1. Crawford & Son
What is it: Chef Scott Crawford honed his chops working at the beloved Herons Restaurant at the Umstead Hotel & Spa and, more recently, Standard Foods. In late 2016, he opened his own eatery in the Person St. neighborhood of Raleigh, just around the corner from Standard Foods.
Why go: Chef Crawford has time and time again proven himself worthy of the praise he’s received, and Crawford & Son is no different: there’s just nothing else like it around. The food is just as good as his previous ventures, but instead of feeling like a stuffy, formal affair, it’s comfortable—cozy, even. It is exactly the “casual neighborhood restaurant” Crawford sought to create when he struck out on his own. The yellowtail crudo, now a staple on the seasonal menu, is essential, but don’t sleep on the simple but perfect warm malted wheat rolls with that hickory butter. (And get more than one order, you’ll thank us later.)
Price: Blowout