TRIANGLE FOOD BLOG

Featured Restaurant News

• The Triangle Business Journal shared the exciting news that Downtown Raleigh’s Gringo A Go Go is opening a second location near the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium in the former Spring Rolls location (5433 Wade Park Blvd.). Gringo A Go Go is part of the JalMex Hospitality Group which also includes La Victoria, La Buena Vida, Fonda Lupita and Tacos Number Juan. Expect them to open by January at the latest. Follow along on Instagram.

Wake County Restaurant News

• Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants opens its first Triangle location on November 9 at Parkside Town Commons in Cary, bringing its modern American menu, wine-centered hospitality and Napa-style tasting room to the region. The globally inspired menu features recommended wine pairings throughout, alongside a portfolio of more than 60 varietals led by Master Sommelier Emily Wines. The space features a covered, heated patio and two private dining rooms offering options for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings. Get familiar with them here.

• Staying in Cary, the News & Observer reported this week that Bar O Bar, a contemporary South Indian restaurant led by Michelin-trained Chef Vikash Vumudi, is expected to open in December at 2301 Corley Road in the The Shoppes at Twyla Walk. Bar O Bar is part of Sama Hospitality, the group behind Fusion Nine in Morrisville. Get familiar with them here.

• Triangle Business Journal reported this week that Fayetteville Street in Downtown Raleigh could be getting a new burger joint. If all goes as planned, Five Guys will take over one of the “four pods” – moving into the Fire Wok spot and joining Veloce Italian Market, Jimmy John’s and Pita Bowl. A Five Guys representative did confirm they are also developing locations in Wendell and Chapel Hill. This would be the chain’s 5th Raleigh location, joining 50 throughout North Carolina. Visit Five Guys here.

• Following quickly on the heels of an opening in Raleigh, Topsail Steamer is set to open a second Triangle-area location, this one in Cary at 214 E. Chatham Street. This location will be operated by Bruce Westenfelder and Tammy Preston. As a refresher, this is 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! They are aiming for a Spring 2027 opening. Check them out here.

• And congratulations to my friends over at Morning Rolls in North Raleigh. The locally-owned restaurant founded by Darryl Fuller and Jeff Couch, is celebrating baking its 200,000th roll since opening its doors. To put this massive feat into perspective, if stacked, the bags of flour used would tower over the Statue of Liberty, and the sticks of butter would stretch from Midtown all the way to Downtown Raleigh. To celebrate this achievement, Morning Rolls is hosting a special Customer Appreciation Event on Saturday, Oct. 31 beginning at 7 a.m. The first 100 guests will receive a reusable, insulated shopping bag with goodies from Quail Corners neighbors. Visit Morning Rolls here.

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• The much anticipated M Kikkei (formerly M Pocha) opened this week in downtown Durham. Nikkei refers to Japanese emigrants who left Japan to settle in other countries, taking Japanese cooking techniques and combining them with the native Peruvian ingredients to create beautiful culinary creations. They are located in the same spot, 101 E. Chapel Hill Street in the heart of downtown Durham. M Kikkei is the 7th concept in the “Mpire.” Visit them here.

Closings

• Pour Taproom in Durham announced via Instagram this week that they are closing after an over nine-year run. Tomorrow (Halloween) will be their last day of service.

• Reader Chris Gray shared with us that Chai Fresh in Morrisville announced they are closing with their last day of service on Sunday, November 1.

• Got word this week that Mac Daddy’s Food Truck has ended operations. They are still available for catering.

Food Trucks

• 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

• Can’t work in a trip to Spain right now? That’s OK, a wine dinner is touching down at Urban Oak on Nov. 4. Join them on Raleigh’s highest rooftop for Journey Through Spain, an evening of Spanish-inspired cuisine, thoughtfully curated wine pairings, and sweeping city views. Begin the evening with a welcome Cava and passed oysters, followed by a four-course dinner featuring vibrant, Spanish-leaning flavors. Each course is paired with wines showcasing some of Spain’s most iconic varietals, creating a dining experience designed to take you on a journey through the country’s diverse food and wine culture. To end the evening on a sweet note, guests will head home with a special chocolate treat from our neighbors at Videri Chocolate Factory. Cost is $120 per person. Get all the details and make your reservation here.

• Botiwalla will be hosting a big Diwali Party at Iron Works on Friday, November 6th. Diwali (aka as the Festival of Lights) is one of the biggest celebrations in Indian culture so they are going all out. It is the celebration of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. During Diwali in India, oil lamps and fireworks illuminate the night and neighbors and families visit each other, sharing sweets, gifts, and good wishes. Expect a Bollywood DJ, special menu items, free henna and more for the community. Visit Botiwala here.

