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Home » Raleigh Life » Neighborhoods » Downtown Raleigh » Hillsborough St

By Craig Makepeace | September 12, 2024

If you’re looking for new places to wine and dine in Raleigh, consider Hillsborough Street, where the culinary scene sizzles hotter than a jalapeño on a warm summer’s eve! 

If you thought this vibrant street was just a thoroughfare for students and traffic, think again. Thanks to the variety of Hillsborough Street restaurants, this much-loved corridor that links downtown Cary to downtown Raleigh is a food lover’s paradise, packed with flavors from all cuisines and budgets.

Mitch’s Tavern (upstairs)

With a smorgasbord of options available, we’ve narrowed down a list of our personal favorites, so you can feast your way through this culinary gem in Raleigh.

From nacho average taco joints to sushi spots that roll with the best of them, it’s time to dive fork-first into the tastiest restaurants on Hillsborough Street that will leave your stomach happy and your tastebuds tantalized. In no particular order…

1. Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar 

Popular Indian restaurant

For authentic Indian food that will give you a taste of the cuisine on offer in this massive country, Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar is the place to go. 

Located on the intersection between Hillsborough Street and Friendly Drive, and walking distance from the NC State University campus, its position is roughly in the center of this thoroughfare.

Authentic Indian food

We think it’s some of the best Indian food in the Triangle (they have four locations) and is also a great place to go if you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan food in Raleigh. The dining area indoors is ultra-modern with industrial-style decor, and there’s outdoor seating too!

• Address: 105 Friendly Dr #101, Raleigh
• Website: lnlrestaurant.com

2. David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar 

Excellent dumplings

For delicious Asian food in Raleigh, David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar is a much-loved restaurant right on the corner between Hillsborough Street and Oberlin Road.

Since it began back in 2010, owner and chef David Mao has been cooking up tantalizing Asian cuisine with a blend of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flare.

Try one of their signature sake cocktails

They are particularly known for their dumplings, but we like their General Mao’s Chicken which is just a chef’s kiss. And be sure to try one of their signature and unique sake cocktails!

• Address: 1900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh
• Website: ddandbd.com 

3. Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen

You won’t miss Bussin Pizza & Italian Kitchen when wandering down Hillsborough Street, on account of its bright yellow school bus and colorful umbrellas adorning its patio!

But Bussin isn’t just a place to visit for the quirky decor, it also serves delicious New York-style pizza and subs (and tacos). So, if you want good pizza in Raleigh, consider here!

Pizza + pasta + tacos

Everything is made fresh to order, from the salads to the soups and they also have fantastic food deals throughout the week – visit on Tuesdays for tacos or grab a bottle of wine for less than on Wednesdays. Plus, NCSU students get 30% off from Monday – Thursday.

• Address: 3209 Hillsborough St, Raleigh 
• Website: bussinpizza.com 

4. The Players Retreat

Classic NC State hangout

As the watering hole of the NC State University students and alumni, The Players Retreat (PR) is one of the top places to eat in Raleigh if you want to mingle with the local community.

For more than 70 years, the PR has been the place to go if you want to cheer on the Wolfpack without visiting the stadium. 

In fact, it’s the oldest continuously running tavern between Atlanta and Washington D.C. With old-school wooden decor, creaky bar stools, and TV screens at every angle, this is the place to go for quirky ambiance as well as excellent bar food.

Mimis sausage dip / burger

The menu has an emphasis on hamburgers, and we think they are some of the best burgers in Raleigh, and Mimis sausage dip is a great appetizer! They also have a “Late Night Menu”, which offers smaller bites between 11.00pm and 1.00am on weekends.

• Address: 105 Oberlin Road, Raleigh
• Website: PlayersRetreat.com

5. Gym Tacos 

Gym Tacos has been identified as one of the best places to go for tacos in Raleigh by the Raleigh community, and we tend to agree! 

What started out as a food truck has grown into a fully-fledged restaurant in one of Raleigh’s most sought-after locations. This is a testament to what can happen if you’re good at what you do.

Great tacos + burrito’s

I suspect what brings people back to Gym Tacos time and time again is their handmade corn tortillas. They are small, and a tiny bit pricey, but they are worth it for the bold flavors. I’m a fan of their burrito, too! Read more: Top Mexican Restaurants in Raleigh

• Address: 3701 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: gymtacosnc.com 

6. Mitch’s Tavern

Mitch’s Tavern is an old-school sports bar in Raleigh that has been an iconic landmark since 1974, especially for NCSU students. 

Mitch’s Reuben / Beef chili

The bar has a quaint, Irish tavern vibe, with quirky antiques and NC State memorabilia lining the walls. Everything about this place speaks of nostalgia, from the decor to the hearty menu. Lovable favorites on the menu include Mitch’s Reuben and the Spicy Beef Chili.

