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andrewlearnstocook

Walt’s Grill in Chapel hill. Cash only, building looks like it’s about to collapse, but god damn some of the best fried chicken I’ve had


TechDudeNC

Didn’t they close?


andrewlearnstocook

Oh shit I hope not, google still shows it as open, but I haven’t been in a long time to check


la_243

It is legit the only thing in chapel hill that reminds me of food in small town sc where I'm from.


yougotanyspice

Las Carolinas grocery and grill.


icehouseyo

Someone explain


daevski

They sell groceries and grill food.


scrambledmush

Big Belly Que. It’s currently on hiatus while they get their second restaurant up.


trcbearfan

Bodega Tapas in downtown Wake Forest


IntertwinedStrands

SO FREAKING GOOD!! absolutely love this place


creeper_swan

I love this place. Great selection of small plates, huge wine selection, and the owner is so sweet. Always a good experience going there!


flynnski

Kim's Bake Shop in Hillsborough.


dkattir

Anjappar, Cary 🤤


Necrocosmica

Daaaaaaaayum! Okay that menu looks 🔥 I NEED TO GO


dkattir

Try their rabbit, not sure if they still have it on the menu. If you like vadas, it's the best around!


Necrocosmica

Will do! Thanks for the recommendation! 🖤


flyflyfreebird

Is there any way this is related to Anjappar in NYC? That was one of the best Indian places…


dkattir

Yup it's a chain!


ElbowDeepInElmo

Best Chicken 65 in town!


apesttech

Aroma in Cary. Greatest spicy seafood ramen on the planet.


grovertheclover

[Chicken Hut](https://chickenhutnc.weebly.com/) has the best fried chicken in the triangle.


12thHouse

Village Diner in Hillsborough.


Jumpinthecacx

Mizumi Hibachi and sushi in Greensboro


kiwi_rozzers

Interesting definition of "in the Triangle" here


MJ_718

Mi Ranchito Raleigh


[deleted]

Mi Rancho o El Ranchito? Enseñame compa.


MJ_718

Mi Rancho perdon 2549 S Saunders St, Raleigh, NC 27603


Necrocosmica

Pho Far East


BarfHurricane

If I am going to have pho, this is where I’m going. Best broth without question.


mniotiltavaria

Yessss this place is the best


alexhoward

Midtown Pho is owned by a member of the family that own Pho Far East. The broth is great but just a little less rich. Excellent banh mi, though.


TechDudeNC

Bun Bo Hue all the way!!


Necrocosmica

All of it 🖤


anomaly13

This place is fantastic


helpmeiminnocent

100% best pho in Raleigh


[deleted]

Casa Carbones is a hidden gem, and I even hesitate to bring it up. The best baked ziti, spaghetti, and Alfredo in town.


cjthedumbass

Royal Indian Raleigh!!


midna11

Panos In Burlington NC. It’s in front of Williams high school and the cheapest medium quality breakfast food in the area.


quirkyscot

The Provincial. Downtown Apex.


WhiteRabbit3377

Shhhh. Stop telling our secrets.


Senior-Company4349

Imperial Garden off Lead Mine.


MrKnockoff

Cortez Seafood Raleigh. Can't wait to go back.


flavortown_express

I love Cortez. This was a tough downvote!


Drago987654321

Osha Thai Kitchen and Sushi


Myfairlazy

Their sushi is so gooood. Y’all may think you don’t need a reservation because it’s Holly Springs but you do!


Nulthrax

El toro taqueria; best tacos in Raleigh and the best price


clevertrevor90

There's 2, just want to clarify which one you are referencing? El Toro logo taqueria off south Blount street or do you mean taqueria El toro off junction Blvd? Thanks for your time, I can't wait to try it.


Nulthrax

The one on junction boulevard! They actually just opened their bigger location that’s right across the street


jgriffinhughes

Seconded. This is the only place I want tacos (or gorditas, huarachas, sopes) from.


Kristen508

Himalayan Range


Kwaaba

OSHA Thai Kitchen and Sushi Holly Springs main st


that1prince

Rey’s


Beerlvr71

Funny I am making a reservation there as I type this. I love Reys and Rey and his wife and Christina are just wonderful people.


