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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Durham

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11 restaurants available nearby

A photo of NanaSteak restaurant
1. NanaSteak
4.8
Exceptional(2622)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 33 times today
NanaSteak offers high-energy upscale dining at its finest. Enjoy drinks and appetizers with friends at the beautiful and well appointed bar or dine from a menu full of local North Carolina fare. The award wining wine list offers many unique and interesting selections to compliment any meal. With an impeccable attention to detail, this is the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary evening. In short, NanaSteak is more than just Durham's finest steakhouse.
A photo of Mothers & Sons restaurant
2. Mothers & Sons
4.6
Exceptional(143)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 35 times today
Our lunch and dinner menus differ greatly. Please see the menu link below to see an example of our offerings.Partners Matt Kelly and Josh “Skinny” DeCarolis are proud to offer Mothers & Sons, a trattoria in downtown Durham featuring regional Italian food with seasonal sensibility. DeCarolis introduces the first restaurant in the South to focus on fatta a mano —handmade pasta. Mothers and Sons offers antipasti dishes such seasonal bruschettas or smoked octopus. Choose from primi dishes like the bucatini al amatriciana, squid ink tonnarelli or rigatoni alla norma and secondi dishes like the bistecca alla floretina and eggplant parmigiana. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients so menus may change depending on when you visit. An extensive Italian wine list, dozens of amari as well as an imaginative cocktail list with an italian flair assures there will be a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.
A photo of Nikos restaurant
3. Nikos
4.6
Exceptional(434)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Durham
Booked 37 times today
NIKOS offers a treasure trove of flavors distilled from Greece and the surrounding regions — spanning from the southern coast of Crete to the north of Mount Athos, and from the Ionian islands to the Aegean Sea.We invite you to embark on a culinary journey that encompasses health, wisdom, dreams, passions, and the timeless pursuit of ideas that transcend boundaries.
A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant
4. Fairview Dining Room
4.8
Exceptional(1881)
Price: Expensive
• American • Durham
Booked 22 times today
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.
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
5. Nasher Cafe at Duke University
4.7
Exceptional(858)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Durham
Booked 31 times today
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.
A photo of Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Durham restaurant
6. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill - Durham
4.4
Awesome(2134)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Durham
Booked 52 times today
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is an American Restaurant and Steakhouse serving authentic wood-fired steaks, seafood, specialty cocktails and select wines. Join us for Happy Hour at the FIREBAR® or on the patio for drink specials and bar bites. We offer top-notch service and upscale dining at a modest price. Reserve Your Table with us today.
A photo of Jujube restaurant
7. Jujube
4.7
Exceptional(1462)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Chapel Hill
Booked 20 times today
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.
A photo of Bombolo restaurant
8. Bombolo
4.6
Exceptional(289)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Chapel Hill
Booked 11 times today
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.
A photo of Il Palio restaurant
9. Il Palio
4.7
Exceptional(1754)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • Chapel Hill
Booked 14 times today
Il Palio is an intimate restaurant in the Siena Hotel. We strive to emulate the best of the great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass. Our vision is simple – use the best local and Italian ingredients as purely as possible and serve them with comfort and pride. We cook as an Italian might in North Carolina.
A photo of Elements restaurant
10. Elements
4.8
Exceptional(2457)
Price: Expensive
• Fusion / Eclectic • Chapel Hill
Booked 15 times today
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

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Abby
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I love this restaurant for special occasions! Not in my budget for every week but I wish it was, the food is so good!!! Great ambience and was a great experience for my anniversary and for my little wedding “reception” after our courthouse ceremony:) great service as well.
    More info
    NikosPrice: Expensive• Greek• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • Ashley
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We always have a great experience at NanaSteak. The hosts are always friendly and welcoming. Our servers are attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Our food was so delicious and a great way to top of my husband’s birthday dinner and celebration. We also receive a free almond and orange marmalade cake as a sweet treat. We are longtime customers and intend to continue to visit NanaSteak.
    More info
    NanaSteakPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • DonVIP
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent service and interesting menu populated with interesting selections. We had a salmon sandwich filled with smoked salmon and a Cobb salad.
    More info
    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Durham
    •
    4.7
  • Robert
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We arrived 10 minutes late. They were able to get us in quickly even though Duke had a game. The menu had changed since it was a game night to their "Game Menu." It was similar but they didn't have their steaks or lamb that I had my heart set on. Our server, Kristen was wonderful. We let her know our time constraints and dietary restrictions. She accommodated flawlessly. The front of the house manager seemed like an active participant in everything going on. Food was wonderful and was a good value. I look forward to coming back when we can spend some time and really enjoy what they have to offer.
    More info
    Fairview Dining RoomPrice: Expensive• American• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • Justin
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Wonderful experience sharing appetizer, salad with vinaigrette and pastas. Outstanding white wines, and house olive oil was great. Would go again in a minute.
    More info
    Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Durham

Discover the charm of Durham's neighborhood gems in the vibrant dining scene of Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill. Each restaurant featured on this page exemplifies the essence of a "neighborhood gem," offering a unique blend of culinary excellence, cozy ambiance, and attentive service that locals cherish and visitors seek out. These establishments are celebrated for their commitment to quality, showcasing menus that often feature locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a casual outing with friends, these neighborhood gems provide the perfect setting for any occasion. The dining experience in Durham is characterized by its diversity and the ability to deliver exceptional food and memorable moments, making it a top choice for food enthusiasts. Explore these hidden treasures and enjoy a culinary journey through one of Durham's finest offerings.

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