Finding the hidden gems of Chapel Hill's incredible fine dining food scene

Looking for the best dining experience Chapel Hill has to offer? If you’re ready for a wonderful steak dinner, some fresh Carolina seafood or want to try out the chef’s special, check out five of the area’s best fine dining restaurants.

This list was compiled from your choices for the WRAL Voters' Choice Awards and online review sites.

Crossroads Chapel Hill

Situated in the historic Carolina Inn, Crossroads Chapel Hill redefines Southern cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant's elegant décor and refined menu pay homage to the region's culinary heritage, blending tradition with innovation. Guests recommend Crossroads as a relaxing weekend brunch spot, with its Sunday Brunch menu highlighted by made-from-scratch cheese biscuits, omelets made to order, a buttermilk waffle station and grilled hanger steak.

Address: 211 Pittsboro St.

Hours:

Breakfast: Monday through Saturday 7-10:30 a.m. (a la carte only, no buffet). Sunday – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lunch: Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dinner: Sunday through Saturday 5-9 p.m.

Bar service: Sunday through Thursday 2-11 p.m. (Food service 2-10 p.m.) Friday and Saturday 2 p.m. to midnight (Food service 2-11 p.m.)

Elements

This Asian fusion restaurant is renowned for its farm-to-fork philosophy. Set in a welcoming and stylish space, Elements takes diners on a culinary journey through locally sourced ingredients, masterfully crafted into dishes sure to inspire. Online reviews give high-praise for this dining experience from presentation to ambiance, so add Elements to your list of must-try restaurants. Looking for what to try? Check out their changing daily specials on their website, elementsofchapelhill.com.

Address: 2110 Environ Way

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 5-9 p.m.; Closed Sunday and Monday

Lantern - Chapel Hill

Featured in multiple publications, Lantern offers a blend of Asian flavors and Southern ingredients. This fine-dining establishment shines as one of Chapel Hill's culinary and community gems. Chef Andrea Reusing and team have expertly curated a delightful menu while giving back to the community. Delectable dishes are inspired by the cuisines of Japan, China, Korea, and Vietnam, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Pro tip: try the dumplings!

With chef Brandon Sharp’s decades-long career in world-class kitchens across New York City, New Orleans, Spain and Napa Valley, Hawthorne & Wood describes its kind of food as “the good kind.” Each plate is its own “cultural ecosystem,” so the restaurant doesn’t confine its menu by country of origin or cuisine. Its dinner menu is highlighted by dishes like Sautéed Morehead City Flounder, Grilled Duroc Pork Chop and Pan-Roasted New York Strip. Hawthorne & Wood also has its own philanthropic budget with donations focused on organizations whose work benefits children.

Address: 3140 Environ Way

Hours: Sunday through Thursday 5-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5-10 p.m.

Oakleaf

Oakleaf’s dedication lies in providing high quality, affordable cuisine in a comfortable setting. With a focus on quality ingredients directly sourced from growers and fishermen, Chef Brendan Cox’s specialties include handmade pastas, seafood from the Carolinas and ingredients straight from the chef’s garden. If you’re feeling adventurous, give the chef’s tasting menu a try, or see their full menu online at oakleafnc.com.