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Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall American cuisine in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. 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

Oxford Oaks Distillery

5.0

5 (291)

$30 and under

American

Oxford

About the restaurant

seeking a memorable dining experience, Oxford Oaks Distillery is the perfect destination. Located in historic Oxford, North Carolina, this establishment combines upscale dining with handcrafted spirits in a warm, inviting atmosphere. As you enter, the elegant décor and exposed brick walls set the stage for a culinary adventure. The enticing aromas of freshly baked bread and sizzling steaks will awaken your senses. The menu features a variety of dishes made from the finest seasonal ingredients, including appetizers like housemade crab dip and tuna tataki. For the main course, choose from succulent steaks, perfectly seared seafood, or delicious vegetarian options, each crafted with care and artistry. To enhance your meal, explore Oxford Oaks' extensive bar, which includes their own handcrafted spirits and a curated selection of wines and craft beers. Whether celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Oxford Oaks Distillery promises an unforgettable experience.

Top review

P

Peggy

Dined on Jun 13, 2025

Friendly, prompt service by all staff. Food and drinks were delicious and fresh. One of the best outings and food we have experienced.

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A photo of Pan Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Pan Seared Scallops

A photo of Shrimp and Grits of a restaurant

Shrimp and Grits

A photo of Fish and Grits of a restaurant

A photo of Blue Jay Bistro restaurant

Blue Jay Bistro

4.9

4.9 (1067)

$31 to $50

American

Halifax

About the restaurant

At Blue Jay Bistro we invite you to "Escape the Ordinary." This isn't just our slogan – it's our promise.

We've crafted every aspect of your dining experience with you in mind. From our attentive service to our carefully curated menu, we aim to exceed your expectations at every turn.

Indulge in our finest Contemporary American cuisine, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Savor premium meats, just-caught seafood, and farm vegetables that showcase North Carolina's seasonal bounty.

Your culinary journey with us is about more than just exquisite flavors – it's about creating moments of delight and discovery. Enhance your meal with our selection of wines, craft cocktails, and local beers.

At Blue Jay Bistro, we're not just serving food – we're dedicated to making your visit truly extraordinary. Your satisfaction is our highest priority.

Join us to Escape the Ordinary, where your culinary desires meet our passion for excellence, creating unforgettable moments just for you.

Top review

T

Tangela

Dined 2 days ago

A delightful dining experience in a quaint small downtown area. Attentive servers, beautiful atmosphere, variety of food options expertly prepared & beautifully presented. Four diners ordered 4 different entrees and 2 different Sharable’s as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Every food and beverage choice was excellent!

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A photo of Oysters Rockafella of a restaurant

Oysters Rockafella

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A photo of Pork Chop of a restaurant

A photo of Nanas restaurant

4.8

4.8 (472)

$31 to $50

American

Durham

About the restaurant

Nanas is a neighborhood restaurant in Durham, North Carolina. Helmed by Chefs Matt Kelly and Nate Garyantes, Nanas pays tribute to Nana’s, our beloved predecessor, while reimagining all of the details. Abundant, local ingredients shine on our seasonal menus, which feature dishes like Twice-Baked Grits Soufflé, Duck Ragout Tagliatelle, and the iconic Nana’s risotto alongside seasonal wood grilled whole fish, crispy lamb shoulder, and fresh-baked breads and desserts made daily in house. In our cozy bar you'll find finely executed classic cocktails and local beers, while the wine program offers upwards of 250+ labels of impeccably curated, farming-first wines. If your desired time for a reservation is not available our bar seats are open on a first come first serve basis. Call your nana, it's time to eat.

Top review

D

danielle

Dined 3 days ago

Anniversary dinner. Food was wonderful, as usual. This is one of our favorite restaurants for a nice meal.

A photo of Refectory Cafe restaurant

4.8

4.8 (980)

$30 and under

American

Durham

About the restaurant

Established in 2005, The Refectory Cafe was the first “Green” restaurant on the Duke campus and was located at the Duke Divinity and Law Schools. Now located just 2 miles from Duke's West Campus, The award-winning Refectory Cafe continues to be the restaurant where omnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks happily share a table together in the same facility. Every diet classification can delight in delicious, satisfying, creative food from a common menu, while enjoying the health benefits of consuming clean food, minimally processed.

Appreciate the Award winning flavor and creativity of our Executive Chef Jake Miles & Pastry Chef Rosa Redel.

MOST RECENT AWARDS: 2023-2025
2023 #4 Independent Restaurant in the STATE (Southern Living Magazine)
TripAdvisor #1 / #2
Best Brunch
Best Wine List
Best Pie
Best Vegan
Best Vegetarian
Best Patio Dining

We look forward to serving you! You will love the food and our team!

