Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Oak City’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Raleigh — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list and bookmark it to stay ahead of the culinary curve.
September openings
Crofton’s Pretzels, 1400 S. Saunders St. | Pretzels
Expect Philadelphia-style pretzels stuffed with cheese, brownies, and more at this beach fave opening next to Riparian Provision Company and the NC State Farmers Market.
St. Pierre, Raleigh Iron Works | Wine bar
Anthony Guerra, owner of Oakwood Pizza Box, is the brains behind this new wine shop + bar. Expect a wide variety of vino and paired snacks crafted by Vivian Howard.
Bitter Social, 106 S. Wilmington St. | Bar
After 10 years on Wilmington Street, Gallo Pelon will shut its doors after its last service on Monday, May 5. The second floor will be taken over by Bittersweet for a new concept called Bitter Social.
Dave’s Hot Chicken, 2920 Sherman Oak Place, Ste. 140 | Fast food chicken
Your chicken can be prepared with seven different heat levels, and the hottest, reaper, comes with its own waiver because it’s just that spicy.
Purple Spoon, 3801 Hillsborough St., Ste. 141 | Acai bowls
From Brazil to Oak City, you can now fill your cup with 100% organic acai at Hillsborough Street’s newest spot.
Mr. Henry, 413 Woodburn Rd. | Cocktail bar
Between Goodnights Comedy Club and winestore, Mr. Henry has a ritzy selection of classic cocktails, new concoctions, wine, and beer. Plus, the classy interior would make a great spot for a shopping break, drinks after dinner, or an upscale night out.
August openings
Oakwood Pizza Box, 1842 Wake Forest Rd. | Pizza
Oakwood Pizza Box is serving up fan-favorite pies in this take-out only location in the former home of Capital Creations.
Barrio Tacos and Tequila, 421 N. Harrington St. | Mexican
This build-your-own tacos + creative cocktails spot is set to open its first Raleigh location this summer.
Good Graces, 540 St. Albans Dr., Ste. 130 | Market, bar + eatery
Located in the North Hills Innovation District, you can expect a menu featuring Southern favorites, refreshing drinks + grab-and-go meals.
July openings
Nanny Goat, 3151 Elion Dr., Research Triangle Park | Boutique bodega
James Beard-nominated Chef Preeti Waas and her daughter Amy just opened Nanny Goat, the first retail spot at Horseshoe at Hub RTP. The store dishrd out chef-prepared meals, local goods, fresh produce, baked treats, coffee, and more. In their words: little store, big personality — we can’t wait to shop.
Wong’s Tacos, 4251 Parklake Ave. | Fusion
If you’ve ever contemplated Asian vs. Mexican cuisine for takeout, this newly opened spot can cure both cravings. Wong’s Tacos is now serving up fusion dishes daily on Parklake Avenue near Crabtree Valley Mall. Think: Moo shu mushroom tacos, tuna poke nachos, and more on the menu.
Blotto, 1601 New Bern Ave., Ste. 100 | Bar
East Raleigh’s newest bar has opened its door. Coming from the folks behind Neuse River Brewing Company, Blotto is a new divey spot serving beer, wine, and cocktails in a moody, reimagined space.
June openings
La Mala, 126 N. West St. | Mexican cocktail bar + restaurant
Durham-fave La Mala has opened in Raleigh across from the now-closed 42nd Street Oyster Bar. With Mexican-inspired cocktails, ceviche, tacos, and a huge patio, we think we’ve found our new summer spot.
Amrut, 120 E. Martin St. | Indian
Now open near 42 & Lawrence and Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, Amrut serves multi-regional Indian cuisine, including thukpa, a northeast Indian noodle soup, and faves like mango lassi and butter chicken.
Boatman Spirits Co., 713 Seaboard Station Dr. | Mediterranean + distillery
This new spot combines Mediterranean street food, locally distilled spirits, and a relaxing ambiance perfect for your next date night or special occasion.
Stellar, 1912 Bernard St. | Modern American
This new restaurant and wine bar opened its doors in High Park Village, home to J Betski’s and Timber Pizza Co. With a chic ambiance and weekly BYO vinyl record nights, this sounds like a great place for a date night.
Village Juice & Kitchen, 3701 Exchange Glenwood Pl. | Juices, bowls, and salads
Known for plant-based meals + juices, the menu includes salads, bowls, wraps, and smoothies.
Cup A Joe, 2109 Avent Ferry Rd., Ste. 142 | Coffee
The Mission Valley location of this fave is back in action with all your favorite drink specials and house-brewed java.
