Restaurant Guide

"Chapel Hill has a multitude of restaurants, taverns, clubs and theaters. Different eating places throughout town are like hidden jewels, reflecting the different moods, cultures and flavors of our area. For a complete list of restaurants, we encourage you to visit the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau at http://www.chocvb.org/." Quoted from the Town of Chapel Hill website.

Jump to: Near the Siena Hotel: Eastgate Shopping Area | Village Plaza | University Mall | East Franklin Street | Bars

Selected Franklin Street and Downtown Dining: Lunches, Dinners and Snacks under $15 | Moderately Priced (up to $30, most $15-25 | Expensive ($25-30 and up, based on entrées only)

SEMLA Restaurant Guide for Near the Siena Hotel

Eastgate Shopping Area

Bruegger's Bagel Bakery

1800 East Franklin St (Eastgate)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-5524
Open daily 6am-9pm.

Bagels (17 kinds) freshly baked on premises and practically everything that can be put on them, plus homemade soups, fruit, brownies, cookies and a variety of beverages.

EVOS

1800 East Franklin St , #26 (Eastgate)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-5867
Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Fast casual restaurant known for its reduced-fat burgers (baked, not fried or grilled) with naturally raised, hormone-free beef, with fries cooked in special ovens (not deep fried).

The Loop Pizza Grill

1800 East Franklin St (Eastgate)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 969-7112
Open Sun-Thu, 11:20am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11:20am-11pm; Sun, 11:20am-10pm.

Offers a wide variety of California- and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, garden salads, soups, burgers and other sandwiches (all grilled), homemade onion rings and steak fries, and milkshakes. Meals for kids (up to 12).

Starbucks Coffee

1800 East Franklin St (Eastgate)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-2613
Call for hours

All kinds of wonderful coffee and coffee drinks, plus pastries and desserts. Favorites are cheesecake, chocolate cake and scones. Wi-Fi.

TCBY

1800 East Franklin St (Eastgate)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 967-0629
Open Mon.-Thu., 11am-10pm; Fri.-Sat., 11am-11pm; Sun., noon-10pm.

Offers frozen yogurt, ice cream and sorbet.

Twisted Noodles

1800 East Franklin St (Eastgate)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-9933
Open Sun-Thur, 11am-10pm; Fri -Sat 10 am - 11 pm

Authentic Thai food. From the traditional Thai flavors to the more innovative, Twisted Noodles has something for everyone's palette. All of their dishes can be prepared vegetarian or vegan, spicy or mild. Offers beer and wine.

Village Plaza

Jim's Famous BBQ

115 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-7427
Open Weekdays at 6 am and Weekends at 7 am

Serves breakfast daily. Also offers hickory-smoked, pit-cooked barbecue (pork, beef and chicken), and ribs, with a variety of non-barbecue items like chili, burgers and salads. All ABC permits. Free parking. Kids menu.

Locopops

231 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 286-3500
Open daily, noon-9pm.

The owner trained in Mexico to offer an amazing variety of frozen pop flavors like mojito and tamarind, and interesting combinations like cinnamon-watermelon.

Penguin's Cafe and Coffe Bar

81 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-1983
Open daily, 7:30am-9pm.

In Whole Foods Market. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. All natural foods prepared fresh daily. Hot bar, salad bar, sushi bar and sandwich station. Seasonal drink menu. Fresh baked breads and desserts. Full-service deli bar. Beer and wine only. Free parking. Kids menu. Outdoor dining.

Red Lotus Asian Kitchen and Bar

239 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-7778
Open for lunch Sun-Fri, 11am-2:30pm; for dinner Sun-Thu, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm.

Offers a wide choice of traditional and creative new dishes, including appetizers, soup, salad, entrees, Asian noodles, rice lo mein and other courses. Daily specials. All ABC permits.

3 Cups Wine, Coffee and Tea

227 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-8993
Open Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm.

3 Cups offers a selection of 200 wines for sale, a wine tasting bar on Friday and Saturday night, wine and food tastings on Thursday night, coffee cuppings and brewing at Saturday morning workshops.

