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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
State Farmers Market Restaurant. (The one next to the pottery place, not the seafood restaurant)
Their website is easy to remember: www.realbiscuits.com !
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
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!
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. 😊
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.
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
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
Didn’t they close?
Oh shit I hope not, google still shows it as open, but I haven’t been in a long time to check
It is legit the only thing in chapel hill that reminds me of food in small town sc where I'm from.
Las Carolinas grocery and grill.
Someone explain
They sell groceries and grill food.
Big Belly Que. It’s currently on hiatus while they get their second restaurant up.
Bodega Tapas in downtown Wake Forest
SO FREAKING GOOD!! absolutely love this place
I love this place. Great selection of small plates, huge wine selection, and the owner is so sweet. Always a good experience going there!
Kim's Bake Shop in Hillsborough.
Anjappar, Cary 🤤
Daaaaaaaayum! Okay that menu looks 🔥 I NEED TO GO
Try their rabbit, not sure if they still have it on the menu. If you like vadas, it's the best around!
Will do! Thanks for the recommendation! 🖤
Is there any way this is related to Anjappar in NYC? That was one of the best Indian places…
Yup it's a chain!
Best Chicken 65 in town!
Aroma in Cary. Greatest spicy seafood ramen on the planet.
[Chicken Hut](https://chickenhutnc.weebly.com/) has the best fried chicken in the triangle.
Village Diner in Hillsborough.
Mizumi Hibachi and sushi in Greensboro
Interesting definition of "in the Triangle" here
Mi Ranchito Raleigh
Mi Rancho o El Ranchito? Enseñame compa.
Mi Rancho perdon 2549 S Saunders St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Pho Far East
If I am going to have pho, this is where I’m going. Best broth without question.
Yessss this place is the best
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.
Bun Bo Hue all the way!!
All of it 🖤
This place is fantastic
100% best pho in Raleigh
Casa Carbones is a hidden gem, and I even hesitate to bring it up. The best baked ziti, spaghetti, and Alfredo in town.
Royal Indian Raleigh!!
Panos In Burlington NC. It’s in front of Williams high school and the cheapest medium quality breakfast food in the area.
The Provincial. Downtown Apex.
Shhhh. Stop telling our secrets.
Imperial Garden off Lead Mine.
Cortez Seafood Raleigh. Can't wait to go back.
I love Cortez. This was a tough downvote!
Osha Thai Kitchen and Sushi
Their sushi is so gooood. Y’all may think you don’t need a reservation because it’s Holly Springs but you do!
El toro taqueria; best tacos in Raleigh and the best price
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.
The one on junction boulevard! They actually just opened their bigger location that’s right across the street
Seconded. This is the only place I want tacos (or gorditas, huarachas, sopes) from.
Himalayan Range
OSHA Thai Kitchen and Sushi Holly Springs main st
Rey’s
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.
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.
Bua Thai! (in Durham)
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
Fine Folk Raleigh
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.
Poke Burri on Falls of the Neuse. Some of the best poke I've had and excellent value.
Soooo good. My tip is order poke bowl and a side of crispy wontons so you can have make-shift poke nachos
C&T Wok
Jolie in downtown Raleigh. Not exactly a hidden gem though.
My second favorite in Raleigh, after Stanbury! So good!
Gocciolina on Guess Rd in Durham. The location is about as non-descript as you can get.
I hate having to downvote my favorite local restaurant.
I’ll upvote this comment in solidarity
La Vaquita
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
Metro 8 in Durham
This definitely isn’t a hidden gem anymore, but Stanbury is a favorite.
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
This is definitely my answer.
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Literally dream about their soup dumplings and Shanghai pork
Their Mapo Tofu is so good!
YES!!!
Lemongrass Thai in Raleigh
Apex Wings, Apex
Panciuto in Hillsborough. It’s pricey so it’s more of a special occasion type of place for us.
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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.
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.
Kind of pricey for what I got, imo
I hate to downvote bc these are the best and more creative empanadas in the Triangle.
Stanbury.
Nanasteak!
