New Restaurants and Michelin Awards Shape Triangle Dining Plans

Diners in the Triangle will see new menu options and familiar national chains arrive in the coming months, while local establishments received fresh accolades from a national culinary guide.

At the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held Wednesday in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, three Triangle restaurants earned Bib Gourmand designations. The new honorees include Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro, an 18-seat pasta-focused restaurant in Carrboro.

Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year. Additionally, sixteen other Triangle locations, such as Brewery Bhavana and Poole's, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

In Raleigh, Maggiano's Little Italy is set to occupy the space previously held by Brio Italian Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall. This will be the second Maggiano's in the region, joining the existing location at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain is known for serving large, family-style portions, though a specific opening date has not been announced.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a franchise originating from Pittsburgh, plans to open its first North Carolina store at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The shop will be located next to Blackbird Books and Coffee, with a target opening date before the end of the year, according to the Triangle Business Journal.

South Block, a chain specializing in acai bowls and smoothies with three existing locations in the Charlotte area, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. Its new site will be at 4121 Main at North Hills St., adjacent to bartaco. No opening date has been set for this expansion.

Other dining changes include the opening of Grain & Berry in Apex at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive, which serves as its second North Carolina location. 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 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. The restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, a blend of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients.

Pittsboro gained a Tavolo Italian Eatery in MOSAIC at Chatham Park, while Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House at 14 N. Small St. Conversely, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park 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. The Chefs for Change Gala & Auction will take place at The Cookery on November 5 to support Families Moving Forward.

The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed "Smoke & Shuck," is scheduled for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. Organizers introduced a $60 Half Shell ticket for nine oysters, two bites, and one drink after feedback regarding pricing. The previous two editions sold out and raised approximately $12,500. The Trophy Trot 5K returns on November 26 at Dix Park, having raised about $60,000 last year.