University Mall

Weathervane

201 South Estes Dr (University Mall in A Southern Season)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-9466
Open Mon-Thu, 7am-9pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-10pm; Sun, 10:30am-6pm.

Fine Dining. Inviting restaurant at A Southern Season, the nationally acclaimed landmark gourmet market. Fresh regional fare, specialties from the shop and a rotating seasonal menu reflect the taste and service that made A Southern Season world-famous. All ABC permits. Credit cards. Free parking. Kids menu. Outdoor dining. Fine Dining.

Spice Street

201 South Estes Dr (University Mall)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 928-8200
Market open daily for lunch buffet, 11am-3pm. Market Grille open for dinner daily, 5:30-10pm (Fri-Sat, till 10:30).

Fine Dining. A new concept in dining entertainment by George Bakatsias features cuisines from around the world, mainly Moroccan, Asian and Latin in grand and equally exotic decor. Sushi bar. All ABC permits. Outdoor dining. Entertainment.

East Franklin Street

Caffé Driade

1215-A East Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-2333
Open Mon-Thu, 7am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-midn; Sun, 7:30am-11pm.

Since 1995, this national award-winning espresso bar, teahouse and wine bar has been serving espresso and coffee roasted fresh everyday by the Carrboro Coffee Company. Specializes in traditional espresso-based drinks, coffee, whole-leaf tea, juice, smoothies and shakes, plus baked goods and sandwiches. Cigar humidor. Featured on The Food Network (Rachael Ray's $40 a Day). Beautiful woods, gardens and patios let patrons relax, unwind, concentrate or ponder. Outdoor dining. Displays art for sale, changed monthly. Beer and wine only. Free parking. Entertainment: Live music (May-Oct), Wed, Fri-Sat.

Caribou Coffee Company

1408 East Franklin St (at Estes Dr)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-3735
Open Sun-Thu, 6am-midn; Fri-Sat, 6am-11pm.

Serves fresh-roast coffee, specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, coffee coolers, teas, pastries and a whole line of merchandise (coffeemaking equipment, coffee beans, mugs and gift items). Free parking.

Cinco De Mayo Restaurant and Cantina

1502 East Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-6566
Open Mon-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-10:30pm; Sun, noon-10pm.

Serves traditional, quality Mexican cuisine in a casual, fun atmosphere. All ABC permits. Micro Brew on tap. Private parties space available.

Il Palio Ristorante

1505 East Franklin St (in The Siena Hotel)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 918-2545
Open for breakfast Mon-Fri, 6:30-10am (Sat-Sun, 7-10am); for lunch daily, 11:30am-2pm (incl. Sat and Sun brunch); for dinner nightly, 5:30-10pm.

North Carolina's only AAA Four-Diamond Italian restaurant. Executive Chef Jim Anile's Italian cuisine is modern, seasonal and innovative, offering à la carte or special tasting menus and courses paired with fantastic wines. Awards earned from Condé Nast and Wine Spectator magazines. Special two-course lunch special Mon-Fri, $15.95. All ABC permits. Free parking. Entertainment: Pianist or guitarist Thu-Sat, 7-10pm.

Tandoor Indian

1301 East Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 967-6622
Open for lunch daily, 11:30am-3pm; for dinner Sun-Thu, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm.

Fine Dining. Authentic regional cooking of India, featuring a variety of specialty items, vegetarian dishes and the popular Tandoor (clay-oven) dishes. Daily lunch buffets and dinner buffets Fri-Sat. Beer and wine only. Free parking.

Bars

Looking for a place to wet your whistle? Check the Nightlife section of the Orange County Visitor's Bureau website to study your options. Here are a few recommendations from our Head of the Local Arrangements Committee, Renée McBride:

The Crunkleton

320 West Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-1125
Open daily 4pm-2am

The Crunkleton serves over 300 distilled spirits in an elegant setting. According to their website, "our approach involves getting to know the customer in order to create a drink that you will enjoy." The Crunkleton is a private club, but memberships are available at the door for as little as $5 for a lifetime membership.