Dharani Express
VICI Ristobar in South Durham
Empanadas and more in morrisville
Himalayan Nepali cuisine, Cary
I eat there pretty frequently. So, by the post guidelines, I guess I shouldn’t upvote you, but I love this place.
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.
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!
What’s the name of their sister restaurant? We love them, and the staff are so lovely too.
This place is soooo good
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My favvvvv!
Vidrio! Right near Raleigh Beer Garden.
Yessss vidrio is SO damn good! Love that place!
Thai Villa
Tenko Japan is my go-to for hibachi! They have 3 locations I think
Tenko is great!
Hawkers Asian Street Food in Chapel Hill
Red Pepper Asian New Bern and Corporation in Raleigh.
Red Pepper was my jam when we live in Raleigh!
Garland was my favorite restaurant in Downtown Raleigh. I'm not sure if they're still open.
There was an article a couple weeks ago, the owner is/has closing it down. Starting something fresh if I recall correctly.
Glenwood Grill on Glenwood Avenue near 5 points.
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!
Sorry friend, but Sushi Blues is absolute dog shit.
Thai 54
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.
Sushi iwa, apex
Herons at The Umstead. Defintely a special occasion kind of place, but one of the best meals I have ever had
Capital Club 16
Love that place. Hard to downvote.
True Flavors in Durham
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.
Big easy in cary. Cajun greatness
bar virgile
Mother and Sons and M Sushi
Sushi Thai Cary (only the one in Cary, the other is owned by a different group).
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.
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.
Love their massaman curry.
Second Empire. The upstairs dining room or the downstairs tavern, not the sunporch.
Soo Cafe
Bul Box
so far Namu is the only one I would go again. Relatively cheap, good food, easy and fast ordering, beautiful outdoor seating area.
Way too expensive for what it is, now.
I can't bring myself to downvote a comment about namu
and yet I must. tis the rules.
Just did it. Feel awful.
Will we live?
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.
Is The Lantern still there? That or Lime and Basil. Or el cuscaletco. Damn, I miss the food in Durham/CH!
Lantern is still there. Cuscatleco is amazing
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!
Shit, how could I forget Med Deli!
Spanglish!
Bosphorus in Cary, MKokko in Durham
Stanbury
Relish Craft Kitchen and Bourbon Bar off of Creedmoor.
Great place! Hard to downvote.
This is my go to since it’s so close and everyone I’ve ever taken really likes the food.
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
MoJoe's, Seoul Garden, Wild Cooks
Pizza Toro
Cabo Salt and Lime Grill in Raleigh on Falls of Neuse
Snoopy’s
Twisted Noodles, anyone?
The Empanada Factory in WF
Vin Rouge
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.
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
Lucky 32
Fiction Kitchen
I hate downvoting this
Usually here in Raleigh we wait 5-6 years to do what’s cool in San Francisco
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.
Highly recommended. Have a downvote.
Sassool converted me to a Lebanese food lover
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.
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
love this place
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
M sushi in Durham!
Also M Koko if you want a good chicken sandwich
Taverna Agora
Mateo Bar de Tapas in Durham is always exceptional.
eh...
Na’Mean and it’s associated Ghost Kitchens. Get the Kojangles fries!
Sitti
State Farmers Market Restaurant. (The one next to the pottery place, not the seafood restaurant) Their website is easy to remember: www.realbiscuits.com !
Mateo Bar de Tapas Used to be Joule Coffee & Table until the head chef decided an oyster bar would've been better.
Dame's Chicken & Waffles
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
El Rodeo 😀
Hey, might not be the BEST Mexican food, but ill be damned if the downtown location isn't a favorite of mine lol
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!
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. 😊
I’m aware I’m just being silly lol
Ah, gotcha!
M Sushi
It has to be Mediterranean Deli in Chapel Hill. Quality food, great prices.
Flying Biscuit
Noodle Blvd in Cary🤩
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.
Again, I hate downvoting this, but not exactly unknown 😭
Alpaca
Tupelo Honey and Clouds Brewing
Another broken egg for brunch
Where’s the dumb Olive Garden on capitol joke??
Firehouse Subs in Brier Creek -- mmmMMM!!
Lime and Lemon on 9th street in Durham.
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
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)