Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Durham

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots in Durham? 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!

Durham - M Sushi

4.9

4.9 (2999)

$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

Jack

Dined 3 days ago

M Sushi - Durham has sushi, appetizers, and sake that will make you feel like Trans-Siberean Orchestra is playing a personal concert for your taste buds. Service was great, too.

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4.8

4.8 (2423)

$31 to $50

Spanish

Durham

About the restaurant

Mateo Bar de Tapas is the first solo venture from chef Matthew Kelly, housed in the old Book Exchange building in the heart of downtown Durham. Featuring a menu that blends the flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South. We offer a casual, yet refined, menu of Spanish small plates with Southern inflection. Accompanying the food is a robust Spanish wine list as well as one of the largest sherry offerings in the country!

Top review

JudyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Service, food and vibe was outstanding. Ending with the expresso Martini before the play was a winner!

Juju Durham

4.8

4.8 (2364)

$30 and under

Asian

Durham

About the restaurant

Juju serves up small plates with bold flavors, each prepared creatively with attention to tradition, whimsy, local integrity, and, of course, deliciousness. In addition to its extensive and delicious menu, Juju features a dynamic beverage program of hand-made cocktails, Sake selections and a well-chosen list of artisan wines and craft beers.

Top review

Joe

Dined 4 days ago

This is a restaurant that I keep coming back to. The food is amazing, cocktails are well thought out and the staff and management are brilliant. It is so well run and It is rare you get all of these together with great ambience.

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Popular dish

NC Shrimp Dumplings

Popular dish

Chocolate Mousse Peanut Butter Cup

Popular dish

Mushroom Curry Soup

Kipos Greek Taverna - Chapel Hill

4.8

4.8 (1104)

$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

Cecilia

Dined 3 days ago

Love Kipos! Moderately expensive but best greek food in CH for sure, and amazing vibes

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4.8

4.8 (531)

$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

Carla

Dined 3 days ago

Celebrated our anniversary at Little Bull. The food was amazing, portions are not large for small plates, so I recommend 2 to 3 per person. Delicious options, the scallop crudo and tuna rolls were favorites. Save room for the donuts…..a perfect dessert. Cannot wait to visit again.

M Pocha

4.7

4.7 (429)

$30 and under

Asian

Durham

About the restaurant

Pocha is short for Pojanmacha in Korea. The exact definition of Pojanmacha is "Tented Cart on Wheels" that serves street food with drinks. Over the years, pojanmacha has developed more into a brick and mortar style and has similar feel that of Japanese style Izakaya. It is an intimate but causal spot to share good food and drinks with friends. We focus on Asian fusion with a concentration on Korean food.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious unique food. Had a wonderful meal and walked to our DPAC show. Can’t wait to go back and try more dishes

Emmy Squared - Durham

4.7

4.7 (64)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Durham

About the restaurant

Founded on an unconditional love of well-made food, we use only the highest quality ingredients for our famous Detroit-style pizzas. As Emmy Squared has grown, we’ve continued to make fans and receive accolades along the way, including winning Nashville’s Battle of the Burger, being recognized as one of "The Best New Burgers in NYC" (Gothamist) and one of the "20 Best Burgers in NYC" (Infatuation). Besides award-winning pizzas and burgers, you’ll find delectable appetizers, sandwiches, and salads on our extensive menu. We look forward to welcoming you to Emmy Squared Durham and sharing our unique take on American “comfort food.”

Top review

Christina

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

The pizza is perfect! The ambience is cozy and welcoming.

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills

4.6

4.6 (70)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Chapel Hill

About the restaurant

Fine dining in a historic brick-and-wood setting with soaring ceilings and windows. Featuring hand-cut USDA prime and dry-aged steaks selected just for us. Poultry, fish, game and vegetarian dishes are offered alongside a full bar serving classic and contemporary cocktails. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of our lounge with fireplace and try out our lounge plates on Lounge Thursday, where most of our lounge offerings are $10! An a la carte menu is also offered. Live piano accompaniment Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with jazz bands performing on Wednesdays.

NOTE: For parties larger than 6 please call us at 919 704-8731. Email addresses may be used to receive occasional updates.

Top review

Mayra

Dined 1 day ago

Food and service were excellent. Only downfall was that the $35 extra wine pairing advertised was not true and the music started at 6:00 so we did not get to enjoy it since our reservations were for 5:00 pm.

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4.6

4.6 (24)

$30 and under

Latin American

Durham

About the restaurant

Our cozy cafe is a delightful haven where friends gather amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, savoring delectable pastries and engaging in warm, leisurely conversations. Take a step into our dining room and allow us to whisk you away to a tropical paradise where contemporary tiki cocktails blend seamlessly with vibrant Latin American and Caribbean Flavors. Our culinary journey is guided by the talented Oscar Diaz, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist and our esteemed chef-owner.

Top review

Christina

Dined 1 day ago

Please note reservations is important. Food was excellent. I ordered calamari, tropical shrimp, ceviche, burger and short ribs, service from Juan and other staff was outstanding. Also the decor is amazing. Music is loud but I enjoyed the energy it gives. I will be returning with friends!

Flying Bull Restaurant and Brewery

4.1

4.1 (40)

$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

Dea

Dined on Dec 9, 2024

Food is delicious atmosphere is great. Will definitely return.

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