Raleigh Dining: New Chains and Michelin Honors

The Triangle dining sector continues to expand as national chains enter the market and local venues receive national recognition. This growth coincides with reports indicating that more than 600,000 neighbors in the region are not always sure where their next meal will come from.

Three restaurants in the area earned new Bib Gourmand designations at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held in Nashville on Wednesday. The honorees include Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their status from the previous year, while sixteen other establishments, including Brewery Bhavana and Stanbury, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the former Brio Italian Grille space at Crabtree Valley Mall. This location will serve as the second Maggiano's in the region, following the existing site at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain specializes in family-style portions, though no specific opening date has been announced. In the same city, Millie's Homemade Ice Cream plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The Pittsburgh-based franchise aims to open before the end of the year, according to the Triangle Business Journal.

Other new entrants include South Block, which is preparing to open at 4121 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh. The Charlotte-based business specializes in acai bowls and smoothies and has not set an opening date. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened its second North Carolina location at Beaver Creek Crossings. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is also marking its 40th anniversary, having been founded by Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. in 1986.

In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly known as M Pocha, will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24 and a grand opening on October 29. The restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, a blend of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients, and is the seventh concept in the Mpire group. In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 in the historic Captain J. F. Alston House. Conversely, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has closed permanently after eight years of operation.

Upcoming events include the inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on October 25 at American Legion Post 6, with proceeds benefiting SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. A Yellowstone Dinner hosted by chefs including Sera Cuni will take place at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner on October 29. On October 31, Preeti Waas will host a sandwich popup in Durham from noon to 4 p.m.

In early November, the Chefs for Change Gala at The Cookery will benefit Families Moving Forward on November 5. Botiwalla will host a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6. The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed Smoke & Shuck, is scheduled for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket after hearing from attendees who felt the previous pricing was high. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500 combined.

The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, benefiting Healing Transitions. Nearly 3,000 people signed up last year, resulting in a donation of about $60,000, an increase from $42,000 the year before. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday. The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month, noting that every $25 provides 75 meals.