- Julie Fife
My Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Triangle (So Far)
Updated: Jan 10

There is just something about good food that makes my heart happy. I search the Triangle high and low for the best of a variety of cuisines...and honestly, most of the time, I am underwhelmed. But sometimes, just sometimes, I find a place that makes me smile--one that I would return to with little hesitation. And in this age of uncertainty, we try to support local as often as possible.
Here is my list of favorites by cuisine (so far):
BBQ (disclaimer: vinegar-based BBQ is not my favorite): Danny's Bar-B-Que in Durham
Burgers: Bull City Burger and Brewery in Durham and MoJoe's Burger Joint in Raleigh
Coffee: Cocoa Cinnamon in Durham and Jubala in Raleigh ... and for coffee to brew at home in my own espresso machine: Cream Coffee Roaster and Bakery in Cary
Donuts (no frills yumminess): Carolina Glazed Donuts in Durham
Ethiopian: Goorsha in downtown Durham
French: Saint Jacques French Cuisine in Raleigh
Ice Cream: The Parlour in downtown Durham
Korean: M Kokko in Durham; Bo's Kitchen Food Truck and his new brick and mortar Namu in Durham are a close second
Mexican (traditional): Taqueria la Esquina in Morrisville (no website)
Mexican (not traditional but scratches the itch): Mi Cancun in Morrisville (specifically the carne asada and carnitas)
Middle Eastern: Bosphorus in Cary; Neomonde in Morrisville is a close second
Peruvian (Charcoal Chicken): Mami Nora's in Raleigh and (its sister store) Alpaca in Raleigh/Cary
Pizza (Neapolitan-style): Tre Forni in Durham
Pizza (Standard): Randy's Pizza in Durham (only the store off S. Miami)
Ramen: Miso Ramen Bar in Cary
Sandwiches: KyoKu Na'Mean
"Farm-to-Table" Southern Food: Lucky-32 Southern Kitchen in Cary (it can be hit or miss but their fried green tomatoes are to die for and their offering of local spirits to pair with the meal is great)
Sushi: Sushimon in Raleigh
Tacos (Fancy): Bartaco in Chapel Hill and Nanataco in Durham
Tacos (No Frills, Traditional): Guanajuato in Durham
Thai: Thai Cafe in Durham
Upscale: ORO in Raleigh
Vietnamese: Taste in Morrisville