Top 10 Best-kept Secret Restaurants In Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

1. The Roast Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Roast Grill is one of those places that you either know about or you don’t. And for those that do, they will tell you that it is a peculiar place. The Roast Grill has been around since 1940 and is located in downtown Raleigh. But what makes The Roast Grill so unique? Well, they only serve hot dogs and glass bottle Coca-Colas. There’s no fries, no ketchup, no mustard, no cheese, no relish, no coffee, no sweet tea and they only accept cash.

The Roast Grill

Address: 7 S West St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Opening hours: 11 AM - 4 PM

Average price for two: 10-15 USD

Website: The Roast Grill

2. Mami Noras Rotisserie Chicken

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Mami Noras Rotisserie Chicken is known as one of the best rotisserie chicken found in Raliegh. Their chicken dishes are truly something special as they only use free-range chickens, and select spices imported from Peru. The chicken is then marinated and put on the charcoal rotisserie inside ovens, also imported from Peru.

Mami Noras Rotiesserie Chicken

Address: 2401 Wake Forest RD Raleigh, NC 27608 (919) 834-8572

Opening hours: 11 AM - 9 PM

Average price for two: 25 USD

Website: Mami Nora’s Rotisserie Chicken

3. Soo Café

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Located in an unassuming mall area Soo Café is relatively new to Raleigh and is truly a hidden gem. Soo Café offers some of the best Korean-style barbecue as well as other classic barbecue staples. The Café specializes in some of the best Korean fried chicken you can find in Raleigh. The prices are very affordable and the food is delicious, which means pretty soon this secret spot is going to get more popular. So visit while it’s still a secret local favorite.

Soo Café

Address: 2815 Brentwood Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604, USA

Opening hours: 11 AM - 2:30 PM, 5 PM - 10 PM

Average price for two: 30 USD

Website: Soo Café

4. Ole Time Barbecue

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ole Time Barbecue not only has some of best barbecue in the city but one it is one of the best barbecue spots in the state. So why is it a secret? The restaurant is tucked away off the side of the road. For those seeking some of the best North Carolina barbecues, this is the place to go. From homemade sauces to party platters to three-plate dishes, Ole Time Barbecue has some of the best.

Ole Time Barbecue

Address: 1148, 6309 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27606, United States

Opening hours: 6 AM - 9 PM

Average price for two: 30 USD

Website: Ole Time Barbecue

5. Chubby's Tacos

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Chubby’s Tacos is one of Raliegh’s hidden Mexican gems. The restaurant serves some of the best tacos in the city and is best of all an authentic Mexican place. The restaurant has been around since 2008 and has been kept relatively under the radar but still has been popular enough among locals for a second location to open up.

Chubby's Tacos

Address: 4711 Hope Valley Rd Durham, NC 27707

Opening hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

Average price for two: 20 USD

Website: Chubby’s Tacos

6. Pho Far East

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re on the prowl for something vegetarian or are just craving a tasty warming soup, Pho Far East is Raliegh’s best kept Vietnamese secret. The little restaurant is unpretentious, simple and best of all, serves delicious food. Pho Far East is owned and run by a family serving some of the best Pho you can get in the city as well as some other Vietnamese classics. Their chicken soup will cure whatever ails you.

Pho Far East

Address: 4011 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, North Carolina 27604

Opening hours: 11 AM - 9 PM. Closed on Mondays

Average price for two: 25 USD

Website: Pho Far East

7. Tokyo House Japanese Restaurant

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Tokyo House Japanese Restaurant is one of Raleigh’s best sushi places! They specialize in Japanese classics but where they truly shine is with their wide selection of freshly made sushi. They also offer take-out that’s freshly prepared when you order, so you can have this delicious Raleigh secret, delivered right to your door.

Tokyo House Japanese Restaurant

Address: 7439 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615

Opening hours: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5 PM - 9:30 PM

Average price for two: 40-50 USD

Website: Tokyo House Japanese Restaurant

8. Manchester's Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Manchester’s Grill is a lovely bar and restaurant that is a great spot for the whole family or for a night out with some friends. The menu is long and offers some delicious American and Italian dishes so much so that Manchester is known for their delicious pizzas. You can always head to the bar have a look at their extensive beer menu and relax with some friends while you watch the game.

Manchester's Grill

Address: 9101 Leesville Rd # 153, Raleigh, NC 27613, USA

Opening hours: 11 AM - 10 PM

Average price for two: 20-60 USD

Website: Manchester’s Grill

9. Frank's Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant has been one of Raleigh’s best-known secrets for over thirty years. Frank’s has been serving up New York-style pizzas for over three decades and there’s no stopping in sight. Frank’s makes their own crust and sauce and it’s been a cornerstone of Raleighs pizza-lovers for a long time. The eatery also serves some classic Italian-American dishes as well as pasta and sandwiches.

Frank's Pizza & Italian Restaurant

Address: 2030 New Bern Avenue Longview Shopping Center Raleigh, NC 27110

Opening hours: 11 AM - 10 PM. Closed Sundays

Average price for two: 20-40 USD

Website: Frank’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant

10. Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh is home to some of the best Mediterranean food in Raleigh. Neomonde serves up mostly contemporary and classic Lebanese inspired dishes using fresh and local ingredients. Neomonde Mediterranean also has a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options for those with dietary restrictions and they also cater.

Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh

Address: 3817 Beryl Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA

Opening hours: 10 AM - 9 PM

Average price for two: 30 USD

Website: Neomonde Mediterranean Raleigh

Foodie secrets of Raleigh

There are lots of hidden restaurants around Raleigh and the most determined of foodies out there can surely find them out. But even if you’re looking for something new and off the beaten path, all these amazing places will certainly satisfy you.