TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that acclaimed Asheville chef Meherwan Irani will soon open Botiwalla under his Chai Pani Restaurant Group at Raleigh Iron Works. Expect a wide-ranging menu that celebrates late-night Indian street food. The menu includes chicken tikka, lamb, paneer and steak kebabs served with naan or in a salad or rice bowl with herbs and chutneys. Other items include chaat (or street snacks), lamb burgers and an array of beverages, including chai, alcoholic slushies and lassis. Botiwalla has two locations in Asheville, one in Charlotte and one in Atlanta. Irani operates Chai Pani in Asheville and near Atlanta, the four Botiwalla locations and the spice brand Spicewalla. Chai Pani won a James Beard award for Outstanding Restaurant in 2022, the location in Decatur received Michelin Guide recommendations in 2023 and 2024, and Irani has been a James Beard Awards semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast five times. Look for them to open next spring. Visit Botiwalla here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• The London Bridge is not exactly falling down. The Triangle Business Journal reported this week that The London Bridge Pub in downtown Raleigh (110 E. Hargett St.) is under new ownership. Jon Seelbinder with Local Icon Hospitality is the pub’s new owner. He temporarily closed the bar last week but will reopen next week at the latest. With that will come a new name, a glow up and an “English pub-inspired” menu.

• The News & Observer reported this week that Raleigh will soon get its first location of Dave’s Hot Chicken. They will open in the former home of BB’s Chicken in the Midtown East shopping center near Wegmans and Trader Joe’s. They also have locations in Wake Forest and Holly Springs. Expect them to open by Friday, Aug. 22. Get familiar with them here.

• Thanks to reader Wesley Mays we learned that Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant at 6611 Falls of Neuse Road is temporarily closed as they are in the process of moving to Wheatfield Plaza in Wake Forest at 3612 Rogers Branch Road. Visit their site here.

• Also in North Raleigh, reader Bryan Kay notified us that a new Cookout has opened at 9500 Strickland Road in the former Boston Market spot. Looks like it has only been open a few weeks. Visit Cookout here.

• Up in Wake Forest, Triangle Business Journal reported that Grove 98, a Wegmans-anchored mixed-use development at Highway 98 and Ligon Mill Road, will soon be home to Whataburger, Chopt Creative Salad Co. (fourth Triangle location) and Summer Moon Coffee (the franchise’s second Wake Forest location). The Whataburger location will also have a drive-thru. Whataburger is opening its first North Carolina locations in Charlotte and the Triad this year, with Triangle locations opening most likely in 2026 – in the former Applebee’s at 501 E. Six Forks Road and in the  former PDQ at 6305 Falls of Neuse Road.

• Starting Tuesday, Aug. 5, La Terrazza—known for its elevated Southern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with sweeping skyline views—invites you to savor a new midday experience with the launch of its To-Go Lunch Menu, available exclusively for carryout. Their to-go lunch service will run Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering an enticing lineup of freshly made salads, Roman-style sandwiches, handmade pasta dishes, and artisan pizzas. View the to-go lunch menu here.

• Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh is expanding its brunch experience beyond the weekend. Beginning Monday, August 4, Birdie’s will open its dining room for weekday breakfast service from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday, offering a full menu of its most popular brunch dishes. Check out Birdie’s here.

• And one more note of extended menu offerings/times, Boatman Spirits Co. located in Seaboard Station has expanded their hours to include weekend lunch. So they are now open from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. They will be offering a lunch version of their regular menu and adding new menu items in the coming weeks. Visit Boatman here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• In Durham, thanks to a tip from Burgeoning Baker, we learned that Baker’s Dozen Donuts is moving into a space at 3825 S. Roxboro Street (same shopping center as DMV) near Tacos Number Juan. No word on an open date. Stay tuned.

• Over in Hillsborough, the News & Observer reported that Serratore’s, the second full-service restaurant from Mothers & Sons chef and owner Josh DeCarolis, will soon open in the former Radius Pizza space. While Serratore’s will specialize in pasta, they will also serve up 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas. Look for them to open next month. Might be best to follow along on Instagram.

Closings

• None to report. Keep eating local, folks!

Food Trucks

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2025 will be on Sunday, November 2. It will run from 12 noon until 4 p.m. featuring over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Get all the details here.

• Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• Head downtown this weekend! The Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week has returned…now through Sunday, August 3rd. This beloved tradition is your invitation to discover the unique, locally-owned restaurants and bars that make downtown Raleigh a true dining destination. Savor exclusive deals, prix fixe menus, and chef-driven specials at your favorite spots across our community. Now in its 17th year, the celebration has a fresh new look. Get all the details here.

