We’re Eating at these Four Places This Summer in Raleigh

Discover some of our favorite places to grab a meal around downtown Raleigh this summer.
by Sasha Schroeder

It’s the perfect time to explore restaurants in downtown Raleigh. For summer, we’re revisiting some of our favorites, from upscale to casual. 

 

Royale

Royale, a French-American bistro in Moore Square, serves up casual and approachable French fare. Flooded with natural light, it’s the perfect place to catch a gorgeous sunset over dinner while staying cool inside. Try the burger, served on a local English muffin and topped with gruyere, followed by the ice cream flavor du jour. Pre or post-dinner, visit nearby Apéro, Royale’s apertif hangout in City Market.

 

 

Oakwood Pizza Box

Summer nights are the perfect time to enjoy the Person-street facing patio at Oakwood Pizza Box—choose between a classic red or white pizza and add your favorite toppings, and be on the lookout for special pop-up events, where you’ll get to try new dishes and flavors. Combined with simple cocktails and a welcoming family atmosphere, it’s worth the wait that you might encounter—the proof is in the pie.

 

Brewery Bhavana

A standing crowd favorite, Brewery Bhavana is the perfect place to visit this summer—the restaurant combines books, beer, blooms and food in a gorgeous setting. The brewery offers mainstay options as well as rotating seasonal flavors—like a refreshing saison with local berries for summer. Bhavana, Sanskrit for “cultivating,” celebrates beauty with a delicious dim sim menu served with specialty cocktails and house-brewed craft beers. Not hungry? Grab a beer and browse the thousands of books that line the walls, or pick up a bouquet of flowers. 

 

J. Betski’s

A classic Eastern European restaurant, J. Betski’s is in Seaboard Station. The family-owned restaurant spins old German and Polish family recipes into new dishes made with local ingredients. Chef and owner John Korzekwinski takes advantage of seasonal, North Carolina produce in his fresh and ever-evolving menu items. 

Need a nightcap? Check out our favorite spots for summer drinks here.