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Best Authentic Restaurants in Raleigh

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Pit Authentic BBQ restaurant
4.3
Awesome(5749)
Price: Moderate
• Southern • Raleigh
Booked 33 times today
Servin’ everything but the squeal! The Pit Authentic Barbecue is home to world-famous tangy Eastern NC whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue. Located in the Warehouse District, we source premium AWA-certified hogs to cook low and slow for twelve hours. All of our spirits have been handpicked to enhance the smoked and sometimes spicy fare cooked off the pit, from beer to bourbon.Last but not least, we serve up a good time at unique private dining events. Our contemporary setting in a restored 1930s meatpacking warehouse is the perfect spot for rehearsal dinners, birthdays, and more. Check out the link below for details!
A photo of Gravy restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3630)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Raleigh
Booked 23 times today
When we say ‘gravy’, we mean tomato sauce. Experience classic Italian-American fare with a contemporary flair in the heart of downtown Raleigh when you dine in our cozy space or our vibrant courtyard. Our culinary artisans craft dishes with the freshest seasonal ingredients so that you can enjoy a rich and authentic taste of Italy, right here in North Carolina. Looking to host an event? Select the link below to learn more about our Wine Cellar, The Upstairs, and Jiddi Space & Courtyard for your next celebration. For parties of six or more, please call the restaurant: 919-896-8513
A photo of Sitti restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3314)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Raleigh
Booked 25 times today
Honoring Lebanese tradition through authentic cuisine. Sitti is a heartfelt tribute to the grandmothers, or sittis, the revered guardians of Lebanese culture, faith, and culinary heritage. Nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Sitti breathes life into the rich traditions of Lebanon, honoring our ancestors by offering guests an unforgettable experience filled with mouthwatering dishes and exceptional hospitality.If you seek an outdoor escape, we offer seating in our courtyard. This space is also available for Private Dining experiences.
A photo of Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3054)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Raleigh
Booked 49 times today
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar is described as a place that 'takes the curious on a richly rewarding gastronomic journey across the Italian culinary landscape'. The reviews consistently praise the authentic Italian food and the ambiance that makes customers feel as though they've been transported to Italy. The restaurant also provides a culinary education on Italian cuisine, further solidifying its authenticity.
A photo of Anthony's La Piazza Prime - Downtown Raleigh restaurant
4.5
Awesome(56)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Raleigh
Booked 12 times today
Anthony's La Piazza is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina. The restaurant brand has been serving the community for over 20 years. Anthony's La Piazza is known for its delicious food, friendly service, and warm atmosphere. The restaurant offers a wide variety of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, seafood, and steaks. Anthony's La Piazza also has a full bar and a wine list. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Anthony's also has an elegant lounge open late nights Thursday through Saturday. We are located on the first floor of the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown in the Glenwood South district.
A photo of Tamasha Modern Indian restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(506)
Price: Very Expensive
• Indian • Raleigh
Booked 38 times today
Experience the epitome of sophisticated Indian cuisine at Tamasha Modern Indian, nestled in Raleigh's dynamic North Hills. This culinary gem, owned by the discerning Mike Kathrani and the visionary Tina Vora, offers an extraordinary dining experience in an ambiance crafted with elegance by Tina herself. Tamasha's opulent design has earned it a place among the “50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America” by OpenTable and People Magazine, a prestigious accolade that marks it as North Carolina's sole honoree. Executive Chef Bhavin Chhatwani’s pedigree from India’s most prestigious properties to Michelin-starred restaurants stateside – is unmistakable. Tamasha showcases the depth and artistry of Indian cuisine – from show-stopping cocktails and a well-curated wine list, to Chhatwani’s refined menu of artful shared and composed dishes. Guests will discover exceptional hospitality on this inspired Indian culinary journey whether dining in the main dining room, private room or at the chic bar.
A photo of O-Ku - Raleigh restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1899)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Raleigh
Booked 34 times today
O-Ku's menu provides a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. Located in the Warehouse District of downtown Raleigh, the restaurant offers rare and unique dining options with traditional sashimi and specialty rolls, highlighting seafood from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii alongside local and seasonal ingredients. Reminiscent of traditional Japanese culture, O-Ku's menu is comprised of signature starters, contemporary Japanese entrees and seasonal traditional sushi that reflect the uniquely designed space. The beverage program is built around quality ingredients that celebrate Japanese culture.
A photo of Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar - Raleigh restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(429)
Price: Moderate
• Indian • Raleigh
Booked 10 times today
Rated as the # 1 Indian Restaurant in Triangle, Lime & Lemon Indian Grill offers an immersive dining experience with exquisite dishes that will take you on a journey through India's many regions, traditions and festivals. We meticulously curate using only the best ingredients to create dishes that are authentic, unsurpassed, and timeless. All this in an ultra-modern setting to ensure your dining affair is nothing short of perfect. Featured in the October 2019 edition of News & Observer and received a 4 out of 5 star rating. It has been consistently voted as one of the Top 10 Ethnic restaurants and has also been recognized as the Best Indian Restaurant in the Triangle for 2019, 2020 and 2021.
