Food & Drink as an Art

Diversity drives Durham's culinary offerings as much as its proximity to great local producers and deep Southern food heritage. Visitors are as likely to find life-altering collard greens and barbecue as they are to tuck into a plate of authentic Peruvian charcoal-fired rotisserie chicken or enjoy an eight-course Japanese kaiseki tasting menu.

Locally produced beverages also give a nod to Durham's unique sense of community: there's a beer that promotes LGBT rights; mead that's made with locally produced fruits, honey, and botanicals; and a distillery that guarantees a living wage to all employees.

• Explore local favorites, including Mateo, Gocciolina, and Watts Grocery.

• Check out restaurants getting rave reviews, like M Sushi, Picnic, and Littler.

• Uncover hidden gems, such as Chicken Hut, Vegan Flava, and KoKyu Na'Mean.

• Find Durham-produced liquors, ranging from gin to Lithuanian honey liqueur, behind the bar at local restaurants and watering holes. Watch Durham bartenders make cocktails with locally produced liquors >>

• Experience Durham's beer scene by getting to know local breweries and bottle shops.

Celebrated Cuisine

Local Favorites

Beer Scene