Roberts at the Franklin

311 West Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 442-9000
Open Mon-Thu, 4-11pm with bistro menu 4-10; Fri-Sat, 4-12 with bistro menu 4-11; closed Sun

Located in downtown Chapel Hill, the Roberts is the lobby bar and patio in the Franklin Hotel. Offers wine and cocktails, as well as a menu including appetizers, sandwiches, and desserts.

West End Wine Bar

450 West Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-7599
Open Sun-Thu, 5pm-1am; Fri and Sat, 5pm-2am

West End Wine Bar serves wine, cocktails, and microbrews. If you're looking for a bite, try the tapas menu.

Caffé Driade

1215-A East Franklin St
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-2333
Open Mon-Thu, 7am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 7am-midn; Sun, 7:30am-11pm.

Within easy walking distance of the Siena Hotel. Since 1995, this national award-winning espresso bar, teahouse and wine bar has been serving espresso and coffee roasted fresh everyday by the Carrboro Coffee Company. Specializes in traditional espresso-based drinks, coffee, whole-leaf tea, juice, smoothies and shakes, plus baked goods and sandwiches. Cigar humidor. Featured on The Food Network (Rachael Ray's $40 a Day). Beautiful woods, gardens and patios let patrons relax, unwind, concentrate or ponder. Outdoor dining. Displays art for sale, changed monthly. Beer and wine only. Free parking. Entertainment: Live music (May-Oct), Wed, Fri-Sat.

3 Cups Wine, Coffee and Tea

227 South Elliott Rd (Village Plaza)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-8993
Open Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm.

3 Cups offers a selection of 200 wines for sale, a wine tasting bar on Friday and Saturday night, wine and food tastings on Thursday night, coffee cuppings and brewing at Saturday morning workshops.

The Bar at Il Palio Ristorante

Located inside the Siena Hotel. Offers wine, champagne, and martinis in an upscale but comfortable setting.

Selected Franklin Street and Downtown Dining

Lunches, Dinners and Snacks under $15

B-Ski's Tortilla Wrap Grill

147 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 969-9727
Open Sun-Wed, 11am-3am; Thu-Sat, 11am-4am, Mon, 11am-10pm.

Offers soups, salads and hot and cold tortillas filled with a wide choice of steak, chicken, cheese, vegetables and sauces. Breakfast wraps served all day. Cushioned booths and fireplace.

Ben and Jerry's Homemade

102 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-9068
Open daily, noon-11pm.

Your fun and funky ice cream emporium, serving Vermont's finest ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbets. We make cones, shakes, sundaes, the Vermonster and delicious ice cream cakes. 'Let us scoop up some fun for you!'

Buns

107 North Columbia St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 240-4746
Open daily for lunch, dinner and late night.

Menu includes gourmet turkey, veggie, beef, salmon and tuna burgers with hand-cut fries.

Caribou Coffee

110 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-5404
Open Sun-Thu, 6am-midn; Fri-Sat, 6am-11pm.

Serves fresh-roast coffee, specialty coffee drinks, teas, pastries and a whole line of coffee merchandise (beans for the home or office and more).

Carolina Coffee Shop

138 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 942-6875
Open Tue, Thur, Fri and Sat , 9am-2am; Wed, 9am-10pm; Sun, 9am-2pm.

The oldest original restaurant in Chapel Hill (a student post office and soda shop before 1922). Staying true to the college scene, we offer hearty breakfast dishes until 2 pm including eggs benedict, French toast, pecan Belgian waffle and omelets. On Sundays you can enjoy brunch. The lunch and dinner menus offer a diverse menu of upscale pub cuisine, such as French onion soup, gourmet burgers, salads, sandwiches and delicious desserts. In addition to excellent food, there is a wide selection of beers, wines and mixed drinks at the bar. Live music.

Chill Bubble Tea

145 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 338-2472
Open Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-midn; Sun, noon-10pm.

Offers a wide choice of flavored teas (classic, fresh fruit, chilled, seasonal and regional) -- in traditional and unexpected flavors (like cantaloupe, watermelon, strawberry shortcake, cotton candy, bubble gum and others).

Cold Stone Creamery

131 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-2323
Open Sun-Wed, noon-11pm; Thu-Sat, noon-midn.

Employees make fresh ice cream daily, then customize it with a choice of more than 30 ingredients and flavors.

