TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• Lutra Cafe & Bakery, the popular Durham-based pop-up bakery known for its sweet and savory buns, opens its new cafe serving breakfast and lunch seven days a week TODAY (June 26) at American Tobacco Campus. Chef-owner Chris McLaurin brings years of culinary experience, including working for two James Beard award-winning chefs: Johnny Monis in Washington, D.C. and Ashley Christensen in Raleigh. With Lutra, McLaurin aims to translate that fine dining pedigree to casual, craveable everyday dining. Located on the north side of Durham’s American Tobacco Campus, guests can expect a rotating selection of baked goods—including buns, breads, pastries and pretzels—alongside breakfast and lunch favorites. In addition to the amazing menu, diners will be able to order coffee and espresso drinks, orange juice, lemonade, wine, beer and more. Make it a point to go….you can thank me later (trust me). Visit them here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Raleigh Magazine shared the sweet news this week that LaGana’s famous “Cake Jefe,” aka Carlos Lemus Sr., and his son Carlos Lemus Jr. are opening Lina’s Bakery & Café on Falls of Neuse Road in August. Named in honor of Carlos Sr.’s mother and mother-in-law, both named Lina, the new venture will allow for expanded dessert offerings and innovative creations otherwise not feasible within the limitations of LaGana’s kitchen, according to the magazine. And don’t worry, their famous cakes will still be available at the burger joint.⁠ Visit them on Instagram here.

• Over in the North Hills Innovation District, we got word this week that Standard Beer + Food will open their second location this July. The independently owned restaurant has been a Person Street fixture since it opened, and Standard NHID brings that same hospitality to a new space in North Hills. The news spot boasts a 150-seat dining room, expansive bar, and large patio featuring a menu that runs from handhelds and salads to oysters and a full raw bar, alongside large plates and weekly specials built around local and seasonal ingredients, led by Executive Chef Andrea Cardella. Follow along here.

• The Left Hook Coffee shop is holding their grand opening at its Hargett Street cafe with a circus on Saturday, August 1. Located at 912 E Hargett Street, at the corner of Hargett and State, you’ll enjoy local vendors/artists/makers, live music, local food vendors, live screen printing, “circus” activities, wrestling, and more. A huge congratulations to Kristin and Nick! Follow along on Instagram here.

• We first told you about this back in May, but Raleigh Magazine shared that we will see the opening of Mikey’s Pizzeria next month. Michael Longo of Vic’s fame will open the shop in the former Pizza & Pints spot next to Chido Taco and near Mami Nora’s at 2320 Bale Street at the intersection with Wake Forest Road. Expect this to be the first one, but certainly not the last. The focus will be very kid friendly where kids (and adults too) can make their own pizza and eat it right there! Follow Vic’s on Instagram for opening announcements.

• Over in Cary, Triangle Business Journal reported that Arcane Books and Speakeasy opened in the historic Williams House, located at 210 E. Chatham St. in downtown Cary. They replaced The Williams House Craft Taproom on June 18. The shop will sell books and serve a variety of cocktails and coffees. Prior to both Williams House Craft Taproom and Arcane, Bull City Ciderworks operated out of the space before closing a year ago. Visit them on Instagram here.

• And a huge congratulations to Andia’s Ice Cream which was just named the 6th best indie ice cream shop in America in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Andia’s now has three locations in the Triangle – two in Cary and one in Raleigh. USA Today described them as: “Andia’s small-batch ice cream comes in appealing flavors like baklava, rose pistachio and brownie batter, which you can enjoy from a cup or freshly made waffle cone. Their iconic cracking shakes and ice cream brulees offer both great photo ops and interactive experiences.” Visit them yourself here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• The “official” Running of the Bulls takes place in July, but we have our own version here in Durham with the news this week that Little Bull will “run” across town to a new location in the heart of downtown Durham at 301 East Chapel Hill Street. The new location will open Monday, August 3 completing a year-long renovation of a historic building dating to the 1910s in downtown Durham’s National Register historic district. The work preserves a lot of the building’s history with wood from the original interior walls and repurposed the salvaged beams into a staircase that now connects the main dining room to the upstairs bar. Little Bull will serve dinner nightly beginning at 5 pm, with weekend brunch continuing on Saturdays and Sundays. The team plans to introduce weekday lunch service this fall, marking the restaurant’s first lunch offering. Congrats to Oscar Diaz and Juan Camilo Espada and the entire Mezcalito Group. Follow along on Instagram here.

• Saw on a Facebook post that Uwa Sushi in Durham, featuring modern sushi and Asian grill (620 Foster Street), is having their soft opening starting today, June 26th. Check them out on Instagram here.