• Tickets are now on sale for the third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, presented by Earp’s Seafood Market, returning Saturday, Nov. 7th. This year’s event, themed “Smoke & Shuck,” expands the festival’s signature chef-and-oyster-farm pairings to include North Carolina pitmasters for the first time, bringing barbecue into the mix alongside raw oysters. It will be held at Raleigh Iron Works. Rawleigh Oyster Fest has sold out both of its previous events — its launch in November 2025, which sold all 550 tickets, and a spring 2026 edition that sold out in just five days. The event is organized by Eduardo Mera of Mera Brothers Oysters, Katie Dombrowski, communications administrator for the City of Raleigh, and Max Trujillo of the NC F&B Podcast. Together, the two previous events raised approximately $12,500 for the Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center and the N.C. Coastal Federation. Quick Update: Quick update: Organizers have added a lower-priced ticket after hearing from people who felt priced out. The new Half Shell ticket costs $60 and includes nine oysters, two pitmaster or chef bites and one drink. Get tickets and all the details here.

• And if that is not enough oyster options for you, Carolina Brewery is holding their Ninth Annual Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 7th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their Pittsboro restaurant. Proceeds will once again benefit the North Carolina Coastal Federation and Outer Banks Forever. Admission is free, and freshly steamed or raw oysters will be available for purchase by the half-dozen or dozen. The oysters, sourced from North Carolina’s own Ghost Fleet Oyster Co., will be served by the oyster farmers themselves, offering a true farm-to-table experience. Guests can enjoy live music and order from the full Carolina Brewery menu throughout the event. The restaurant is located at 120 Lowes Drive in Pittsboro. Check them out on Instagram here.

• The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year on Thanksgiving morning (November 26) to Dorothea Dix Park, benefiting Healing Transitions, a Raleigh nonprofit that provides recovery services for people struggling with addiction. The race has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, and 2025 was its biggest year yet: nearly 3,000 runners and walkers signed up, and the race donated about $60,000 to Healing Transitions, up from $42,000 the year before. Since 2016, the annual race, hosted by nOG Run Club and Trophy Brewing Co., has raised more than $210,000 for the nonprofit. Register here.

Food Bank Corner

• With the holidays just around the corner, the Food Bank is asking for your help to fill every plate for neighbors who need a hand. Continuing policy changes and cuts to federal food assistance, on top of high prices, have made it very difficult for many people to stock the pantry and fridge at home. Families who have always worked hard to make ends meet are coming up short. More of our friends and neighbors are discovering that their paychecks can’t cover everything their family needs this month. Many are turning to their local food pantry for the first time. During our Meal Drive, every $10 you give is enough fresh produce, protein, dairy, and pantry staples for 30 meals. And with 600,000 people facing food insecurity across the 34 counties we serve, every meal matters. That’s family dinners, after-school snacks for the kids, and holiday meals with all the trimmings so nobody has to sacrifice a beloved family tradition this year. You’ll help families who have had some setbacks and need help to get by this month. You’ll also help seniors who see their retirement income buying fewer and fewer groceries at today’s prices. Everybody deserves to gather around the table for a special meal with loved ones at the holidays. Together, let’s make that possible. Please make your gift of any amount to ensure every plate is full during one of our busiest seasons of the year! 

Featured Restaurant News

• The 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony took place this past Wednesday in downtown Nashville, TN. The Triangle’s newest Bib Gourmand restaurants on the Guide included: Ajja in Raleigh (Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler); Durham sandwich shop Ideal’s (Ian Bracken and Paul Chirico); and Carrboro’s Tesoro, an 18-seat pasta-forward restaurant (David Peretin). Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata and Sam Jones BBQ⁠ all maintained their Bib Gourmand status from last year. 16 Triangle restaurants all maintained their Michelin recommended status from last year: Brewery Bhavana⁠; Brodeto; Crawford and Son; Dampf Good BBQ; Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa; Jolie; Little Bull; Nanas; Nikos; Poole’s; Seraphine; St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar; Stanbury; Tamasha; The Fearrington House Restaurant; and The Pit Authentic Barbecue.

