Dining in Durham
Durham’s delicious destinations
Durham has been a culinary destination for years — long before the national media arrived. Some of Durham's tastiest restaurants have been around for generations, while others have emerged more recently. No matter the age of the restaurant, it is clear that each piece of Durham's food scene has been built off of decades of Bull City culinary creativity. In the past few years, the rest of the country has finally caught on.
Alert: Due to water conservation requirements under the City of Durham's Stage 2 Water Shortage response, restaurants have been asked to serve drinking water only when a customer asks for it. Customers should be advised that, although some aspects of service may look a little different, drinking water is available.
Since then, the accolades have been rolling in. Durham has earned recognition on the MICHELIN Guide American South, as the "Tastiest Town in the South" by Southern Living and "America's Foodiest Small Town" by Bon Appétit, but national praise only confirms what locals have always known: this is a city where culinary excellence runs deep.
James Beard Award-winning chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint earned Best Chef: Southeast honors in 2022. Multiple-time James Beard Award semifinalist Matthew Kelly has expanded his impact across the city with Mateo, Vin Rouge, Nanas, and Dino's Pizza. Oscar Diaz, a two-time James Beard semifinalist, brings his innovative "Pocho cuisine" to multiple Durham concepts including Aaktun and Little Bull.
Durham's entrepreneurial spirit shows in every corner of its restaurant scene. Many of today's most sought-after dining destinations started as food trucks or weekend vendors at the Durham Farmers' Market before evolving into brick-and-mortar establishments with devoted followings. Some of our best-loved places are family-owned, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that welcome guests to the table to connect over shared culture, tradition and authentic flavor.
The verdict is in: Durham delivers bold flavors, exceptional talent, and dining experiences you won't find anywhere else. Ready to explore?
Eat Like a Local: Where Chef Ricky Moore Takes His Friends and Family in Durham
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