Best Restaurants with a Tasting Menu in Durham

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodJapaneseSpanish

Regions

Durham

Neighbourhoods

Chapel HillDurham

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Mothers & Sons

4.6

Exceptional(170)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Durham

Booked 44 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

2. Mateo Bar de Tapas

4.8

Exceptional(2447)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Spanish • Durham

Booked 37 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!

3. M Pocha

4.8

Exceptional(442)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Asian • Durham

Booked 8 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!

4. M Tempura

4.8

Exceptional(624)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Durham

Booked 7 times today

M Tempura, in Downtown Durham, is part of the acclaimed M Restaurants group by Chef Michael Lee. Specializing in traditional Japanese tempura and Kaiseki Omakase, M Tempura elevates these classics with unique twists and subtle European influences. Each meticulously crafted multi-course menu balances tradition with innovation, delivering a refined and unforgettable dining experience. Guests must select the same menu option for their entire party. Please note, we cannot accommodate shellfish, vegetarian (egg in batter), gluten, or seafood allergies. Experience reimagined Japanese cuisine at M Tempura.

5. Krill

4.5

Awesome(449)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Filipino • Durham

Booked 12 times today

Filipino Kitchen Re-Imagined by Chef Karl & Chef PaulaAt Krill, every dish tells a story-one of tradition, family, and the deep-rooted heritage of Filipino cuisine. Created by the talented Chef Karl and Chef Paula, our menu celebrates recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations. We’re offering a taste of home, reimagined. Our mission is to elevate Filipino cuisine, bringing its vibrant flavors to the forefront in a way that feels both timeless and innovative.The heart of our team is built on family, with Dona leading as the General Manager and Evan as Bar Manager, together we strive to create an elevated dining experience for all who walk through our doors, introducing guests to the rich cultural heritage and dynamic flavors of the Philippines.Join us for an unforgettable journey through Filipino cuisine, where tradition meets modern creativity, and every meal is an experience to remember. Welcome to Krill—your new favorite Filipino kitchen, re-imagined.

A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant

6. Fairview Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(1901)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Durham

Booked 20 times today

The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years. With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham restaurant

7. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Durham

4.5

Awesome(2131)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Durham

Booked 7 times today

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Durham is located in the Renaissance Center at Southpoint; adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner with friends, a party to celebrate, business meeting or banquet or a romantic dinner, Ruth’s Chris Steak House is the most distinctive dining destination in the area. Ruth’s Chris professional, but personable staff will make your evening a sizzling success with first class service that is attentive but never fussy.

8. Jujube

4.7

Exceptional(1474)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Chapel Hill

Booked 13 times today

Jujube offers a unique culinary experience to the Triangle that brings Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Indian and Indonesian cuisine infused with the finest Western influenced flavors. We feature an extensive collection of craft beer, a wide variety of wines that elegantly complement our menu, as well as a refreshing assortment of signature cocktails. Escape the ordinary. Come enjoy our social and harmonious environment where Asian themed decor and soft lantern lighting awaits you. In the warmer months, enjoy dining al fresco on our screened patio. At Jujube we aim to bring you an eclectic myriad of tastes in an ambiance that brings together both the beauty of Asian tradition paired with a whimsical modern twist. Curbside Pickup and Dine in daily. Reservations or call ahead strongly encouraged.

9. Elements

4.8

Exceptional(2486)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Fusion / Eclectic • Chapel Hill

Booked 17 times today

Elements is OPEN for DINE IN & TAKEOUT! From the moment you walk in to the last delicious morsel you will taste, we promise to deliver a unique and exquisite dining experience. Our cuisine combines classical as well as modern Asian and European cooking techniques to enhance the flavors of local and sustainable ingredients. Our menu changes often to capitalize on the freshest and most seasonal fare. We believe George Barnard Shaw said it best when he said. There is no love sincerer than the love of food." We couldn't agree more. From fork to mouth, we wish you good eats.Elements Team

10. Il Palio

4.8

Exceptional(1774)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • Chapel Hill

Booked 4 times today

Il Palio is an intimate restaurant in the Siena Hotel. We strive to emulate the best of the great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass. Our vision is simple – use the best local and Italian ingredients as purely as possible and serve them with comfort and pride. We cook as an Italian might in North Carolina.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erin
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Soooo good the army stew is amazing !! Everything we got was excellent
More info
M PochaPrice: Moderate• Asian• Durham
•
4.8
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
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
South Carolina •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I enjoyed it very much. If there’s a way to dampen the sound and make it less noisy that would be great!
More info
KrillPrice: Moderate• Filipino• Durham
•
4.5
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
E
Emily
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 22, 2025
Great food, quick service. The restaurant was able to accommodate my pregnant guest by preparing the raw fish appropriately
More info
M TempuraPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Durham
•
4.8