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

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill? 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!

Elements

4.9

4.9 (2400)

$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

Lisavip

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

I had lunch with two friends. One ordered the pork tenderloin, one the salad with shrimp, and I had the naked Wagyu burger. They were all delicious. The atmosphere was lovely -warm, inviting, and quiet. I'll definitely go back.

Durham - M Sushi

4.9

4.9 (2934)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Durham

About the restaurant

M Sushi is triangles first dedicated sushi and seafood restaurant. We concentrate on raw and cold applications of fresh exotic seafood as well as cooked and vegetarian courses utilizing the same high quality ingredients. We are creating simple and traditional sushi cuisine with Peruvian and Spanish influences. We are the only restaurant in NC to make the Opentable top 100 restaurants in 2021.

Top review

Audreyvip

Dined 4 days ago

Incredible food, service, and vibes. Always love it here!

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4.8

4.8 (1430)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Asian

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Jujube offers a unique culinary experience to the Triangle that brings Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Indian and Indonesian 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

Laura

Dined 3 days ago

Wonderful service and meal for a special occasion. The back patio is lovely too. And excellent cocktails.

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Popular dish

Jujube Bolognese

Popular dish

Lemongrass Grilled Hanger Steak

Little Bull

4.8

4.8 (461)

$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

DeShelia

Dined 3 days ago

It was the best dining experience I've had in a long time. Each dish was full of flavor and crafted beautifully. The drinks were amazing, and the service was impeccable.

Krill

4.7

4.7 (396)

$30 and under

Pan-Asian

Durham

About the restaurant

Welcome to Krill, where the vibrant atmosphere sets the mood for bold Southeast Asian flavors. Executive Chef/ Partner, Jason Lawless' Southeast Asian-inspired dishes are served with fun, funky twists, paired alongside fresh, creative cocktails and a thoughtfully curated sake and wine program. Krill offers a theatrical setting that is signature to all Giorgios Hospitality Group restaurants- from the lemongrass and outdoor bamboo garden to the giant lanterns and colorful murals by local artist, Arianne Hemlein. Expect fresh, seasonal, local ingredients and house-made sauces and pastes. Looking forward to hosting you for some Far East flavors without boundaries!

“Bringing the food and culture of Southeast Asia and its coastal regions to life in a very funky and playful ‘Far East funk’ sort of way.” -Giorgios Bakatsias

Top review

Kevin

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

They were great... In every regard... Best, Kevin

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4.6

4.6 (247)

$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

Jacquelyn

Dined on Sep 6, 2024

All the food was delicious but our sever who was also the bartender made the night for us. He was very personable and made our dinning experience so great!

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Experience

Southern Asian Fusion & Sake

Bombolo

4.6

4.6 (265)

$31 to $50

Italian

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Named 2023 Restaurant of the Year by Eater. Dishes you’ve long loved served alongside dishes you’ve never heard of make our ever-changing menu an adventure you’ll want to embark on often. Our wine list is as varied as our food, and every one of our cocktails has been created just for Bombolo by our mixologist.

Top review

Talvip

Dined 5 days ago

The starters and mains were excellent as usual! Such wonderfully complex and balanced flavors. We always enjoy our meals at Bombolo!

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Experience

Italian Wine Dinner with Dandelion Wines

Element Gastropub

4.5

4.5 (396)

$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

Amanda

Dined on Aug 27, 2024

Food was amazing as always. The spicy Dan Dan noodles are fantastic!!

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Experience

TRAP Brunch With Brian Dawson & DJ Grant

Experience

Tacos & Margaritas Tuesday at Element Gastropub

Experience

Wasabi Wednesdays Sushi Night

CO - Raleigh

4.4

4.4 (702)

$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

TaylorT

Dined on Aug 6, 2024

Food was good, but very salty. Be prepared to drink a lot of water

Peace & Saint - Raleigh

3.7

3.7 (148)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Our elevated shisha café lounge inspired by Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean flavors is open 6 days a week, with a full service bar that invites you to engage in creative pursuits alongside wine, craft cocktails, and specialized hookah flavors.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur taking an afternoon meeting on our spacious patio, a designer stretching your creative inspiration beyond office walls, or a lifelong sports fan raising a victory glass, we invite you to our place of peace and genuine connections.

Respectfully we are a 21+ establishment.
ID is required upon arrival even with reservations.

Top review

JayGeevip

Dined on Aug 24, 2024

I have been a regular at this location for several years and have never had a bad experience. The waitresses are always friendly and work incredibly hard. They even go the extra mile by taking my pictures when I ask. I really enjoy coming here!

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