I’ve been wanting to write this guide of restaurants everyone should try in Chapel Hill for a while now. Ever since several people told me nonchalantly that “there’s nothing in Chapel Hill” when discussing the food scene of the Triangle. While the smallest of the three points of the Research Triangle, Chapel Hill is still mighty! So here’s my list of twenty restaurants everyone should visit in Chapel Hill.
As always, all of these images are taken and owned by me. Please do not use without written consent.
This article was last updated April 2022.
The Best Restaurants of Chapel Hill
Osteri Georgi
Newly opened in spring of 2021, Osteri Georgi celebrates the simple and elegant Italian flavors. The space makes the photographer in me so happy. The patio is flush with florals and greenery and the the interior is gorgeous with plush velvet chairs. Perfect for date night! They’re open for dinner with plans to eventually offer lunch and brunch.
Osteri Georgi
201 S. Elliott Road #100Chapel Hill, NC 27514
osteriageorgi.com
Il Palio
I’ve heard passionate Italian people call Il Palio the best Italian restaurant in the Triangle. It’s certainly my favorite Italian restaurant thus far. The service is always impeccable and the food is exceptional. I’ve not had one thing that didn’t impress me. I love their pappardelle bolognese, the gnocchi, linguine, and clams, even their charred broccoli! I mean it when I say everything. And don’t forget to save room for dessert!
Il Palio
1505 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
ilpalio.com
Momo’s Master
I love that there’s a Nepalese spot so close to me now! Momo’s Master opened on Franklin St. near campus near the end of 2021, and it’s such a delicious spot! We visited for the first time recently and quite loved our experience. We tried the lamb sliders, the vegetarian momos, pork belly brussel sprouts, and the chili oil tofu, which was tied with my favorite bite with the momos.
Momo’s Master
110 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
momosmaster.com
Hawkers
I love the Asian street fare that Hawker’s is all about. For dinner, I loved their dim sum style menu. For dinner, I always make sure to grab Roti Canai and Chow Faan. I had the pleasure of eating their entire brunch menu and I loved it all. To see photos and read more about their brunch, check this post out. The cocktails featured in that post were showstoppers are well as the pandan pancakes and bubble waffle!
Hawkers Asian Street Food
201 S Estes Dr #400A, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
eathawkers.com
Kipos Greek Taverna
Owned by the same restaurant group (Giorgios Group) as Osteri Georgi, Kipos offers up Greek fare in a gorgeous space. If you’ve been to any of the Greek islands, Kipos will make you wistful for your time there but then comfort you with their well-executed entrees. Do try their lemon ricotta pancakes for brunch! Oh, and their fries🍟.
Kipo’s Greek Taverna
Eastgate Crossing Shopping Center
kiposchapelhill.com
Bin 54 Steak and Cellar
Another Giorgios Group darling in Chapel Hill is Bin 54. This elegant steakhouse is a favorite in Chapel Hill. They are known for superb steak and wine and often hosts fun wine nights!
Bin 54 Steak and Cellar
1201-M, Raleigh Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
bin54chapelhill.com
Bonchon
Sugarface and I come here at least monthly and feel so lucky to have a Bonchon in our backyard! Bonchon is an international chain specializing in Korean Fried Chicken, and you do know I wouldn’t recommend a chain if I didn’t love it to pieces right?
Bonchon
205 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
bonchon.com
Rasa Malaysia
I’m so happy to have an awesome Malaysian restaurant in Chapel Hill. I noticed a general lack of Malaysian food in the area, so what a lucky gem for people who live in Chapel Hill! If you haven’t had Roti Canai with Curry Ayam, definitely give it a try! It’s a popular Malaysian dish comprised of buttery layered canai to dip in a potato and chicken curry. My favorite thing from Rasa Malaysia is the Penang Char Kay Teow (pictured above). The noodles have an amazing texture and smoky flavor. Another recommended dish is their mango salad; it’s served with Chinese Yu Tiao (fried bread, similar to a savory churro) stuffed with shrimp.
Rasa Malaysia
410 Market St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
rasamalaysiach.com
Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
Not too far from Kipos is the beloved and tucked away Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, a happy spot for farm-sourced Indian fare and a late-night bar menu. Chef Vimala, like Chef Bill Smith from Crook’s Corner, is a humanitarian. She’s an outspoken activist for causes like international peace and stopping domestic violence. She also honors a living wage commitment to her staff. My favorite thing to order is her cheese dosa but I haven’t had a bad dish yet!
Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe
431 W Franklin St #415, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
curryblossom.com
Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
Another Indian spot in Chapel Hill, but with more parking available, is Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar. They opened their third location (there’s one in Durham and one in Raleigh) in Meadowmont Village. They’re known for their mango chicken curry! They also have an expansive cocktail menu. I enjoyed my mango mocktail during my last visit and can’t wait to try their strawberry lassi!
Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar
100 Meadowmont Village Cir #101, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
lnlrestaurant.com
Kitchen
Kitchen is an intimate bistro serving up French fare and wine. Order their mussels! There is an adorable independent bookstore next door for you to peruse with your date before or after your dinner.
