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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Cary

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28 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen - Cary restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(6593)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Cary
Booked 77 times today
Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen in Cary is a treasure trove of exceptional Southern cuisine, renowned for its authentic flavors and use of local ingredients. Diners rave about the "exceptional southern menu" and the "wonderful ambiance and service" that make every visit special. The restaurant crafts classic Southern dishes like shrimp and grits and southern fried chicken with perfection, ensuring each meal is both memorable and satisfying. With generous portions and a seasonal menu that offers delightful surprises, Lucky 32 stands as a beacon of Southern culinary excellence. It's no wonder patrons consistently praise it as their "absolute favorite restaurant" and a "hidden gem."
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Raleigh restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3920)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 68 times today
Tupelo Honey in Raleigh is a true celebration of Southern American cuisine, bringing the authentic flavors of the Carolina Mountains to life with every dish. This charming eatery is renowned for its "incredible food and great service," consistently impressing diners who rave about their "amazing fried chicken and collard greens" and classic Southern specialties like Shrimp and Grits. With its scratch-made, responsibly sourced offerings, Tupelo Honey is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or dinner, promising a delightful experience that "never disappoints." The restaurant's dedication to Southern hospitality and culinary excellence makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking genuine American comfort food.
A photo of Flask & Beaker restaurant
3.7
Very Good(41)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 1 time today
Curiosity. Precision. Discovery. On NC State University’s innovative Centennial Campus, Flask & Beaker is where culinary science meets artful design. Overlooking the serene waters of Lake Raleigh, this modern dining lab experiments with bold flavors, and cutting-edge mixology to create a formula for an unforgettable experience.Much like its namesake, Flask & Beaker is a place of exploration—a refined yet relaxed space where every dish and cocktail is carefully engineered to delight the senses. Start your day with breakfast that sparks creativity, refuel at lunch with perfectly balanced flavors, or wind down at dinner with cocktails designed like liquid alchemy.Whether you’re a researcher chasing breakthroughs, a golfer perfecting your swing at Lonnie Poole, or a guest preparing for game day, Flask & Beaker invites you to step into our laboratory of taste and innovation. Here, the hypothesis is simple: when precision meets passion, brilliance is inevitable.
A photo of True Food Kitchen - Raleigh restaurant
4.3
Awesome(387)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 23 times today
True Food Kitchen believes that the food you crave can also make you feel great. Our scratch-made, chef-crafted menu celebrates seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and proudly sourced produce and proteins, creating dishes that are as nourishing as they are crave-worthy.From 100% Grass-Fed Burgers, Pizzas made on an in-house fermented Sourdough Crust, perfectly curated Bowls & Salads, to vibrant cocktails and indulgent shareables, every dish is designed to spark togetherness, joy, and bold satisfaction. Whether you’re joining us for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, True Food Kitchen is the perfect place to connect, celebrate, and discover just how good real food can be.
A photo of Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(2607)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 31 times today
Located in downtown Raleigh’s historic Victorian Dodd-Hinsdale House (circa 1879), Second Empire combines history, atmosphere, exceptional service and gourmet cuisine for an unforgettable dining experience. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern features our award winning Contemporary American Cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern enjoy a more casual environment.Second Empire is very proud to be the recipient of the DiRoNA Award (Distinguished Restaurants of North America), the AAA Four Diamond Award (Raleigh’s only restaurant with this award) and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 1998.
A photo of Peregrine restaurant
4.5
Awesome(261)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 10 times today
Peregrine is a neighborhood restaurant in Raleigh serving seasonal American cuisine with global influences. We believe in flavors without borders, combining the best ingredients from North Carolina with techniques and inspirations from around the world. The result is food that feels both familiar and exciting, served in a warm, art-filled space designed for everything from casual dinners to memorable celebrations.
A photo of Death & Taxes restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(152)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 33 times today
This restaurant, from renowned chef Ashley Christensen, is dedicated to the technique of cooking with wood fire. You can find a delicious wood-fired steak, of course; but much of the menu showcases the element of fire in more subtle ways. Don't miss dishes like roasted oysters with preserved lemon and chili butter; rabbit cotechino with embered kale relish, mustard frills, smoked rabbit jus; and luxurious pastas like the buttery agnolotti with grilled maitake, chèvre, lemon thyme.The space itself is sophisticated and sleek, and full of character. The building was established in 1907 and has formerly housed a funeral home and a bank (the restaurant's name is a hat tip to these former tenants). Don't miss the beverage program, including the extensive wine list. The wine cellar is housed in a former bank vault in the basement.
