Best Southern American Restaurants in Durham

17 restaurants available nearby

1. NanaSteak

4.8

Exceptional(2598)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 22 times today

NanaSteak, nestled in the vibrant heart of Durham, is a quintessential American steakhouse that offers more than just a meal—it promises an experience. Renowned for its high-energy upscale dining, NanaSteak delights guests with a menu brimming with local North Carolina fare, perfectly cooked steaks, and an award-winning wine list that complements every dish. Patrons consistently rave about the "melt in your mouth" filet and the "best Brussels sprouts ever eaten." With glowing reviews like, "Always fantastic! Welcoming team, incredible food and service.. you are always taken care of," it's clear NanaSteak is a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of American cuisine in Durham.

2. Seraphine

4.8

Exceptional(539)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 9 times today

Nestled in the heart of Durham, Seraphine stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a delightful fusion of traditional flavors with modern twists. Diners rave about the "work of art" gumbo and the "out of this world" broiled oysters, highlighting the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The ambiance of Seraphine, praised for its warm and inviting atmosphere, complements its culinary delights, making every meal a memorable experience. With glowing testimonials such as "incredible from starters all the way to dessert" and "cocktails were unique and tasty," it's clear why Seraphine has captured the hearts of locals. For a genuine taste of contemporary America right in Durham, Seraphine is a must-visit, promising an enchanting dining experience that keeps patrons returning.

3. Little Bull

4.8

Exceptional(533)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 22 times today

Little Bull in Durham stands out as a beacon of Contemporary Latin cuisine, infused with a rich narrative of immigrant influence and culinary evolution. Chef Oscar's unique approach to Pocho cuisine transcends traditional labels, offering dishes that are deeply personal yet universally appealing. Praised as "beyond yummy" and "one of the best in Durham," the restaurant dishes out an array of meticulously crafted plates, from the Octo and Crudo to the vibrant Ceviche and GAMBAS, each bursting with authentic Latin flavors. At Little Bull, every meal is not just food; it’s a celebration of heritage, creativity, and the melting pot that is America, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly exceptional dining experience.

4. Counting House

4.2

Awesome(1546)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 15 times today

Counting House in Durham stands out as a premier destination for Oyster Bar cuisine, blending artistic flair with culinary excellence under the guidance of Executive Chef Melanie Wilkerson. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional seafood, the Oyster selections are a highlight, praised by patrons as "always delicious and plentiful." The restaurant's dedication to quality and freshness ensures each oyster dish is a delight, with innovative cocktails and local brews to complement the flavors. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "I had their whole roasted fish which was delicious and came with duck fat cooked potatoes which were also great. the oysters are also great." Counting House is not just a meal; it's an experience wrapped in the warmth of a historic setting, making it a must-visit for oyster lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

A photo of Fairview Dining Room restaurant

5. Fairview Dining Room

4.8

Exceptional(1869)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 5 times today

The AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room has been reimagined as a lighter, brighter backdrop for our renowned fine dining experience. Featuring custom details hand-crafted for the space by regional artisans, this new design simply enhances what you have loved for years. With the reopening of the new Fairview Dining Room, our Area Executive Chef Troy Stauffer and his imaginative culinary team have introduced a new Fall menu, perfectly complementing the elevated look and feel of the space. Indulge in a savory Cheshire Pork Tenderloin or delicious Duke of Crabcake with a sommelier suggested wine and finish with a decadent hand-crafted dessert from our pastry team, each dish embracing cozy flavors perfect for fall.

A photo of Restaurant at The Durham restaurant

6. Restaurant at The Durham

4.2

Awesome(530)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 5 times today

The Restaurant at The Durham serves an ever-evolving seasonal menu of American classics and regional specialties made with the bounty of produce, meats, cheeses and seafood from our local farms and purveyors. Start with drinks and sunset views on The Roof, followed by dinner in the Restaurant’s glass-walled dining room with striking mid-century design. Reservations made through OpenTable are for the Restaurant only. For Roof reservations and private event inquiries, please call 919-768-8831.