• Over in Chapel Hill’s Southern Village, we now know July 2nd is the date on which La Vita Dolce will complete the move from their current home of 11 years into the former Market & Moss space a few doors down. The move triples the size of the popular cafe and coffee shop, allowing them to transition to an all-day concept with expanded hours and much needed additional space. The new spot will be just as enjoyable for a morning latte as it will be for an evening martini. The current location is now closed in order to complete the transition. Follow along for updates here.

• Down in Pittsboro, Triangle Business Journal shared some exciting news heading our way in the Mosaic development on 15-501 at Chatham Park. Coming soon are Flying Biscuit Cafe, Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy and previously announced a Tavolo Italian Eatery, which is being brought to us by Greg and Maria Lewis, the folks behind The Sycamore and 39 West Catering. Tavolo will likely open in August. Pecan Jacks will be going in the same building as People’s Coffee and Flying Biscuit Cafe will be in a new building set to start construction soon. Visit Tavolo here, Flying Biscuit here and Pecan Jacks here.

• Absence makes the heart grow fonder. And so it is as we remind you that Fiesta Grill in Chapel Hill (5 miles west of Carrboro) will be closed for their annual vacation from June 29 through July 14. reopening on July 15. Please plan accordingly. Hang in there! Visit them here.

, Closings

• Got the sad news this week on Facebook that after 20 years, Red Lotus on Elliott Road in Chapel Hill will serve their last meal on June 30th. So you still have a little time to get by for one (or three) last meal. Visit them here.

Food Trucks

• Good news, bad news for dumpling fans. The Chirba Chirba truck has “retired” from being mobile and is looking for a location to “just sit” and churn out your favorite dumplings. That’s the bad news (although, we think it is pretty cool they will soon have a “permanent” home). The other good news is they will soon have a brand-new Chirba Chirba truck taking over their existing calendar in July! So, if you know of a good spot for them to “park” their first truck (no, not your driveway), drop them a line. Reach out to them with your ideas and see when Version 2.0 arrives on their site here.

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on September 27. You’ll find food and drink at over 30 food trucks as well as inflatables and family fun for all ages. It will be hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go ahead and mark your calendar. 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

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner in the Meadow event on September 13th for a fundraiser that supports the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit organization that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Stop Summer Hunger when your gift doubles! The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina currently has a $100,000 match until July 31! For kids, summer should be a time of play and rest. But for too many local families, it’s a time of worry instead. When school breakfasts and lunches stop for the summer, parents on an already-stretched budget are challenged to fill the gap. Thanks to some generous friends, every dollar of your gift today will double, up to $100,000, to fund our summer meal programs so that kids can be kids. Because of our buying power and relationships with local food providers, every gift, of any size, will go a long way. Every $30 can feed one child two children for a month! Every $90 can feed one child two children all summer! Consider a donation today!

Featured Restaurant News

• Over in Chapel Hill’s Southern Village, Chapelboro shared that we are down to “weeks” before the move of La Vita Dolce from their current home of 11 years a few doors down into the former Market & Moss space. The move triples the size of the popular cafe and coffee shop, allowing them to transition to an all-day concept with expanded hours and much needed additional space. The new spot will be just as enjoyable for a morning latte as it will be for an evening martini. They are targeting an early July move. The current location will remain open until the week before the move. Follow along for updates here.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Today marks the opening of the third Triangle-area location of Jeff’s Bagel Run -they’ll open today (June 19th) at 4251 Parklake Avenue in GlenLake Office Park (just up from Crabtree Valley Mall). The Triangle-area franchise, owned and operated by Ryan McEvoy, invites the community to join in a full week of celebrations. Grand Opening Day: Friday, June 19 opening at 6:30 a.m.; Opening Weekend: Saturday, June 20 & 21 opening at 6:30 a.m. This opening follows the openings in Wake Forest and Rolesville. Get familiar with the franchise here.

• Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant founded in Brazil over 46 years ago and known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, announced the signing of a lease agreement at Crabtree Valley Mall. They will occupy the former Uncle Julio’s space and are expected to open before the end of the year according to the Triangle Business Journal. Their other North Carolina location will in Charlotte, with an August opening. Visit them here.

• And in more food news at Crabtree Valley Mall, Triangle Business Journal also reported that the mall has landed Five Guys for the food court. Visit Five Guys here.

• Reader Kathy Powell tipped us off to two additions coming to the Six Forks Station Shopping Center at the corner of Six Forks and Strickland roads in Raleigh. A Panda Express is coming making it their third Triangle-area location. In addition, she shared that the shopping center will soon be the new location of Arepa Culture (going into the former Discount Tire building) as they are closing their current location in Pleasant Valley. June 21st will be the last day at the current location. We will ask Kathy to keep us posted as to when they both open – thanks Kathy! Visit Arepa Culture here and Panda Express here.

