A family-friendly Italian restaurant, Bella Monica is great for those who want to enjoy a hearty Italian meal in casual environs. The artwork adorned walls, peppy music and fine Italian wines sets the mood for a pleasant dining experience. The simple, homestyle food follows traditional recipes and is a delight to the taste buds. Shrimp Napoli, Pomodoro Bruschetta and Portobello & Sundried Tomato Lasagne are just some of the decadent delicacies on offer. Besides the array of Italian delicacies,flatbread and pizzas, the restaurant also serves up great gluten-free fare. While you are eating the great food, don’t forget to save room for one of the desserts. The Cannoli and Affogato are particularly delicious. A separate kid’s menu and smaller portions for children are also provided. If you are craving good ol’ Italian food, a meal at Bella Monica won’t disappoint.

This vibrant cafe, bakery, and German restaurant can safely be called a local favorite. Seasonal menus feature eclectic German specialties made with only locally-sourced ingredients. The bakery offers a generous menu of breads, cakes, pastries, and cookies. Guglhupf’s interiors are stunning, and feature an interior terrace and courtyard, a beautiful patio for outdoor dining, and an atrium. The cafe also often hosts wine and local food-related events, and exhibits the work of local artists.

The hand made ice creams served at this laid-back dessert shop are rich, creamy and second to none in quality making this place a must-visit. Local favorites include Vietnamese Coffee and Apple Pie Pint. However, the other ice creams are quite delightful too, so feel free to experiment. Don’t be surprised if you are left with the taste and memory of the ice creams you relished here for a long time to come. If you are still wondering about whether to try this place or not, there's a reason the lines are down the road come summer.

Monuts Donuts is all about fun food, delicious and easy to get. You will not find a fancy menu with complicated dishes, but rather you will find a menu that is simple yet each and every dish will seem absolutely yummy. They are a downtown cafe and specialize in pastries, donuts, burgers, sandwiches, biscuits, salads, soups, and bagels. Focus is one bringing a harmony between American breakfast and snacks where each dish is made to order and fresh.

The Fiction Kitchen is a brightly-colored vegetarian restaurant with an innovative, seasonal menu. The restaurant began as a pop-up restaurant project and has evolved into a thriving culinary institution with a permanent location in Raleigh’s depot and warehouse district. Fiction is a temple to fresh, creative vegetarian cuisine: think succotash farro risotto or nori rolls with sashimi tofu. Absolutely everything served at the Kitchen is vegetarian and regionally-sourced, and most items are vegan. Fiction serves brunch on Sundays.

Bring your appetite to Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery. Your favorite American dishes are served in sizable portions here, along with cakes and other desserts. The restaurant takes you to a past era, with 1940s photographs on the walls and black and white floor tiles. The meatloaf is a must-try item on the menu, and it is big enough that you'll have plenty of leftovers.