Rooted in both history and industry, Durham has become a cultural haven for diverse eateries, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and a rich, welcoming community. Durham has a robust international culinary scene that is ever-growing. Visit Zweli’s Kitchen, one of the few Zimbabwean restaurants in the entire country, for piri piri chicken and rice jollof. Or, for an unforgettable ramen experience, book an omakase experience at Dashi and its neighboring bar, Izakaya. Sample authentic Ethiopian fare at Goorsha or sneak away to Durham’s best kept secret, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, which transforms into an unexpected dim sum joint on weekends only.
For more classic offerings, try a King Burger from long-standing family favorite, King’s Sandwich Shop, or venture to Saltbox Seafood Joint to grab the fresh catch from Ricky Moore. From Fullsteam to Ponysaurus, craft beer lovers are never without a cold glass in hand, but if ciders are more your speed, you can’t miss Bull City Ciderworks.
Stay a night or a week at the enchanting Durham Hotel, with its notable mid-century design and ample options for morning coffee, small plates, and swoon-worthy cocktails. If you’d prefer breakfast out, wander downtown to Loaf for fluffy pastries and bread or Cocoa Cinnamon for some single-origin coffee. No matter where your Bull City journey takes you, adventure is certain.
plan your trip to durham
On the Road
Snapshot: Durham, North Carolina
A renaissance is afoot in the Bull City, filling old tobacco warehouses and textile buildings with nationally-recognized restaurants, tech companies, artisan shops, contemporary hotels, and makers cut from every cloth.
In the Field
Our picks in the Triangle
North Carolina’s Research Triangle might be anchored by three major universities but this corner of the Piedmont offers much more than scholarly smarts; it’s got plenty of crave-worthy eats and an abundance of libations, too.
Dining Out
Ekhaya
Ekhaya is an elevated African-fusion dining experience with a curated menu that encompasses flavors from a variety of African countries.
Dining Out
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Saltbox Seafood joint may have single-handedly placed Durham on the map when it comes to fresh-caught seafood and down-to-earth fixings.
Dining Out
Nanas Rockwood
Nanas draws from the concept of nanas, nonnas, and grandmas, invoking feelings of nurturing intentionality and effortless hospitality.
Dining Out
La Farm Bakery
La Farm Bakery, headed by Lionel Vatinet, is baking heirloom Southern grains into French legacies in Cary, North Carolina.
Getaway
Fearrington Village
The grounds of Fearrington Village, an iconic North Carolina property, are worth a day or two of your time.
the latest in Durham
In the Field
Powerhouse Five Female Distillers
These five female distillers are bringing fine elixirs to life as they harness the powers of business, science, and creativity in the South.
Cookbook Club
Bookshelf: Farmhouse to Table
Enjoy Southern cuisine with these cookbooks from chefs that love delicious local bites.
In the Field
Why Aren’t We Eating More Wild-Caught Shrimp? | Listen
Americans are eating more shrimp than ever, up to 5 pounds per capita per year, yet it’s not the shrimp most of them think they are eating
Recipes
AP-Brined Party Wings with Leroy’s ‘Bama White Sauce
Made with 10 pounds of chicken wings, this party wings recipe from Lawrence Barbecue [...]
Recipes
Lemon Spritz Butter Cookies
These butter cookies build on traditional recipes and are punched up with lemon to [...]
Drinks
In the Pink French 75
A sophisticated take on the classic French 75 that turns purple to pink with [...]
Recipes
Nzingas’ Mac n’ Cheese
Buttery, spicy, creamy, and quick, is there anything better? This mac n' cheese recipe [...]
Recipes
Crispy “Fish Dogs” with Comeback Sauce
Ricky Moore shares his recipe for crispy fish dogs with chunky comeback sauce. This [...]
explore nearby
On the Road
Charlotte
Ingenuity paired with creativity is at the helm of the thriving restaurants and breweries expanding the Queen City’s culinary scene.
On the Road
Chapel Hill
From historic roots to cutting-edge restaurants, Chapel Hill is a quintessential southern destination.
On the Road
Raleigh
Raleigh has a lot more to offer besides great schools. As the capital of North Carolina, Raleigh has a booming culinary and cultural scene.