Wake County Restaurant News

• The folks over at Raleigh Downtown shared the news this week of what is replacing Brio Italian Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall. Raleigh’s mall will soon be home to the Triangle’s second location of Maggiano’s Little Italy. The only other local location is over in Durham at Streets at Southpoint. Maggiano’s is known for their generous portion sizes served “family-style.” Get ready Raleigh! And bring your appetite! No word on an open date just yet. Visit Maggiano’s here.

• The Triangle Business Journal reported that the cobblestone-lined streets of City Market in Downtown Raleigh will soon be home to Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based ice cream franchise. They will open their first North Carolina location at 325 Blake Street next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. They are looking to open before year’s end. Get to know them here.

• Grain & Berry, the handcrafted superfood kitchen designed for everyday routines with their vibrant acai bowls, smoothies, and more, has opened in Apex at 2017 Creekside Landing Dr. Located in Beaver Creek Crossings, the restaurant marks Grain & Berry’s second location in North Carolina (the other location is in Holly Springs). Get familiar with them here.

• RALtoday reported this week that South Block, a popular eatery known for its acai bowls and smoothies, is coming to 4121 Main at North Hills Street (next to bartaco). With three locations in the Charlotte area, this will be their first venture into the Raleigh market. No word on an open date. Get to know them here.

• There is still time – the North Carolina State Fair is here through Sunday featuring all this year’s yumminess. Check out the map (plan accordingly) and see all the new offerings here.

• And finally, a happy 40th Birthday to Winston’s Grille! Founded in 1986 by Wil O’Neal and Charles Winston, Jr, the neighborhood restaurant has evolved alongside the city it calls home. Through expansions and renovations, the original Winston’s has transformed into Winston’s Grille, the elegantly casual, comfortable and trusted local dining destination it is today. Get by today!

Durham, Orange & Chatham Restaurant News

• Got word this week on the opening date for M Kikkei (formerly M Pocha). Their soft opening (invitation only) begins on October 24 and the grand opening is on October 29 (waitlist and walk-in welcome). Nikkei refers to Japanese emigrants who left Japan to settle in other countries, taking Japanese cooking techniques and combining them with the native Peruvian ingredients to create beautiful culinary creations. They are located in the same spot, 101 E. Chapel Hill Street in the heart of downtown Durham. M Kikkei is the 7th concept in the “Mpire.” Visit them here.

• The wait is over Pittsboro, a Tavolo Italian Eatery opened this week in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. a Tavolo is owned by the same folks that brought us The Sycamore, 39 West Catering, and Forest Hall Wedding and Event Venue. The new spot offers a warm, elevated-casual approach to Italian dining. Check them out here. Congratulations to Greg Lewis and his team.

• And staying in Pittsboro, got word from Pittsboro Eats this week that there will soon be another spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with the announcement that Gandy Coffee House will open inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House, a late 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian home at 14 N. Small Street (corner of East and Small streets) in the historic downtown district. Look for them to open in early 2027. Get a peek here.

Closings

• Saw on Instagram that after eight years, Sushioki in RTP has closed for good. Glenn Gillen also shared this news with me.

Food Trucks

• 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

• Glenn Gillen reminded me that tomorrow (October 24) the menu drops for the next popup of Preeti Waas’ “Super Secret Sandwich” – which is actually “Super Spooky Sandwich” – because it will take place on October 31 from noon until 4 p.m. Your favorite sammies, back from the dead and a scary good special. You know what to do…mark those calendars. Pro tip: Last one sold out, so don’t delay. Menus and ordering drop tomorrow. Pickup at 202 N. Corcoran Street in downtown Durham. Go here on Instagram.

• The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival will celebrate Southern culinary heritage on Sunday, October 25, with a Chefs’ Tasting Event featuring food and drink from some of the South’s premier chefs, bakers and local purveyors. All proceeds will benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. Led by founding chair Spring Council, daughter of Mama Dip, the festival will bring together culinary talent from across North Carolina and beyond. Guests will enjoy sweet and savory takes on the biscuit, and a variety of beverages. The participating chef lineup includes: Sam Suchoff — Lady Edison Pork / The Pig; Brian Wiles — Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken; Oscar Johnson — Jimmy Pearls; Sera Cuni — The Root Cellar Cafe/ Feedwell Fridges; Tie Whittaker — Buttermilk Boutique; Tonya Council — Tonya’s Cafe & Bake Shop; Britny Stephenson — AC Restaurants, Ashley Christensen’s Restaurant Group; Marvin Ross — Peculiar Pig Farm; Lynn Well — Thyme Spent Personal Chef; Nancie McDermott — Cookbook author; Chris McLaurin — Lutra Cafe & Bakery. Beverage sponsors and booths include: Durham Distillery; Sarah Newman — Bubble Tea; James Creek Cider House; End of Days Distillery; Steel String Brewery; Carrboro Coffee Roasters; Kill Devils Rum; Sutler’s Gin; and Vino Wine. The Chefs’ Tasting Event takes place at American Legion Post 6, 3700 NC-54 in Chapel Hill. VIP entry begins at 2 p.m., and general admission begins at 3 p.m. Tickets and additional event information.

