RankNC – Discover North Carolina's Best: Reviews, Rankings & Insights

Search
Close this search box.

Best Restaurants for Lunch In The Raleigh-Durham Triangle Area

Best Brunch and Breakfast In The Raleigh-Durham Triangle Area - Dame's Chicken & Waffles - Exterior Sign
Dame's Chicken & Waffles

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through our links we may be compensated at no cost to you.

Satisfy your midday cravings and enjoy a delightful meal with the best restaurants for lunch in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area.

From casual cafes and restaurants serving quick bites to upscale eateries offering gourmet lunch options, these dining destinations provide a perfect spot to refuel and recharge during your day.

RankNC's Top Picks

Whether grabbing a quick bite between meetings or indulging in a leisurely lunch with friends, these restaurants promise a delicious dining experience for all tastes and preferences.

1. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Durham

Indulge in soulful comfort food at Dame’s Chicken & Waffles in Durham.

This beloved eatery specializes in crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles and various signature flavored schmears, creating a unique and satisfying lunchtime treat.

2. Toast

Raleigh

Start your day right with a delicious brunch at Toast in Raleigh.

This cozy cafe offers a menu of creative breakfast and lunch dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including hearty sandwiches, fresh salads, and savory crepes.

3. Neomonde Mediterranean

Raleigh

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at Neomonde Mediterranean in Raleigh.

This family-owned restaurant serves delicious Lebanese-inspired dishes, including falafel wraps, hummus plates, and fresh salads, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.

4. The Pit Authentic Barbecue

Raleigh

Savor the flavors of North Carolina barbecue at The Pit Authentic Barbecue in Raleigh.

This acclaimed barbecue joint offers a mouthwatering menu of smoked meats, classic sides, and homemade desserts, providing a hearty and satisfying lunchtime feast.

5. Guglhupf Bakery & Restaurant

Durham

Known for its delectable European-inspired cuisine and charming ambiance, Guglhupf invites guests to embark on a culinary journey.

Whether you’re craving freshly baked bread, artisanal pastries, or innovative dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, Guglhupf promises to tantalize your taste and delight your senses.

Best Lunch In The Raleigh-Durham Triangle Area - Guglhupf Bakery & Restaurant
Guglhupf Bakery & Restaurant in Durham, NC

6. Morgan Street Food Hall

Raleigh

Explore a world of culinary delights at Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh.

This vibrant food hall features a diverse selection of local vendors offering everything from sushi and tacos to pizza and poke bowls, providing endless options for a delicious and satisfying lunch.

7. Parker and Otis

Durham

Enjoy a laid-back lunch at Parker and Otis in Durham.

This charming cafe and gift shop offers a menu of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and soups, a curated selection of artisanal products, and gifts to browse after your meal.

8. NuvaTaco (formerly Nanataco)

Durham

Indulge in authentic Mexican street food at NuvaTaco in Durham.

This popular taqueria serves up a delicious selection of tacos, burritos, and quesadillas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch on the go.

Best Lunch In The Raleigh-Durham Triangle Area - NuvoTaco
NuvoTaco in Durham, NC

9. Saltbox Seafood Joint

Durham

Treat yourself to fresh seafood at Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham.

This casual seafood shack offers a rotating menu of locally sourced fish and shellfish in creative preparations like fish sandwiches, seafood plates, and po’boys.

10. Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken

Morrisville

Experience the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine at Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken in Morrisville.

This casual eatery specializes in rotisserie chicken marinated in Peruvian spices, served with traditional sides like yuca fries and plantains, perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch.

Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken
Alpaca Peruvian Charcoal Chicken in Morrisville, NC

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best restaurants for lunch in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area have a vibrant culinary scene with various restaurants offering delicious lunch options.

Whether you’re craving Southern comfort food, international flavors, or fresh seafood, these top 10 restaurants for lunch promise a tasty and satisfying dining experience in the Triangle.

So, gather your friends or colleagues, head out for lunch, and enjoy the diverse flavors of the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area.

Picture of The Doirons

The Doirons

Our mission is to get you to encounter the unlimited potential that North Carolina has to offer and experience it to the fullest. RankNC is designed to be a source of research, inspiration, and ideas for those who refuse to settle for anything less than an extraordinary time. On this website, we will openly and passionately share the very best that NC has to offer as my family and I continue to discover this beautiful state.
Editorial Process:


Experts make our reviews before being written and come from real-world experience and research. Read our editorial process here.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which can compensate us at no cost to you if you purchase from our partners. We’ve personally researched, used, and stand behind these products. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

Raleigh, Durham, & Triangle Area Quick Links
Scroll to Top