Wow! The restaurant scene in North Hills Raleigh, or Midtown Raleigh as they also like to call it, sure does not disappoint!
This trendy district, located just five miles north of downtown Raleigh, is well known for its shopping, entertainment, and events, but it’s also a go-to place to sample Raleigh’s culinary delights.
It’s not just North Carolinian and Southern cuisine you find here though. What makes North Hills’ restaurants worth checking out is that there is a cuisine from all corners of the world, offering diners a chance to satisfy any craving.
From Mexican to Japanese to Thai food to Greek, no matter what your taste buds are salivating over, you can find it here.
To help you find a restaurant in North Hills that gets your stomach rumbling, here are our favorite gems!
The Best North Hills Restaurants
1. Coquette Brasserie
Let’s stay in France with a wonderful meal at Coquette, a true French Brasserie and one of our favorite date spots in North Hills. It has a classic bistro design with tiled floors, dark wood, marble table tops and an impressive zinc bar.
A meal at Coquette Brasserie must begin à la française with a charcuterie board (enough for two), followed by Escargot. If you don’t have a few French terms down pat yet, now you will. Escargot is French for cooked land snails.
If you insist on skipping the food adventure this time round, their French Onion Soup is said to be fantastic, and their Brie Biscuits are another house favorite.
I highly recommend the Seafood Crepe, and for dessert their mini-desserts like Profiteroles or Macarons are delectable.
Featuring authentic French food, an all French wine list, classic French co*cktails and Belgian beers on draft, dinner (or lunch/brunch) at Coquette is a lovely dining experience with warm and attentive staff.
You’ll feel like you’re in a Parisian Cafe.
- Address: 4351 The Cir At N Hills St, Raleigh
- Hours: 9:30am-9:00pm, Sunday, 11:00am-9:00pm Monday – Wednesday, 11:00am-10:00pm Thursday – Saturday
- Website: CoquetteRaleigh.com
To learn more, read our full review of Coquette Brasserie
2. Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is a beautiful Spanish Tapas restaurant in North Hills Raleigh by famed restauranter, Giorgios Bakatsias.
As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with the colorful essence of Spain, from the ornately detailed mosaic tiles behind the bar, to bright Picasso-esque paintings on the walls.
The restaurant is named and inspired by Las Ramblas Boulevard in Barcelona, which is famous for its vibrancy and festive atmosphere. And that’s immediately what you get here.
Complimenting the decor is an extensive menu that offers authentic Spanish cuisine using only high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for traditional tapas,Tequila Por La Gente margaritaswith passion fruit, lime, and pomegranate seeds, or hearty paellas, Las Ramblas will transport your taste buds to Barcelona in no time.
From the traditional tapas to the hearty paellas, Las Ramblas boasts an extensive menu that will satisfy even the most discerning palate.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting with a cozy dining room and a quaint roofed outdoor patio. To top it all off, the attentive staff and superb service add to the overall experience, making for a delightful dining experience in North Hills.
For an unforgettable culinary adventure, Las Ramblas is definitely worth a visit.
- Address: 141 Park at N Hills St #100, Raleigh
- Hours: 5:00pm-10:00pm Monday-Thursday, 5:00pm-11:00pm Friday, 12:00pm – 11:00pm Saturday
- Website: lasramblasraleigh.com
Read our full review of Las Ramblas
3. CO, Raleigh
Now to my favorite region in the world for travel adventures and flavorful cuisine, Southeast Asia.
The CO in the AC Hotel fuses together modern and traditional with dishes such as sweet and spicy Malaysian chili wings; Vietnamese fresh summer rolls or a bowl of steaming spicy pho; Japanese sushi, Thai drunken noodles; or the most delicious shrimp curry laksa that exploded with flavor with each slurp.
Dessert lovers will love the sweet Asian flavors of the crispy cheesecake wontons and strawberry spring rolls. You can pair each dish with a signature co*cktail, sake infusion, or beer or wine.
It’s a kid-friendly restaurant with Asian dishes on the Kid’s menu. Just ask to hold the sauce if you have a fussy child like us. Kalyra absolutely loved the pork & Ginger gyoza and keeps asking to go back to that “dumpling place in North Hills”.
The good chi of the CO runs through the contemporary interior design with communal tables and red and black leather seating, neon lighting, and a large bar dominating the side of the restaurant.
Like bartaco, it’s a chain with locations in the Southeast, but still a welcome addition to the North Hills restaurant scene. Southeast Asian food is the only cuisine I could eat three meals a day of and be happy. CO in North Hills makes me happy!
- Address: 101 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh
- Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm Sunday-Thursday, 11:00am-11:00pm Friday – Saturday
- Website: eatatco.com
4. STIR
Premium oysters, craft co*cktails, and deviled eggs? Yes Please! STIR is one of the popular brunch spots in Raleigh with outdoor seating who offer signature drinks and dishes with aSouthern twist.
We loved its open-air concept and large outdoor patio. We visited for a Sunday family brunch and experienced a buzzing atmosphere with a diverse crowd. Service was also exceptional.
You’ll find brunch classics like bloody marys, mimosas, craft co*cktails and their made from scratch food using the finest produce, meats, and seasonal ingredients (sourced locally whenever possible.)
