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Best Lunch Restaurants in Durham

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mothers & Sons restaurant
1. Mothers & Sons
4.6
Exceptional(170)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 49 times today
Our lunch and dinner menus differ greatly. Please see the menu link below to see an example of our offerings.Partners Matt Kelly and Josh “Skinny” DeCarolis are proud to offer Mothers & Sons, a trattoria in downtown Durham featuring regional Italian food with seasonal sensibility. DeCarolis introduces the first restaurant in the South to focus on fatta a mano —handmade pasta. Mothers and Sons offers antipasti dishes such seasonal bruschettas or smoked octopus. Choose from primi dishes like the bucatini al amatriciana, squid ink tonnarelli or rigatoni alla norma and secondi dishes like the bistecca alla floretina and eggplant parmigiana. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients so menus may change depending on when you visit. An extensive Italian wine list, dozens of amari as well as an imaginative cocktail list with an italian flair assures there will be a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.
A photo of Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant
2. Cucciolo Osteria Durham
4.8
Exceptional(1681)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Durham
Booked 32 times today
Cousins Jimmy and Julian Kim welcome you to Cucciolo Osteria Durham! A sister restaurant to the original Cucciolo Osteria in Seoul, Korea, offering modern Italian cuisine with a twist.We are located in the same building as the Amtrak train station, just opposite side, next to West End Wine Bar.
A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant
3. Nasher Cafe at Duke University
4.6
Exceptional(858)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Durham
Booked 28 times today
The 125-seat indoor/outdoor Nasher Cafe overlooks the garden and sits adjacent to the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen "Corridor Pin" sculpture, providing a serene and beautiful ambience. The Nasher Cafe offers local and sustainable products forged into creative lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Guests can experience a world class museum as well as restaurant in one stop.
A photo of Juju Durham restaurant
4. Juju Durham
4.8
Exceptional(2420)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Durham
Booked 57 times today
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.
A photo of Aaktun Coffee + Bar restaurant
5. Aaktun Coffee + Bar
4.7
Exceptional(108)
Price: Moderate
• Latin American • Durham
Booked 57 times today
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.
A photo of Counting House restaurant
6. Counting House
4.3
Awesome(1570)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Durham
Booked 17 times today
At Counting House restaurant, led by Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson, local cuisine meets bold flavors and playful execution. A seafood-driven menu set amongst the art of today, designed to provide you with an easy-going escape that will feed your soul. The bar and lounge is a welcoming place to taste innovative cocktails, sample local craft brews, and explore broad bourbon and wine lists.Reestablishing the warmth and vitality of a historic gem, Counting House combines contemporary design with architectural details including the building’s original terrazzo floors and arched windows.
A photo of Nikos restaurant
7. Nikos
4.6
Exceptional(475)
Price: Expensive
• Greek • Durham
Booked 38 times today
NIKOS offers a treasure trove of flavors distilled from Greece and the surrounding regions — spanning from the southern coast of Crete to the north of Mount Athos, and from the Ionian islands to the Aegean Sea.We invite you to embark on a culinary journey that encompasses health, wisdom, dreams, passions, and the timeless pursuit of ideas that transcend boundaries.
A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant
8. Fairview Dining Room
4.8
Exceptional(1901)
Price: Expensive
• American • Durham
Booked 22 times today
The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years. With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.
A photo of Emmy Squared - Durham restaurant
9. Emmy Squared - Durham
4.7
Exceptional(88)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Durham
Booked 24 times today
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.”
A photo of Parizade restaurant
10. Parizade
4.7
Exceptional(3343)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Durham
Booked 45 times today
Parizade is Mediterranean inspired culinary creations. A vast open kitchen spans the length of the restaurant. Surreal art by Henryk Fantazos adorns the walls and ceiling. Parizade is truly the crowning jewel of Giorgios Hospitality Group. *Large parties, please call the restaurant at 919-286-9712*

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RichardVIP
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Our early lunch today was exceptional, surpassing even Juju's normal high standards. Having dropped our car off for service nearby we were there when the doors opened at 11:00 (accounting for some of the ratings I gave for this particular meal; e.g. very low noise level). Having done the same every few months for years we have a regular drill and lunch at Juju is always part of it. Today, even some dishes that we have enjoyed in the past showed new and even more delicious touches -- bravo! If you live in the area of northwest Durham, have business at nearby Duke Hospital, or just crave creative and delicious food, go to Juju!
    More info
    Juju DurhamPrice: Expensive• Asian• Durham
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our waitress was excellent, very friendly atmosphere. The food was very good, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
    More info
    Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • Ayana
    New York City •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    From the moment we walked in the staff was friendly and attentive. Our waitress was super helpful with recommendations and friendly. We order the TROPICAL SHRIMP & GRITS, L-BREAD AND BUTTER, TEMPURA FISH TACOS, and Goat Cheese Cheesecake and everything was delicious.
    More info
    Aaktun Coffee + BarPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Durham
    •
    4.7
  • Maureen
    Coastal North Carolina •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    This was our second time to the cafe. It is soooo nice to finally eat out and get healthy , delicious, real food cooked to perfection and served artistically. All I can say is I feel restored and fully nourished. FINALLY, someone who knows how to make a PERFECT salad! The ingredients were unusual, complementary, fresh and dressed to perfection. Wait staff are alert, considerate, helpful and professional. We will definitely return. Wish there was something similar closer to our home in Wilson. Keep up the excellent work
    More info
    Nasher Cafe at Duke UniversityPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Durham
    •
    4.6
  • Stephen
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •16 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 5, 2025
    Excellent food with outstanding service. Ambiance and reasonable pricing makes this restaurant a favorite before a show at DPAC.
    More info
    Cucciolo Osteria DurhamPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
    •
    4.8

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