaurant
4.9
4.9 (2256)
$30 and under
Steakhouse
Raleigh
About the restaurant
Oak Steakhouse Raleigh continues the legacy of the original Oak Steakhouse in Charleston, SC, with a modern take on the classic steakhouse. Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, Oak Steakhouse offers an innovative approach to steakhouse dining, serving farm-fresh dishes alongside steakhouse classics. Under the direction of executive chef Todd Woods, Oak's menu highlights the restaurant's relationship with local farmers and purveyors. To complement the menu, Oak's expansive wine list features California Cabernet and Old World reds, including a selection of Italian and Spanish wines, as well as an array of artisan domestic wines. In celebration of Raleigh's local brewery scene, Oak Steakhouse showcases local brews alongside domestic and international beers. Classic and creative, seasonal cocktails are also on the menu.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
I’ve loved every time I’ve come! Food is delightful, ambience is beautiful and calming. Loved the music last night! Thank you for an amazing dining experience every time.
A photo of Amalia's Authentic Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.9
4.9 (784)
$50 and over
Italian
Wake Forest
About the restaurant
Amalia Fumelli is the inspiration behind Amalia’s Authentic Italian Restaurant. She was born in Italy in 1932, and grew up on a farm. As she grew up, she took an interest in cooking and learned everything about the Italian kitchen from her mother and grandmother. For countless hours each day, Amalia began making hand-made pasta with her rolling pin on an old, wooden table. After many years, she had mastered her pasta creations through her skilled handiwork, precise cutting skills, and the amount of love she put into her work.

Over time, Amalia has passed all of her secrets and knowledge about food along to her children and grandchildren. One grandchild in particular, Filippo Fanfani, gained a passion for the art of cooking through her guidance. As a child, he spent all his days at his grandmother’s house preparing meals for his family. The two have a strong bond, that began with their conjoining love of creating meals that are enjoyable for everyone.

Top review
John F
Dined on Nov 1, 2024
Our overall experience was amazing. The food, the ambiance, the service, attention to detail was excellent. The only concern I have is getting seated by a table with kids. Did not like the baby crying and kids going back and forth. Otherwise, everything else was amazing. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary and there was a table with two kids and a baby. Not quite or romantic at all. We spent a lot of money.
A photo of Bida Manda Restaurant and Bar restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3779)
$30 and under
Laotian
Raleigh
About the restaurant
Bida Manda is a thoughtful gathering place celebrating the diverse food traditions and culture of Laos. The Sanskrit ceremonial term for father and mother, Bida Manda was created out of the deep love and appreciation of food and its power to bring people together.

Please be advised that we only seat complete parties. Reservations are highly recommended, however our bar seats are available at a first come first serve basis. Due to high volume, we have a 15 minute grace period, if you are running later than 15 minutes from your reservation time kindly give us a call and we will try our best to accomodate you.

Thank you so much for your continued support and we can’t wait to host you soon!

Top review
Thankam
Dined on Oct 28, 2024
Welcoming hosts and inviting ambience. We were promptly shown to our table. Tastefully decorated, we found our service to be warm and efficient. The food served decoratively was different and very tasty, with generous servings. Our first experience with Laotian cuisine; definitely something to be repeated. Delighted that the note that this was a birthday celebration was heeded and loved the surprise birthday greeting! The restaurant is popular and the noise level a little much but it also supports the high energy vibe and joy circulating in this space. Look forward to next time!
A photo of Gonza Tacos y Tequila - North Raleigh restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1423)
$30 and under
Mexican
Raleigh
About the restaurant
Come experience Raleigh's Colombo-Mexican Tacos y Tequila Joint!

Hand Crafted Latin Cocktails
Extensive List of Tequilas & Regional Spirits
Carefully Selected List of Latin Wines & Latin Beers

Voted Best Latin Restaurant in the Triangle by Wake County Living Magazine!

Won the Indy Award for Best Mexican / Latin American in the Triangle!


Top review
Heathervip
Dined 4 days ago
Luca was an excellent waiter. Friendly and attentive 😊
A photo of cafe tiramisu restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1578)
$30 and under
Italian
Raleigh
About the restaurant
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Cafe Tiramisu offers a menu full of authentic Northern Italian cuisine. The family-owned and operated restaurant is decorated sparingly and the dining room is a cozy, relaxing environment. Cafe Tiramisu has a full bar but specializes in wine with an extensive wine selection both by the glass and by the bottle.



Try the ravioli or the shrimp dip to start out your meal at Cafe Tiramisu. Choose from Italian classics like the lasagna or the marsala. The menu includes plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. Choose one of the restaurant's sides for your entree like the fried eggplant or the sauteed spinach.

Top review
Kevin
Dined 3 days ago
Our waiter John was top notch! Food was excellent.
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