I recommend experiencing one of their craft mimosas, as they blend their own syrups and bitters for unique flavors such as strawberry basil and honey peach.
You’ll also find them in their craft co*cktail creations, which feature artisanal ice made in-house cut to various shapes and sizes for their popular co*cktails.
To start with, order the deviled eggs, with its selection of four different creamy flavors – classic, pimento cheese, bacon, avocado – and then a serving of mixed oysters from their signature raw bar.
We followed up with the following meals: Filet Benedict (petite filet, poached eggs, English muffins, Hollandaise, roasted tomatoes, breakfast potatoes), a Baja Omelet (peppers, onions, cheese blend, pico, avocado, Mexican crema, charred salsa, breakfast potatoes), whilst our kids are fans of their homemade Strawberry Nutella Waffles with whipped cream.
Brunch is the main event on Saturday and Sunday, but they also serve lunch and dinner daily!
- Address: 4242 Six Forks Rd Ste 100, Raleigh
- Hours: 10:00am-12:00am Sunday, 11:00am – 12:00am Monday – Thursday, 11:00am – 1:00am Friday, 10:00am – 1:00am Saturday
- Website: StirRaleigh.com
5. Giorgio Pizza Bar
Dreaming of visiting Italy? Get a taste of Italy right here at the Giorgio Pizza Bar, another restaurant by Giorgios Bakatsias and dine on delightful pizzas and pastas with accompanying Italian wines.
Whether it’s a romantic dinner for two, or as a family dining spot in North Hills.
The pizzas and pastas have big portion sizes – definitely big enough to share!
Our kids absolutely loved their 5-cheese pizza (Cinque Formaggio) and the Tre Pepperoni, and of course their desserts!
If anyone is gluten free, they have excellent cauliflower crust pizza bases, and of course a great selection of Italian wines and co*cktails for pairing with all their dishes.
Giorgio offers a local, seasonal approach to both hand-tossed, crispy, sourdough pizzas and other regional pizza styles, as well as small Italian style shared plates, and is now one of our favorite North Hills restaurants!
NOTE: if dining as a family, lunch is recommended here during weekends as weekend dinners tend to lend more to “date night” and would not highlight the same elements that a family forward service would.
You can enjoy your meal in the cozy and stylish dining room, or for a more casual experience on their colorful outdoor patio.
- Address: 141 Park at N Hills St #112, Raleigh
- Hours: 4:30pm-9:00pm Sunday, 11:30am – 10:00am Tuesday – Saturday
- Website: giorgiopizzabar.com
Read our full review of Giorgia Pizza Bar here.
6. Bartaco
Tacos are the specialty of this upscale street food Mexican restaurant in North Hills. As are fresh squeezed and shaken co*cktails, and a fun vibe that will leave you wondering just which beach culture you’ve stepped into.
Is it the Carolina Coast, Florida, Mexica or South America?
The upbeat and friendly global ambiance is complemented by flavor combinations from a variety of cultures such as Asian, Spanish, Mediterranean, Mexican and Southern California.
There are 13 proteins to choose from with their most popular being the glazed pork belly which has a spicy arbol sauce you now want to put on all the things! And, in keeping with being a place for all – cauliflower, mushrooms, and chickpea will march on in for our vegan friends!
Choose between corn tortilla or a bibb lettuce shell for a healthier option.
But to start, don’t miss their creamy guacamole which is seriously fresh and delicious, plus my favorite has to be from the ‘not-taco” taco menu and a quesadilla dish I am now calling Absolutely Sensational. Oh, and the plantains are addictive!
If you’re not looking for tacos, their rice bowls are also hearty and filling, and they also do some lovely, refreshing salads.
For seafood lovers, the tuna poke or ceviche are perfect for a summer’s day in Raleigh.
Let’s not forget, you can wash all that down with refreshing Margaritas – I suggest their spicy Mezcal Margarita. Otherwise their sedate traditional margarita is great too. Anyway you like it, they have it.
If you are looking for bars in North Hills, you’ll notice that a sprawling bar sits at the center of the restaurant and is a hive of activity as patrons sit and laugh with bartenders shaking their co*cktails (open till midnight on Fridays and Saturdays).
Parents of children and dogs will be happy to know, this establishment is very kid-friendly and dog-friendly.
- Address: 4121 Main at North Hills
- Hours: 11:00am-10:00pm Sunday – Thursday, 11:00am – 12:00am Friday – Saturday
- Website: Bartaco.com
You can read more about Bartaco in our complete review here.
7. Vivace Raleigh
Who said you can’t get good Italian in Raleigh? Vivace serves up authentic Italian cuisine with unique twists, handmade pasta, an extensive wine list, excellent kids menu, and delightful mini desserts.
All this in an upscale rustic setting with dining offered indoors and on their lovely patio during the warmer months.Plus, they have signature co*cktails and a solid beer selection.
It’s safe to say we overindulged on their popular dishes of Black Pepper Spaghetti, Bolognese Pappardelle, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, and Steamed Pei Mussels.
