Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Raleigh

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

Bida Manda Restaurant and Bar

4.9

4.9 (3769)

$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

David

Dined 6 days ago

Fantastic food, wonderful flavors, can’t wait to visit again.

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Popular dish

Chicken Wings

Popular dish

Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps

Popular dish

Saffron Crepe

Brewery Bhavana

4.8

4.8 (4126)

$30 and under

Brewery

Raleigh

About the restaurant

To make a reservation, if joining us for dinner, please use OpenTable to book your reservation of parties of 6 guests and less. Though reservations are highly encouraged, walk-in guests are also welcome.

For gatherings of 7-16 guests, please send us an email at info@brewerybhavana.com, and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours.

For events and parties of 17+ guests, please visit our Events tab at brewerybhavana.com.

Thank you for your continued support. We can’t wait to see you again very soon!

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

The food was amazing. Enjoyed the atmosphere. While it's a large open area, and the restaurant was very busy, the noise level was great to allow you to converse with the people at your table. I will look forward to the next opportunity to eat here again. Highly recommend this restaurant as a great evening out with friends or family.

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4.8

4.8 (1790)

$30 and under

Japanese

Raleigh

About the restaurant

O-Ku's menu provides a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, the restaurant offers rare and unique dining options with traditional sashimi and specialty rolls, highlighting seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii alongside local and seasonal ingredients. Reminiscent of traditional Japanese culture, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrees and seasonal traditional sushi that reflect the uniquely designed space. The beverage program is built around quality ingredients that celebrate Japanese culture.

Top review

Sheetalvip

Dined 2 days ago

It’s always superb!! The food, wine selection, service perfect!!

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Gonza Tacos y Tequila - Cary

4.7

4.7 (568)

$30 and under

Mexican

Cary

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO NORTH CAROLINA'S AWARD-WINNING COLOMBIAN-MEXICAN TACOS Y TEQUILA JOINT! Currently serving Dinner and Drinks.

Top review

Marie

Dined on Aug 21, 2024

We would definitely recommend. It was a wonderful and totally unexpected experience from beginning to end.

MOFU Shoppe

4.7

4.7 (676)

$30 and under

Asian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Nestled in the historic City Market neighborhood of downtown Raleigh, MOFU Shoppe brings you the flavors of Asia with the comfort of southern hospitality. Our dishes are inspired by our identity as Taiwanese Americans who grew up in the South around a multitude of diverse food cultures. Born out of the Food Network award winning Pho Nomenal Dumpling Truck, we have come a long way and can't wait to see you in soon.

Top review

Naudain

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Always love the food here and servers are very friendly. Food comes out of the kitchen really quickly. Get the crispy Brussel sprouts!

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MC Modern Asian Cuisine

4.7

4.7 (1014)

$31 to $50

Asian

Cary

About the restaurant

MC named after Award Winning Chef Michael Chuong is bringing his Upscale Asian Flair to the Historic Jones House in Downtown Cary. MC's menu will offer Signature and Creative Dishes featuring High End Sushi and Local and Sustainable Ingredients paired perfectly with Old World Wines.

Top review

Kate

Dined 3 days ago

The food was exceptional! It seemed short staffed so it took a long time to get cocktails. We definitely recommend and will go back!

M Test Kitchen

4.7

4.7 (253)

$50 and over

Asian

Cary

About the restaurant

M Test Kitchen is the newest concept from Michael Lee and his "M" brand. Come in and enjoy classic Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist. We take the best dishes such as fried rice and dumplings and elevate them to a new flavor profile that is above the norm. Enjoy these dishes in an industrial style feel that is inviting for you to relax with friends, enjoy great cocktails, and share amazing food that you won't get anywhere else.

Top review

Tamara

Dined 5 days ago

This was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. I won’t lie, the menu was off putting at first, but have an open mind and your mind will be blown!!! Kudos to the chef!!

Tamasha Modern Indian

4.6

4.6 (336)

$50 and over

Indian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Experience the epitome of sophisticated Indian cuisine at Tamasha Modern Indian, nestled in Raleigh's dynamic North Hills. This culinary gem, owned by the discerning Mike Kathrani and the visionary Tina Vora, offers an extraordinary dining experience in an ambiance crafted with elegance by Tina herself. Tamasha's opulent design has earned it a place among the “50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America” by OpenTable and People Magazine, a prestigious accolade that marks it as North Carolina's sole honoree. Executive Chef Bhavin Chhatwani’s pedigree from India’s most prestigious properties to Michelin-starred restaurants stateside – is unmistakable. Tamasha showcases the depth and artistry of Indian cuisine – from show-stopping cocktails and a well-curated wine list, to Chhatwani’s refined menu of artful shared and composed dishes. Guests will discover exceptional hospitality on this inspired Indian culinary journey whether dining in the main dining room, private room or at the chic bar.

Top review

Amy

Dined 2 days ago

The food was very good. Ambiance was chic and fun. Our service was perfect. I would recommend Tamasha!

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Experience

Reserve Exclusive Private Dining Room at Tamasha

CO - Raleigh

4.5

4.5 (708)

$30 and under

Southeast Asian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

At CO - Raleigh, you will find uniquely inspired dishes with fresh robust flavors and handcrafted cocktails. Our menu is full of bright, bold flavors from Southeast Asia that everyone can enjoy. Explore new dishes or taste familiar ones; from noodles to pho, sushi to banh mi. CO is designed to be a place for gathering. Taste fresh, robust flavors, and cheers with signature cocktails made from scratch, designed to pair perfectly with a variety of dishes on the menu. Gluten-free and vegan options guarantee there’s something for everyone, every time you visit.

Top review

Patrick

Dined 3 days ago

Nice food. Great service. Curry is one of my favorites in town.

Element Gastropub

4.3

4.3 (399)

$30 and under

Unspecified

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Element: the simplest principal of a subject. Here at Element, we believe that sharing quality food and drink is the simplest and best way to create memories and cultivate friendships. Nestled in the great City of Oaks, Element is here to showcase that a plant-based meal can be delicious to both omnivores and vegan foodies alike.

Top review

David

Dined on Sep 12, 2024

We were able to have our lunch on the patio in front. Nice location in downtown Raleigh. Our server was excellent as was the food.

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Experience

Tacos & Margaritas Tuesday at Element Gastropub

Experience

Wasabi Wednesdays Sushi Night

Experience

TRAP Brunch With Brian Dawson & DJ Grant

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