Best Lunch Restaurants in Raleigh

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

Raleigh

Neighborhoods

CaryMorrisvilleRaleigh

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

61 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Gravy

4.5

Awesome(3631)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Raleigh

Booked 28 times today

When we say ‘gravy’, we mean tomato sauce. Experience classic Italian-American fare with a contemporary flair in the heart of downtown Raleigh when you dine in our cozy space or our vibrant courtyard. Our culinary artisans craft dishes with the freshest seasonal ingredients so that you can enjoy a rich and authentic taste of Italy, right here in North Carolina. Looking to host an event? Select the link below to learn more about our Wine Cellar, The Upstairs, and Jiddi Space & Courtyard for your next celebration. For parties of six or more, please call the restaurant: 919-896-8513

2. Mandolin

4.7

Exceptional(2880)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southern • Raleigh

Booked 23 times today

Mandolin is a breath of fresh air to the Raleigh dining scene, combining a casual atmosphere with fresh, contemporary, Southern fare. Mandolin uses the highest quality local ingredients to create seasonal menus that resonate with foodies and casual diners, alike. We share our food in a relaxed, cozy atmosphere that replaces the stuffiness of fine-dining with Southern charm. The menu and ambiance reflect the character of Raleigh itself- a blend of rustic and refined, contemporary and traditional, rural and metropolitan. Mandolin, like the City of Oaks, is Southern at its roots, but draws influences from around the world. We love our new home in Hayes Barton, just a stone's throw from Five Points, on the corner of Oberlin and Fairview.

3. Irregardless

4.8

Exceptional(6049)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • Raleigh

Booked 55 times today

Get ready for a delightful culinary journey at Irregardless! A beloved gem in downtown Raleigh serving fresh, seasonal vegetarian delights + carnivore options. Locally owned and bursting with flavor, our menu promises an unforgettable experience. Join us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch! Our menu offers something for everyone.

A photo of RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Raleigh restaurant

4. RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Raleigh

4.7

Exceptional(426)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• American • Raleigh

Booked 136 times today

The RH Rooftop Restaurant is located on the third floor of RH Raleigh, The Gallery at North Hills. Enjoy a menu of enduring classics and signature dishes, along with a curated selection of Champagnes and wines. Dine in a year-round skylit garden escape with heritage olive trees, sparkling chandeliers and a cascading, cast-stone center fountain.

5. STIR - Raleigh

4.6

Exceptional(2369)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Raleigh

Booked 32 times today

STIR is the perfect restaurant to enjoy a night out, host clients, or sip a craft cocktail over a dozen oysters. Located in North Hills, the restaurant is an open-air concept with a large, heated outdoor patio. We are open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.Our cold bar and kitchen offers fresh oysters from North Carolina and beyond, traditional Mexican and Peruvian ceviche, and classic entrees and specials, all prepared from scratch.STIR is famous for craft cocktails. We freeze and carve 300-pound blocks of artisanal ice in-house, age certain cocktails in oak barrels for richer flavors, and place others on draft for crispness and carbonation. The result is a categorically elevated cocktail. Our passion for fine spirits also compels us to find and share rare bottles, many of which are extremely difficult to procure.We welcome Raleigh to enjoy our unmatched cocktails, fresh seafood from the cold bar, and classic dishes in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.

A photo of Sullivan's Steakhouse - Raleigh restaurant

6. Sullivan's Steakhouse - Raleigh

4.4

Awesome(5183)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Raleigh

Booked 84 times today

Where the historic Pine State Creamery once stood, you’ll find our Raleigh location, nestled amidst the youthful Glenwood South neighborhood. Packed with the best Raleigh has to offer in shopping, art galleries, and nightlife, this hip thoroughfare is a vein through the heart of downtown. Enjoy Sullivan’s Raleigh’s unique take on upscale steakhouse fare across our expansive menu. Seafood starters abound, from tempura lobster tails to charbroiled oysters. Enjoy a classic iceberg wedge or Caesar salad before moving on to the main event: our cut-above steaks. Served with your choice of sauces, sides, and signature butters, there’s a filet or strip to suit every taste. A night at Sullivan’s Raleigh is about more than just the food—it’s our lively atmosphere that sets us apart. At the intersection of luxury and comfort, Sullivan’s is a bar-centric neighborhood hub. Familiar servers greet you, prepared to recommend dishes and drinks that align with your taste.

A photo of True Food Kitchen - Raleigh restaurant

7. True Food Kitchen - Raleigh

4.4

Awesome(208)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Raleigh

Booked 51 times today

RALEIGH OPENING 11/11/2024! True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in Raleigh for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious!

A photo of Tupelo Honey - Raleigh restaurant

8. Tupelo Honey - Raleigh

4.5

Awesome(3796)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Southern • Raleigh

Booked 48 times today

Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.Reservations recommended for weekends.

A photo of Anthony's La Piazza Prime - Downtown Raleigh restaurant

9. Anthony's La Piazza Prime - Downtown Raleigh

4.3

Awesome(72)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Raleigh

Booked 10 times today

Anthony's La Piazza is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina. The restaurant brand has been serving the community for over 20 years. Anthony's La Piazza is known for its delicious food, friendly service, and warm atmosphere. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and steaks. Anthony's La Piazza also has a full bar and a wine list. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Anthony's also has an elegant lounge open late nights Thursday through Saturday. We are located on the first floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

10. The Willard

4.4

Awesome(625)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Raleigh

Booked 19 times today

The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh's Best Rooftop Bar of 2023 & 2024, offers signature craft cocktails and inspired bites with stunning views of downtown Raleigh. The centerpiece of The Willard is the Large Terrace with panoramic views of the Raleigh skyline and dual-sided fireplace surrounded by comfortable, yet modern, seating. Heaters make our outdoor spaces comfortable year-round. Inside, a 22-seat bar is the focal point of the dining room, while Skyview Boardroom offers a unique dining experience for 6-12 guests.The Willard’s cocktail menu playfully leans into Raleigh’s nickname as the City of Oaks, offering signature craft cocktails aged in oak barrels and cocktails where smoke is a key ingredient. The seasonal food menu, crafted by Chef Kyle Teears, includes shareables like papas bravas and charcuterie, as well as salads, Flatbreads, and entrees like the Lamb Burger and Steak Frites.Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Amy
Asheville / Western North Carolina •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was everything I imagined it would be- absolutely stunning decor, peaceful ambiance, and outstanding brunch menu.
More info
RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH RaleighPrice: Very Expensive• American• Raleigh
•
4.7
T
tracey
South Carolina •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The vibe, food and atmosphere are perfect. We each had a delicious cocktail and the entrees were terrific for all food interests in our group of 7. We loved the art in the restaurant and the noise level of the restaurant was convivial; just right for conversation at our table.
More info
IrregardlessPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• Raleigh
•
4.8
D
Dawn
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Loved it!!! Great food and service! Will definitely dine again!
More info
STIR - RaleighPrice: Moderate• American• Raleigh
•
4.6
M
Meredith
Durham/County Durham •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Food was full of delightful flavors and staff was kind and attentive.
More info
MandolinPrice: Moderate• Southern• Raleigh
•
4.7
F
Frank
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 12, 2025
Delicious food at a reasonable price. No waiting, table was available at reservation time.
More info
GravyPrice: Moderate• Italian• Raleigh
•
4.5

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