Best Casual Restaurants in Durham

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodIndianMexican

Regions

DanvilleDurhamGreensboroRaleighWilson

Neighbourhoods

CarrboroCaryChapel HillClaytonDanvilleDurham

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

92 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cucciolo Osteria Durham restaurant

1. Cucciolo Osteria Durham

4.8

Exceptional(1681)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Durham

Booked 30 times today

Cousins Jimmy and Julian Kim welcome you to Cucciolo Osteria Durham! A sister restaurant to the original Cucciolo Osteria in Seoul, Korea, offering modern Italian cuisine with a twist.We are located in the same building as the Amtrak train station, just opposite side, next to West End Wine Bar.

2. Seraphine

4.8

Exceptional(610)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Durham

Booked 46 times today

Seraphine is on OpenTable! We look forward to seeing you!

3. Mothers & Sons

4.6

Exceptional(170)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Durham

Booked 48 times today

Our lunch and dinner menus differ greatly. Please see the menu link below to see an example of our offerings.Partners Matt Kelly and Josh “Skinny” DeCarolis are proud to offer Mothers & Sons, a trattoria in downtown Durham featuring regional Italian food with seasonal sensibility. DeCarolis introduces the first restaurant in the South to focus on fatta a mano —handmade pasta. Mothers and Sons offers antipasti dishes such seasonal bruschettas or smoked octopus. Choose from primi dishes like the bucatini al amatriciana, squid ink tonnarelli or rigatoni alla norma and secondi dishes like the bistecca alla floretina and eggplant parmigiana. Dishes are made with seasonal ingredients so menus may change depending on when you visit. An extensive Italian wine list, dozens of amari as well as an imaginative cocktail list with an italian flair assures there will be a drink that will complement your meal perfectly.

A photo of Mateo Bar de Tapas restaurant

4. Mateo Bar de Tapas

4.8

Exceptional(2446)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Durham

Booked 29 times today

Mateo Bar de Tapas is the first solo venture from chef Matthew Kelly, housed in the old Book Exchange building in the heart of downtown Durham. Featuring a menu that blends the flavors of Spain with beloved ingredients and dishes of the South. We offer a casual, yet refined, menu of Spanish small plates with Southern inflection. Accompanying the food is a robust Spanish wine list as well as one of the largest sherry offerings in the country!

5. Taberna Tapas

4.7

Exceptional(1808)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • Durham

Booked 22 times today

Spanish Tapas Extensive Spanish Wine listFull barServing dinner

6. M Pocha

4.8

Exceptional(442)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Durham

Booked 13 times today

Located in the heart of downtown Durham, M Pocha is a vibrant dining destination that brings the energy and flavors of Korean Pojangmacha to life. A modern twist on the traditional "tented street carts" of Korea, M Pocha offers an intimate, casual setting where friends gather to share exceptional food, creative cocktails, and great conversation.Led by locally renowned Chef Michael Lee and part of the esteemed M Restaurant Group, our menu celebrates Asian fusion cuisine with a special focus on bold Korean-inspired flavors. From small plates perfect for sharing to signature dishes crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, M Pocha delivers a culinary experience as dynamic as the city we call home.Whether you’re stopping by for a cozy night out or an exciting taste adventure, M Pocha promises a warm, welcoming atmosphere and unforgettable dishes. Join us and discover why we’re one of Durham’s most talked-about dining spots!

7. Juju Durham

4.8

Exceptional(2420)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Durham

Booked 71 times today

Juju serves up small plates with bold flavors, each prepared creatively with attention to tradition, whimsy, local integrity, and, of course, deliciousness. In addition to its extensive and delicious menu, Juju features a dynamic beverage program of hand-made cocktails, Sake selections and a well-chosen list of artisan wines and craft beers.

A photo of Aaktun Coffee + Bar restaurant

8. Aaktun Coffee + Bar

4.7

Exceptional(108)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Durham

Booked 59 times today

Our cozy cafe is a delightful haven where friends gather amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, savoring delectable pastries and engaging in warm, leisurely conversations. Take a step into our dining room and allow us to whisk you away to a tropical paradise where contemporary tiki cocktails blend seamlessly with vibrant Latin American and Caribbean Flavors. Our culinary journey is guided by the talented Oscar Diaz, a two-time James Beard semi-finalist and our esteemed chef-owner.

9. Counting House

4.3

Awesome(1570)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Durham

Booked 20 times today

At Counting House restaurant, led by Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson, local cuisine meets bold flavors and playful execution. A seafood-driven menu set amongst the art of today, designed to provide you with an easy-going escape that will feed your soul. The bar and lounge is a welcoming place to taste innovative cocktails, sample local craft brews, and explore broad bourbon and wine lists.Reestablishing the warmth and vitality of a historic gem, Counting House combines contemporary design with architectural details including the building’s original terrazzo floors and arched windows.

A photo of Emmy Squared - Durham restaurant

10. Emmy Squared - Durham

4.7

Exceptional(88)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Durham

Booked 16 times today

Founded on an unconditional love of well-made food, we use only the highest quality ingredients for our famous Detroit-style pizzas. As Emmy Squared has grown, we’ve continued to make fans and receive accolades along the way, including winning Nashville’s Battle of the Burger, being recognized as one of "The Best New Burgers in NYC" (Gothamist) and one of the "20 Best Burgers in NYC" (Infatuation). Besides award-winning pizzas and burgers, you’ll find delectable appetizers, sandwiches, and salads on our extensive menu. We look forward to welcoming you to Emmy Squared Durham and sharing our unique take on American “comfort food.”

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

P
PaulVIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •40 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Always good! Well informed and pleasant servers, good food and wine, nice ambiance.
More info
Taberna TapasPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• Durham
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Our waitress was excellent, very friendly atmosphere. The food was very good, prepared with high-quality ingredients.
More info
Mothers & SonsPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
•
4.6
J
Jacques
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great date spot wonderful food and friendly staff.
More info
SeraphinePrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Durham
•
4.8
K
kateVIP
Asheville / Western North Carolina •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Every dish was exquisite. Our server couldn’t have been better. Ambiance is great. Noise level is really high, but there’s lots of life in there!
More info
Mateo Bar de TapasPrice: Expensive• Spanish• Durham
•
4.8
S
Stephen
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 5, 2025
Excellent food with outstanding service. Ambiance and reasonable pricing makes this restaurant a favorite before a show at DPAC.
More info
Cucciolo Osteria DurhamPrice: Expensive• Italian• Durham
•
4.8

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