• Chef Sera Cuni and her team over at The Root Cellar in Chapel Hill are taking part in a Yellowstone Dinner on October 29th where four incredible chefs are taking over Holl & Stone Farm in Garner. Chefs Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar, Bill Hartley of Postal Fish Company and JDub’s Po’Boys, Ryan Butler of Smoke Ropers, and Lynn Wells of Thyme Well Spent and Our State Magazine will each helm their own station, giving guests the chance to wander the farm, fill their plates and experience a menu built around smoke, fire, Southern ingredients and a little Wild West inspiration. Get your tickets for any of these events and all the details here.

• Tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 Chefs for Change Annual Gala & Auction to benefit Families Moving Forward. Reserve your spot now to join them on Thursday, November 5th, as they gather at The Cookery for an unforgettable evening of exquisite food, inspiring stories, and abundant opportunities to make a meaningful difference for families and children experiencing homelessness in Durham! And because it’s Chefs for Change, they’ve invited an exceptional lineup of friends—the crème de la crème of the Durham culinary scene—to share their passion for food and Families Moving Forward: Matt Kelly of Nanas Rockwood; Chris Garrett of Seraphine; Aaron Benjamin of Gocciolina; Alex Catotti and Erin Kobler of Restaurant Cornelia and The Vinter and the Baker; and, Chris McLaurin of Lutra Cafe and Bakery. Get your tickets here.

• Botiwalla will be hosting a big Diwali Party at Iron Works on Friday, November 6th. Diwali (aka as the Festival of Lights) is one of the biggest celebrations in Indian culture so they are going all out. It is the celebration of light over darkness and the victory of good over evil. During Diwali in India, oil lamps and fireworks illuminate the night and neighbors and families visit each other, sharing sweets, gifts, and good wishes. Expect a Bollywood DJ, special menu items, free henna and more for the community. Visit Botiwala here.

• Tickets are now on sale for the third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, presented by Earp’s Seafood Market, returning Saturday, Nov. 7th. This year’s event, themed “Smoke & Shuck,” expands the festival’s signature chef-and-oyster-farm pairings to include North Carolina pitmasters for the first time, bringing barbecue into the mix alongside raw oysters. It will be held at Raleigh Iron Works. Rawleigh Oyster Fest has sold out both of its previous events — its launch in November 2025, which sold all 550 tickets, and a spring 2026 edition that sold out in just five days. The event is organized by Eduardo Mera of Mera Brothers Oysters, Katie Dombrowski, communications administrator for the City of Raleigh, and Max Trujillo of the NC F&B Podcast. Together, the two previous events raised approximately $12,500 for the Frankie Lemmon School and Development Center and the N.C. Coastal Federation. Quick Update: Quick update: Organizers have added a lower-priced ticket after hearing from people who felt priced out. The new Half Shell ticket costs $60 and includes nine oysters, two pitmaster or chef bites and one drink. Get tickets and all the details here.

• The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year on Thanksgiving morning (November 26) to Dorothea Dix Park, benefiting Healing Transitions, a Raleigh nonprofit that provides recovery services for people struggling with addiction. The race has grown into a beloved holiday tradition, and 2025 was its biggest year yet: nearly 3,000 runners and walkers signed up, and the race donated about $60,000 to Healing Transitions, up from $42,000 the year before. Since 2016, the annual race, hosted by nOG Run Club and Trophy Brewing Co., has raised more than $210,000 for the nonprofit. Register here.

Food Bank Corner

• It’s Tackling Hunger Month, and calling all football fans to team up with the Food Bank by making a gift of any size! Why is it so important to go on the offense against hunger? Because right now, more than 600,000 of our neighbors aren’t always sure where their next meal will come from—or if it will come at all. That’s enough people to fill NC State’s Carter-Finley Stadium over 10 times. But because every $25 is enough to provide 75 nourishing meals, every gift goes a long way right here in your community. When we’re tackling hunger together, we help kids, families, and seniors live healthier, better lives. Please give today!