I loved their new menu item – mini desserts – enough deliciousness to fit in a full stomach and satisfy the sweet tooth without being caked in guilt.
If you are looking for semi-upscale North Hills restaurants where you can dress up or dress down with courteous service and a lovely ambiance, Vivace is your kind of place!
- Address: 4209 Lassiter Mill Rd Suite 115, Raleigh
- Hours: 11:30am-9:00pm Sunday – Wednesday, 11:30am-10:00pm Thursday – Saturday
- Website: VivaceRaleigh.com
8. Rosewater Kitchen & Bar
I fell in love with Rosewater as soon as I walked into their European chic garden room decorated with flower bouquets and shelves of pot plants all leading out to a beautiful patio. Am I in Paris?
My travel soul was happy indulging on brunch in this Midtown restaurant inspired by European romance.
Rosewater, Raleigh, is a restaurant by Giorgios Bakatsias, the Southeast’s most prolific and visionary restaurateur. It has undoubtedly become one of the best places in Raleigh for brunch!
While it feels like you’re on another continent, the focus here is on LOCAL with food sourced from local gardeners, farmers, fishermen, and foragers, plus unique co*cktails and local NC craft beer.
Each dish is flavorful and well presented. The Chicken Fried Pork Chop is amazing (smoked marrow red eye gravy, sunny side up eggs, preserved lemon), and the kids will be blown away by the GIANT Cinnamon Bun (brown sugar, cream cheese frosting).
Other brunch favorites include Steak & Eggs, Crab Cakes, Eggs your style, and Fine Herb Omelet. And of course, Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s – and mocktails for the kids!
If you don’t get seated in the inviting garden room, Rosewater is another of the restaurants at North Hills in Raleigh with a fabulous patio area – on our list for next time!
Also open for lunch on Saturdays, and dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended.
- Address: 110 Park at N Hills St, Raleigh
- Hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm Sunday, 5:00pm – 9:00pm Monday – Thursday, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Friday, 12:00pm – 10:00pm Saturday
- Website: RosewaterRaleigh.com
9. The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
Can’t decide between sushi and burgers? Then The Cowfish is the place for you. The Cowfish offers a unique dining experience that combines two seemingly different cuisines: sushi and burgers.
This innovative concept is a hit with locals, making it the perfect dining option for those who want to try something different.
The menu features creative and delicious sushi appetizers, followed by mouth-watering burgers for mains. Or you can combine the two with a Burgushi – a fusion of both burgers and sushi!
The Cowfish Bento Box is a signature favorite, which comes with a mini burger, sushi roll, edamame, American cheese, pickles and red onion, and a side of sweet potato fries, Thai cucumbers, and edamame.
It also comes with a 4-piece sushi roll of your choosing.
The vibrant atmosphere, friendly service, and tasty food make The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar a perfect destination for a fun and flavorful meal.
- Address: 4208 Six Forks Rd Ste 100, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Hours: 11:00am-9:30pm Sunday-Thursday, 11:00am-10:00pm Friday-Saturday
- Website: thecowfish.com
10. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille is the place to go for dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood. It’s an elegant and sophisticated dining room, perfect for celebrating a special occasion.
What makes The Capital Grille unique is that they have an onsite butcher, who oversees the 18 to 24-day dry-aging process. You can expect bold flavors and excellent service from the employees, and the side of mashed potato is second to none (its Tom Mukoyama’s daughter’s favorite mash in Raleigh!)
Paired with a wine list of over 350 options, including some award-winning wines, this is one of the best restaurants to go to for a date night.
We also think it’s one of the best places to get an espresso martini in Raleigh! Ask for bartender to serve you a“Kona Espresso Martini”. It’s pricey but so delicious with a sprinkle of Kona dust on top.
- Address: 4242 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Hours: 4:00pm-9:00pm Sunday, 11:30am – 9:00pm Monday – Thursday, 11:30am – 10:00pm Friday, 4:00pm – 10:00pm Saturday
- Website: thecapitalgrille.com
Map Of These North Hill Restaurants, Raleigh
To help you decide which of these restaurants in North Hills to visit, here is a helpful map to show you the location of each.
Final Thoughts
We have been eating our way through the North Hills area, and with these eating options on hand, I can imagine why many don’t want to leave the Midtown border.
I hope this list gave you some inspiration for where to eat in the North Hills district, and helped you pick out a few options.
As you can see, the restaurants in North Hills represent a diversity of cultures and cuisines from around the world, so whether you’re looking for lunch, brunch or dinner, you can be sure to find something for everyone on this list.
More North Hills Tips
Need more inspiration for visiting North Hills? These other posts may be helpful to you…
- 48 Hour Itinerary For North Hills, Raleigh (Things To Do + Places To Eat)
- 12 Fun Things to Do in North Hills with Kids!
- 15 Fun Date Ideas for North Hills (Midtown Raleigh)
- Unveiling North Hills: A First-Timer’s Essential Guide (shop, eat, play, stay)
- North Hills Gift Guide – 18 Places to Shop This Holiday Season!
- Fall Season Fun in North Hills (events, seasonal menus, shopping)
Which of these North Hills Raleigh restaurants will you be dining at first? Let us know in the comments.
