4 Hidden Restaurants to Try Out While in Raleigh, NC

When you’re in Raleigh, there are plenty of places to go if you’re hungry. If you prefer something off the beaten path, try these hidden restaurants. From Korean fried chicken to spicy Peruvian food, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds.

Soo Cafe

Many locals say Soo Cafe has the best fried chicken in the area, and they say it doesn’t even compare to the regular Southern fried chicken many are used to. This Korean barbecue restaurant makes everything to order, so your meal will always be fresh. The menu is large, so start with small dishes of seaweed salad or shrimp tempura.

They have Bento boxes available at lunch where you can get sushi, a salad, tempura, and an entree (such as the fried chicken). There are many options to choose from for your main entree or dinner, including the spicy chicken bulgogi, chicken katsu, and spicy tofu soup.

Mami Nora’s

It’s easy to find this restaurant, as it’s set in a building that’s bright yellow. This is the place to go to try Peruvian food, and it’s known for some of the most authentic, juiciest, and tastiest Peruvian food in the city. It even had a charcoal oven shipped straight from Peru to make sure the food tasted as it should. All the food has a distinct smell and flavor, and the roasted chicken is especially popular. You’ll also love the side dishes, including yucca fries, fried green plantains, and fried sweet plantains.

Poole’s Diner

Open since 1945, Poole’s Diner has been serving customers in Raleigh since the end of World War II. Back in the day, it was known for tasty sweet pies. In the 1950s, it started serving lunch as well, and now Poole’s is open for dinner and serves brunch on the weekends. The head chef even won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast, which isn’t surprising, since they supposedly have the best macaroni and cheese in the world. The menu changes every day, as it’s based on the seasonal food that’s available.

You may find mussels in white wine, fried green tomatoes, and beet salad. Don’t forget to try their desserts, such as the strawberry-rhubarb cobbler with ice cream and oat streusel. They also have a bar that opens at 5 p.m. every evening.

Brewery Bhavana

Forbes ranked this one of the top 10 coolest restaurants in the world, so it’s no wonder people come from all over to try it out. Reservations are highly recommended at this popular brewery. There are many unique items on the menu, such as seafood dumplings, General Tso’s chicken, and nasi goring crab fried rice. Don’t forget about the beer, as there are 40 different ones on tap. They will soon be venturing into barrel-aged and sour beers as well. There’s a list of 10 core beers that they make in addition to provisional beers, such as jasmine tea saison.

Check out these four hidden restaurants next time you’re in Raleigh.

Image via Pixabay.com

*Based on 2016 EPA mileage/highway estimates and driving range ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe/MPG and driving range will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors. For additional information about EPA ratings, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/label/learn-more-PHEV-label.shtml

*MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge and options. Dealer prices may vary.