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This past year was an interesting one for Raleigh’s food and bev scene. We saw many longtime faves shutter permanently (RIP Humble Pie and The Rockford, to name just a couple), making way for a bounty of new businesses to emerge (hey, Ajja, Madre and Peggy’s, among many others!). Plus, naturally, a cast of sup spots had us coming back again and again—namely our 25 Best Restaurants of 2023 (*wink wink*).
It’s safe to say the City of Oaks is a hotbed for hospitality covering all types of cuisine, budgets, trends, etc.—and we couldn’t have been more spoiled tasting and sipping our way through it all. Here, the bites and bevs that particularly wowed us this year.
“Lobster shumai at multicultural masterpiece M Test Kitchen—one of RM’s best burb restos of 2023 for a reason. The food that comes out of mastermind Michael Lee’s kitchens—never mind at the hands of master Michelin-pedigreed executive chef Connor Johnson—isn’t even food. It’s pure epicurean poetry. … For spirts, I’m a sucker for whatever marg spin Lily and company are concocting at Willco.”
—Melissa Howsam, Editor-in-Chief, @mahowsam
“An octopus tostada dish from Stanbury was my fave dish from 2023—and hands-down the best octopus I’ve ever had! RM’s best resto of the year never disappoints. 😉 My fave drink probably came from Willco!”
—Lauren Kruchten, Associate Editor, @laurenn_nicol
“The octopus from Madre is a clear winner for me!”
—Anna Beth Adcock, Editorial Assistant, @_annabethadcock
“Rabbit ravioli this past spring at Cucciolo—and, to drink, the Adictivo tequila olive oil and rosemary margarita at RM’s The Cocktail Classic!”
—Debby Serena, Account Executive
“Whipped sheep’s cheese from Barcelona Wine Bar! It’s so delicious with honey and nuts as a garnish.”
—Cameron Rhinehardt, Account Executive, @camrht
“Bright Spot’s sourwood honey glazed doughnut”
—Susannah Richardson, Editorial Intern
“A Grandchamp Hospitality x Heights House dinner! Gorgeous setting, fascinating people and truly unbeatable food. I’ve had some great meals this year, but immediately point to this as my No. 1!”
—Eric Ginsburg, Contributing Writer, @eric_ginsburg
“The burgers from Standard!”
—Carlee Nilphai, Contributing Writer
“One of my favorite things I’ve drank this year has been the horchata at Chido Taco’s new location on Fayetteville Street! I live nearby, and it’s a delicious little afternoon treat.”
—Rabekah Henderson, Contributing Writer
“East End Bistrot. My goodness, what incredible cuisine. So excited to have chef William & co. in Raleigh!”
—Forrest Mason, Contributing Photographer, @fmasonmedia
“Everything at Ajja”
—Felicia Trujillo, Contributing Photographer, Food Seen, @foodseennc
“Drink: a blackberry mezcal cocktail at Dram & Draught Fenton; Food: the kale salad at Madre. If you can make me not want to stop eating a vegetable, you’ve won me over.”
—Susan Holt, Contributing Photographer, Susan Holt Photography, @susanholtphoto
“The gnocchi at Mulino! Best I’ve ever had.”
—Sean Junqueira, Contributing Photographer
“(ish) Delicatessen’s Sloppy SPO is just killer. When it’s available, it’s not to be missed! And I love the familiar atmosphere there.”
—Joshua Steadman, Contributing Photographer, Steady Film, @steadyfilm
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