Nanny Goat, Hub RTP | International bodega
This boutique bodega by James Beard-nominated chef Preeti Waas serves pre-packaged sandwiches, soups, and more with international flavors for the bustling folks in RTP. Bonus: Waas will also open a new Cheeni location at the RTP development.
May openings
Mala Pata, 2431 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 102 | Latin American
This eatery from Angela Salamanca crafts dishes rooted in tradition with a twist, including tuna tartacos, pozole verde, and whole grilled fish with handmade tortillas. Plus, don’t forget to stop by the mini bar Peyote.
Napa Bistro and Wine Bar, 3705 Exchange Glenwood Pl. | American bistro and wine bar
This laid-back spot in Glenwood Place prides itself on fresh, local flavors made with top-notch ingredients. Think: elevated American dishes, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.
Lucky Tree, Moore Square, 225 E. Martin St. | Coffee
This local fave opened a new branch downtown, and we can’t wait for tasty gluten-free bites, organic coffee, and the eclectic vibe.
April openings
Epic Chophouse, 8551 Brier Creek Pkwy. | Steakhouse
This 8,000-sqft steakhouse offers upscale dining with a modern vibe. We’re eyeing the angry lobster appetizer.
Peregrine, 1000 Social St., Ste. 150 | Global cuisine
Offering globally inspired cuisine that blends South Asian roots with Southern influences, this restaurant has already been named among Raleigh’s best and brightest restaurants.
The Crunkleton, 403 W. Johnson St. | Bar + restaurant
This legendary Chapel Hill bar has finally arrived in Raleigh. Try this: A 42-ounce Tomahawk steak to split with the table.
Brewery Bhavana, Fenton, 850 Lower Garden Ln. | Chinese
Known for its specialty brews and dim sum menu, this expansion of a downtown favorite hits all the right notes. Read our full experience.
Marian Cocktails & Kitchen, 301 Glenwood Ave # 100 | Vegan
Don’t let this restaurant’s all-vegan menu throw you off — Marian serves bites that are just as good without animal products. We’re eyeing the caviar service.
March openings
Soul Flavorscape of India, 301 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 190 | Indian
This new eatery offers reimagined dishes like curries, biryanis, tandooris, and crafted cocktails.
Simons Says Dip This, 621 Hillsborough St. Ste. 104, #6 | Ice cream
Top your soft serve with everything from chocolate to potato chips at this eccentric ice cream spot.
Cortado, 602 Glenwood Ave. | Coffee
Near Raleigh Beer Garden and Mellow Mushroom, Cortado is serving up inviting coffees, teas, and pastry items — we’re eyeing the brown sugar cortado.
Ammi’s, 111 Seaboard Ave., Ste. 118 | Indian sweets
Menu items include sweets like gulab jamun cake + cardamom pistachio cheesecake, plus a few savory options like samosa chaat.
Doc B’s, 25 Fenton Main St., Ste. 150 | American
This location is the first Doc B’s in NC, offering a casual atmosphere with an array of dishes from stir fry bowls to tavern-style pizzas. See what else is open to explore in Fenton.
February openings
Omakase by Kai, 15 Seaboard Ave. | Japanese
The sushi restaurant is the latest project from chef James Chung, who also runs North Raleigh’s Kai Sushi & Sake Bar. This eatery also offers a wrap-around sake bar.
Urban Oak, 200 W. Davie St. | American
Found on the 14th floor of the Tempo hotel, Urban Oak Raleigh is the city’s tallest rooftop lounge, with two patios, expansive cityscape views, and a menu featuring crafted cocktails + small plates.
Tucker Street Diner, 421 N. Harrington St., Ste. 110 | Diner
Order up. The diner at Smoky Hollow promises comforting eats in an elevated environment. Fun fact: It’s owned by the same folks behind the Shiny Diner near Crossroads — expect similarly tasty pancakes, sandwiches, and more.
Paul and Jack, 911 N. West St., Ste. 107 | Bakery
Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisan desserts + craft bevs like the triple berry & lemon bombolini or the lavender vanilla latte.
January openings
Naōs, 2800 Renaissance Park Pl., Cary | Greek
Patrons can expect a modern + home-like ambiance with Greek decor and comforting dishes like Moussaka, a spiced ground sirloin paired with eggplant, potato, and goat cheese bechamel.
La Farm, 404 E. Six Forks Rd., Ste. 171 | Pizza + bakery
The newest location of this fan-fave bakery offers Neapolitan-style pizzas, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a beer and wine menu.