Top review

H

Harriet

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Easy to get to and lots of parking available. Shaded outdoor seating available and dining room with beautiful fresh flowers on the tables. Wait staff was friendly, respectful and knowledgeable. Indian Dal entree was delightful!

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A photo of Huevos Rancheros of a restaurant

Huevos Rancheros

A photo of Another Incredible Italian Wine Dinner of a restaurant

Another Incredible Italian Wine Dinner

A photo of Herons restaurant

4.9

4.9 (3228)

$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

T

Tori

Dined 4 days ago

Having dinner at Herons was a truly special experience! We got the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing. Every dish was beautiful to look at and taste. The service was also impeccable! I feel lucky to have had this outstanding culinary experience!

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A photo of Beef Filet of a restaurant

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A photo of Simply Crepes Cafe of Raleigh restaurant

Simply Crepes Cafe of Raleigh

4.7

4.7 (214)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

A full-service restaurant and bar. Offers progressively traditional, French Canadian farmhouse vibes. Scratch-made comfort food is handcrafted in our kitchen using fresh meats, produce, signature sauces and dressings.

Menu Musings: Nosh on some of fan favorites for breakfast like French toast, Maple Sausage Stackers, oatmeal creme brulee, simply strawberry crepes. Lunch can be healthy! Many gluten and dairy free options. Try a Mediterranean Chicken (or make it vegetarian with tofu). Vegan friends love the Thai Curry Crepe. Food Network has featured our Rugby Crepe on The Best Thing I Ever Ate. Try it, is it the best?! Come for dinner and grab a burger or fried chicken sandwich. After dinner nutella dessert crepes - yes!

Top review

S

SuzanneVIP

Dined 1 day ago

We love brunch at Simply Crepes. Staff is very friendly and the food is good! I make a reservation for weekend mornings.

A photo of Winston's Grille restaurant

Winston's Grille

4.8

4.8 (2011)

$31 to $50

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Established in 1986, Winston's Grille is dedicated to making "everyday dining experiences lasting memories" for over 36 years. Traditional, American fare dishes, made "from scratch", located in North Raleigh in the Sutton Square Shopping Center. We pride ourselves on consistently serving excellent food and service.

Start your dining experience with one of our famous appetizers like the Carolina Crab Dip, Bruschetta, or Jam Jam Shrimp. Enjoy a glass of Chardonnay or locally crafted beer on our award winning, expansive heated patio. Our menu offers crowd favorites such as our Hand Rolled Sushi, Cashew Salmon, Black and Bleu Salad, Winston's Old Fashioned Burger, Winston's Prime Rib and many more. We offer daily features, gluten-free options, and vegan & vegetarian choices. No visit to Winston's Grille is complete without trying our homemade ice cream. After dining at Winston's Grille, we want you to be asking yourself "when are you coming back, rather than where you'll go next".

Top review

C

Carol

Dined 3 days ago

Always the perfect place to celebrate a relaxed lunch with special friends…food and service excellent!

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A photo of Seasons 52 - Raleigh restaurant

Seasons 52 - Raleigh

4.8

4.8 (2561)

$31 to $50

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6PM.

Top review

D

Debra

Dined 5 days ago

Excellent all fabulous. All lunch offerings delish.

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A photo of Lump Crab Cake Sandwich of a restaurant

Lump Crab Cake Sandwich

A photo of Lump Crab And Shrimp-Stuffed Mushrooms of a restaurant

Lump Crab And Shrimp-Stuffed Mushrooms

A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant

Fairview Dining Room

4.7

4.7 (1938)

$31 to $50

American

Durham

About the restaurant

The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years.

With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.

Top review

R

Richard

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Great food and ambience. Keep up your excellent standard.

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A photo of Shrimp of a restaurant

A photo of Shrimp & Grits of a restaurant

A photo of CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE of a restaurant

CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKE

A photo of Simply Crepes - Oberlin restaurant

Simply Crepes - Oberlin

4.6

4.6 (26)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Modern French Canadian comfort food in a cozy, full-service setting.
Enjoy scratch-made dishes featuring fresh meats, produce, and signature sauces. Breakfast & brunch served all day. Favorites include fluffy omelettes, French Toast and our traditional fresh strawberry crepes. Oatmeal Crème Brûlée and the brussels sprouts are fan favorites. For lunch, explore healthful, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options like the Thai Curry Crepe. Dinner brings comfort classics—think burgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and indulgent dessert crepes.
Full cocktail & coffee bar, week day specials, patio seating, cafe style seating. Cozy place to plug in and work. Free WIFI available. Close to NC State, Oberlin Village.

Top review

A

Amanda

Dined 6 days ago

This place was so good! We will definitely be back

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