Raleigh Restaurants

the mint restaurant offers contemporary southern cuisine, steaks, and seafood. in my opinion the best restaurant in downtown raleigh. the mint has an opulent contemporay decor and a great up stairs bar. a great place to entertain business associates in downtown raleigh. expensive.

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Jasmin was one of the first restaurants I tried when starting my graduate school here at NCSU. I wandered in on a Saturday afternoon to give it a try, as I love Mediterranean food. I ordered a gyro, hummus, and baklava, simple and easy.

The food was tremendous. The gyro meat was warm and well-spiced, and accompanied by fresh, crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes, and a smooth yogurt sauce. The pita was excellent, warm without being overly dry (a complaint I have often with pita bread). The hummus was smooth, served with a drizzle of olive oil and olives, with slices of pita to boot. And the baklava was flaky and cinnamon-y.

The staff are always seem happy and greet you with gusto. It is an enjoyable place to sit and eat, either inside or (as the Hillsborough construction finally nears completion) on the sidewalk. I highly recommend it for a lunch campus-side. They also have 2 other locations spread through the Raleigh area.

Sometimes when you're traveling, you're not looking for the most expensive restaurant on the planet. Sometimes you just want food that is delicious and well-priced for a traveler. Well, in Raleigh (and surrounding areas), you have an option: Cook-Out. If you're looking for an American lunch, like a good burger, this is the place to go. Cook Out is a Raleigh-based, small time fast food counter that specializes on one thing: coking some of the tastiest burgers and shakes out there.

The locations themselves are simple affairs, with walk-up counters and drive-through (2 lanes for faster service). But they allow the food to speak for itself. The prices are reasonable, even on the cheap side. Burgers are around $3, and shakes are about $2. You can't beat that!

Favorite Dish: The burgers are simple: grilled beef on a bun. You can get it in different sizes (up to 1/2 lb) and with different combinations (try the cheddar: cheddar cheese, bacon, and grilled onions). The burger is cooked perfectly, hot and still juicy, dripping with yumminess. There are other options for non-beef eaters; chicken strips, chicken burgers, and BBQ.

But don't stop there. Add on a side, such as fries, hush puppies, or onion rings. And you cannot miss one of their shakes. Nearly 40 flavors of shakes, served cold and dense as a brick, almost like a gelato rather than a milk shake. I had the oreo, a classic, and it was packed full of cookies and delicious ice cream. The folks there know how good they are; they make sure to serve each one with a spoon.

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I made a Sunday afternoon visit to the Crabtree Valley Mall, and after shopping I had lunch at Brio. IT was excellent, staff were friendly and attentive. I was there at a little after 14.00, so had a late lunch.

The recpotion staff were friendly too, and let me wait inside when there was a torrential down pour of rain after a very warm afternoon.

Sun-Th 11:00am-10:00pm, Fri-Sat 11:00am-11:00pm

BRUNCH AT BRIO ~ Available Saturday and Sunday Until 3pm.

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After some retail therapy at the Crabtree Valley Mall - my colleague, Donna, and I went to dinner. It was a spur of the moment thing - but it was well worth it.

It was excellent experience; the interior was large and cool - Egyptian style decor, latin music and great staff. Our server was Will - great service and personality.

Favorite Dish: The spicy cashew chicken and kpobe burger are great choices. Also have a cheesecake or at least one slice. I recommend the Dulce de Leche cheesecake.

Whilst out shopping with a colleague at the Crabtree Valley Mall - I came across this restaurant as i was looking for Barnes & Nobel. All I can say is that the staff are excellent and food is second to none.

Sadly, I had to cut my visit short as I found that the supplier we were in discussion with that day had brought their staff to eat there too.

However it was a great place to visit and I will go back and have a less interrupted visit.

Favorite Dish: The menu is excellent - large and SMALL steaks available from this restaurant.

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This was another restaurant that was recommended by the hotel concierge service - and yet again, I think I can say that it was a good tip to follow. It seems that this is a long established and family run steakhouse. I believe that 2009 sees it enter it's 45th year of business and it is still family run; currently the daughter of the founder is running the operation, Van Eure.

From what I can remember about the restaurant - you fill find it is busy and if you book a table for 21.00 or 21.30 you should have no trouble getting seated. There is also a shop and a bar - the Wild Turkey bar and lounge is also a busy place to visit. They also offer you a complimentary shoeshine when you are waiting. The portions are very very large - but don't worry they always ask if you wish a box to take the unfinished food home.

Don't forget to take the traditional red apple when you leave the restaurant.

Favorite Dish: It's a steak house so use your common sense.

Big Ed’s is great on Saturday morning. They have an old band out front while you wait in line singing Dixie songs. Inside the atmosphere is a collage of southern relics. It is a great place to get some southern cooking!

Favorite Dish: Grits, Sausage and biscuits! And Sweeeeeeet Tea.