CO

CO: Contemporary Vietnamese and Southeast Asian Dining at North Hills

Tucked into the ground floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott in Raleigh’s North Hills district, CO is a contemporary Southeast Asian restaurant that leads with Vietnamese flavor and layers in influences from Thailand, Malaysia and Japan. It is a lively, design-forward spot where familiar comforts like pho and fresh summer rolls share the menu with globe-trotting plates meant for sharing, and it has quickly become one of the more stylish places to eat in Midtown Raleigh.

A Modern Take on Southeast Asian Flavor

CO describes its kitchen as a fusion of modern and traditional, and the menu reflects that ambition. Rather than sticking to a single regional cuisine, the restaurant pulls together dishes that span the map of Southeast Asia, all built around bright herbs, chilies, citrus and aromatic broths. Vietnamese classics anchor the experience, but you will also find Thai drunken noodles, Malaysian-style chili wings and Japanese touches woven through the offerings. The result is approachable for newcomers and genuinely interesting for anyone who already loves the region’s food.

The Setting at the AC Hotel

The dining room matches the food’s energy. Expect a contemporary interior with communal tables, red and black leather seating, neon accents and a large, central bar that keeps the room buzzing on weekend nights. The atmosphere leans social and upbeat, making CO a natural fit for groups, date nights and after-work gatherings. Because it sits inside the AC Hotel at the heart of North Hills, it is equally convenient for hotel guests, shoppers and locals exploring the surrounding restaurants and retail.

What to Order

Start with the fresh summer rolls, a light and herbaceous Vietnamese favorite, or the sweet-and-spicy Malaysian chili wings that regulars rave about. The spicy pho delivers a warming, aromatic bowl of noodles and broth, while the Thai drunken noodles bring wide rice noodles tossed with heat and basil. Adventurous diners often single out the shrimp curry laksa for its rich, layered flavor. Save room for the crispy cheesecake wontons or strawberry spring rolls, playful desserts that fit the restaurant’s inventive spirit. Families are welcome too, with kid-friendly options such as pork and ginger gyoza.

Drinks, Cocktails and the Bar

The bar is a destination in its own right. CO pours signature cocktails and offers sake infusions alongside a full lineup of beverages, all served in a setting built for lingering. Whether you are pairing a drink with a shared spread of small plates or simply meeting friends for happy hour, the central bar and neon-lit room set a festive tone that carries through the evening.

Planning Your Visit

CO is open daily for lunch and dinner, with kitchen hours running into the evening and slightly later on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant takes reservations through OpenTable and also welcomes walk-ins, though weekend prime time can fill up quickly given its popularity and prime North Hills address. Parking is available throughout the North Hills development, and the AC Hotel location makes CO an easy stop before or after a movie, some shopping or a night out in Midtown.

Why CO Belongs on Your Raleigh List

Raleigh has a deep bench of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian restaurants, and CO carves out its own niche by pairing crave-worthy, boldly flavored food with a genuinely fun room. It is a place that works for a quick, comforting bowl of pho at lunch and for a spirited, cocktail-fueled dinner with friends. If you are building a tour of North Hills dining or simply chasing contemporary Southeast Asian flavors done with style, CO earns a spot on the shortlist.