Triangle Dining: New Openings and Michelin Awards

The Research Triangle's food scene continues to shift as major chains arrive and local operators earn international recognition. The 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony took place Wednesday in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Three Triangle restaurants received new Bib Gourmand designations during the event. Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro were added to the list. Tesoro is an 18-seat restaurant focused on pasta. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their status from the previous year. Sixteen other establishments, including Brewery Bhavana and Poole's, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

New locations are opening across the region. Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the space formerly held by Brio Italian Grille at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh. This will be the chain's second location in the Triangle, following the existing restaurant at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The brand is known for family-style portions, and no opening date has been announced.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake St. in Raleigh's City Market. The Pittsburgh-based franchise targets an opening before the end of the year. South Block, a Charlotte-based acai and smoothie shop, will enter Raleigh at 4121 Main at North Hills St. near bartaco. Grain & Berry recently opened its second North Carolina location in Apex at Beaver Creek Crossings.

In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly M Pocha, holds a 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. A new Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in Pittsboro, while Gandy Coffee House is expected to open inside a historic house there in early 2027. 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. Proceeds will benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. On November 7, the Rawleigh Oyster Fest returns to Raleigh Iron Works with a theme of smoke and shuck. Organizers introduced a $60 Half Shell ticket with nine oysters, two bites, and one drink to address pricing concerns. The previous two events sold out and raised approximately $12,500.

The Trophy Trot 5K at Dix Park returns for its 10th year on November 26. Last year's race drew nearly 3,000 participants and donated about $60,000 to Healing Transitions, an increase from $42,000 in the prior year. The North Carolina State Fair runs through Sunday, and the Food Bank notes that every $25 donation provides 75 meals.