Hi! We’re going to be in Raleigh next week and my daughter is likely to be moving there in the fall, so we have more questions. The BBQ and breakfast recs are great, though–thanks.
My daughter’s comfort foods are Japanese (not sushi) and Jewish deli. (We aren’t Japanese; we are Jewish). I know the food scene has exploded since I lived in Chapel Hill in the early 90s (and I rarely went to Raleigh, frankly)–is it too much to ask for a nice bowl of udon or matzo ball soup? Any recs for places we can try when we visit next week?
I’m sure she will find her own favorite burgers and pizza places but feel free to recommend those too. Thanks!
Unfortunately, at least around me in Raleigh, there are just about zero options for Jewish delis. There’s a spot called Brooklyn Pickle that has mixed reviews, but I haven’t made it there. I don’t know if Chapel Hill or Durham have some spots worth checking out.
Japanese here is also a mixed bag because the restaurants tend to just focus on the sushi side of things and leave the cooked dish coverage wanting. Waraji tends to have a lot of japanese dishes on the menu and not just the delicious sushi. I like a small place called Ton Noodles in North Raleigh for yummy ramen and rice dishes but I will leave the other foodies who are more informed on udon comment.
I’ve heard good things about the Miso Ramen Bar but have not been there.
I’ve never heard of a real deli in Raleigh, and it’s not for lack of looking. The nearest of which I’m aware is Perly’s in Richmond. But don’t stop there. They certainly aren’t deli’s, but you actually can get excellent pastrami at barbecue places like Prime and Dampf good. Actually better pastrami than in delis. See https://johntannersbbqblog.wordpress.com/2025/03/03/pastrami-better-than-katzs/
