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Hidden gems: restaurants in Durham
Map viewDiscover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Durham. Ratings are based from 610 places in Durham
The Original Q Shack
2510 University Dr 27707-2152
"The chili beef brisket is absolutely amazing. You get so much food, we could have easily split a regular plate. I liked the pork ribs a lot, but the seasonings on the brisket was just so good that I'd..."
Parizade
2200 W Main St Ste B100 27705-4640
"A colleague highly recommended this restaurant for our business team dinner. The team visited the restaurant this evening and was pleasantly surprised by its location, the decor, and overall ambience..."
Bleu Olive
1821 Hillandale Rd 27705-2659
"Takeout was AMAZING! The lamb tenderloin was done perfectly and so tender. The risotto was rich and flavorful. And then the cheesecake! Light and fluffy with a wonderful tart flavor that perfectly..."
Toast
345 W Main St 27701-3215
"I *LOVE* Toast. Their food is so amazing. I've been going to this restaurant occasionally for almost ten years and I have never once been disappointed. Their goat cheese and honey crostinis are a part..."
Parker and Otis
112 S Duke St 27701-3172
"You have to go to the back if you see the tables when you first come in, and their breakfast is actually pretty good. I had the number one, and there were a lot of tomatoes on it but it was still good..."
Randy's Pizza
5311 S Miami Blvd 27703-8443
"Excellent and friendly service with amazing pizza. Was glad to have not only a gluten free pizza option but two different sizes. Tried the Don Vito toppings which was quickly one of my favorite combin..."
Geer Street Garden
644 Foster St 27701-2109
"The outdoor seating here is great.My menu favorites are the fried chicken plate, the cobb salad, the hush puppies and their daily specials. On Sunday they have a good brunch buffet with a variety of o..."
Bennett Pointe Grill
4625 Hillsborough Rd 27705-2343
"This place is always crowded. I highly recommend making reservations if you can. The are known for their shrimp and grits. They were a little too saucy for me, but the flavors are there. The staff is..."
Pulcinella's Italian Restaurant
4711 Hope Valley Rd Ste 1e 27707
"Dinner was delicious! I got a to go order of the spaghetti with pink sauce which was a mix of the marinara and alfredo - best of both worlds! It comes with a salad and bread. They also have a chocola..."
Alley Twenty Six
320 E Chapel Hill St 27701-3371
"A friend brought me on this place because you guys have the best burger in his opinion all around Durham. And he made sure I had to taste it so here we are tasting this burger your one and only burger..."
Dulce Cafe
5826 Fayetteville Rd Ste 106 27713-8684
"I love this cafe. They have the best baked treats around and some delicious food and beverages as well. They are open right now with everything going on and I have to say that the barista that I worke..."
El Corral Mexican Restaurant
1821 Hillandale Rd Ste 8 27705-2659
"Stopped in one night with 4 friends and we had a great time. The service was great and staff very friendly. We were seated quickly and had our order taken in just a few minutes. The food was served ho..."
Ponysaurus Brewing Co
219 Hood St Corner of Ramseur St. And Newman St 27701-3715
"I really came here just to brag on my favorite bartender, Kelsey. She is hands down the best bartender ever. She always provides solid service, but also has the warmest smile for you. Thanks for being..."
King's Sandwich Shop
701 Foster St 27701-2110
"King’s sandwich shop is this great little corner walk up space in The heart of Downtown Durham. Seems like a good place to go after a night of drinking. They have some outdoor seating but not much...."
Banh's Cuisine
750 9th St 27705-4803
"We had hot and sour soup, ginger chicken and sesame tofu and they tasted like 5 star dishes. They were actually out of the soup but the owner made us a fresh pot. The chicken was super tender, and the..."
International Delights
740 9th St 27705-4803
"We decided to give this restaurant a try for some variety in our dining routine. We are so happy we did. The food portions are huge and the lamb gyros are absolutely delicious. The lamb is cooked to p..."
Sarah's Empanadas
5410 Nc Highway 55 Ste O 27713-7800
"Great empenadas! Even better with great people."
Thali Indian Restaurant
5311 S Miami Blvd 27703-8443
"Really nice staff and great Indian food. They started us out with these crisps or chips with three different sauces, they were all very tasty and this was a complementary appetizer. We ordered the gar..."
Cafe Meridian
2500 Meridian Pkwy Ste 130 27713-5256
"Good place for lunch (that's all they do). Consistently good food. The salmon is always moist and tasty. Sandwiches take a little longer than other entrees."
Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar
2200 W Main St Ste A140 27705-4640
"How did I not know about this place?!? Monday through Thursday $1 raw oysters?! Are you kidding me? Appetizer specials, draft beer, and delicious shellfish? Friendly service, folksy atmosphere, good f..."