Cosmic Cantina

128 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 960-3955
Open daily, 11am-4am.

This northern California-style taqueria serves healthy burritos, salads, quesadillas and other specialties. Roof deck. All ABC permits.

Franklin Street Pizza and Pasta

163 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-5277
Open Mon-Sat, 11am-midn; Sun, noon-11pm.

Pizza, salads, subs and pasta. Casual dining with room for 70 people. Beer and wine only. Kids menu.

Franklin Sweets

143 B West Franklin St (University Square)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-0064
Open Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 10am-8pm.

Serves specialty coffees, house-made cheesecakes, pastries, mousse and cookies. Also ice cream, milkshakes and juices.

Kurama Sushi and Noodle Express

105 North Columbia St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 968-4747
Open daily, 11:30am-10pm.

Japanese chefs prepare sushi in the state's first Kaiten rotating sushi bar, nicknamed 'sushi-go-round'. Also offers appetizers, soups, dumplings, noodles and desserts. Beer and wine only.

McAlister's Deli

205 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 969-1102
Open daily, 10:30am-10pm.

Upscale Southern-style deli offering hefty-portion sandwiches, soups, salads and Texas-size spuds, plus sweet tea. Kids menu.

Mediterranean Deli and Catering

410 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2666
Open Mon-Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun,11am-9pm.

Authentic Greek and Middle Eastern food, including gyros, souvlaki, falafel, hummus, Greek salad and more. Indoor and sidewalk seating.

Panera Bread Company

213 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-9189
Open Mon-Fri, 6:30am-9pm (Fri, till 10); Sat, 7:30am-10pm; Sun, 7:30am-9pm.

Full bakery and café serving fresh baked goods (pastries, sandwich breads, bagels, etc), made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, cookies and coffees (javas, lattes, mochas, etc). Outdoor dining. Entertainment.

Pepper's Pizza

107 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 967-7766
Open Mon-Sat, 11am-midn; Sun, 4-10pm.

Watch pizza being made through the front window. Features pizza with 30 toppings, appetizers, salads, calzones and stromboli. Beer and wine only.

The Pita Pit

115 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 933-4456
Open Mon-Sat, 11am-3am; Sun, noon-3am.

A convenient fast-service restaurant with eat-in, take-out and delivery service available. Offers a healthy alternative to more typical fast food, with a selection of meat and vegetarian pita sandwiches and salads.

Sandwhich

407 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-2114
Open Tue - Sat ,11 am - 4 pm; 5:30 pm - 10 pm; Sunday Brunch 11 am - 3 pm, Closed Monday.

Offers a choice of creative cold and warm sandwiches on homemade breads, plus soups and side orders. Beer and wine only. Credit cards. Free parking. Outdoor dining. Lunchtime and Brunchtime are counter service; Dinner has table service so you can completely relax at the end of your day.

Starbucks

103 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 932-3824
Open Mon-Thu, 6am-10pm; Fri, 6am-midn; Sat, 7am-midn; Sun, 7am-4pm.

All kinds of wonderful coffee and coffee drinks, plus pastries and desserts. Favorites are cheesecake, chocolate cake and scones.

Sugarland

140 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-2100
Open daily, 7am-midn.

Bakery café and bar in the morning offers coffee and espresso, éclairs, cupcakes and cream puffs; at lunch paninis, lobster salad and chicken friand in a pastry shell with mushroom cream sauce; in the afternoon warm freshly baked cookies and 22 flavors of gelato; and in the evening chocolate fondue, crème brulée and cocktails. Warm-cookie happy hour. All ABC permits.

The Yogurt Pump

106 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-7867
Open Mon-Sat, 11:30am-11:30pm; Sun, noon-11:30pm.

Yogurt is an art here, with truly remarkable flavors. Not just chocolate, Ghiradelli chocolate. Not coffee flavor, but mocha java. Try the Kahlua and Bailey's or Oreo cookie. Also, great selections with no sugar added, low-fat and no-fat, so you can enjoy treats guilt-free.