• Boatman Spirits Co.’s first Departure Party will be this Saturday, Aug. 2. Deejay Nick Neptune and friends Chico Scott, Mike Forno and Torin Rea will be your guides starting at 8 p.m. Plus, Boatman is hosting a night market in the distillery featuring Thirsty Pigeon Records. They are located at 713 Seaboard Station Dr. Visit them here.

• Carolina Brewery is closing out the summer with two Shrimp Boil events at both of its locations. Guests are invited to enjoy a classic lowcountry-style boil, live music, and the release of a limited-edition beer brewed specially for the occasion. The Pittsboro location will host their boil on Saturday, August 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. celebrating 18 years in the community. Two weeks later, the Chapel Hill location will host their boil on Saturday, August 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. For additional details or to make reservations, visit them here.

• Whiskey Kitchen in downtown Raleigh will celebrate its 9th Anniversary on August 10th. The anniversary celebration is a thank-you to the loyal patrons who’ve made the past nine years unforgettable – including live music, all whiskeys on the back bar offered at half price, and a complimentary slice of celebratory cake. The event will take place during regular business hours on Sunday, August 10th. Get all the details here.

• The inaugural Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will be held Saturday, October 18th at Blackwood Farm Park between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The exciting new community event merges together two beloved festivals–Acme’s Salt & Smoke and Sonark Media’s Harvest Festival–into a celebration of food, culture, and music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Food will be provided by Acme’s Kevin Callaghan and a team of local chefs and food trucks offering a wide variety of dishes and dining options. The festival will feature craft beers, curated beverages, and other interesting spirit-free options. All food and drink will be available for purchase and is not included in the price of festival entry. Tickets are on sale now.

Food Bank Corner

• Recently, Congress voted for devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, shared what this will mean for North Carolina. “No one should go hungry—no matter where we live, where we’re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. Yet with this vote by Congress and a stroke of the President’s pen, millions more people will soon face hunger here in North Carolina and across the country.” The Food Bank is moving mountains to make food available to all who need it. They’re still here, no matter what. They need your help now more than ever. Read their full statement here and get involved in the fight to end hunger.

Featured Restaurant News

• The News & Observer shared the news that Dino’s Pizza in Durham opened this past week in the University Hill shopping center (in the former BB’s Crispy Chicken space). The pizzeria is the latest from Matt Kelly (think Mateo, Mothers & Sons and Nanas). Joining Kelly is chef and partner Tom Cuomo, formerly of St. James Seafood. The wood panel walls, red and white check table cloths and stacks of red plastic cups will help you recapture the pizza vibes of your childhood. Dino’s will be open 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to start, with lunch service to come. Check them out on Instagram here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Roots Natural Kitchen, a Virginia-based eatery that caters to college students, has picked its first Raleigh location at 2712 Hillsborough Street near N.C. State University. They will begin serving salads and grain bowls in the former Gumby’s Pizza space during next year’s spring semester. This will be their second Triangle-area location as they opened their Chapel Hill location in 2021. Get familiar with them here.

• Raleigh Magazine shared that Barrio Tacos, Tequila & Whiskey is coming to the downtown Raleigh Smoky Hollow development at 421 North Harrington Street. This will be the chain’s first venture into North Carolina. They were voted one of the top 10 taco stands in the United States, but also known for their vast selection of tequila, whiskey, and beer. No word on an open date. Start getting familiar with them now.

• Over in downtown Raleigh’s Seaboard Station, got word that Boatman Spirits Co. has expanded their hours to include weekend lunch. So they are now open from 11 a.m. until midnight Saturday and Sunday. They will be offering a lunch version of their regular menu and adding new menu items in the coming weeks. They are also planning a Departure Party on Aug. 2nd. Visit them here.

• And speaking of new lunch service, chef David Ellis and his team at James Beard semifinalist Figulina (317 S Harrington Street) started offering grab-and-go lunch options this week (Wednesday–Friday from 11am–2pm), including hot focaccia sandwiches, pasta salad and takeaway bites. Visit Figulina here.

• In Cary, Triangle Business Journal noted that Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is planning an expansion into the Triangle with its first location. This will be their second location in North Carolina, with a location in Greensboro planning to open soon. Plans have been submitted for Parkside Town Commons (7119 O’Kelly Chapel Rd.), and the restaurant boasts an impressive menu of steaks, seafood, pasta, and its own wine collection. No word on an open date (they even haven’t made it onto the site’s “Coming Soon” listing). Check them out here.

• Downtown Apex is just days away from getting an upscale Italian option in Serafina Ristorante. They begin their soft launch on July 28th. At this time, they are not accepting reservations, but will soon (mid-August). They are located at 126 N. Salem Street in the former home of The Peak on Salem and Peak City Grill & Bar. Follow along on Instagram here.

