I've been wanting to write this guide of restaurants everyone should try in Chapel Hill for a while now. Ever since several people told me nonchalantly that "there's nothing in Chapel Hill" when discussing the food scene of the Triangle. While smallest of the three points of the Research Triangle, Chapel Hill is still mighty! So here's my list of nineteen restaurants everyone should visit in Chapel Hill.
Il Palio
I've heard passionate Italian people call Il Palio the best Italian restaurant in the Triangle. It's certainly my favorite Italian restaurant thus far. The service is always impeccable and the food is exceptional. I've not had one thing that didn't impress me. I love their pappardelle bolognese, the gnocchi, linguine and clams, even their charred broccoli! I mean it when I say everything. The focaccia bread is the best focaccia bread I've ever had. Finally, don't forget to save room for dessert.
1505 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
https://ilpalio.com/
Al's Burger Shack
I come to Al's Burger Shack specifically for the Mookie Burger and I moan and grunt the whole time I'm eating it. It has bacon-onion jam, roasted garlic aioli, blue marble cheese smothered over a juicy patty. TripAdvisor recently named their chili burger as the best burger in the U.S. I can't seem to stray from the Mookie, so you'll have to try both and let me know!
516 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
https://www.alsburgershack.com/
Elaine's
I'd describe the food at Elaine's to be upscale Southern. The ambiance is intimate and nice, and not at all stuffy. I love being seated at the hightop near the window nook so I can watch the foot traffic on Franklin St. People watching on Franklin is always rewarding.
454 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
https://elainesonfranklin.com/
Lantern
Across the street from Elaine's is Lantern. Chef-Owner Andrea Reusing won the 2011 winner of the James Beard award for Best Chef: Southeast. Lantern's menu is inspired by Asian cuisine and made with ingredients produced in North Carolina. Their new patio just opened and I can't wait to give it a sit!
423 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
http://www.lanternrestaurant.com/
Bonchon
Sugarface and I come here at least monthly and feel so lucky to have a Bonchon in our backyard! Bonchon is an international chain specializing in Korean Fried Chicken, and you do know I wouldn't recommend a chain if I didn't love it to pieces right?
205 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
https://bonchon.com/
Rasa Malaysia
I'm so happy to have an awesome Malaysian restaurant in Chapel Hill. I noticed a general lack of Malaysian food in the area, so what a lucky gem for people who live in Chapel Hill! If you haven't had Roti Canai with Curry Ayam, definitely give it a try! It's a popular Malaysian dish comprised of buttery layered canai to dip in a potato and chicken curry. My favorite thing from Rasa Malaysia is the Penang Char Kay Teow (pictured above). The noodles have an amazing texture and smoky flavor. Another recommended dish is their mango salad; it's served with Chinese Yu Tiao (fried bread, similar to a savory churro) stuffed with shrimp.
410 Market St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
https://www.rasamalaysiach.com/
Crook's Corner
I love Crook's Corner for brunch! I've enjoyed Estelle's Big Biscuit Breakfast (biscuit smothered in a sausage, bacon, mushroom gravy), and I am in love with their Shrimp and Grits! Reading up on James Beard nominated Chef Bill Smith and his advocacy for immigration rights made me a forever fan. I love little restaurants with big hearts. Make your brunch a boozy one and order their Frozen Mint Juleps!
610 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
http://www.crookscorner.com/
Kipos Greek Taverna
Kipos offers up Greek fare in a gorgeous space. If you've been to any of the Greek islands, Kipos will make you wistful for your time there but then comfort you with their well-executed entrees. Do try their lemon ricotta pancakes for brunch! Oh, and their fries
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