Diners' Choice: Great for outdoor dining restaurants in Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are great for outdoor dining 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!

Trophy Brewing & Pizza

4.8

4.8 (272)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Raleigh

About the restaurant

A brewery and full service restaurant serving hand-made pizza and more in Downtown Raleigh. We feature Detroit style pizza on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4pm until they sellout, and calzones on Wednesdays. We have a full bar featuring inventive cocktails, great wine, cider, non-alcoholic options, and more!

We have several areas for private events and larger gatherings. Reach out to our events team for details: Events@trophybrewing.com

Top review

Pamvip

Dined 7 days ago

Best pizza and beer in NC! Always enjoy eating here.

Kipos Greek Taverna - Chapel Hill

4.8

4.8 (1058)

$30 and under

Greek

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Authentic Greek Taverna. An ode to the recipes of the Bakatsias family. Fresh ingredients right from the garden for brunch & dinner service.

Top review

Martin

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Our party of 6 adults was very pleased with the delicious entrees and salads and our waiter Miles was attentive and on time with serving us. We had theater tickets and made it on time!

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Local 22 Kitchen and Bar

4.7

4.7 (1002)

$30 and under

Southern

Durham

About the restaurant

A Southern-accented gastropub with a strong local focus.

Top review

Jin Yivip

Dined 3 days ago

Great place for a family, very quick service, delicious food. And not too loud.

Nino’s Cucina Italiana

4.7

4.7 (109)

$31 to $50

Italian

Greenville

About the restaurant

Nino’s Cucina Italiana is a tribute to our father, Nino. He still travels constantly to all the locations to make sure everything is done “Nino’s Way,” with quality food, personality, and love.

Over 75 years of an Italian family tradition in baking and cooking from three generations has culminated in Nino’s Cucina Italiana. Our Italian dishes are centuries old recipes handed down from our family throughout the years. We prepare all our food daily—making fresh dough, sauces, mozzarella cheese, pasta and our delicious meatballs in-house.

Top review

Charles

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Best local restaurant. Great for a date night. Food and wait staff are top notch

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Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar

4.6

4.6 (2969)

$30 and under

Italian

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Overflow Parking are few feets away from our lot.
League Lot – 209 N. Dawson Street
State Government Parking Deck (West) – 329 N McDowell Street
Streetside Along Lane Street

On Friday's and Saturday's only accommodate parties as large as 6.

Mulino provides a dining experience that takes the curious on a richly rewarding gastronomic journey across the Italian culinary landscape and rewards the intrepid adventurer with simple yet sumptuous cuisine, wines, and a complementary culinary education in the history of Italian cuisine all in a very cozy environment.

Patio seating is first come first serve for reservations.

Located in downtown Raleigh and minutes from the Raleigh Convention Center, Mulino can accommodate parties from 2-250.

For Parties of 12 or more, a large party menu will be required. For details, please navigate to: https://mulinoraleigh.com/menus/limited-menu/

Top review

Petervip

Dined 4 days ago

Love this place awesome experience, great food fresh pasta and lovely service

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Carolina Brewery - Pittsboro

4.6

4.6 (95)

$30 and under

Southern

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Carolina Brewery is a brewpub located in Pittsboro, North Carolina that specializes in serving craft beers and American pub fare. The restaurant features a lively atmosphere with a full bar, patio and numerous televisions broadcasting sporting events. Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro serves lunch and dinner daily and offers a variety of menu items made using fresh, in season fruits and vegetables and locally raised beef. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of starters, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, typical pub fare and desserts. Featured entrées at Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro include chicken mac and cheese, down East BBQ plate, crab cakes, shrimp and grits and fish and chips.

Top review

Karen

Dined 1 day ago

Fresh food, good taste and great staff!! We enjoyed some of the Oktoberfest items.

Rosewater Kitchen & Bar

4.5

4.5 (683)

$30 and under

European

Raleigh

About the restaurant

Rosewater Kitchen and Bar brings to life the charm and intimacy of the village lifestyle. An intention to be the center of the community; it’s where people gather to celebrate in sharing honest food, craft cocktails, and a well curated wine selection.

Rooted in the style of the new American kitchen, its menu is an illustration of local partnerships and perennial ingredients that pay homage to the gardeners, farmers, fishermen, and foragers who bring them to our tables. Inspired by European romance, the nourishing garden, and intimacy of slow cooked food; Rosewater is our interpretation of the never ending, always evolving garden party.

Top review

Cam

Dined 1 day ago

Always great food, friendly service, and I love their garden in the middle of midtown’s bustle. This has become one of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh.

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Lafayette Village Grill

4.4

4.4 (569)

$30 and under

American

Raleigh

About the restaurant

An American grill with a delightful Southern twist. Serving as the flagship restaurant of Lafayette Village Shopping Center in North Raleigh since 2010, we have recently undergone renovations and re-opened in May 2023.

At The Village Grill, we take pride in offering a diverse range of culinary delights that capture the essence of American cuisine while infusing it with the flavors of the South. Our Chef skillfully crafted each dish using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a memorable dining experience for every guest. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing beverage to complement your meal or simply looking to unwind, we have you covered. Our extensive drink menu boasts an impressive selection of beers, wines, and handcrafted cocktails, carefully curated to suit a variety of preferences and palates.

***WE DO NOT TAKE OUTDOOR PATIO RESERVATIONS - RESERVATIONS ARE GUARANTEED FOR INDOOR DINING ONLY***

Top review

Christine

Dined on Sep 14, 2024

We sat inside and it was still noisy. Lots of kids inside which we were surprised since the outdoors area usually of Lafayette village is full of kids in the evenings.. the food was good, larger portions than we expected for appetizers. We went there on a date night but probably wouldn’t go again in the evening time.

The Willard

4.1

4.1 (560)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Raleigh

About the restaurant

The Willard Rooftop Lounge, Raleigh's Best Rooftop Bar of 2022 & 2023, 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 Cherokee Trout and Steak Frites.
Located on the 7th floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.

Top review

Jacqueline

Dined 1 day ago

We went for shareable and drinks. Great atmosphere. Service was excellent. Definitely will return again

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Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery

4.1

4.1 (23)

$30 and under

International

Durham

About the restaurant

Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery is a veteran and woman owned business located in the heart of Durham’s Innovation District. Using only the best seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Chef Daniel Arenas concocts your favorite American Classics as well as globally–inspired tapas and large plates. This is not your average pub menu! Specialty dishes include everything from bone marrow beef tartare to caviar service. The Flying Bull proves that craft beer and elevated cuisine are a perfect pairing. We also offer an extensive wine list and full service cocktail bar. Looking to host a special event for business or family occasion? Our large beer hall is the perfect solution. Prix fixe full menu or catered hors d’oeuvres available.

Whether you’re looking for a meal with family or friends, business or date nigh, or even a little Jazz with your beverage, our friendly and courteous staff will make sure your visit is a wonderful experience.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 2 days ago

One of the best restaurants and breweries in Durham! Unique atmosphere with a perfect blend of modern and traditional brewery foods/drinks. Dined on the Bullpuppies for our appetizer and the had the Bacon Smash & loaded beer cheese fries, and also had the NY Strip Steak. Everything was cooked to perfection.!The food is not your typical brewery bites and the cocktails are even more impressive. Will most definitely be coming back here to enjoy the rest of their menu!

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