Top 20 Best Cary NC Restaurants From a Local - A Full Guide

Located in the heart of the Triangle area, Cary is home to a wide range of cuisines to try. Whether you’re looking for Asian food, pub food, or a classic southern dish, Cary has just about a little bit of everything.

Bosphorus Restaurant

Cuisine: Turkish and Mediterranean 

Price: $$

If you’ve never tried Turkish food, or if you’re a fanatic, Bosphorus is sure to have everything for your fix. Their dough, meze, and kebabs are crowd favorites and a Cary staple. 

Doherty’s Irish Pub & Restaurant

Cuisine: Irish & Bar Food

Price: $$

Looking for a good beer, classic Irish bar food, live music, and game coverage, Doherty’s is the place for you. Their authentic pub vibe will guarantee a fun meal.

Lugano Ristorante

Cuisine: Italian

Price: $$

Pasta pasta pasta! Lugano is the place for a full Italian meal from bread and appetizers to entrees and authentic desserts. The value is fantastic and better than chain pasta restaurants. 

Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen

Cuisine: Southern American

Price: $$

This charm is equipped with outdoor seating, southern fare, and a strong selection of wine and beer to perfect your southern dining experience. 

Totopos

Cuisine: Mexican

Price: $$

A classic Mexican dining experience is guaranteed at Totopos. Some local favorites of theirs include craft margaritas, platano frito relleno, and carne asada tacos.

City Barbeque

Cuisine: Barbeque

Price: $

City Barbeque is a Triangle area go-to. With classic barbeque dishes and iconic sides, you’ll be in heaven. 

Tazza Kitchen Stone Creek Village

Cuisine: New American 

Price: $$

If you’re looking for a new spin on classic food favorites, Tazza is a great place. Some highlights include crab cakes, brisket, and the goat cheese appetizer. 

Seol Grille

Cuisine: Korean BBQ

Price: $$

Seol is a relaxed all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque restaurant. They offer excellent value for the price with high-quality meats and fun side dishes.

Enrigo Italian Bistro

Cuisine: Italian

Price: $$

Fresh pizza and pasta are the main focus at Enrigo where you can expect a nice Italian dinner. Locals recommend any dish with seafood. 

La Cocina Mexican Restaurant

Cuisine: Mexican

Price: $

This local Mexican chain is the place for fajitas and margaritas. The bang for your buck is incredible without sacrificing any of the classic Mexican restaurant qualities.

Chef’s Palette

Cuisine: Upscale American

Price: $$$

Chef’s Palette is a fantastic place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or almost anything. This nice restaurant does not feel intimidating and hosts a great atmosphere. 

Peck & Plume

Cuisine: American

Price: $$

Peck & Plume is a nice, beautifully decorated restaurant perfect for brunch or dinner. It has some great twists on southern fare as well as outdoor seating available. 

Academy Street Bistro

Cuisine: New American

Price: $$

Academy Street’s classy aesthetic is perfect for a date night or special occasion. Locals rave about their crab cakes. This downtown Cary spot is definitely worth your time.

Himalayan Nepali Cuisine

Cuisine: Nepalese and Indian

Price: $

This Napalese restaurant is a Cary gem that will transport you through both its food and atmosphere. Some favorites from the menu include chicken momos and saag paneer. 

Tribeca Tavern

Cuisine: American

Price: $

If a burger and a craft beer sound like a winner, you should have dinner at Tribeca Tavern. Some other favorites include the peach bourbon drink, bison burgers, meatloaf, and shrimp and grits.

Kō än.

Cuisine: Southeast Asian - Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines

Price: $$$

Offering lesser-known cuisines in a polished, classy atmosphere is Kō än.’s specialty. This unique experience offers a new dining option for Asian food in Cary. One thing to note is the presentation of all their food is phenomenal. 

Sassool

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Price:

This Mediterranean offers fantastic, authentic cuisine. The line may be long, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait. Sassool is also a great option for people that are vegetarian or gluten-free.

Dame’s Chicken & Waffles

Cuisine: Southern American

Price: $$

Dame’s is another Triangle delicacy. From chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits and collard greens, you’re guaranteed to get your southern fix here.

Craft Public House

Cuisine: American

Price: $$

This classic sports bar offers some easy staples like pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and beer. The pretzel appetizer is a crowd favorite. This is a perfect spot for a low-key dinner.

Sushi-Thai

Cuisine: Thai

Price: $$

Sushi-Thai, as the name suggests, is a great option in Cary for sushi. With a wide sushi variety, you’ll find the classic rolls and some fun new options to try. A local favorite is the boat of sushi that comes with several rolls to try.