Le Dive Bar, 14 W. Martin St. | Bar
Take a dip at this new vibey dive bar with “Love Island” watch parties, tasty bites, and drinks that are to dive for.
Halftime Sports Lounge, 133 E. Hargett St. | Lounge and sports bar
Halftime features cocktails, LED lighting, and eight televisions. Come here for a lively night out.
State of Beer and The Bend, 851 and 853 W. Morgan St. | Sandwiches, bottle shop, and bar
Trophy Brewing is at it again with this new combo on West Morgan Street. Grab a chicken Caesar sandwich by day and a drink at the bar by night.
Foxcroft Wine Co., 4421 Six Forks Rd., Ste. 115 | Wine bar + bistro
Come thirsty to the destination at North Hills in the Lassiter District for 40+ wines by the glass, paired entrees like steak frites + housemade pastas, and small plates.
Coming Soon
Trophy Brewing Five Points, 205 Bickett Blvd. | Projected opening: October 2025
Trophy Brewing’s new restaurant + taproom will open in Five Points in the 22,000 sqft former Electric Supply Co. building next to Ajja. This marks Trophy’s seventh space in Raleigh and will double as an event venue with indoor + outdoor spaces. Plus, expect more barrel-aged spirits and beers with all that ample storage.
Guthrie’s, 2907 Wake Forest Rd. | Fast food chicken | Projected opening: November 2025
This Alabama fast food chain is famous for its golden brown chicken tenders + tangy dipping sauce.
Jubala + Bar Marigold, 301 Hillsborough St. | Coffee + bar | Projected opening: Fall 2025
Jubala’s fourth location will moonlight as Bar Marigold with new cocktail inventions, classics, mocktails, and of course, plenty of espresso martinis.
E.O’s Athletic Club, 341 W. Main St. | Sports bar | Projected opening: Fall 2025
This new sports bar comes from the owners of Kingfisher and Queeny’s and will show at least 50% women’s sports on its TVs and will be modeled after ‘70s-style Northeast sports bars. Count us in.
Burger and Barley, 1900 Hillsborough St. | Burgers | Projected opening: Fall 2025
Burger and Barley, an NC-based burger spot, will open its fourth location in the former David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar after David’s announced its closure in July. With locations in Rocky Mount, Smithfield, and Charlotte, Burger and Barley serves certified Angus beef and a wide variety of craft beers.
Campo Taco Co., 1001 S. Saunders St. | Projected opening: 2025
Campo will serve bold tacos, handcrafted cocktails, and signature margaritas right near Gipson Play Plaza. The restaurant aims to connect with the community, celebrating fresh flavors and togetherness.
Velvet Taco, 1400 S. Saunders St. | Fusion tacos | Projected opening: 2025
Korean fried rice. Nashville hot tofu. Fish and chips. All of these are coming to Raleigh in a tortilla thanks to Velvet Taco.
Whataburger, multiple locations | Fast food burgers | Projected opening: January 2026
The Texas burger chain is set to open along Six Forks Road near Costco and Falls of Neuse Road near Winston’s Grille.
KOKORO Ramen & Izakaya, 200 E. Martin St. | Projected opening: Early 2026
City Market has a new tenant coming from a Southern Pines favorite. KOKORO Ramen & Izakaya will open in the former Royale space as soon as next spring. From the folks behind Neko Thai & Sushi, expect slurpable ramen and Japanese small plates.
Botiwalla, Raleigh Iron Works | Projected opening: Spring 2026
Botiwalla by Chai Pani, a famed Indian street grill restaurant based in Asheville, is coming to Raleigh. If you just can’t wait, you can visit the other locations in Charlotte and Asheville to try the masala smashed potatoes, Desi salad bowls, and tikka rolls before they land in Raleigh.
The Common Market, Seaboard Station | Sandwiches, beer, and more | Projected opening: 2026
This marketplace, which you might know from its Durham location or three Charlotte outposts, will feature curated grocery items, local goods, grab-and-go options, coffee, beer + wine, made-to-order sandwiches, and a full-service bar.
Pizzeria Toro, The Common Market at Seaboard Station | Projected opening: 2026
Durham’s Pizzeria Toro is coming to Seaboard Station in a shared space with The Common Market. Opening up next summer, this wood-fired pizza spot has inventive pies, like an egg, mushroom, and arugula white pizza made to order.