Moderately Priced (up to $30, most $15-25)

Butternut Squash Restaurant

133 West Franklin St (University Square)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-8199
Mon-Thur 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5 pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am - 2:30 and 5 pm-9:30pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm and 5pm-9pm.

Contemporary vegetarian restaurant featuring soups, salads, sandwiches, tapas, pizza. Sunday brunch offering omelettes, grits, muffins, bagels, veggie plates, fruits.

Carolina Brewery

460 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 942-1800
Open Mon-Thu, 11:30am-midn; Fri-Sat, 11:30am-1am; Sun, 11am-midn. Sat-Sun, brunch.

Chapel Hill's first microbrewery features contemporary American cuisine and handcrafted ales and lagers. Many dishes are made with beer, including desserts. Best Brew Pub in the Southeast Award (2000). Free shuttle to UNC basketball and football games. All ABC permits. Free parking. Kid-friendly. Outdoor dining.

Crooks Corner

610 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-7643
Open Tue-Sun, 5:30 until; Sun brunch, 10:30am-2pm.

Casual seasonal Southern dining and fresh seafood specialties, inside and outdoors (weather permitting). Chef Bill Smith is nationally recognized. Menu changes daily. Home of shrimp and grits and honeysuckle sorbet. Lively, casual atmosphere. All ABC permits. Credit cards. Outdoor dining.

Four Eleven (411) West

411 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2782
Open for lunch Tue-Fri, 11:30am-2:30pm (Sat, till 3:30pm, and Sun brunch, 10:30am-2pm); for dinner Sun-Mon, 5-9:30pm; Tue-Thu, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm.

Cooking is designed to capture the vitality of Italy and the Mediterranean with a contemporary and imaginative twist. Pizza cooked in a wood-burning oven. Desserts and cappuccino bar. All ABC permits. Kids menu.

Lime and Basil Vietnamese

200 West Franklin St (The Pavilion)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-5055
Open seven days a week, 10:30am-9:30pm.

Serves fine and varied Vietnamese cuisine, much of it with the namesake's flavors.

Mint Restaurant

504 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-6188
Open for lunch Mon-Fri, 11am-2:30pm; Sat-Sun, noon-2:30p.m.; and for dinner Sun-Thur, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 5-11pm.

Features contemporary northern Indian cuisine, including a daily buffet. Vegetarian. All ABC permits.

Penang Malaysian and Thai

431 West Franklin St (The Courtyard)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-2288
Open daily, 11am-10:30pm.

Menu features a wide variety of appetizers, soup, salads, entrées (mild and spicy), desserts and sushi. Authentic Asian cuisine stems from traditional recipes and includes a large selection of noodle and rice dishes, authentic curries and seafood -- all served fresh and meant to be enjoyed communally. Fine Dining.

Qdoba Mexican Grill

100 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 929-8998
Open daily, 11am; closes Sun-Mon, 11pm; Tue-Sat, 3am.

Offers burritos and other Mexican fare. Menu includes burritos, quesadillas, taco salads, nachos and grilled vegetables, served with five kinds of salsas. Beer and wine only. Credit cards. Kids menu.

Spanky's Restaurant and Bar

101 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 967-2678
Open for lunch, Mon-Thu, 11am-2:30pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-3:30pm; Sun, 11:30am-4pm; for dinner, Mon, 5-9pm; Tue-Wed, 5-9:30pm; Thu, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30.

Casual dining experience with a full-service bar till 2am. Menu features traditional favorites, including a variety of burgers, its famed brown-sugar baby back ribs, garden-fresh salads and daily specials. All ABC permits. Kids menu.

Talulla's Mezze Lounge and Bar

456 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 933-1177
Open Tue-Sat, 11am-2:30pm; Tue-Sun, 5:30-10pm; bar open till 2am.

Mezze are Mediterranean versions of tapas (Spanish for appetizers), influenced by Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Morroccan and Algerian cuisine. Late night menu. Entertainment.

The Grille at Four Corners

175 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 968-3809
Open daily 11 am - 2 am.

