David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar

At the corner of Hillsborough Street and Oberlin Road, David’s Dumpling and Noodle Bar anchored the NC State gateway with a casual Pan-Asian dining room led by chef-owner David Mao. The restaurant opened in 2010 and drew on Mao’s decades of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Malaysian culinary experience to offer an approachable spot for dumplings and noodle bowls in West Raleigh. After a fifteen-year run serving students, neighbors, and visiting alumni, the independent eatery concluded service on July 13, 2025, leaving behind a beloved gathering place that balanced attentive hospitality with bold flavors.

Signatures such as David’s Original Half-Fried Dumplings, sesame chicken, and the richly seasoned David’s Fried Rice with shrimp and Chinese sausage showcased the kitchen’s blend of Southeast Asian techniques and comforting Chinese classics. Regulars also sought out the Malaysian curry noodle soup and customizable entrees that allowed guests to swap proteins without sacrificing spice or depth. The menu’s mix of small plates, soups, and wok-fired mains fueled lingering dinners and celebratory meals alike.

Beyond the dining room, the team kept campus crowds fueled with convenient takeout, making it easy to bring dumplings back to the dorms or office. Even as the doors closed, the restaurant’s legacy endures in the memories of warm service, steaming bowls, and a community that rallied around Chef Mao’s Pan-Asian vision.