The executive chef of O-ku shares where he goes for quick meals, special dinners and more in the Raleigh area.
by Ayn-Monique Klahre | Photography by Forrest Mason
For our 2025 Guide to Where to Eat and Drink in Raleigh, we surveyed 11 people in the hospitality industry to learn where they go for a casual meal, celebration dinner, coffee fix and more. One of them was Cuong Le, the executive chef of O-Ku. Le has nearly seven years of experience in the industry, with four of those years spent in the Triangle area. While his professional background primarily focuses on Asian cuisine, he also has a deep appreciation for classic European cuisine. Le has been the executive chef at O-Ku since 2021.
Read on for his picks for where to eat and drink 2025!
Where do you go for a special-occasion dinner?
Stanbury. For me, celebrating a special event means gathering friends and family over delicious food and drinks. Stanbury consistently provides a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their creative, rustic and shareable dishes, such as the crispy pig’s head and bone marrow, are essential to try, along with any seasonal vegetable special they may have.
What’s your go-to neighborhood spot?
The Cardinal Bar for beers, pepperoncini shots and glizzies. A small, festively decorated dive bar near Smoky Hollow off of Peace Street, it’s a perfect spot to relax and unwind with the team after a long shift or to kick off the festivities for the night!
What’s a great casual spot?
Taipei 101, hidden in Cary. They specialize in Szechuan and Taiwanese cuisine. It’s the perfect spot to visit with friends and sample various dishes. Be sure to get the Dan Dan noodles, salt pepper pork ribs, and eggplant with garlic sauce to start!
Where do you get lunch?
Pho Thien Phat in Cary. Pho Thien Phat is a new Vietnamese restaurant that opened less than a year ago. I often stop by when I find myself craving a hearty bowl of pho alongside a refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee for lunch.
Where do you get a meal to go?
Paris Bánh Mì in Cary. Staying on the theme of Vietnamese cuisine, Paris Bánh Mì serves delicious Vietnamese sandwiches and teas, along with prepackaged traditional snacks. I always order a pork roll with extra pâté, a freshly baked Bánh Patê Sô and a honey green tea for a quick, on-the-go meal.
Where do you go for a drink?
Dram & Draught. With its extensive collection of spirits with rotating seasonal cocktails, Dram is a place for everyone. They have locations across North Carolina, with knowledgeable bartenders to help you find just what you’re looking for. In my case, a rye Old Fashioned or a Negroni is the way to go.
What’s your go-to coffee spot?
Sweet Talk Café in Apex. Sweet Talk offers a variety of appealing and unique specialty coffees along with Asian-style desserts. While I’m partial to Café Sửa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee), I appreciate the creativity behind their specialty drinks, such as the black sesame latte. And I can’t forget to mention the Croffle! If only I had a dollar for every time I shared the brilliance of putting a croissant in a waffle press…
What’s your favorite new-ish place?
Tamasha. Every visit to Tamasha is a truly spectacular experience, thanks to the attention given to the ambiance, beverage selections and food offerings. Although I don’t have much knowledge of Indian cuisine, the team makes it approachable and enjoyable. The dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Be sure to try the classics, order the red snapper, and definitely finish your meal with the Chef’s “North Meets South” dish along with an espresso martini, which they call the “Bagged Milk.”
What are you excited to try?
Zest Sushi & Small Plates in Cary. All I have to say is: fresh oysters, seafood towers and martinis in an elegant environment. Their menu offers a wide variety of options, appealing to everyone, even those who may not enjoy raw items. It’s fantastic to have a place like this in downtown Cary.
What’s a spot outside of Raleigh that’s worth the drive?
Tesoro, Carrboro. Although it’s a bit far from Raleigh, it’s well worth the drive. This petite restaurant in Carrboro features a small, rotating menu. Their handmade pasta and freshly made sauces deepen my appreciation for the essence of Italian cuisine every single time.
A portion of this article originally appeared in the January 2025 issue of WALTER magazine. The full version was published on waltermagazine.com on December 30, 2024.
