Savor the Flavor: Where to Eat in Chapel Hill
Hungry? You are in the right place! Our team here at NC Pro Realty has whipped up a list of seven of our favorite foodie hot spots in Chapel Hill.
Stroll down Franklin Street and you will appreciate the perfect blend of small town charm with an impressively metropolitan array of dining options. Deemed one of America's Foodiest Small Towns by Bon Appétit magazine, Chapel Hill boasts a number of superb restaurants to add to your foodie bucket list. Here are some of our favorites to get you started!
516 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Don’t let the tiny exterior fool you – Al’s Burger Shack houses some seriously big flavor. Al’s boasts accolades from all over, including TripAdvisor’s Best Burger in the country in 2018. The menu definitely lives up to the hype with juicy burgers, all-beef hot dogs and even two deliciously creative veggie burgers that are sure to satisfy every appetite. Round out your meal with sweet potato fries (dusted with with sea salt and brown sugar) and a creamy, dreamy Maple View Farms milkshake and you will be wondering how soon is too soon to eat here again.
423 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Asian flavors influence the farm-to-table vibe of this establishment that was named one of Gourmet Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants. Whether you savor a thoughtfully prepared meal in the intimate dining room or sip an impressively crafted cocktail in the cozy upstairs bar, you will walk away with an enjoyable experience shaped by Lantern’s commitment to quality and creativity.
1505 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Delectable crostini. House-made pasta. Succulent wood-grilled meats. These mouthwatering morsels can be found at Il Palio, an intimate dining experience within the Siena Hotel. Specializing in regional Italian cuisine, Il Palio has garnered the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence as well as AAA Four Diamond rating – in fact it is the only AAA Four Diamond Italian restaurant in North Carolina.
456 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Antique rugs, whimsical lighting and ambient music set the tone for a truly memorable meal at this family-run Turkish dining destination. Choose from an extensive menu that reflects the bold flavors and delectable dishes of traditional Ottoman fare, from expertly rolled dolmasi to the hearty sebzeli musakka. Cap it all off with authentic Turkish coffee and an order (or two!) of heavenly baklava.
431 W. Franklin Street #415, Chapel Hill
Tucked away at the back of a European-style courtyard, you will find this community favorite. Dishes full of flavor and expertly layered spice grace the chalkboard menu. Every dish is designed to satisfy, from the handmade samosas paired with chutneys to the Tandoori chicken, tender and bursting with flavor from marinating in a spiced yogurt mixture. A warmth and vitality flows through the café that welcomes one and all to share in the feast of senses that has won Vimala’s the honor of IndyWEEK’s Best Indian Restaurant in the Triangle (for eight years straight, no less).
1305 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill
Biscuits in the South are held in an almost sacred reverence. Finding a truly great biscuit with the perfect combination of flakiness and rich, buttery flavor is akin to striking gold. Consider Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen the goldmine. This no-frills eatery is drive-through/walk-up service only so don’t expect to linger but do expect to be blown away by their delicious biscuits that will make you question why you would ever go anywhere else.
2110 Environ Way, Chapel Hill
An exquisite dining experience awaits at this upscale restaurant where classical and modern cuisine mingle with bright notes of Asian flavor. The seasonal menu reflects thoughtful sourcing from local farms and producers while the serene setting serves as a fitting complement to the depth of rich flavor found in every dish. A veritable wall of wine shows off the notable wine list that has garnered the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence three years in a row. Go and savor.
NC Pro Realty takes pride in highlighting the best of the regions we serve so that you too can fall in love with the lovely people and places that make North Carolina shine.