A photo of Nasher Cafe at Duke University restaurant

7. Nasher Cafe at Duke University

4.7

Exceptional(855)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 2 times today

Nestled within the scenic confines of Duke University, Nasher Cafe offers a gourmet café experience that transcends the typical. Praised as "the best meal I have had in Durham," this café delights with its locally-sourced, sustainable offerings, served in a setting that rivals the beauty of the art it neighbors. Patrons rave about the "delicious food and great service," highlighting the café’s ability to blend culinary art with literal art, making every dining experience unique. Whether you're craving a wild mushroom and spinach salad or the decadent flourless chocolate cake, Nasher Cafe promises a dining experience that is both "fabulous" and authentically delightful. Ideal for everything from brunch to business meetings, it's no wonder this gem is recommended for repeat visits.

A photo of Metro 8 Steakhouse restaurant

8. Metro 8 Steakhouse

4.7

Exceptional(914)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 3 times today

At Metro 8 Steakhouse in Durham, North Carolina, American cuisine reaches its peak with a delightful array of expertly prepared steaks and chops that are "consistently delicious and perfectly cooked." This upscale establishment offers a perfect blend of a cozy atmosphere and high-quality, fresh food that makes every dining experience memorable. Patrons rave about the "fantastic service" and the "amazing ambiance" that complements the culinary delights. From the "huge" Caesar salad to the "perfectly prepared" filet mignon, every dish is crafted to impress. A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Metro 8 is praised for its "friendly owners and attentive" service, ensuring that it stands out as a top destination for authentic American steakhouse fare. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual date night, Metro 8 promises an unforgettable meal with every visit.

9. Blue Corn Cafe

4.9

Exceptional(425)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Durham

Discover the essence of Latin America at Blue Corn Cafe in Durham, where the vibrant flavors of the region are brought to life through locally sourced ingredients and authentic recipes. Since 1997, owners Danielle and Antonio Rios have been dedicated to delivering a culinary experience that combines traditional Latin and South American dishes with a unique, local twist. Patrons rave about the "delicious and plentiful" dishes, from the Ropa Vieja to the Roast Barbacoa, which are consistently described as "outstanding." The cafe's cozy atmosphere and "extremely kind and thoughtful" staff enhance the dining experience, making Blue Corn Cafe a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Latin American cuisine.

A photo of Peace & Saint - Durham restaurant

10. Peace & Saint - Durham

4.7

Exceptional(9)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Durham

Booked 1 time today

Peace & Saint in Durham stands out as a premier destination for discerning lovers of authentic American cuisine and culture. This elevated shisha café lounge blends traditional American flavors with a unique Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean twist, offering a truly eclectic and vibrant dining experience. Guests rave about the “amazing vibes” and the “top notch” drinks and hookah, making every visit memorable. The atmosphere is consistently praised as “perfect” and the service is highlighted for being exceptionally “attentive and sweet,” ensuring a welcoming experience for all. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a relaxing evening, Peace & Saint promises an unforgettable experience with every visit.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
TomVIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •33 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Lunch was great and the service was friendly and helpful.
More info
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen - CaryPrice: Moderate• American• Cary
•
4.7
D
Don
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was nothing short of perfect Eastern NC barbecue.
More info
The Pit Authentic BBQPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Raleigh
•
4.3
K
Kristen
Greater Boston •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We have been to the Mandolin a few times now. Every time we walk in we walk into a very inviting space. The food is wonderful and thoughtful. Don’t forget to get some cornbread!
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MandolinPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Raleigh
•
4.6
A
ArthurVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •16 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Shrimp & grits was outstanding as usual. All of our entrees and our one app were great! Overall, very happy with creativity & execution of the menu.
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NCMA CafePrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Raleigh
•
4.4
R
robertVIP
Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •21 reviews
4.0
Dined on 18 Oct 2024
Had reservation but ended up sitting in bar area high top where it was louder than normal due to some baseball fans really into the game. We liked the Octoberfest specials: good beer and the roasted apple kraut was outstanding. Overall was fine but would have preferred to have been seated at a regular table upstairs especially now that reservations are more or less required if you don't want to wait an hour on the weekend.
More info
Carolina Brewery - Chapel HillPrice: Moderate• Regional American (Southern)• Chapel Hill
•
4

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Best Southern American Restaurants in Durham

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. NanaSteak

2. Seraphine

3. Little Bull

4. Counting House

5. Fairview Dining Room

6. Restaurant at The Durham

7. Nasher Cafe at Duke University

8. Metro 8 Steakhouse

9. Blue Corn Cafe

10. Peace & Saint - Durham

See what locals rave about

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