Where to Grab a Bite in Downtown Cary
Need a mid-day escape from the office? Downtown Cary is full of amazing local restaurants, and we have rounded up some of the best spots just right around the corner! Whether you are grabbing a quick bite or planning a team lunch to get everyone out of the office, you don’t have to go far to find great food.
Here are some places we recommend:
- Zest (Only a 1 minute walk)
Zest is the best spot in town for sushi, oysters, and cocktails. Enjoy a fresh meal in their modern dining area or patio. This is a great place for a lighter lunch when you need a break from the office.
- Scratch Kitchen (Only a 2 minute walk)
Known for their truffle fries, crispy chicken burger, and smokehouse mac and cheese, Scratch Kitchen is a great place to grab lunch when you are craving some southern hospitality. With a cozy indoor dining room, everything is made from scratch and feels like home.
- Crosstown Pub & Grill (Only a 3 minute walk)
Burgers, fries, and a cozy, familiar atmosphere. Crosstown is a welcoming neighborhood pub that is the perfect lunch spot for a laid-back lunch or catching up over appetizers! It is an easy favorite for a casual lunch!
- The Albatross (Only a 3 minute walk)
The Albatross blends upscale dining with a golf twist. That's right, indoor golf simulators! It’s the perfect place to grab a cocktail, enjoy a smash burger, and take a few swings when you can’t make it to the course.
- Academy Street Bistro (Only a 6 minute walk)
A local favorite for soups, salads, and sandwiches! Academy Street Bistro is as charming as it is delicious. It is a great place to grab a casual yet high-quality lunch. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for catching up with coworkers or enjoying a light meal between meetings.
- Serendipity (Only a 6 minute walk)
The perfect place to grab a quick sandwich and enjoy the history of Downtown Cary. The building used to be the town library before it became a favorite lunchtime spot. You won’t want to miss their amazing chicken salad or homemade pies!
- SAAP Lao Kitchen (Only a 7 minute walk)
If you are in the mood for something unique, SAAP offers vibrant Laotian cuisine in downtown Cary! Some menu staples include: Green Papaya Salad, Ginger Chicken Satay, and their Green Curry Seafood. With indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a great choice for a sunny mid-day reset!
- Kababish Cafe (Only a 8 minute walk)
Serving a modern take on Pakistani cuisine, if you love bold flavors, this is your spot! “Like kebabs and more…” From kebabs to curries, every dish offers fresh ingredients and rich spices. It is a fun place for a lunch meeting that is sure to impress your coworkers!
- Peck and Plume (Only a 9 minute walk)
Tucked inside The Mayton Inn, Peck & Plume is perfect for a polished lunch or post-work happy hour! With various spaces, including the terrace, bar, study, and dining room, you can choose the type of experience you want. Their menu takes American classics and gives them a southern twist. Whether you order their cornbread, fish tacos, or burger, the experience is refined and intentional, making it a great spot for a slightly elevated midday break.
- Bosphorus Restaurant (Only a 11 minute walk)
Transporting you into the heart of Turkey, Bosphorus brings authentic Mediterranean food to downtown Cary! It is family-run and full of culture, the kind of place that makes you feel at home. From pita to kebabs, every dish is rich in flavor and love. Perfect for when you want a switch-up from your usual routine.
Wherever you end up, Downtown Cary is full of amazing local options to help fuel you through your workday! Grab a coworker, stretch your legs, and go explore the great spots just steps away from Cary Founded!


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