Right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the 2011 holiday season, Southern Living Magazine put Raleigh to the test as a finalist for their survey of the Top 10 Tastiest Towns of the South.
Voting ended at midnight last night. We won’t know the results until the April issue of the popular magazine hits the newsstands, but we at Fonville Morisey wanted to show our support for this dubious honor. Even if Raleigh doesn’t make the cut (we’ve GOT to, right?), we still feel Raleigh should be included on the list of the tastiest towns in the south anyway.
So, to prove that theory, we asked our entire base of Fonville Morisey agents, managers, and staff what their favorite non-chain Raleigh-based restaurants are and in no particular order, the choices were –
Located at the corner of Hillsborough St. and Oberlin, right in the heart of North Carolina State University’s campus is this new eclectic eatery. Specializing in oriental fare, it’s a popular among the locals simply because Chef David Mao is known for his impressive cooking having created his tasty menu of dishes for Raleigh’s The Mandarin House and the Great Mall of China previously.
“We absolutely love David’s Dumplings and Noodle Bar on the corner of Hillsborough and Oberlin. David personally brings each diner a sample of the most delicious ginger carrot soup you’ve ever eaten. The atmosphere is perfect; the food fresh and homemade, and I could eat there twice a week and not get bored.” ~ Amanda Boswell, FM Falls Office Raleigh
“Outstanding food at reasonable prices. Whether it’s their homemade noodles, delectable soups, or wonderful main dishes the food is always wonderful. I could eat there once a week!” ~ Hugh Page, FM Lending Falls Office Raleigh
To locals, all you have to say is “Irregardless Cafe” and the result is a resounding, “Yes, please!” THAT’s how well-known this locally owned and operated Raleigh dining establishment is. Irregardless Cafe celebrates 37 years in the “City of Oaks” this weekend as a matter of fact! With dishes made from the freshest of ingredients, much of it local, including many for the vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free specialties, this restaurant has it all…and some jazz too!
“Irregardless Café downtown is a wonderful place with a great atmosphere. You will find wonderful specials and a menu that includes vegetarian selections. They also have live music. Irregardless has been around for over 30 years and it is a favorite because of the delicious dishes you are not likely to find in other restaurants.” ~ Susan Honeycutt, FM Stonehenge
“I recently dined at Irregardless Café and it was wonderful. The food was fresh creative and plentiful portions. They had more vegetarian dishes to offer than any other restaurant in Raleigh.” ~ Kim Skiba, FM Relocation Services
Elegant and casual at the same time, Winston’s Grille, has been a favorite Raleigh eatery for over 25 years. With dishes like New Orlean’s Creole Gumbo, Southwest Scallops and Winston’s famous Prime Rib along with fresh fruits and a salads, there’s something for every pallet here too.
“My favorite restaurant is Winston’s in North Raleigh. Have been going there for 21 years and have never had a bad meal or a bad experience!” ~ Kitty Goolsby, Fonville Morisey Corporate
A Raleigh establishment serving the freshest seafood since it’s humble beginnings as a grocery store in 1931, the 42nd Street Oyster Bar is a staple in the downtown Raleigh scene.
“My favorite Raleigh restaurant is the 42nd St Oyster Bar. My husband and I enjoy the atmosphere—it’s a real blend of old Raleigh (featuring all the NC politicians who have gone there over the years) and new. They also have the best cornbread and seafood around!” ~ Fran Mahoney, FM Lochmere
With over 50 years of service to the downtown Raleigh restaurant scene, Mo’s Diner is another favorite among the locals. Our Jane Temple of FM Lending had this to say ~
“Mo’s Diner is a little hidden secret in an old quaint house in downtown Raleigh. The menu changes with the seasons, but always has great choices for anyone. Mid to higher priced, but can’t say enough great things about the incredible local foods, chef and wait staff…steamed mussel app is to die for!”
One of Raleigh’s newest restaurants, Sitti, has quickly become one of Raleigh’s most popular. As the founder explains, in Lebanese tradition the grandmother (Sitti) is the beloved family figure and family itself is extremely important, so much so that sitting at a long communal table is the norm in the culture. Sitti offers delicious Lebanese dishes to be enjoyed at the table or at the various booths and tables surrounding it. The atmosphere is both casual and elegant too.
“Siti’s Lebanese Restaurant in downtown Raleigh is absolutely amazing! We went there on a Taste Carolina Tour and it ended up being our favorite stop. Don’t miss their pomegranate specialty drink!” ~Robbie Davis, FM Highway 54 Durham
Known for it’s gluten free menu of options, Bella Monica is a favorite among our Italian eaters at Fonville Morisey. Located at the Olde Raleigh Village Shopping Center on Edwards Mill Rd, it’s also convenient for lunch as well. Our Carolyn Wolf, FM Stonehenge Raleigh says it best –
I love Bella Monica’s for its festive ambience; a very exciting and happening place! Buzzing with attentive waiters! Joyful diners! Cozy booths where the lights are dimmed or window seats to watch passers-by are available! You choose. One can dine outside and feel the warm sunshine and fresh breeze blowing. The food is fantastic!”
Part of the Mad Cow Restaurants Group, locally owned and operated, Barking Cow is located at the Lake Boone Shopping Center. According to our Linda Payne of FM Inside The Beltline office –
“It’s small, local, has really good food and BIG portions. It’s not fancy but it’s just really good.”
Located in Raleigh’s Five Points district, the eclectic ambiance of Hayes Barton Cafe captures that 1940s glow, so much so that many of their dishes are inspired by that era – Pearl Harbor Oysters and Ava Gardner Salad to name a couple. While all their specialties are truly delicious it’s their deserts that keep ‘em coming back for more. Our Autumne Bennett of FM Lochmere explains –
“If you’re looking for something in Raleigh proper, my favorite is Hayes Barton Cafe. It’s wonderful food, always changing, and consistently good. Not a lot of pretention, a little eclectic atmosphere desserts TO DIE FOR!“
Did we pick your favorite? If not, we’d like to know what it is! Leave a comment below.
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