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Best Contemporary American Restaurants in Wendell

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28 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Parkside Restaurant restaurant
1. Parkside Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(164)
££££
• Contemporary american • Wendell
Booked 8 times today
Parkside Restaurant in Wendell stands out as a beacon of authentic Gastro Pub cuisine, seamlessly blending comfort with culinary excellence. Located in the vibrant Treelight Square, this locally owned gem is celebrated for its "delicious food" and "exceptional customer service," making it a neighborhood favorite. The menu offers fun and flavorful choices like Mom’s meatloaf and the classic fish and chips, all complemented by a "large selection of draft beers" at the stunning marble bar. With a cozy, inviting atmosphere, Parkside is perfect for both a casual meal and special celebrations, promising a delightful dining experience that will make you a regular.
A photo of True Food Kitchen - Raleigh restaurant
2. True Food Kitchen - Raleigh
4.3
Awesome(389)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 20 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 Tupelo Honey - Raleigh restaurant
3. Tupelo Honey - Raleigh
4.3
Awesome(3922)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 54 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 Peregrine restaurant
4. Peregrine
4.6
Exceptional(266)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 9 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 Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern restaurant
5. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern
4.9
Exceptional(2609)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 34 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 Death & Taxes restaurant
6. Death & Taxes
4.9
Exceptional(157)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 21 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 Big Cat restaurant
7. Big Cat
4.8
Exceptional(136)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 29 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 Flask & Beaker restaurant
8. Flask & Beaker
3.7
Very Good(42)
££££
• Contemporary american • Raleigh
Booked 2 times 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 Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen - Cary restaurant
9. Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen - Cary
4.8
Exceptional(6607)
££££
• Contemporary american • Cary
Booked 73 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 Little Bull restaurant
10. Little Bull
4.7
Exceptional(908)
££££
• Contemporary american • Durham
Booked 49 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • PatrickGold
    New York City •71 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This restaurant is situated in a grand and and stately mansion. The ambiance is fabulous. The dinning rooms are graced with beautiful original paintings, some of them modern. The noise level was just right. Our service providers Destiny and Jack were excellent: friendly, professional, unobtrusive yet attentive and fun! I started with a lychee martini that was delish. And the cuisine was nothing short of amazing! IThe tiger shrimp and mussels were excellent, presented in a buttery sauce that was to DIE for! The chicken was finished with Cajun spices and was crispy on outside and moist on the inside inside. My date LOVED the grouper. For dessert we shared a key lime cheesecake that was PERFECT. We’ll be back!
    More info
    Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern$$$$• Contemporary American• Raleigh
    •
    4.9
  • RickGold
    Las Vegas •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    This was an off the hook dining experience. The service was excellent. The food was unbelievable. We definitely will return when visiting Raleigh.
    More info
    Peregrine$$$$• Contemporary American• Raleigh
    •
    4.6
  • BradGold
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Fantastic! Loved the vibe, service & food. Very accommodating for special dietary concerns and incredibly informative on menu options/fan favorites/personal bests! The filet was tasty however, the roasted chicken would honestly be my favorite chicken dish for life! It is ridiculously tasty!
    More info
    Death & Taxes$$$$• American• Raleigh
    •
    4.9
  • Martha
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The food was fantastic! Allergy friendly. Our server Ian was excellent.
    More info
    True Food Kitchen - Raleigh$$$$• American• Raleigh
    •
    4.3
  • JaniceGold
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 29 May 2026
    We always enjoy going to our neighborhood Parkside Restaurant. The food and service is always great.
    More info
    Parkside Restaurant$$$$• American• Wendell
    •
    4.4

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