Local MICHELIN stars according to RALtoday readers

Order up. We asked RALtoday readers for their local MICHELIN-worthy foodie recommendations, and now we’re sharing what they delivered.

RALtoday St. Roch

We can personally vouch for the oysters + beignets.

Photo by RALtoday

Have you heard? The MICHELIN Guide announced its expansion into the South, including NC, as part of its upcoming MICHELIN Guide American South issue.

Insert: Raleigh foodies with hearty opinions. We asked our readers to flex their local expertise and nominate eateries + dishes to be included in the MICHELIN guide — and wow, did you deliver.

Readers Kiki H., Dana C., Calleigh W., and Bill K. recommended Stanbury with recommendations ranging from the dish of the month to the fried oysters, tagliatelle + crispy pig head.

Another standout response we saw from readers like Rebekah N., Liz M., and Erika L. is Mediterranean restaurant Ajja with entree recommendations, including the Whole Fried Trout.

And we can’t forget our dedicated foodies. Here are a few other recommendations readers shared.

“St. Roch, gator bolognese.” — Reader TRB.

“Second Empire. A filet, cooked medium.” — Reader Jenny E.

“Second Empire, Herons, and Fearrington House.” — Reader Amanda D.

“Brewery Bhavana. Order the Nasi Goreng crab fried rice.” — Reader Ivy M.

“Herons at the Umstead, chef’s choice.” — Reader Todd F.

“Bida Manda, purple rice.” — Reader Mariah W.

City Editor Danyale here. I’m thankful to every reader who shared their opinion, and I’m taking notes of where to visit + what to order. I have no doubt that should the MICHELIN Inspectors make their way to Raleigh, we’re a shoo-in for the guide since Oak City has so much culinary talent + food gems to offer.

More from RALtoday
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Visit The Magic of the Fourth Ward: A Journey Through Time and Culture at the Martin Marietta Center to learn more about this vibrant neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal.
Microsoft, the world’s No. 4 most valuable company, will bring a data center to a large parcel in Person County.
Explore all 308 acres of Dorothea Dix Park and its top landmarks, history, and more.
The long-awaited Texas burger chain will make its debut next month in Wake Forest, and Raleigh’s location will open two weeks later.
The Canes sent five players to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and five of them are coming home as medalists, including one gold medalist.
From curling to ice hockey, you can train just like the world’s top athletes without leaving the 919.
Songbird will open later this year with local produce-driven cocktails, mocktails, and bites.
With flavors from chef + co-owner Saif Rahman’s culinary journey, this fast-breaking meal offers new tastes for Ramadan.