Michelin Awards Triangle Restaurants as New Chains Target Raleigh

Three restaurants in the Research Triangle earned new Bib Gourmand designations from the Michelin Guide during a ceremony held in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday. The 2026 Michelin Guide American South honored Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro for their recognition.

The Bib Gourmand designation identifies restaurants that offer good food at moderate prices. Tesoro, which received the honor, operates as an 18-seat restaurant focused on pasta. Alongside the new honorees, Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year.

Sixteen additional Triangle establishments kept their Michelin recommended listings. These include Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury, and The Fearrington House Restaurant.

As these local spots gain national attention, several large national brands are expanding into the region. Maggiano's Little Italy will open in Raleigh at the Crabtree Valley Mall, taking over the former location of Brio Italian Grille. This location will serve as the second Maggiano's in the Triangle, joining the existing branch at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain is known for serving large, family-style portions, though no opening date has been announced.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a franchise based in Pittsburgh, plans to open its first North Carolina location in Raleigh. The shop will be located at 325 Blake St. in City Market, next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. The Triangle Business Journal reported that the business aims to open before the end of the year.

South Block, a chain known for acai bowls and smoothies, is also entering the Raleigh market. The brand currently has three locations in the Charlotte area and will open at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco. RALtoday reported that the business is preparing for the move but has not set a specific opening date.

New concepts are also arriving in smaller communities. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. This is the second North Carolina location for the brand, following a store in Holly Springs. In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly known as M Pocha, will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24. The grand opening is scheduled for October 29 at 101 Chapel Hill St. The restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, and is the seventh concept in the "Mpire" group.

In Pittsboro, a Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House at 14 N. Small St. On the other side of the ledger, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has closed permanently after eight years of operation.

The local food calendar includes several upcoming events. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival will take place on Sunday, October 25, at American Legion Post 6. VIP entry begins at 2 p.m., and general admission starts at 3 p.m. Proceeds will benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. On October 29, chefs including Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar will host a Yellowstone Dinner at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner.

Preeti Waas will hold a "Super Spooky Sandwich" popup on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. Pickup is available at 202 N. Corcoran St. in Durham, with the menu due on Saturday, October 24. In early November, the Chefs for Change Gala and Auction will be held at The Cookery on November 5 to benefit Families Moving Forward. Botiwalla will host a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6.