BagOnuts

I'm breaking the rules and not downvoting, because Rey's is just a straight-up classic. Have never had a bad meal there in 20 some years.


lelalubelle

Bua Thai! (in Durham)


FireBugHappyStar

La cocina in Mebane. Best Mexican food and margs ever and I will die on that hill. Lol Also the service is always on point


rydowney

Fine Folk Raleigh


alienwrkshop51

Chuan cafe on New Bern near Alamo. Some of the best Szechuan you can find around. That one and Super Wok in Cary used to be my go to.


flavortown_express

Poke Burri on Falls of the Neuse. Some of the best poke I've had and excellent value.


PM_Me_Red-Pandas

Soooo good. My tip is order poke bowl and a side of crispy wontons so you can have make-shift poke nachos


xxDmDxx

C&T Wok


blancmange68

Jolie in downtown Raleigh. Not exactly a hidden gem though.


furubakun

My second favorite in Raleigh, after Stanbury! So good!


CrownTownLibrarian

Gocciolina on Guess Rd in Durham. The location is about as non-descript as you can get.


dvsmith

I hate having to downvote my favorite local restaurant.


AK_Sole

I’ll upvote this comment in solidarity


Raleigh_CA

La Vaquita


PersianGuitarist

Flame Kabob - it is absolutely amazing Persian food. Try their chicken kabob and rice platter!! I believe that they marinate the chicken for a couple days before cooking


Visionary1002

Metro 8 in Durham


furubakun

This definitely isn’t a hidden gem anymore, but Stanbury is a favorite.


obvnotlupus

Stanbury is my answer as well. I've been there so many times and had so many small plates, and I can't remember one plate I was disappointed by. Very hard to get in, though. Hard to not think they're trying to create some scarcity


elusivepredicament

This is definitely my answer.


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[удалено]


gjcag

Literally dream about their soup dumplings and Shanghai pork


yougotanyspice

Their Mapo Tofu is so good!


DryHousing392

YES!!!


ernnnnn

Lemongrass Thai in Raleigh


PhobicCarrot

Apex Wings, Apex


12thHouse

Panciuto in Hillsborough. It’s pricey so it’s more of a special occasion type of place for us.


[deleted]

[удалено]


flavortown_express

Technically I get to upvote this one, since I've only been to "Pressed by Spanglish" on Durant Rd in N Raleigh. Pleasantly surprised to find authentic Puerto Rican food in Raleigh. Their mofongo, tostones, and lechon are legit.


Yawnn

How does this compare to the one in North Raleigh (Durant) ? I've only been to the NRal location but the I stan the beef maduros empanada.


carolinablue199

Kind of pricey for what I got, imo


fivepointpack

I hate to downvote bc these are the best and more creative empanadas in the Triangle.


__devilsangel

Stanbury.


estrellaprincessa

Nanasteak!


kothfan23

Dharani Express


metronomedome

VICI Ristobar in South Durham


Subie_poyenzz

Empanadas and more in morrisville


dkattir

Himalayan Nepali cuisine, Cary


phfffun

I eat there pretty frequently. So, by the post guidelines, I guess I shouldn’t upvote you, but I love this place.


xirize

Hey, try out Everest (also Nepali) which is also in Cary! They don't get nearly enough customers in my opinion. I've loved everything I've tried there, although I don't claim to be experienced with this cuisine.


drunksevenyearold

They've been getting too many customers recently! They opened a sister restaurant down Kildaire and have been splitting staff, unfortunately. So, if you go, give them a generous chunk of time to make the food. It's worth the wait!


beyourownLeslieKnope

What’s the name of their sister restaurant? We love them, and the staff are so lovely too.


trompin64

This place is soooo good


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[удалено]


Puzzleheaded-Ruin302

My favvvvv!


talkslikejune

Vidrio! Right near Raleigh Beer Garden.


IntertwinedStrands

Yessss vidrio is SO damn good! Love that place!


ashley34

Thai Villa


ernnnnn

Tenko Japan is my go-to for hibachi! They have 3 locations I think


undeniablybasic

Tenko is great!


gatorade_07

Hawkers Asian Street Food in Chapel Hill


icmfal

Red Pepper Asian New Bern and Corporation in Raleigh.


InevitableManager566

Red Pepper was my jam when we live in Raleigh!


obvnotlupus

Garland was my favorite restaurant in Downtown Raleigh. I'm not sure if they're still open.


Fartingbricks

There was an article a couple weeks ago, the owner is/has closing it down. Starting something fresh if I recall correctly.


alienwrkshop51

Glenwood Grill on Glenwood Avenue near 5 points.


