If our community and culture define Durham, our restaurants, breweries, bars and craft beverage makers are where we pull up a chair and share it. Believe the locals and the press —Durham’s restaurant scene is the best in North Carolina, and our beverage scene has led the way in the South with awards and innovations in spirits, craft cocktails and breweries.
Our chefs, restauranteurs, brewers, bartenders and distillers have built on a legacy of legendary businesses that came before them. From Bon Appetit to The New York Times to Food & Wine to the James Beard Foundation and, as of 2025, the MICHELIN Guide American South, our restaurants, bars, breweries and distilleries have received well-deserved recognition.
Earning your stripes as a Durham foodie takes more than hitting a top-ten list; it's about knowing the stories and traditions that make our flavors sizzle. Meet the farmers growing fresh, flavorful produce for seasonal menus, get to know the cultures that inspire our small business owners who put their hearts into every dish. From award winners to authentic holes in the wall and everything in between, Durham’s food and drink scene excites even the most discerning palate. Come, explore, and taste what makes us known as a foodie capital and the South’s tastiest town.
Discover a delectable and delicious Durham.