• Address: 2426 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: mitchstavernraleigh.com 

7. Irregardless Cafe 

Irregardless Cafe is one of our favorite restaurants in Raleigh, especially for their brunches, which is a true farm-to-table experience!

Although not located directly on Hillsborough Street, they’re nestled on a quiet corner of West Morgan St and easily accessible from Hillsborough and downtown Raleigh. 

Vegetarian + meat dishes

They have this delightful, warm ambiance as soon as you walk through the door, with artsy decor and live music, you instantly feel at home.

They may be one of the top vegetarian restaurants in Raleigh, but they also serve hearty home-cooked food, and if you come for brunch, you get complimentary bread and scones.

• Address: 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh
• Website: irregardless.com 

8. Jasmin & Olivz Mediterranean

Popular Mediterranean food

For a taste of the Mediterranean, head to Jasmin & Olivz’s which offers a combination of tantalizing Greek and Lebanese flavors. From tasty shawarma to aromatic falafel dishes, each meal is lovingly prepared from scratch using fresh, local produce. 

With two locations on Hillsborough Street (and six in the Triangle area altogether) and generous portion sizes for a reasonable price, it’s no wonder why this family-run restaurant is so popular.

Both restaurants on Hillsborough Street have bright, spacious dining spaces with indoor and outdoor seating.

• Address: 2430 Hillsborough St, Raleigh & 3801 Hillsborough St #149, Raleigh
• Website: jasminandolivz.com

9. Snoopy’s Hot Dogs & More 

An iconic spot for a quick bite to eat is Snoopy’s, which serves simple American-style hot dogs and cheeseburgers.

This locally-owned eastern North Carolina grill opened across from the NCSU campus in 2004 and is always seeing lines of college students (and locals) at lunchtime.

• Address: 3600 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: snoopys.com 

10. Hibachi & Company

Affordable Japanese food

A quick and affordable eatery on Hillsborough Street serving up flavorful Japanese food is Hibachi & Company. Every day they have a changing lunch special menu, making it a place you can go back to time and time again and always be surprised.

They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and pay homage to its neighbor, the NC State University, with its memorabilia adorning the walls, including a huge Hillsborough St mural outside.

• Address: 2316 Hillsborough St suite 106, Raleigh
• Website: hibachiandcompany.com 

11. Meat & Bite 

Image credit: meatnbite.com

For fast food that tastes good but takes little time to make, head to Meat & Bite, which is exactly what it says on the tin – meaty meals in bite-sized portions!

Whether you want burgers, chicken wings, or burritos, Meat & Bite has mouthwatering meals with flavors fused from Mexico, Texas, and the Mediterranean.

An informal burger joint with warm staff who always serve you with a smile, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular eateries on Hillsborough Street. They also offer halal chicken and beef.

• Address: 2908 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: meatnbite.com 

12. Playa Bowls 

For the more health-conscious, head to Playa Bowls for some wonderful acai bowls, juices, smoothies, and more.

Playa Bowls prides itself on sourcing the freshest and finest ingredients, so you can keep your stomach happy and your soul nourished. 

Everything about Playa Bowls is colorful, and summery and reminds you of warm summer days’ surfing and soaking in the ocean breeze. If you want beach vibes without visiting the beach, you’ll feel right at home at Playa Bowl.

• Address: 2526 Hillsborough St Suite 101, Raleigh
• Website: playabowls.com 

13. Kabab and Curry

Another quality establishment to go to for fine Indian and Nepalese food is Kabab and Curry, which has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and authentic flavors.

Raleigh residents particularly like how authentic the Nepalese momos taste! The goat curry and the tikka masala are other popular dishes, and the garlic naan is soft and melts in your mouth – said to be the best naan in the Triangle. They also have a great lunch buffet at a reasonable price.

• Address: 2412 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: kababandcurrync.com

14. Brickhouse Sports Bar and Grill 

Another sports bar in Raleigh that’s loved by the locals is Brickhouse Sports Bar and Grill, which is located directly across from Meredith College.

Solid pub grub

The menu offers classic American bar food, from pizzas to nachos to burgers and more that compliments gameday action!

• Address: 3801 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: brickhouse-nc.com 

15. Coco Bongo Mexican Express & Cantina 

For authentic Californian Mexican cuisine, head to Coco Bongo for classic meals such as fajitas and burrito bowls. They also have fantastic margaritas, which wash down their generous portion sizes nicely.

The vibe feels truly Mexican with “Day of the Dead” decor on the walls and colorful murals but with a modern and cozy twist. You could easily visit on a date night or for a meal with friends and feel comfortable.

They also have lively music and friendly and welcoming staff, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into the hills of Oaxaca! 

• Address: 2400 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
• Website: cocobongonc.com

In Summary

We will add to this list as we continue to eat our way along Hillsborough Street. In the meantime, don’t miss our ultimate guide to Hillsborough Street, and our NC State college campus tour guide.

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