15 Best Restaurants In Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Carolina Coffee Shop

Billed as North Carolina’s oldest continuously running restaurant, Carolina Coffee Shop has been serving Chapel Hill residents and visitors for over 100 years. It may have changed owners and some of the interiors along the way, but the cafe has maintained its same charm and inimitable sense of place. Inside, you’ll find touches of Carolina history and a clientele that includes locals, visitors, and students alike — all gathering at the Franklin St. staple for pick-me-up coffees, Southern dishes (including biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, and pecan pie), and classic cocktails. 

carolinacoffeeshop.com, 138 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Bombolo

Chef Garret Fleming and pastry chef Eleanor Lacy have been recognized locally for their creativity and inventive menu. After all, this is not a restaurant that can be placed into a singular box. You’ll even find the phrase “ceci n’est pas un restaurant Italien,” which translates to “this is not an Italian restaurant,” over the windows. Bombolo’s menu changes each week—and it’s only open Thursday through Monday—but many diners come specifically for the fresh pasta, in all its variations. 

bombolochapelhill.com, 764 M.L.K. Jr Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen

All Southerners know that the best restaurants are often a far cry from what would be deemed “fine dining” establishments. Fancier does not equate to better. Case in point: Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen, a drive-through-only restaurant in Chapel Hill. As the name suggests, biscuits (and the chicken breast biscuit, in particular) are the highlight of the menu, but they’re also accompanied by sandwiches, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs. Whether you’re getting an early jumpstart to your day or having an extra slow morning, a trip to Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen is definitely in order. 

sunrisebiscuits.com, 1305 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Bluebird

Bluebird’s description is just as straightforward as its logo (a minimalist illustration of a bluebird with a crown): It’s an “unapologetically French bistro.” The simplicity is purposeful, though, as it allows the carefully curated dishes to shine. Francophiles who find themselves in Chapel Hill will be delighted to choose between a croque madame or steak frites and crème brûlée or torte au chocolat et aux noisettes. Bluebird is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, and the ever-changing brunch menu (featuring the likes of omelets, scrambled eggs, and Breton morning buns) is served on Sundays.

bluebirdnc.com, 601 Meadowmont Village Cir, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Al’s Burger Shack

When it comes to serving up the best burger in town, Al’s Burger Shack is a seasoned veteran. Now with two locations in Chapel Hill, the restaurant is friendly, casual, and efficient. Menu favorites include the Mookie burger (topped with Wisconsin blue marble cheese, bacon-onion jam, and roasted garlic aioli) and the Bobo Chili Cheeseburger (finished with American cheese, mustard, house-made chili, onions, and slaw). Seating may be limited at the Franklin Street location—though there is a pleasant outdoor patio—but there’s nothing wrong with taking your generous helpings to go. 

alsburgershack.com, 516 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

708 Market St Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Hawthorne & Wood

Foodies in search of a slightly more elevated atmosphere and menu may find themselves drawn to Hawthorne & Wood. Led by Michelin-starred owner and chef Brandon Sharp, who is also the mastermind behind Bluebird, the restaurant stands out in Chapel Hill as a thoughtful, decidedly romantic location. If you’re planning a special date night, this is the place to go. For dinner, expect entrees like russet potato gnocchi, pan-seared striped bass, and sautéed Chesapeake Bay flounder. There’s a selection of wine and North Carolina craft beers to sip on, but a cocktail—be it the Hawthorne Spritz or Blood Orange Martini—may be more up your alley. 

hawthorneandwood.com, 3140 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe

Chapel Hill may be a relatively small town, but, as far as food goes, it offers a bit of everything, including authentic Indian fare at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe. Take one look at the Google reviews from recent customers, and you’ll immediately get a sense of what makes this restaurant one of the best. The food is, of course, delightful—order the crispy okra, samosas, or grilled tandoori chicken—but there’s also a homey, comforting atmosphere that makes it a can’t-miss lunch or dinner spot for anyone visiting the Research Triangle. 

curryblossom.com, 431 W Franklin St #415, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Lantern

Self-described as a “​​marriage of Asian flavors and North Carolina ingredients,” Lantern has carved its own niche in Chapel Hill, one it’s maintained for many years. Both the dinner and cocktail menus consist of something for everyone—including those with dairy or gluten allergies and guests who prefer alcohol-free cocktails—and the restaurant leans heavily into all things local. Many of the kitchen’s ingredients come from small farms, ranches, fisheries, and food producers across North Carolina, resulting in fresh, inventive offerings packed with comfort and personality. 

