My Ultimate Foodie Guide to the Triangle (So Far)

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