• David McCreary shared with us that Sticks & Stones Coffee Coalition is now open at 620 Lakestone Commons Avenue in Fuquay-Varina. It’s tucked away around the corner from Big Lots and near Famous Toastery, but it’s worth seeking out. Currently open just mornings, the shop sells locally made pastries and build-your-own flower bouquets. Gotta love this tagline: “We serve coffee and flowers … because therapy is expensive!” They will have their grand opening on Saturday, August 2nd from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Follow them here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• TaTaco, the latest from chef and two-time James Beard semifinalist Oscar Diaz (along with his long-time business partners, Mezcalito Group Inc.) will have their Grand Opening celebration this Saturday, July 26th from 6 p.m. until midnight. They are located at 620 Foster Street. Get all the details on their Instagram page here.

• The Southpoint Access e-newsletter shared that the space in Southpoint Crossing that once held a Melting Pot (202 W. NC Hwy. 54, Ste. 506) will soon be home to Kinya Ramen, serving ramen and sushi. They have locations in Florida, New York, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Durham location will be the first in North Carolina. Menus at other locations include poke bowl, kani salad, several types of ramen (including tonkotsu and veggie), sushi rolls, and yakitori meat skewers. Thanks to Glenn Gillen for bringing this to our attention. Visit them here.

• Over in Hillsborough, the News & Observer reported that Serratore’s, the second full-service restaurant from Mothers & Sons chef and owner Josh DeCarolis, will soon open in the former Radius Pizza space. While Serratore’s will specialize in pasta, they will also serve up 12-inch Neapolitan-style pizzas. Look for them to open next month. Might be best to follow along on Instagram.

Closings

• After nearly 50 years, Chapel Hill’s legendary Mama Dip’s has officially closed. A year ago, the classic Southern cooking spot closed its dining room and operated as take-out only. There was a hint, however, that left the door open for something new. Stay tuned.

• And in Raleigh, the News & Observer shared the news that Cornerstone Tavern in Glenwood South will close after 13 years.

Food Trucks

• Chapel Hill Carrboro Foodies Facebook founder Carrie Brogren shared that the former Pizza Factory in Carrboro has evolved into a food truck at Sidetrack Bar & Lounge (5906 Millhouse Road in Chapel Hill). Danny’s Rolling Kitchen will be there after 4pm Tuesday-Friday and noon on the weekends (hours may change as needs change). Closed on Mondays. Check them out on Facebook here.

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2025 will be on Sunday, November 2. It will run from 12 noon until 4 p.m. featuring over 50+ food trucks with cuisine from all over the world making it the ultimate Sunday Funday in Durham Central Park (501 Foster Street)! Get all the details here.

• Looking to find your favorite food truck (or stalking them and simply don’t want to have to admit it)? We understand. Find them on Street Food Finder here.

Events

• Head downtown! The Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week has returned…now through August 3rd. This beloved tradition is your invitation to discover the unique, locally-owned restaurants and bars that make downtown Raleigh a true dining destination. Savor exclusive deals, prix fixe menus, and chef-driven specials at your favorite spots across our community. Now in its 17th year, the celebration has a fresh new look. Get all the details here.

• Get tickets now! The Grand Finale of NCRLA’s Chef Showdown will take place on Monday, August 4th at Bay 7 in Durham. Presented by Got To Be NC, this one-of-a-kind event showcases the state’s top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries as they compete for the coveted titles of Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Mixologist & Distillery of the Year, and Best Mocktail of the Year. Guests will savor sweet and savory bites, sip creative cocktails and mocktails, and cast their vote in The People’s Choice Awards—all while celebrating North Carolina’s rich culinary culture. Plus, for the first time ever, the Grand Finale will feature a North Carolina Wine Bar, highlighting some of the state’s top vineyards. Tickets are $150 per person and include all food and beverage tastings. Attendance is limited—don’t miss this unforgettable night of flavor, competition, and local pride. Get tickets and all the details here.

• The inaugural Salt & Smoke & Sound Festival will be held Saturday, October 18th at Blackwood Farm Park between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The exciting new community event merges together two beloved festivals–Acme’s Salt & Smoke and Sonark Media’s Harvest Festival–into a celebration of food, culture, and music in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Food will be provided by Acme’s Kevin Callaghan and a team of local chefs and food trucks offering a wide variety of dishes and dining options. The festival will feature craft beers, curated beverages, and other interesting spirit-free options. All food and drink will be available for purchase and is not included in the price of festival entry. Tickets are on sale now.

Food Bank Corner

• Recently, Congress voted for devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Amy Beros, President & CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, shared what this will mean for North Carolina. “No one should go hungry—no matter where we live, where we’re from, who we love, or the color of our skin. Yet with this vote by Congress and a stroke of the President’s pen, millions more people will soon face hunger here in North Carolina and across the country.” The Food Bank is moving mountains to make food available to all who need it. They’re still here, no matter what. They need your help now more than ever. Read their full statement here and get involved in the fight to end hunger.