• Up in Raleigh’s Brennan Station (corner of Creedmoor and Strickland) reader Kathy Powell also tipped us off to an interesting addition heading our way – Topsail Steamer. Not a sit-down joint, but a take home and steam concept – fresh seafood steam pots packed with the freshest seafood, meats, veggies, and homemade seasonings. Here’s how it works – Choose from their signature Bay Buckets (or create your own) and place your order. Next, head home (or wherever you have a burner) with your pot/bucket and follow the simple steaming instructions. (Hint: Just add liquid!). And finally, enjoy! No word on a timeline for opening. Check them out here.

• Over in Cary, we saw in The Cary Report that Esteamed Coffee is opening a second location in the old High House Billiards space at 185 High House Rd. The new shop will create up to 12 new jobs for adults with disabilities and is planning to open before the end of 2026. And don’t worry, the original Esteamed location in downtown Cary isn’t going anywhere and High House Billiards is relocating to downtown Cary. Visit Esteamed here.

• Staying in Cary, we learned this week that Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, which has locations across Texas, Florida, Minnesota and Arizona, will soon open in Fenton. This will be their first North Carolina location. They specialize in handcrafted crêpes, specialty coffee, matcha lattes, and a Parisian dining experience — open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. The website suggests a summer 2026 opening. Get familiar with them here.

• And out on the edge of Raleigh heading towards Garner, Chris Creighton notified me that a new burger spot called 123 Burger has opened at 4150 Fayetteville Road – in the former Zaxby’s location. They feature fresh never frozen burgers and fresh cut fries. Check them out here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• M Hansik, the newest addition to the suite of M Restaurants, has their opening today (Friday, June 19th). Please note: there will be limited seating. This soft opening is in advance of their grand opening on June 24th. They will offer a modern take on traditional Korean cuisine – rooted in heritage, reimagined with creativity. They invite you to keep an open mind and enjoy their playful interpretations of classic Korean dishes. They are located in the former Plum Southern Kitchen & Bar space (501 Washington Street). Reservations coming soon. Visit M Hansik here.

• In addition to the above announced opening of over at Crabtree Valley Mall, the Triangle Business Journal shared that Fogo de Chão has submitted plans to open a second Triangle-area location at The Streets at Southpoint in Durham. This will follow the Charlotte opening in August and Raleigh’s opening before year’s end. No word on a timeline. Keep up with them here.

• A new rhythm of Indian dining is coming to Chapel Hill — where bold flavors, beautiful ambience, handcrafted dishes, cocktails, chaats, and unforgettable moments — with Taal Dining moving in to the former Cholanad space at 310 W Franklin Street. Follow along for an opening announcement soon.

, Closings

• Tyler Glover informed us that the Taco Bell at 8801 Six Forks Road (Six Forks Station) has closed.

Food Trucks

• Good news, bad news for dumpling fans. The Chirba Chirba truck has “retired” from being mobile and is looking for a location to “just sit” and churn out your favorite dumplings. That’s the bad news (although, we think it is pretty cool they will soon have a “permanent” home). The other good news is they will soon have a brand-new Chirba Chirba truck taking over their existing calendar in July! So, if you know of a good spot for them to “park” their first truck (no, not your driveway), drop them a line. Reach out to them with your ideas and see when Version 2.0 arrives on their site here.

• Due to the Canes’ parade, the Raleigh Food Truck Rodeo has moved to Sunday, June 21st from noon until 6 p.m. on Fayetteville Street in the middle of downtown Raleigh. More than 50 food trucks will be serving everything from savory street eats and smoky barbecue to sweet treats and international flavors. Come hungry and support some of the best local food vendors around! They’ll also have live music, family-friendly activities, face painting, yard games, and plenty of fun for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages. Additional rodeos will be held on August 23rd and November 7th. Get all the details here.

• The final Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on September 27. You’ll find food and drink at over 30 food trucks as well as inflatables and family fun for all ages. It will be hosted at Durham Central Park (500 Foster Street, Durham). Go ahead and mark your calendar. 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

• Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 Dinner in the Meadow event on September 13th for a fundraiser that supports the Leonard-Mobley Small Farm Fund, a non-profit organization that helps small farms in North Carolina. Get tickets and all the details here.

Food Bank Corner

• Stop Summer Hunger when your gift doubles! The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina currently has a $100,000 match until July 31! For kids, summer should be a time of play and rest. But for too many local families, it’s a time of worry instead. When school breakfasts and lunches stop for the summer, parents on an already-stretched budget are challenged to fill the gap. Thanks to some generous friends, every dollar of your gift today will double, up to $100,000, to fund our summer meal programs so that kids can be kids. Because of our buying power and relationships with local food providers, every gift, of any size, will go a long way. Every $30 can feed one child two children for a month! Every $90 can feed one child two children all summer! Consider a donation today!