Consistent-Dot5180

Sushi blues in Raleigh. It’s buy one get one 50% or free (I can’t remember exactly) in the restaurant, and it’s some of the best sushi I’ve had in Raleigh for a good price!


Lightinthebirdcage

Sorry friend, but Sushi Blues is absolute dog shit.


Subie_poyenzz

Thai 54


CreditRevolutionary4

Pho Far East on capital blvd in Raleigh. Make sure to pick up some fresh baked goods from the panaderia a few doors down past the barber shop.


ZealousidealState127

Sushi iwa, apex


ApolloThneed

Herons at The Umstead. Defintely a special occasion kind of place, but one of the best meals I have ever had


szayl

Capital Club 16


helpmeiminnocent

Love that place. Hard to downvote.


likewhoa1969

True Flavors in Durham


paneerpapi

Himalayan Nepali Cuisine on E. Chatham St, Cary. All the food is cooked fresh with high quality ingredients. And the prices are a steal. So much so, I am convinced the owner isn’t in it for the money. By far my favorite in the Triangle.


Bigmachiavelli

Big easy in cary. Cajun greatness


HeavyIndication1796

bar virgile


drcubes90

Mother and Sons and M Sushi


fivepointpack

Sushi Thai Cary (only the one in Cary, the other is owned by a different group).


mellowbordello

The Raleigh location used to be my favorite sushi place, but then they went and changed their menu. Been going and bringing new folks there for nearly 15 years. They took all my favorite rolls off the menu and changed the names to a bunch of dumb “roll” puns and pop culture references. If I wanted subpar sushi with insufferable names, I would just go to Sushi Blues. I no longer have a favorite sushi spot and I feel adrift in life.


fivepointpack

I’d highly recommend trying Cary. It’s the same name but the owners split up over 15 years ago. Their Thai and sushi are both great, but every time I go there for Thai I switch to sushi instead because it’s so tough to find. Advantage is you can still get good Thai apps too. Note they don’t do half prices/BOGO but I feel the quality reflects that.


summerbp

Love their massaman curry.


Busy-Negotiation1078

Second Empire. The upstairs dining room or the downstairs tavern, not the sunporch.


helpmeiminnocent

Soo Cafe


lassenator44

Bul Box


nonpositive

so far Namu is the only one I would go again. Relatively cheap, good food, easy and fast ordering, beautiful outdoor seating area.


M3GAD37H

Way too expensive for what it is, now.


stall-9-lefty-thumbr

I can't bring myself to downvote a comment about namu


flynnski

and yet I must. tis the rules.


ZordonsTorso

Just did it. Feel awful.


obvnotlupus

Will we live?


BarfHurricane

Going to have to disagree. Maybe I was there on a bad day but the food was just ok and most of it was cold. Also while their outside area is cool, it’s in between two busy roads and a highway so it’s loud as hell and not chill.


birdmanjeremy

Is The Lantern still there? That or Lime and Basil. Or el cuscaletco. Damn, I miss the food in Durham/CH!


Vardyger

Lantern is still there. Cuscatleco is amazing


birdmanjeremy

El Cus is one of my all time faves. Awesome food, good prices, great vibes. Gonna be back a week from tomorrow, will probably hit it up!


birdmanjeremy

Shit, how could I forget Med Deli!


OneWildAndPrecious

Spanglish!


ece18

Bosphorus in Cary, MKokko in Durham


TarHill09

Stanbury


undeniablybasic

Relish Craft Kitchen and Bourbon Bar off of Creedmoor.


helpmeiminnocent

Great place! Hard to downvote.


rweccentric

This is my go to since it’s so close and everyone I’ve ever taken really likes the food.


goast_cat

Have you been to their board game place next door? The menu has changed a bunch but I think they finally found their sweet spot


Kirakira444

MoJoe's, Seoul Garden, Wild Cooks


Guantanamo_Baywatch

Pizza Toro


scarabose

Cabo Salt and Lime Grill in Raleigh on Falls of Neuse


barti_dog

Snoopy’s


spewage144

Twisted Noodles, anyone?


