6 Best Restaurants in Central North Carolina, North Carolina

Transfer Co. Food Hall

$ | Oakwood Historic District Fodor's choice
The city's best food hall has a soaring ceiling with giant skylights, filling the room and its many stalls with natural light. Grab a hearty burrito, an empanada, or a sandwich from Benchwarmers Bagels, where heirloom grains and a wood-fired oven result in one of the Southeast's best.

Cheesecakes by Alex

$ | Downtown
Swing by this local favorite for a café au lait and a chocolate croissant in the morning, and then visit again after dark for the decadent desserts.
Bakery Breakfast Dessert Quick Bite $
315 S. Elm St., Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401, USA
336-273--0970
cheesecakesbyalex.com
Known For
  • two dozen cheesecake flavors, from sweet potato to chocolate chip mint
  • coffee and pastries in the morning
  • rich cupcakes and muffins

Crawford and Son

$$$$ | Oakwood Historic District

Five-time James Beard Award semifinalist Scott Crawford founded this comfy but sophisticated restaurant in the historic Oakwood neighborhood to showcase his unique approach to cooking and the seasonal bounty of his adopted hometown. The ever-changing menu is focused on seasonal, local produce that truly belongs to its community. Look for entrées like beef cheek ragout, pork schnitzel with smashed roots, and swordfish with ancient grains. Save room for dessert because pastry chef Krystle Swenson’s creations are out of this world. Craft cocktails and a solid wine list round out the experience.

If you can't get enough of Crawford's cooking (or the reservation time you're seeking), his French restaurant, Jolie, is next door and is equally terrific.

Dinner Dessert $$$$ Modern American
618 N. Person St., Raleigh, North Carolina, 27604, USA
919-307--4647
www.crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
Known For
  • award-winning chef and his take on seasonal, local ingredients
  • intimate, cozy dining experience (reservations a must)
  • outstanding desserts and bar program
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Durham Food Hall

$ | Five Points
This repurposed warehouse includes 10 counter-serve restaurants, offering pizza, raw oysters, and gourmet coffee. The soaring ceilings and industrial-mod decor make it a pleasant place to explore and dine.

Guglhupf

$$ | Duke University
Locals have flocked to this upscale German bakery, café, and biergarten for more than 20 years, drawn by the delicious pastries, lively brunch, and expansive dining patio. While the restaurant doesn't skimp on the classic sausage-and-schnitzel fare, the menu is enlivened by frequently rotating seasonal entrées that showcase central North Carolina's farm bounty; vegans and vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised by the range of elegant and inventive plant-based dishes.
German Breakfast Lunch Dinner Brunch Dessert $$ Family
2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham, North Carolina, 27707, USA
919-401--2600
guglhupf.com
Known For
  • European pastries (especially the namesake guglhupf cake)
  • vegetarian and vegan takes on German classics
  • hearty brunch
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

The Parlour

$ | Downtown
It's worth the line down the sidewalk for the house-made ice cream with seasonal flavors at this boutique spot with a dozen daily flavors.
Bakery Dessert Quick Bite $ Family
117 Market St., Durham, North Carolina, 27701, USA
919-564--7999
theparlour.co
Known For
  • fun flavors like guava cheesecake
  • the chocolate habanero float, with spicy cold brew over vanilla ice cream
  • vegan baked treats
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.