Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Durham

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Durham? 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!

M Tempura

4.9

4.9 (641)

$50 and over

Japanese

Durham

About the restaurant

M Tempura, in Downtown Durham, is part of the acclaimed M Restaurants group by Chef Michael Lee. Specializing in traditional Japanese tempura and Kaiseki Omakase, M Tempura elevates these classics with unique twists and subtle European influences. Each meticulously crafted multi-course menu balances tradition with innovation, delivering a refined and unforgettable dining experience. Guests must select the same menu option for their entire party. Please note, we cannot accommodate shellfish, vegetarian (egg in batter), gluten, or seafood allergies. Experience reimagined Japanese cuisine at M Tempura.

Top review

Jackie

Dined 2 days ago

Wonderful omakase meal. Rich flavors, comfortably paced procession of dishes. Savannah is amazing!

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Experience

M Omakase Tasting Menu

Experience

Kaiseki Omakase Menu

M Pocha

4.9

4.9 (453)

$30 and under

Asian

Durham

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Durham, M Pocha is a vibrant dining destination that brings the energy and flavors of Korean Pojangmacha to life. A modern twist on the traditional "tented street carts" of Korea, M Pocha offers an intimate, casual setting where friends gather to share exceptional food, creative cocktails, and great conversation.

Led by locally renowned Chef Michael Lee and part of the esteemed M Restaurant Group, our menu celebrates Asian fusion cuisine with a special focus on bold Korean-inspired flavors. From small plates perfect for sharing to signature dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, M Pocha delivers a culinary experience as dynamic as the city we call home.

Whether you’re stopping by for a cozy night out or an exciting taste adventure, M Pocha promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere and unforgettable dishes. Join us and discover why we’re one of Durham’s most talked-about dining spots!

Top review

RijuVIP

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Always wonderful food. Loved everything we ordered!! Never disappoints. Thank you.

Jujube

4.8

4.8 (1486)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Asian

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Jujube offers a unique culinary experience to the Triangle that brings Asian 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.

Top review

BethVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Met friends that had not seen in a long while and had a fabulous un-rushed dinner! Food was delectable and service was impeccable!

Little Bull

4.8

4.8 (635)

$50 and over

Fusion / Eclectic

Durham

About the restaurant

Little Bull is sincere, nostalgic comfort food, inspired by the palates of first-generation immigrant kids.

Pocho cuisine is not a gimmick. Like Oscar, it’s a little bull-headed, but with no bullshit. It means more than loaded terms like “New American” or “modern Mexican.” And it’s authentic to Chef’s personal experience.

“American food is undefined. But it’s been designated to certain ideas and people. It’s actually evolving, as much as our landscape is a melting pot. As much as my own identity as a first-generation American and chef.”

Pocho started as a term used by people in Mexico to poke fun at the “American” kids who speak Spanglish. At Little Bull, pocho cuisine showcases the evolution of being a chef in America, inspired by every immigrant and their growing influence on our food.

Top review

BillVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Amazingly creative food, great drinks and friendly service.

Elements

4.7

4.7 (2515)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

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

Top review

RichardVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Celebrating Father's Day a little early on a Friday night, we found Elements to be the busiest we had seen it in ten years of enjoying meals there. Despite the crush of diners, the food was equal to its usual high standards. In particular, Tony and his colleagues soldiered on to provide the usual high level of efficient service. Great job!

Osteria Georgi

4.7

4.7 (1011)

$31 to $50

Italian

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Giorgios Bakatsias' inspiration behind his newest concept, Osteria Georgi, stems from a deep appreciation for his dear friend- the late, great George Tarantini, an Italian native and beloved soccer coach for NC state University, well-known for his love and respect for hospitality.

Osteria reflects the passion behind Italian cuisine and culture-
a daily celebration of life while gathering around a shared table, of enjoying the beauty in simply prepared hand-made pasta, locally sourced ingredients and vibrant flavors, in having gratitude for the local farmers, fisherman, and artisans from which it all came, and always- a love for great company.

Top review

Kelli

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

We found this gem while traveling for work! We’ve been back every week we are in the area. Incredible food and outstanding service.

Aaktun Coffee + Bar

4.7

4.7 (166)

$30 and under

Latin American

Durham

About the restaurant

Our cozy cafe is a delightful haven where friends gather amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, savoring delectable pastries and engaging in warm, leisurely conversations. Take a step into our dining room and allow us to whisk you away to a tropical paradise where contemporary tiki cocktails blend seamlessly with vibrant Latin American and Caribbean Flavors. Our culinary journey is guided by the talented Oscar Diaz, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist and our esteemed chef-owner.

Top review

Shanna

Dined 3 days ago

Most flavorful delicious food we’ve had in durham in a while

Nomad

4.6

4.6 (367)

$30 and under

Global, International

Hillsborough

About the restaurant

Nomad delivers traditional ethnic dishes and craft cocktails with a unique spin, all in a cozy, rustic interior. It’s a modern neighborhood spot that lets you travel the world without leaving Hillsborough.
You may find yourself nestled at Nomad for the entire night, enjoying the atmosphere, the noteworthy dishes and the multi-layered drinks.
In the hands of the locally based, welcoming owners, Nomad brings a diverse dining experience to the Hillsborough area that has yet to be seen.

*Tables are limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes*

Top review

Tara

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Absolutely loved everything! Very excited to go back and don’t skip dessert

Counting House

4.2

4.2 (1580)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Durham

About the restaurant

At Counting House restaurant, led by Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson, local cuisine meets bold flavors and playful execution. A seafood-driven menu set amongst the art of today, designed to provide you with an easy-going escape that will feed your soul. The bar and lounge is a welcoming place to taste innovative cocktails, sample local craft brews, and explore broad bourbon and wine lists.

Reestablishing the warmth and vitality of a historic gem, Counting House combines contemporary design with architectural details including the building’s original terrazzo floors and arched windows.

Top review

Stuart

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

This was our first time in Durham and we were looking for something out of the ordinary. We were very successful in going to this restaurant. While the food occasionally tries a little too hard to be different and innovative, the overall effect is wonderful. We particularly enjoyed the ribeye, and the clams and mussels dishes. The service was excellent, and the environment was conducive to enjoying the food. I would go back again next time I am in Durham.

Krill

4.2

4.2 (478)

$30 and under

Filipino

Durham

About the restaurant

Filipino Kitchen Re-Imagined by Chef Karl & Chef Paula

At Krill, every dish tells a story-one of tradition, family, and the deep-rooted heritage of Filipino cuisine. Created by the talented Chef Karl and Chef Paula, our menu celebrates recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations.

We’re offering a taste of home, reimagined. Our mission is to elevate Filipino cuisine, bringing its vibrant flavors to the forefront in a way that feels both timeless and innovative.
The heart of our team is built on family, with Dona leading as the General Manager and Evan as Bar Manager, together we strive to create an elevated dining experience for all who walk through our doors, introducing guests to the rich cultural heritage and dynamic flavors of the Philippines.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Filipino cuisine, where tradition meets modern creativity, and every meal is an experience to remember. Welcome to Krill—your new favorite Filipino kitchen, re-imagined.

Top review

KelliVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience! V, our server, was very personable and loved the ambiance.

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Popular dish

Red Curry

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