Benchwarmers Bagels, Rockway Raleigh | Bagels | Projected opening: TBA
This local favorite is getting a new location near Dix Park, and we’re excited for more gourmet bagels and top-notch breakfast bites.
Standard Beer + Food, North Hills Innovation District | American | Projected opening: TBA
Known for killer smash burgers, innovative brunch bites, and refreshing brews + cocktails, this locally owned brewpub prides itself on sourcing fresh ingredients from partners like Raleigh City Farm, Joyce Farms, and Fox Farm & Forage.
Barking Dog, 201 Park at North Hills St. | Dog-friendly cafe | Projected opening: TBA
This new eatery is perfect to sit and stay at, promising a neighborhood vibe and dog-friendly atmosphere.
Topsail Steamer, 5003 Falls of Neuse Rd. | Seafood | Projected opening: TBA
The beach fave that was featured on “Shark Tank” prides itself as aready-to-go seafood steamer bucket company.
Jaggers, 6711 Glenwood Ave. | Fast food | Projected opening: TBA
Jaggers, a subsidiary restaurant of Texas Roadhouse, will open in the former Mami Nora’s space, promising cheaper eats, like $10 or less burgers and chicken.
Mami Nora’s, Salvage Yard at Raleigh Iron Works | Latin | Projected opening: TBA
This Peruvian chicken restaurant will open at Salvage Yard in Raleigh Iron Works later this year following the sale of its original location on Wake Forest Road. Known for its Latin-style dishes like chicken, tostones, and maduros, the restaurant has been a local favorite for over a decade.
Super Rad Retro Lounge, 106 Glenwood Ave. | Video game lounge | Projected opening: TBA
The lounge will be family-friendly during the day and adult-centered at night, joining barcades like Boxcar and incoming Pins Mechanical Co.
Raising Cane’s, 2420 Hillsborough St. | Fast food chicken | Projected opening: TBA
This simple chicken joint has become famous nationwide for its tenders and peppery Cane’s Sauce.photo
Sixty Vines, North Hills | Wine bar | Projected opening: TBA
The Dallas-based wine bar and restaurant will open a two-story eatery as part of the office building One North Hills, serving plenty of wine on tap, top-notch brunch, and a patio space on both floors.
The Dry Cleaners, North Raleigh | Speakeasy | Projected opening: TBA
The folks behind the Hibernian, Aunty Betty’s Gin Bar, and Watts and Ward will open this moody speakeasy in — you guessed it — a former dry cleaning business.
Dutch Bros, 3400 Village Market Pl., Morrisville | Coffee | Projected opening: TBA
This cult-favorite coffee chain is coming to Wake County. The drive-through spot specializes in inventive, bespoke drinks like the Golden Eagle, Annihilator, and the six-espresso-shot 911.
Taco Roos, 3940 Western Blvd. | Fast food tacos | Projected opening: TBA
Cook Out is expanding its Western Boulevard footprint by taking over the Subway next to its existing location for Taco Roos with menu items all under $3.99 each.
83 South, Bloc[83] | Bar + restaurant | Projected opening: TBA
A new bar + restaurant is coming to Bloc[83] called 83 South, and restaurateurs Anthony Rapillo and Katsuji Tanabe from Flour & Barrel are joining in, too. Expect a day-to-night spot with brunch, upscale bites, and a lounge environment.
Veloce Italian Market, City Plaza | Pizza | Projected opening: TBA
Veloce Italian Market is taking over the former home of Happy + Hale in City Plaza and will serve fresh pizza, sandwiches, gourmet goods, plus a small bar. Even better? It’s coming from Anthony Rapillo, the chef behind V Pizza + Flour & Barrel.
Saigon Kitchen, 321 S. Blount St. | Vietnamese | Projected opening: TBA
After dumpling restaurant MOFU Shoppe closed its doors in August, Raleighites have spotted signage for a new Vietnamese restaurant to take its place.
Unnamed concept, 1000 Brookside Dr. | Concept TBA | Projected opening: Unknown
Owners of Ajja + Ex Voto and a Locals Seafood partner are coming together to bring a new concept to 1000 Brookside Dr., which has seen multiple recent turnovers. The space has been leased by this all-star group of restaurateurs, and no name nor concept have been announced.
42nd Street Oyster Bar, 508 W. Jones St. | Seafood | Projected opening: Unknown
Don’t call it a comeback. Rumors are swirling around the recently-closed 42nd Street Oyster Bar, and the local fave could return with a new ownership group. No promises, but we’re crossing our fingers.