With recent renovation, all sixteen televisions are High-Definition and carry all the major sports packages (NFL Sunday Ticket, ESPN Game Plan, etc.). A completely redesigned and enhanced menu that emphasizes local flavor has been crafted by our staff and chef, and those looking for something to wash it all down will find twelve beers on tap, over forty varieties of domestics and imports, and nightly drink specials in this full bar experience. Be sure to check out some of the UNC memorabilia throughout the restaurant, as Four Corners is a Chapel Hill institution that prides itself in celebrating decades of excellence in UNC athletics.

Four Corners offers an unparalleled, multilevel sports bar environment right on historic Franklin Street.

Thirty-five (35) Chinese

143 West Franklin St (University Square)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 968-3488
Open Tue-Sun, 11am-2:30pm; Sun-Thu, 4:30-9:30pm; Fri-Sat, 4:30-10pm.

Lunch and dinner buffet with more than 60 items features traditional foods from China's 35 provinces, plus a fruit bar and kids candy bar. Beer and wine only. Free parking. Kids menu. Cafeterias and Buffet-Style.

Top of the Hill Restaurant

100 East Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-8676
Open Mon-Sat, 11am-2am; Sun, noon-2am.

Overlooks downtown Chapel Hill from a large, third-floor outdoor patio and offers casual, upscale dining. Winner of 20 'Best of Triangle' Awards, including Best Restaurant in Chapel Hill, Best Microbrew and Best Outdoor Deck. All ABC permits. Gift shop. Kids menu. Entertainment: Blues and rock, Thu eve.

Vespa Ristorante

306 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-6600
Open daily, Lunch Noon - 2:30pm; Dinner 4 pm - 10 pm; Late Night 10:30 pm - 2 pm.

Serving genuine northern Italian food since 1997. Authentic northern and central Italian cuisine, specializing in homemade pasta, veal and chicken dishes, gnocchi, ossobuco, calamari and homemade 'dolci' (desserts). Extensive Italian wine list, especially reds. Buon appetito! All ABC permits. Kids menu. Outdoor dining.

Expensive ($25-30 and up, based on entrées only)

Carolina Crossroads

211 Pittsboro St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 918-2777
Open daily for breakfast, 6:30-11am; for lunch, 11:30am-2pm (including Sun brunch); for dinner, 5:30-10pm.

Located on the UNC campus, this Mobil Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond restaurant features elegant American cuisine that melds world-class cooking with North Carolina seasonal specialties. Award-winning wine list. All ABC permits. Free parking (or valet). Outdoor dining.

Afternoon tea service Mon-Sat, 3-5pm. Teas are served in a collection of vintage china teacups and saucers with a classical offering of loose teas from Taylors of Harrogate and A Southern Season. Accompaniments include an array of delectable sandwiches and house-baked sweets. Reservations required.

Cypress on the Hill

308 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 537-8817
Open Mon-Sat, 5:30-10:30pm.

Offers a Southern-influenced fine-dining establishment that uses a lot of local food.

Elaine's on Franklin

454 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-2770
Open Tue-Thu, 5:30-9:30pm; Fri-Sat, 5:30-10pm; closed Sun and Mon.

Fine Dining. Chef and owner Bret Jennings offers the best of North Carolina bounty and fresh seafood. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, 2001-2008. Elegant, yet lively, atmosphere. Great bar. Accommodating to diets and vegetarians. Early-bird three-course tasting menu nightly from 5:30-6:30pm, $35 per person.

La Residence (Cafe La Rez)

202 West Rosemary St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 967-2506
Open Mon-Sat, 6-9:30pm; Sun, 6-8:30pm; late night menu, 9:30pm-2am.

In a historic residence. Specializes in regional and seasonal foods combined with classical French techniques. Menu changes monthly. Extensive wine list. Large, enclosed, heated patio for dining in a Southern cottage garden. All ABC permits. Entertainment: Live music, occasionally Tue-Thu eve.

Lantern Restaurant

423 West Franklin St (Downtown)
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 969-8846
Open for dinner Mon-Sat, 5:30-10pm; late-night menu, till midn; bar till 2am.

Delicious Pan-Asian food in a relaxed, urban setting. The warm staff, smart wine list and late-night weekend dining in the hidden bar create "a dining experience that is simply the most impressive for the money in the Triangle" (The N&O). All ABC permits.