A photo of La Carreta-Raleigh restaurant
3.9
Excellent(31)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Raleigh
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to La Carreta Mexican RestaurantWhen it comes to Mexican fare in Raleigh, all eateries are not built the same.At our Mexican Restaurant, we bring Mexico to you, La carreta Mexican Restaurant believes in quality ingriedients prepared in traditional Mexican fashion to bring you a truly authentic meal. There's something for everyone to love. we consistently strive to stand out from other restaurants. La Carreta Mexican Restaurant is a great destination for friends, couples and families. Come in today to check out our lunch specials or stop in a little later during happy hour for one of the best margaritas in town! La Carreta Mexican Restaurant offers fresh, authentic, Mexican Food at an affordable price.Dinner to dessert, we know that our family will have an amazing experience and even better food.There's no doubt that we are a top restaurant in the Raleigh NC area. So, sit back, relax, and let us share our culture with you.
A photo of Parkside Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(825)
Price: Moderate
• American • Raleigh
Booked 33 times today
Parkside is a locally owned and operated Downtown Raleigh Restaurant located at the entrance of the Warehouse District. Parkside is situated on the corner of West Martin and South Dawson streets across from historic Nash Square. It was this urban park, one of the four original parks in downtown that inspired the name Parkside.Housed at street level and under the longest running neon restaurant sign in North Carolina you will find our doors, which have been the threshold to hospitality for this neighborhood for over one hundred years. Parkside believes in continuing this tradition in every way. From the warm red brick and reclaimed barn wood clad bar to the NC solid poplar tabletops, we want our guests to feel welcome. Whether you are sampling one of our 25+ beers on tap or enjoying our chef inspired locally sourced fare, your experience is our priority.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jane
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Yummy choices with lots of spice and taste. The staff was friendly and mostly informative with knowing this was several diners first time there. The chicken kabobs were tender and grilled perfectly and the rice with the almonds provided the right amount of texture and taste. We split the tasting appetizer and the kabob dinner and it was the right amount for our smaller appetites. I would highly recommend.
    More info
    SittiPrice: Moderate• Mediterranean• Raleigh
    4.6
  • Kahmil
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We got these bbq soul rolls! 10 out 10. It was so good we ordered two rounds of them. I got the fried cat fish and it was Amazing! We had a grand time. The food was good! The drinks were good. We loved eating family style.
    More info
    The Pit Authentic BBQPrice: Moderate• Southern• Raleigh
    4.3
  • Katie
    Greensboro / Winston Salem / Highpoint •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Gravy is always a favorite date night spot for us! It was even sweeter being able to celebrate Valentine’s Day there! Cannot recommend Gravy enough!
    More info
    GravyPrice: Moderate• Italian• Raleigh
    4.3
  • Janette
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The vibe was elegant and beautiful. Minimal noise, big open romantic space, excellent food and drinks. I had the lobster linguine, it was perfection. Our waitress was incredibly kind, attentive, and efficient. We would love to visit again when it warms up outside.
    More info
    Mulino Italian Kitchen & BarPrice: Moderate• Italian• Raleigh
    4.7
  • Amy
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 9, 2025
    I reserved a table at Anthony's La Piazza to celebrate my daughter's 16th birthday. It has a lovely, modern decor, and it wasn't crowded on that Sunday evening. The food was really tasty. We started with fried mozzarella and stuffed mushrooms. Our entrees were exceptional. The filet mignon melted in your mouth, and the Bolognese so very good. The cocktails were excellent as well, especially the espresso martini. I can't recommend the staff highly enough. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and personable. The hostess, our waitress, and the food runner were wonderful. They went above and beyond ensuring that our celebration was outstanding. The sparkler in the chocolate cupcake at the end was chef's kiss and the perfect ending to our night. We will definitely be back!
    More info
    Anthony's La Piazza Prime - Downtown RaleighPrice: Moderate• Italian• Raleigh
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Raleigh

Discover the essence of authenticity in Raleigh's diverse dining scene with our curated restaurant reservation system that highlights the top spots in Raleigh, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill for genuinely authentic culinary experiences. These selected restaurants stand out for their commitment to providing not only exceptional cuisine but also an atmosphere that complements their food offerings, making each meal a memorable event. From the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican dishes to the refined tastes of Italian and French-inspired menus, each establishment is celebrated for its unique contribution to the local food culture. Patrons consistently praise these restaurants for their outstanding service, high-quality ingredients, and the ability to transport diners through their culinary excellence. Raleigh itself is a hub for food lovers, offering a range of dining options that cater to seekers of true, authentic flavors. Whether you're in the mood for seafood, traditional steaks, or seasonal specialties, Raleigh's restaurant scene promises an authentic dining experience that caters to sophisticated palates and culinary adventurers alike. Make your reservation today and indulge in the authenticity that Raleigh's top restaurants have to offer.

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