The Best Restaurants in Chapel Hill, According to our Tastemakers

Experience the quintessential south in the charming Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Peruse the Coker Arboretum at UNC-Chapel Hill, tour the Ackland Art Museum or explore the romantic greenways along the Eno River. Although a small town, Chapel Hill has a lot of flavor! Home to the nation's first public university, Chapel Hill boasts ample college town eateries to feed its hungry students. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? If you’re looking for the go-to spots in town, check out our Tastemaker List of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill.

The OpenTable Team

10 Restaurants

Updated February 25, 2020

Restaurants:	Fearrington House Restaurant, Elements, Jujube…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, Fusion / Eclectic, Asian…
Neighborhoods:	Chapel Hill…

Fearrington House Restaurant

$$$$

Contemporary American

Chapel Hill

4.6

1627 reviews

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill or exquisite fine dining, look no further than Fearrington House Restaurant. Located in Fearrington Village, just outside of town, this eatery features intimate dining rooms within the white-columned building. Diners can expect exceptional service and a world-class menu featuring the creative ideas of Chef Colin Bedford. The kitchen focuses on farm-to-fork cuisine and partners with local farms to make truly distinct seasonal dishes. Try items like the North Carolina White Shrimp with Turnip and Pine, the Spiced Duck Breast with New Season Garlic and the Rabbit with Cherries and Rose.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Elements

$$$$

Fusion / Eclectic

Chapel Hill

4.8

2150 reviews

Elements is a casual yet elegant restaurant located on Environ Way in Chapel Hill. They pride themselves on providing a truly unique and exquisite dining experience from the moment you walk in to the last bite of food that you taste. The cuisine runs the gamut from classical Asian cooking to Contemporary American and focuses on local and sustainable ingredients. Their famous dishes include the Elements Salad, Indochine Chicken Curry and Chilean Sea Bass.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Jujube

$$$$

Asian

Chapel Hill

4.7

1204 reviews

Jujube, conveniently located on Raleigh Road, is one of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill according to many locals. The kitchen brings Cantonese, Vietnamese and Indian food as well as an Eastern/Western fusion to the Triangle. They also feature an extensive collection of craft beer, a wide variety of wines and delicious signature cocktails to pair with your meal. Come relax in the laid-back and lively environment with Asian-themed decor and soft lantern lighting. Popular menu items include small dishes like Dumplings and Vietnamese Salad rolls, and large plates like the Jujube Bolognese and Drunken Noodles.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lantern

$$$$

Asian

Chapel Hill

4.7

629 reviews

Lantern is without a doubt one of the best restaurants in Chapel Hill and gets consistent mention in food and dining magazines for the overall dining experience. Located in the heart of the city on Franklin Street, it features an intimate dining area as well as a modern patio where you can enjoy food and drinks al fresco. The menu focuses on Asian cuisine and uses North Carolina ingredients sourced mainly from local farms and fisheries. Some of the most popular dishes include Tea and Spice smoked pasture-rasied NC chicken and the Moon-viewing hotpot.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bin 54 Steak & Cellar

$$$$

Steakhouse

Chapel Hill

4.7

1524 reviews

This elegant steakhouse, located near Oakwood Park on Raleigh Road, features a warm, contemporary setting to enjoy the elevated, fine dining menu. The dining area offers a view of the wood-fired grill with a semi-open kitchen. They also have a temperature-controlled wine room stocked with a large inventory of both eclectic and traditional wines. The menu boasts everything you would expect from an elegant steakhouse, including appetizers like Steak Tartare and Lobster Gnocch. Their prime steaks come with a variety of condiments and companion dishes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Talulla's

$$$$

Turkish

Chapel Hill

4.7

1104 reviews

For a truly unique experience, head to Talulla’s Restaurant on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. You will feel whisked away straight to Turkey the instant you walk into the dining area, decorated with Turkish rugs warm lighting and dark seating with plush cushions. Sink into a table and check out the extensive menu, featuring centuries-old Ottoman recipes and modern Turkish dishes alike. Choose a smattering of small plates to share with the table or try one of the popular Entrees, like the Kofte Kebabi, Balik Boregi or the Sultan’s Delight.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Il Palio

$$$$

Italian

Chapel Hill

4.6

1442 reviews

Il Palio is one of Chapel Hill’s most charming restaurants and locals love it for the warm hospitality and authentic Italian food. Located on East Franklin Street, right in the heart of town, it provides and elegant atmosphere where diners can relax into the Tuscan vibes with a delectable glass of wine. Whether you’re dining in the luxurious dining room or out on the patio, you can enjoy the rustic flavors and regional cooking in style. Favorite menu items include the Wood Grilled Octopus, Tagliatelli and the Pappardelle Bolognese.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Carolina Brewery

$$$$

Southern

Chapel Hill

4.1

160 reviews

It makes sense that a college town like Chapel Hill would know how to do breweries right. All it takes is one trip to the CArolina Brewery to see how true that is! Since 1995, this casual dining spot has been serving locals, students and visitors in the Chapel Hill area with great Southern food and Barbecue as well as a full lineup of beer, wine and cocktails. It is a fun, lively place to check out and is always packed with students, faculty, locals and visitors. Try one of their famous burgers, the Carolina Cuban sandwich or the Cheerwine Chicken - and don’t forget to save room for dessert.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cholanad Restaurant and Bar

$$$$

South Indian

Chapel Hill

4.5

477 reviews

Cholonad is another awesome option for Indian food in town. Located on West Franklin Street in the heart of Chapel Hill, this restaurant focuses on South Indian cuisine. The name Cholanad comes from the great Chola Empire, which had a very distinctive culture and cuisine. The space has a contemporary design with a touch of Tamil Architecture and the menu features Tamil food recipes dating back to 300 BC as well as modern dishes. Try the Mutton Chukka Varuval or the Fish Tawa Fry for a sample of traditional Tamil food.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Kanki Durham

$$$$

Japanese

Durham

4.3

337 reviews

Since 1972, locals and visitors alike have loved visiting Kanki for superb Japanese steakhouse fare and sushi. Located in West Durham on Mount Moriah Road, this eatery offers hibachi lunches and dinners, sushi and much more. It is definitely on the list of best restaurants in Chapel Hill for an excellent Japanese feast and it is perfect for a family night, birthday dinner or intimate date. Favorite menu options include the Hibachi Steak, Samurai Business Lunch, and the Carolina Caprese Roll.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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