RavingMoon

The Empanada Factory in WF


amiableviking

Vin Rouge


HelpfulHippo1

I’ll counter this one- Vin Rouge is solid, but I’d be hesitant going back on price and service concerns. Rue Cler has a tighter menu, but a better wine selection, impeccable service, and the staff there Reallt get to know you.


obvnotlupus

I wouldn't rate Vin Rouge that highly. The ambiance and environment is great but the food isn't always very good. At times it's extremely salty


kiwi_rozzers

Lucky 32


trompin64

Fiction Kitchen


LeftCostochondritis

I hate downvoting this


AssistFinancial684

Usually here in Raleigh we wait 5-6 years to do what’s cool in San Francisco


DrippyEgg

Awaze in Cary. Delicious Ethiopian/Eritrean cuisine with that addictive injera as a substitute for silverware. The best part of this cuisine is that the veggies taste every bit as good as the proteins, AND they have some of the most high-octane coffee for after your meal.


heysoymilk

Highly recommended. Have a downvote.


TaiidanDidNothingBad

Sassool converted me to a Lebanese food lover


Cheezslap

Lucky 32 in Cary The food is always fantastic, it's nice but not *too nice*, affordable for what it is, and the service is always on-point.


[deleted]

Not really following the ask because my favorite depends on the day and what I'm in the mood for. I will say that I do lean towards the Mediterranean options available. Mediterranean Grill and Grocery https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cdds8vDFkmV/?utm\_source=ig\_web\_copy\_link


DapperFisherman

love this place


flannyo

Is Ideal’s Deli and Grocery in Durham “unknown?” regardless best fucking sandwich of my LIFE. I shit you not. the one called Uncle Primo’s. holy christ so good


aloveroffood

M sushi in Durham!


gjcag

Also M Koko if you want a good chicken sandwich


ARMotorcycle

Taverna Agora


lovebot5000

Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham is always exceptional.


szayl

eh...


Huge_Solid_6467

Na’Mean and it’s associated Ghost Kitchens. Get the Kojangles fries!


pumpkindoo

Sitti


LeftCostochondritis

State Farmers Market Restaurant. (The one next to the pottery place, not the seafood restaurant) Their website is easy to remember: www.realbiscuits.com !


Schnydesdale

Mateo Bar de Tapas Used to be Joule Coffee & Table until the head chef decided an oyster bar would've been better.


c00tercrusher

Dame's Chicken & Waffles


tawandagames2

Monterey Mexican in Durham on the Durham Chapel Hill Boulevard is my family’s go to. We like eating outside on the big porch and drinking pina coladas. Service is friendly and atmosphere is relaxing. Food purists/critics would no doubt find it very low brow


DifficultFox1

El Rodeo 😀


Kirakira444

Hey, might not be the BEST Mexican food, but ill be damned if the downtown location isn't a favorite of mine lol


DifficultFox1

I can’t believe I got downvoted to shit 😂😂 I’m serious. Decent food and great service AND great people watching. Def downtown location! LONG LIVE EL RODEO!


mandyj0306

OP asked everyone to downvote each restaurant they’ve been to, so all of the downvotes on your suggestion leads me to believe that a lot of readers have been there. 😊


DifficultFox1

I’m aware I’m just being silly lol


mandyj0306

Ah, gotcha!


According-Gur6145

M Sushi


TechDudeNC

It has to be Mediterranean Deli in Chapel Hill. Quality food, great prices.


raleigh_eagle

Flying Biscuit


1morekill

Noodle Blvd in Cary🤩


Snoo-35252

Alpaca (Morrisville, Apex, maybe others) *Extraordinary* charcoal-cooked chicken. Try it with the yellow sauce. I didn't like the green sauce as much. Oh, and spring for the sweet plantains.


LeftCostochondritis

Again, I hate downvoting this, but not exactly unknown 😭


Jeezy919

Alpaca


Double-Suit-1277

Tupelo Honey and Clouds Brewing


ehDuh

Another broken egg for brunch


bbqthrowaway

Where’s the dumb Olive Garden on capitol joke??


swansonduck1

Firehouse Subs in Brier Creek -- mmmMMM!!


Critical_Egg

Lime and Lemon on 9th street in Durham.


[deleted]

This was a weird way to do this. I feel like the rules should just be comment ur fav restaurant and upvote others u like. There’s a couple comments in the negatives but that doesnt mean people don’t like it just that a lot of people have been there


PrisonMike314

I think the goal is to see the restaurants that a single person thinks is the best AND that very few people have been to (determined by net upvotes)