Durham has quietly become one of the best food cities in the South. More than 300 restaurants serve everything from North Carolina barbecue to Ethiopian, Caribbean, and Far Eastern cuisine.
The city's restaurant scene is concentrated in a few areas. The American Tobacco Campus and nearby Brightleaf Square have several good options within walking distance. Ninth Street, near Duke's East Campus, is a strip of independent restaurants and coffee shops popular with students and locals alike.
For classic North Carolina barbecue, Picnic on West Main Street does excellent pulled pork. Dame's Chicken and Waffles is a Durham institution. For something more upscale, Mateo Bar de Tapas on West Main Street serves Spanish-inspired small plates in a lively atmosphere.
Durham's food truck scene is also worth exploring -- several regular gatherings happen around the city, especially near the Durham Food Hall in the old downtown.