Nestled at the crossroads of Midtown Raleigh, North Hills sparkles as both a shopping mecca and a culinary hotspot. Locals and visitors alike flock here for high-end bites, comforting Southern classics, and under-the-radar gems—all without straying far from Six Forks Road or Lassiter Mill Road. Whether you crave an elegant dinner, artisanal pastries, or a food truck feast, North Hills plates up one of Raleigh’s most diverse food scenes. Here’s your fork-first tour of everywhere you should eat (and why you’ll be back for seconds).
The Kingpins: Must-Visit Anchor Restaurants
Step into North Hills and it’s immediately clear: This isn’t your average suburban development. The main drag along Park at North Hills Street brims with restaurants that have become Midtown anchorpoints:
- Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (4208 Six Forks Rd)
Where else can you order a half-sushi, half-burger “Burgushi” roll? This whimsical, family-friendly spot draws crowds for its creative menu mashups, impressive cocktail list, and buzzing atmosphere. Expect to spend $15-25 per entrée, but it’s worth it for quirky combos like the sushi burger or wild boar burger.
- Vivace (4200 Hillsborough St; entrance off Main at North Hills St)
This stylish Italian favorite is ideal for date nights or a group gathering. House-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and antipasto boards steal the show, topped off with craft cocktails and the city’s best tiramisu. Most entrées range from $16-32, with a trendy-yet-welcoming vibe.
- The Capital Grille (4242 Six Forks Rd)
For white-tablecloth elegance, this national steakhouse chain sets the gold standard. Savor dry-aged steaks or Maine lobster mac and cheese, all paired with an extensive wine list and impeccable service. With entrées starting around $40, it’s well-suited for special occasions.
Everyday Eats: Lunches, Brunches, and Bites to Remember
Craving something more casual, but still chef-driven? North Hills delivers, especially near The Commons and around Midtown Park.
- Midtown Grille (4421 Six Forks Rd)
A neighborhood favorite for contemporary Southern fare, it’s as good for laid-back weekday lunches as it is for festive weekend brunch. Don’t skip the crab cakes or fried chicken biscuit. Entrées start at $14.
- CO (101 Park at North Hills St)
Pan-Asian flavors shine here—think steaming bowls of ramen, bao buns, and coconut curry. Great for vegetarians and omnivores alike, and always bustling during the dinner rush. Main dishes hover around $12-18.
- Bartaco (4121 Main at North Hills St)
Inspired by the best of beachside street food, Bartaco is prized for surf-and-turf tacos (grilled duck, crispy rock shrimp, Baja fish), chunky guacamole, and margaritas. It’s a wallet-friendly choice, with most menu items in the $3-10 range.
Coffee, Sweets, and Bakeries—Afternoon Indulgence Awaits
Foodies know that North Hills is just as serious about its treats and sweets as its main courses. On weekends, follow the aroma of fresh espresso and flaky pastries.
- Happy + Hale (200 Park at North Hills St)
A light-filled, health-conscious café, Happy + Hale is beloved for smoothie bowls, cold-pressed juices, and plant-powered breakfast burritos. Outdoor seating fills up quickly during the brunch rush, with most dishes around $8-14.
- Gigi’s Cupcakes (4421 Six Forks Rd)
Crowned with extravagant swirls of frosting, these Southern-style cupcakes (in flavors from lemon to wedding cake) have earned a fanatical following. At around $4 per cupcake, they’re worth every decadent bite.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes (4421 Six Forks Rd)
Cake lovers can celebrate any occasion—or no occasion at all—with personal-sized bundt cakes in seasonal and classic flavors. It’s impossible to go wrong with the red velvet or lemon.
Food Trucks and Pop-Ups: Midtown’s Laid-Back Flavor
The North Hills Commons transforms into a lively gathering space for food trucks and pop-ups, especially on weekends and during events.
- Dank Burrito
This local truck, often sighted at Midtown Park or during festivals, slings inventive, overstuffed burritos and bowls—try the Korean beef with kimchi for a flavor-packed twist.
- Cousins Maine Lobster
A celebrity among food trucks, this mobile eatery is famed for its pillowy lobster rolls (served hot with butter or chilled with mayo). Lines start forming as soon as the truck parks at North Hills, so come early!
Pro tip: Follow North Hills’ event calendar or check social media for rotating lineups, as new flavors roll in every week.
Hidden Gems: North Hills’ Best-Kept Foodie Secrets
Beyond the high-profile anchors, some smaller spots win loyal local fans—if you know where to look.
- B.GOOD (4421 Six Forks Rd)
A fast-casual favorite that’s quietly dishing out some of Raleigh’s best grain bowls, hand-cut fries, and all-natural burgers, B.GOOD prides itself on locally sourced ingredients. Meals run $8-14 and hit the spot for a quick, healthy bite.
- Pressed by Spanglish (Food truck and pop-up appearances)
Originally a family-run pop-up, Spanglish serves up Cuban medianoches, empanadas, and sweet plantains—savory, affordable handhelds that North Hills regulars rave about.
- Fox & Hound (4158 Main at North Hills St)
Ideal for catching a game or relaxing after work, Fox & Hound delivers on classic pub grub, local brews, and a social, lively vibe. With a menu spanning pizzas, burgers, wings, and hearty salads, prices mostly range from $10-18.
North Hills Food Traditions and Festive Flavors
One of the best things about eating in North Hills is the calendar of food-centric events that energize the neighborhood year-round. Don’t miss:
- Midtown Beach Music Series in the warmer months—perfect for sipping a craft beer and sampling local bites al fresco while bands play in Midtown Park.
- Taste of North Hills—an annual festival where restaurants showcase their greatest hits, from creative sliders to Instagrammable desserts.
Plan Your North Hills Food Crawl
With its blend of established restaurants, up-and-coming food trucks, and cozy cafes, North Hills stands out as Raleigh’s tastiest crossroads. Whether you’re grabbing gourmet lunch on a work break, savoring global cuisine on date night, or indulging in a Sunday cupcake, there’s a flavorful discovery around every corner.
Pro tip: Start at the intersection of Six Forks Rd and Park at North Hills St for the highest density of options, or wander toward The Commons on a sunny Saturday to catch the area’s top pop-ups. And don’t forget to save room for dessert!
North Hills is more than a destination—it’s an invitation to eat your way through Raleigh’s ever-evolving food scene, one delicious bite at a time.