A photo of Little Bull restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(901)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 48 times today
Little Bull in Durham is a shining example of Contemporary American cuisine that beautifully embodies the ever-evolving American identity. Inspired by the diverse palates of first-generation immigrant kids, Little Bull offers a unique and authentic dining experience that transcends traditional labels like "New American." Reviewers rave about the "inventive" and "beautifully plated" dishes, with favorites including the Goat Birria Dumplings and the Arepas. The restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity is evident in every bite, with dishes that are "well cooked, flavorful, and served at just the right temperature." Little Bull is a must-visit for anyone seeking a fresh take on American cuisine.
A photo of Big Cat restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(129)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 35 times today
Anchored on the corner of Brookside Drive at Glascock Street, Big Cat is a multi-concept operation featuring day-to-night offerings for East Mordecai, Oakwood and the surrounding family-centric neighborhoods it will serve. Big Cat will offer table-service dining, a full bar, an ample all-season, covered and heated outdoor patio, a small-footprint market connecting the counter with the bar/tavern, offering a curated wine selection, everyday needs for families, and prepared foods to-go.Under Kumar’s direction, the kitchen will execute an approachable, fun and adventurous menu; slow roasted, lightly smoked North Carolina heritage chickens, big crunchy salads next to hearty braises in the winter and marinated Mediterranean summer vegetables with grilled lamb or seafood in the summer. A small daytime menu, including sandwiches heartily stuffed with house pickles and global flavors, as well as soft serve, will be available year-round.
A photo of Margaux's Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2613)
$$$$
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 15 times today
Margaux's Restaurant in Raleigh is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine, consistently delivering an extraordinary dining experience for over 30 years. Their "ever-changing menu" keeps patrons returning to explore new flavors, ensuring that each visit is as exciting as the last. Diners rave about the "excellent" and "perfectly prepared" dishes that showcase the best of Contemporary American culinary creativity, from succulent crab cakes to mouthwatering steaks. With an atmosphere that blends "high-energy metropolis" vibes with "soulful Southern hospitality," Margaux's stands out as a must-visit dining destination in Raleigh. Experience their outstanding service and ambiance, and you'll soon discover why Margaux's is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • CinnamonGold
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Unique take on classics and some surprises along the way. The avocado bites were my favorite.
    More info
    Flask & Beaker$$$$• Contemporary American• Raleigh
    3.7
  • ChristinaGold
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •69 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Every single thing we ordered at Tandem was OUTSTANDING! We went with a ton of appetizers, because they sounded so delicious - the mussels, the beet salad, the deviled eggs and the scallops were sublime. My sweetie ordered the short ribs and they were spoon tender. The lemon creme brulee was AWESOME for dessert. The cocktails were also delicious. Our server, Heather, was so much fun. She knew the menu well and was able to give recommendations quickly. I hope when we return, she's our server!
    More info
    Tandem$$$$• Contemporary American• Carrboro
    4.3
  • Brinson
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great birthday dinner ! The staff was friendly and the food was great !
    More info
    Death & Taxes$$$$• American• Raleigh
    4.9
  • Kyle
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    From the cheese board to our chocolate souffle, every part of our anniversary dinner was thoughtfully prepared. Each dish was conceptualized beautifully and cooked to perfection. The wine list and recommendations were equally impressive, especially for orders by the glass. Highlights were the wet aged filet, cana de cabra, and grouper. Every aspect of the experience, from the luxurious venue to the attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable staff made for a delightful and relaxing evening.
    More info
    Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern$$$$• Contemporary American• Raleigh
    4.9
  • Roddrick
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    First time there as we wanted to try a new restaurant. The food was great. I had the chicken parm with spaghetti squash. It was light but filling. My daughter had the turkey burger and absolutely devoured it. We will be going back in the future.
    More info
    True Food Kitchen - Raleigh$$$$• American• Raleigh
    4.3

Discover best Contemporary American restaurants in Cary

Discover the best of contemporary American cuisine in Cary, Raleigh, and the Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill area. This region boasts a vibrant dining scene characterized by its innovative approach to American gastronomy, blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Restaurants here are celebrated for their commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are both familiar and excitingly unique. Patrons can expect a variety of dining experiences, from casual eateries to upscale establishments, all offering a taste of modern American creativity. Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visitor eager to explore the area's culinary delights, these restaurants provide excellent service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a truly memorable dining experience. Each venue highlights the uniqueness of contemporary American cooking, ensuring that every meal is not just eaten, but savored. For those looking to indulge in high-quality, inventive American cuisine, this area offers an array of options to satisfy every palate.

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