Kitchen
764 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
kitchenchapelhill.com
Elaine’s
I’d describe the food at Elaine’s to be upscale Southern. The ambiance is intimate and nice, and not at all stuffy. I love being seated at the hightop near the window nook so I can watch the foot traffic on Franklin St. People watching on Franklin is always rewarding.
Elaine’s
454 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
elainesonfranklin.com
Lantern
Across the street from Elaine’s is Lantern. Chef-Owner Andrea Reusing won the 2011 winner of the James Beard award for Best Chef: Southeast. Lantern’s menu is inspired by Asian cuisine and made with ingredients produced in North Carolina. Their new patio just opened and I can’t wait to give it a sit!
Lantern
423 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
lanternrestaurant.com
Jujube
Jujube is a cozy little Asian inspired restaurant. Pictured above is their barbecue pork belly dumpling. I’ve never had a dumpling like it! Another popular dinner dish is their version of a “Bolognese” which is hoisin braised shredded pork, scallions, and wide rice noodles. The flavors were very rich and they may ask if you’d like some rice to go with your noodles. I declined, but I think you should go for it! On point flavors but a tad salty. Mixing in some of the rice would have made it just right. Try their duck eggrolls!
Jujube
1201 Raleigh Rd L, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
jujuberestaurant.com
Elements
Similar to Jujube, Elements is also an upscale Asian-inspired restaurant. Unlike Jujube, the interior is larger and more modern. I want to try more of their menu but loved sitting outside with my bowl of poke the first time I went!
Elements
2110 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
elementsofchapelhill.com
Sunrise Kitchen
When in the South, you must partake in the chicken biscuit sandwich. Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, an unassuming drive-thru establishment opened only for breakfast and lunch, has become somewhat of an institution for the chicken biscuit sandwich. The first time I visited, I decided to order my chicken biscuit with added pimento cheese to give it another layer of Southern charm, and because I’m a glutton, I ordered a hash brown and slipped it into my sandwich. It’s one of my favorite life hacks. Adding hash browns to my sandwiches. Pictured above is the famed Bad Grandpa Chicken Biscuit with an added hash brown.
Sunrise Kitchen
1305 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
sunrisebiscuits.com
bartaco
bartaco has such a gorgeous patio. Their vibe is casual and young, and their tacos are excellent. I get at least one duck taco every time and also their pork tamale. Other favorite tacos are the fried shrimp tacos and the pork belly tacos. Their tacos are on the small side; I normally order about 3-4 with appetizers. (And yes I’m a big eater.) Pro tip: they have a secret lamb taco that is worth a try, and they’re releasing another secret menu item next week (hint: miso cod fish taco).
Bartaco 201 S Estes Dr. E3, Chapel Hill, NC 27514Time Out
I think it’s hilarious that when I ask around if people have had Time-Out, I get a lot of, “I can’t remember if it’s good because I only went when I was drunk in college.” Ha! I went sober in my 30s. It’s a bit of a dive, and it kind of made me nervous about food quality. But then I sank my teeth into the chicken cheddar biscuit sandwich (I scooped their creamy mac and cheese into my sandwich), and all my nerves dissipated and turned into moans of ecstasy.
Time Out
201 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
timeout247.com
Merritt’s Grill
I like when a restaurant or business does one thing so well, they can operate their business with just that one thing if they wanted to! Such is the case with Merritt’s Grill and their BLT. They have other things on their menu, but really, just get the BLT. I add avocado to mine and have to refrain from humming happily as I eat this famed BLT sandwich.
Merritt’s Grill
1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27515
merrittsblt.com
Mediterranean Deli
The kids call it Med Deli. It’s a popular and casual hotspot on Franklin St. The atmosphere reminds me of a bustling cafeteria. The Mediterranean fare is delicious and there’s a market attached with fresh produce and imported Mediterranean delights. Oh, their bakery is also legit. Bring a big box of baklava home. Trust me.
Mediterranean Deli
410 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
mediterraneandeli.com
Pig
Two of my favorite sandwiches in town are made by the Pig. The pig cheek banh mi (pictured above) is SO good. Sugarface and I always get one to share. The other favorite sandwich is the Carolina Sandwich which is a pulled pork sandwich with pimento cheese. It’s so messy and probably not recommended for a first date, but it’s worth the trouble and calories. They also have a solid menu of classically Southern sides, like mac and cheese and fried okra. And though I’m not a big salad eater, their beet and goat cheese salad is particularly enticing. Overall, the Pig is probably not good for your health but is great for your soul.
Pig
630 Weaver Dairy Rd #101, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
thepigrestaurant.com
And that concludes my list of the best restaurants of Chapel Hill! Thank you so much for following along! I have been grateful to a few readers who have guided me to a few delicious gems in Chapel Hill and hope I returned the favor with this post! If you want to read yet another Chapel Hill gem, check out my feature on Honeysuckle Tea House.
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Now it’s your turn! Did I miss any of your favorites in Chapel Hill? Please let me know in the comments!
For more content about the Triangle, check out my Ultimate Guide to the Triangle!
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