lanternrestaurant.com 423 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Sutton’s Drug Store

Anyone who feels connected to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, whether they’re an alumnus or someone who has grown up cheering on the Heels, most likely has a special place in their heart for Sutton’s Drug Store. The nostalgic diner has been a local favorite since  1923, and it’s here where you’ll find a mix of great food and good ol’ UNC pride. Come for breakfast or lunch—though you may choose the latter if you’re partial to milkshakes and hot dogs—and soak up an only-in-Chapel Hill kind of experience. 

suttonsdrugstore.com, 159 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Time-Out Restaurant

Late nights at Time-Out Restaurant are a memorable part of college life for those attending Chapel Hill. Since it opened in the 1970s, the stalwart Franklin Street spot has been feeding its guests at any hour of the day. That’s right, Time-Out Restaurant’s continued claim to fame is the fact that it’s open 24/7. Around-the-clock breakfast and oversized biscuits certainly appeal to customers, but the menu also features a lineup of hearty Southern entrees that leave you exceptionally full and completely satisfied. Pulled pork barbecue and mac and cheese? It doesn’t get much better than that. 

timeout247.com, 201 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Osteria Georgi

When you’re craving pasta, there are a few places to go in Chapel Hill. One that should definitely be on that list? Osteria Georgi, an Italian concept restaurant from Durham-based Giorgios Lifestyle and Hospitality Group that opened in April 2021. Chapel Hill native Dan Jackson helms the kitchen as executive chef and partner, and he’s helped create a dining destination that’s known not only for its fresh pasta and cocktails but also for its amazing outdoor patio. Even if you aren’t lucky enough to sit outside (or the weather isn’t cooperating), you’ll still find the bright, warm atmosphere pairs perfectly with whatever dish you order. 

osteriageorgi.com, 201 S Elliott Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Merritt’s Grill

There are sandwiches, and then there are the sandwiches from Merritt’s Grill. Another Chapel Hill institution to add to your must-try list, the corner store has roots that date back to 1929—but it wasn’t until the 1990s that its new owners began serving up its now famous BLTs. Today, Merritt’s Grill maintains its status as a tried-and-true classic. Breakfast is on tap until 10:30 every day except Sunday, giving guests the opportunity to choose an egg and cheese sandwich with sausage, bacon, ham, or bologna. Lunch has more options, but first-timers absolutely have to go with the Single BLT, the signature sandwich. 

merrittsblt.com, 1009 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Kipos Greek Taverna

The food at Kipos Greek Taverna gets rave reviews, as does its lively atmosphere. Part of the Giorgios Lifestyle and Hospitality Group led by restauranteur Giorgios Bakatsias, the Greek restaurant is a “reflection of [his] childhood” and a nod to his mother’s cooking. Think moussaka, souvlakia, slow-roasted lamb, and various appetizers that encourage sharing. Like many restaurants in the area, Kipos uses ingredients from local farms and producers, including Pura Vida Farms, Chapel Hill Creamery, and The Freezing Pointe.

kiposchapelhill.com, 1800 E Franklin St #16, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Blue’s on Franklin

Everyone knows North Carolinians do barbecue exceptionally well, so it should come as no surprise that Blue’s on Franklin made the list. While it’s only been open since 2020, the smokehouse barbecue restaurant is owned and operated by three generations of Tar Heels, giving it a decidedly homegrown feel. The barbecue sandwich is, unsurprisingly, a favorite, but you’ll need to make return trips to try the other mouthwatering appetizers, entrees, and “loosen the belt” desserts. 

bluesonfranklin.com, 110 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Elements Restaurant & Wine Bar

Employing a combination of Asian and European cooking techniques, Elements Restaurant & Wine Bar brings an upscale experience to the Chapel Hill restaurant scene. The dinner menu is a combination of flavorful small and main plates—curry potato empanadas, edamame, Saigon noodles, poke bowls—but don’t fill up too much before dessert. With coconut cake, bread pudding, and the Elements Pie (made with dark Belgian chocolate mousse, Oreo crust, chantilly cream, and berry coulis) up for grabs, it will be hard to choose just one sweet treat.

elementsofchapelhill.com, 2110 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27517