Giorgios Epicurean Market (GEM) — Restaurant in Raleigh

Giorgio’s Epicurean Market ( GEM) is a new, ‘wears-many-hats’ gourmet market, pastry & coffee bar and a cafe. It is ushered into Raleigh by an old name in local food and located in the newest eat and shop spot off Whitaker Mill Rd at Progress Court.

First, it is aesthetically very pleasing, featuring a big, open patio with plenty of varied seating and an stress-less atmosphere. Lingering or working remotely with a good coffee and a tender pastry is what this is place seems built for -as long as the weather holds. It is serene and welcoming.

Inside is also a delight to see; the space gives a ‘Dean and Deluca lite’ vibe, but with just about 1/5th the inventory, a gorgeous mural and a handful of tables.

As a fancy food market, GEM is fully upscale and intensely curated. One corner features a few carefully chosen tabletop items, paper goods and gifts, and there is a modest beer/wine selection and a fridge of fancy waters, juices and such libations. A wall features a whole bookcase of cookbooks for sale.

The small, tidy butcher’s department carries impressively beautiful and some unusual cuts of meat at equally impressive prices. (This seems out of place, but maybe it will catch on?)

Most of the store is devoted to cold/hot offerings in glass cases which are available for breakfast lunch/brunch or to take-home; a delectable looking pastry collection and a coffee bar at which to order and pick up.

Everything is displayed in an artful, food gallery sort of way and the prepared food ( again, a very short list such as Greek quiche, meatballs, flatbread pizza, two types of sandwiches and a selection of fresh salads) is elegant to look at.

Sadly, now for the disappointment; thus far, the feast is just for your eyes. Over three visits for lunch, no dish was worthy to return for. All felt pricey. (Two meatballs all alone in sauce for $15 would really have to slay.)

I really want this spot to do well- the idea is great and they got the atmosphere just right. Perhaps GEM is trying to do too many things and unfortunately it is the food that underwhelms.

If I were to be asked (not holding my breath,) I’d suggest to add a few creative sandwiches both hot and cold; brew up a couple of heartier offerings (soups? stew?) and serve a side item with every entree (quiche with no salad! And those lonely meatballs! It was sad!)

Here’s hoping. Really.

Update 5/7/25 +⭐️

The quiche now has a side salad! More and heartier sandwiches are available and added “everyday eats” in the cold case. Nice additions include fresh, grab and go lunch combos and salads. Overall more reasons to eat here-...

Exploring the Vibrant and Delicious Flavors at GEM Market

I recently visited GEM to work, enjoy a meal, and unwind with an after-hours cocktail. The selection was impressive—I indulged in the Sneaky Guy and the Reposado Sunset, both of which were fantastic. The highlight of my meal was the salmon, which was simply amazing.

GEM offers a diverse range of items, from beautiful pottery and cookbooks to an exquisite selection of wines, caviar, sauces, and even a prime meat butcher area, catering to all taste buds. The atmosphere was inviting, and the staff were extremely attentive, providing helpful suggestions throughout my visit.

It was so good that I returned for brunch on Sunday! GEM’s unique takes on classic dishes, including their spin on French toast, chicken biscuits, and crepes with strawberries, were delightful. I must give a special shoutout to Brandon, who was incredibly helpful with recommendations, and to Jaclyn, who ensured our satisfaction throughout the meal.

Overall, I would rate GEM five stars across the board—atmosphere, customer service, and food. I can’t...

Visited Giorgios for the first time today. I was blown away by the at atmosphere and how inviting the place felt. They have a large selection of bottles of wine for purchase.

I ordered the fried chicken biscuit and bacon off their brunch menu. The chicken was tender and the biscuit was super soft. The food was just okay too me. The chicken itself was pretty greasy (fired chicken of course) and could have been seasoned a bit more. I also had a vanilla latte with oat milk.

It was really busy on Sunday for brunch, and the staff was super busy and not unfriendly. I felt taken care of although I waited a LONG time for my latte.

All in all it was a good experience and I’ll be back. I’ll be ordering something different though.

Also, I can’t wait to try the pasties. I plan to bring my Mom by. Wherever I live, I try to find the perfect bakery to take my Mother when she visited. I now have The perfect bakery in 4 other cities. We’ll see if Giorgios is that...