Durham has become one of the South’s most exciting food cities, with a dense cluster of inventive restaurants, bars, and cafes in and around downtown.
These five relatively recent or newly buzzed‑about spots highlight the city’s mix of Southern soul, international flavors, and chef‑driven creativity.
1. M Sushi
M Sushi is a minimalist, refined sushi bar that focuses on quality fish and intentional preparation.
The interior is sleek and understated, putting the spotlight firmly on what’s on the plate.
Nigiri and sashimi are the stars, with carefully sourced fish and precise cuts. Omakase experiences allow the chefs to guide you through a progression of bites, while à la carte options and specialty rolls provide more casual flexibility.
Everything from the rice to the wasabi feels dialed in, and the experience is ideal for anyone who wants to treat sushi as a true craft.
2. Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets
Rose’s brings a playful, deeply satisfying mix of Asian‑inspired comfort food and creative pastries to Durham.
The space is cozy and casual, often buzzing with people slurping noodles and eyeing the dessert case.
The savory menu focuses on handmade noodles, dumplings, and small plates.
You might find rich broths, spicy sauces, and chewy noodles, along with dumplings stuffed with pork, vegetables, or other rotating fillings.
On the sweet side, the bakery case features inventive pastries, cakes, and cookies that change frequently. It’s equally good for a full meal or a quick snack and treat.
3. Littler
Littler is an intimate, chef‑driven restaurant that feels like a hidden gem tucked into downtown.
The dining room is dimly lit and cozy, with a small number of tables and an atmosphere that suits slow, lingering meals.
The menu is New American with global influences, shifting with the seasons. Expect inventive vegetable dishes, carefully sourced meats and fish, and creative takes on familiar ideas—think tartares, crudos, and pastas with unexpected flavor combinations.
The wine and cocktail lists are curated to match the menu’s sense of adventure, making Littler a favorite for food‑obsessed locals and visitors alike.
4. Dame’s Chicken & Waffles (Downtown Energy)
Dame’s has become a Durham institution, and its downtown presence continues to draw big crowds for its signature chicken and waffles.
The space is lively and comfortable, filled with the sound of clinking plates and happy conversation.
The menu revolves around crunchy fried chicken paired with a wide array of waffle options and flavored shmears (butters) that range from sweet to savory.
Sides like mac and cheese, greens, and grits round things out, and there are a few lighter options for balance. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and deeply rooted in Southern comfort, making it an essential stop on any Durham food tour.
5. Boricua Soul
Boricua Soul blends Puerto Rican and Southern comfort food in a way that feels both surprising and totally natural.
Located at the American Tobacco Campus, it’s casual, colorful, and full of personality.
The menu features dishes like mofongo, empanadas, and pernil alongside mac and cheese, collard greens, and other Southern favorites. Fusion items—like bowls or plates that pull from both traditions—make it easy to sample a bit of everything. It’s a great choice for a laid‑back meal before or after a game, concert, or walk around downtown.
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