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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Durham

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7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of NanaSteak restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2574)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 35 times today
NanaSteak, nestled in the vibrant heart of Durham, is a quintessential American steakhouse that offers more than just a meal—it promises an experience. Renowned for its high-energy upscale dining, NanaSteak delights guests with a menu brimming with local North Carolina fare, perfectly cooked steaks, and an award-winning wine list that complements every dish. Patrons consistently rave about the "melt in your mouth" filet and the "best Brussels sprouts ever eaten." With glowing reviews like, "Always fantastic! Welcoming team, incredible food and service.. you are always taken care of," it's clear NanaSteak is a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of American cuisine in Durham.
A photo of Seraphine restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(521)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 38 times today
Nestled in the heart of Durham, Seraphine stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of traditional flavors with modern twists. Diners rave about the "work of art" gumbo and the "out of this world" broiled oysters, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance of Seraphine, praised for its warm and inviting atmosphere, complements its culinary delights, making every meal a memorable experience. With glowing testimonials such as "incredible from starters all the way to dessert" and "cocktails were unique and tasty," it's clear why Seraphine has captured the hearts of locals. For a genuine taste of contemporary America right in Durham, Seraphine is a must-visit, promising an enchanting dining experience that keeps patrons returning.
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(853)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 18 times today
Nestled within the scenic confines of Duke University, Nasher Cafe offers a gourmet café experience that transcends the typical. Praised as "the best meal I have had in Durham," this café delights with its locally-sourced, sustainable offerings, served in a setting that rivals the beauty of the art it neighbors. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and great service," highlighting the café’s ability to blend culinary art with literal art, making every dining experience unique. Whether you're craving a wild mushroom and spinach salad or the decadent flourless chocolate cake, Nasher Cafe promises a dining experience that is both "fabulous" and authentically delightful. Ideal for everything from brunch to business meetings, it's no wonder this gem is recommended for repeat visits.
A photo of Little Bull restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(512)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 18 times today
Little Bull in Durham stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Latin cuisine, infused with a rich narrative of immigrant influence and culinary evolution. Chef Oscar's unique approach to Pocho cuisine transcends traditional labels, offering dishes that are deeply personal yet universally appealing. Praised as "beyond yummy" and "one of the best in Durham," the restaurant dishes out an array of meticulously crafted plates, from the Octo and Crudo to the vibrant Ceviche and GAMBAS, each bursting with authentic Latin flavors. At Little Bull, every meal is not just food; it’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the melting pot that is America, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly exceptional dining experience.
A photo of Counting House restaurant
4.2
Awesome(1535)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 22 times today
Counting House in Durham stands out as a premier destination for Oyster Bar cuisine, blending artistic flair with culinary excellence under the guidance of Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional seafood, the Oyster selections are a highlight, praised by patrons as "always delicious and plentiful." The restaurant's dedication to quality and freshness ensures each oyster dish is a delight, with innovative cocktails and local brews to complement the flavors. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "I had their whole roasted fish which was delicious and came with duck fat cooked potatoes which were also great. the oysters are also great." Counting House is not just a meal; it's an experience wrapped in the warmth of a historic setting, making it a must-visit for oyster lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
A photo of Jujube restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1450)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Chapel Hill
Booked 16 times today
Jujube in Chapel Hill offers a tantalizing exploration of Contemporary Asian cuisine, seamlessly blending flavors from Cantonese, Vietnamese, Indian, and Indonesian dishes with sophisticated Western influences. Guests rave about the "imaginatively prepared" and "delightfully flavorful" meals, emphasizing the freshness and authenticity of each dish. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional service and the warm, inviting atmosphere, accentuated by Asian-themed decor and soft lantern lighting. Favorites like the "perfectly prepared veggies" in the Kung Pao and the "delicious and plentiful" Beef Bulgogi showcase Jujube's commitment to quality and innovation. Whether you're dining inside or enjoying the screened patio, Jujube promises a culinary experience that is both "always amazing" and "never disappointing."
A photo of Elements restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2426)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary american • Chapel Hill
Booked 12 times today
At Elements in Chapel Hill, the art of Fusion / Eclectic cuisine is taken to an exemplary level, blending innovative Asian and European cooking techniques with local, sustainable ingredients. The menu, constantly refreshed to feature the most seasonal fare, includes standout dishes like the "divine" soft shell crab special and the "best ever" Romaine Wedge salad, praised for its unique taste. Elements has consistently impressed diners with its "exceptional service and food," making it a cherished spot for both locals and visitors. The skilled chef and welcoming staff ensure every dining experience is a memorable one, with reviews frequently highlighting the restaurant's ability to "knock our socks off" with its culinary creations and ambiance. Whether it's a casual lunch or a special dinner, Elements remains a pinnacle of Fusion / Eclectic dining in Chapel Hill.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kim
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    What an enjoyable date night. Highly recommend. 5 stars for sure.
    More info
    Little BullPrice: Very Expensive• Fusion / Eclectic• Durham
    4.8
  • Sarah
    South Carolina •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Many choices and our table of 8 enjoyed all the meals chosen
    More info
    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Durham
    4.7
  • Mikevip
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •14 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Great place to eat before a show at DPAC. The food is good, but table service always feels a little rushed (most likely because most folks are trying to get to the show. We ate here last night and advised our waiter we were in no rush and asked to put our apps in first and wait for our dinner order. The waiter insisted that we put the app and dinner order in together that way it would be timed out correctly. As we were eating the apps, the expo person kept looking over at our table waiting to bring the dinner. They came and cleared the app plates and brought our dinner at the same time. Will also note there were plenty of open tables, so we were not holding up anyone from getting a seat.
    More info
    NanaSteakPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Durham
    4.8
  • Carolvip
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    Lovely experience dining outside. Inside always seems quite loud- so I’ve always opted for outdoors. Food was exceptional. Especially broiled oysters. Very personable wait staff. My second time here and I’ll be back for sure.
    More info
    SeraphinePrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Durham
    4.8
  • CarolinaGirl
    Coastal North Carolina •12 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    The dining experience was wonderful! Ginger our waiter was very good in explaining the menu and answering our questions. The food was phenomenal! I had the scallops and my husband got the pork chop. Also we had the Beet Burrato for our appetizer which was so delicious! The only downside to the restaurant was our bar experience while waiting for our dinner time. The bartender was very nice but very slow and seemed to be reading off something while he fixed drinks. I felt he needed help!
    More info
    Counting HousePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Durham
    4.2

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Durham

Durham, nestled within the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, is a culinary hub for those seeking exemplary Contemporary American cuisine. The region is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, where local ingredients and innovative cooking techniques merge to create unique gastronomic experiences. Restaurants in Durham consistently impress with their diverse menus, catering to a range of tastes and dietary preferences, from gluten-free options to multicultural influences. Patrons can expect a high standard of service and an ambiance that complements the sophisticated flavors of the dishes. Whether it's a fusion of North Carolinian and Latin American flavors or a touch of Louisiana-style cooking, each establishment enhances Durham's reputation as a destination for food lovers. The emphasis on fresh, local, and sustainable products ensures that each meal not only tastes good but also supports the local community. For anyone passionate about exploring the evolution of American cuisine, Durham's restaurants offer a compelling and delicious journey.

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