by Peyton Masilun | Apr 29, 2025 | Do, May 2025
Five of the best bites, sips & screenings just outside Raleigh
Tonya’s Cafe | Chapel Hill
Tonya Council—yes, that Tonya of Oprah-approved baked good fame (!) and the late Mama Dip’s granddaughter—is serving up a fresh take on Southern comfort food at her latest tasty venture. An extension of her popular Tonya’s Cookies & Bake Shop, the soulful spot dishes out mouthwatering classics like chicken-fried steak, smothered pork chops, Monte Cristo sandos and a must-try cornbread flight—not to mention an irresistibly refreshing mango peach lemonade and desserts like banana pudding… because everyone knows a Southern meal isn’t complete without something sweet. tonyascookies.com
Killer Queen Wine Bar | Durham
Part funky hideaway, part community hub, this eclectic art-filled “social living room” is where great wines meet spectacular vibes in the heart of downtown Durham. Serving up the ultimate third place, it’s ideal for any sort of rendezvous—whether you’re sipping solo, deep in convo with friends or making an unexpected new one (two-legged or four!). With more than 50 wines by the glass, a curated small plates menu and a back patio straight out of a Brooklyn-meets-Southerner’s dream (wings mural by Collette Miller included), there’s always something—or someone—worth toasting to, making for a ~killer~ time indeed. killerqueendurham.com
Downtown Cary Park Movie Night Series | Cary
Bring on the popcorn and park it for the ultimate outdoor cinema experience. From Moana 2 (May 23) to Top Gun (July 3) to Wicked (Aug. 20), The Cary Theater-curated lineup is stacked with crowd favorites, all screened free on the Great Lawn. Come early to snag the best seat, hit up food trucks for movie munchies, and dive into themed preshow activities. Pro tip: BYO blankets and beach chairs for max comfort. downtowncarypark.com
Faulisi Caffé & Enoteca | Cary
One of the Triangle’s top pizzerias has flipped the script—literally. Once wood-fired pizza hot spot Pizzeria Faulisi has transformed into a vibrant breakfast-and-lunch cafe, offering a cozy neighborhood spot to linger over some grub. OG fans can still get their pie fix via the weekday margherita pizza and a few weekend specials, but, now, the real star is the rotating lineup of unique pastries, stacked sammies, fresh salads and expertly brewed coffee bevs. Cater to an all-day fest by indulging in a sfogliatella (cream-filled pastry) with a rich cioccolato con caffe, then savor an order of housemade gnocchi, or plan your return for an upcoming wine dinner. One thing’s for sure—this isn’t just a pivot, it’s a glow-up. pizzeriafaulisi.com
French Bleue | Apex
Step into a little slice of Provence via this charming spot where elegance meets everyday living and centuries-old European antiques are blended with modern pieces. Owner Libby Padula scoured markets across Europe to curate the dreamy collection of vintage treasures, luxe decor and design-forward finds that feel both storied and effortlessly chic—think weathered patina frames, gilded mirrors, plush velvet furniture and ceramic kitchenware. Enhance that Parisian vibe by grabbing a sandwich, salad or macaron from new in-house petite cafe Marché—in partnership with Raleigh’s own lucettegrace—as you peruse. frenchbleue.com
by Anna Beth Adcock | Jan 18, 2023 | December 2022/January 2023, Eat
Expand your palate with these local picks during Triangle Restaurant Week.
Hey, foodies… we hope you’re hungry! While Raleigh no doubt has a slew of restaurants worth raving about, the Triangle is teeming with tasty spots worth checking out—and what better time to give them a try than during Triangle Restaurant Week? From Jan. 23–29, popular local sup spots are featuring special 2- and 3-course menu ops for lunch and dinner—no rez required. Here, a few of our picks to nosh on some fab fare outside Raleigh. Time to dig in!
DURHAM
Calling all ramen-tics! For some “Far East funk” and mouthwatering fare, snag a seat at this vibrant, colorful spot serving up Asian dishes with flair. At the helm, find executive chef Jason Lawless whipping up noodle dishes, bao buns and other amazing entrees—NTM going wild on the wok.
Our TRW must-have: Tom kha gai
Come, see, conquer, eat at this traditional authentic Italian resto feat. pastas and breads made in-house daily—best enjoyed with a glass (or bottle—we aren’t judging!) of vino. Mamma mia!
Our TRW must-have: Chicken parmigiana
“I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling (local) 22!” … This Downtown Durham delight will have you feelin’ peckish with its all-American classic comfort food—think burgers, pizza, mac ’n’ cheese, fries and the like. And we do like.
Our TRW must-have: Fried mozzarella
CARY
Highlighting divine dumplings, comforting curries and an extensive fresh raw bar, this gorgeous upscale resto touts a range of Southeast Asian dishes, plus stunning desserts that look almost too perfect to eat. Keyword: almost.
Our TRW must-have: Tiki Waikiki roll
A nod to the birds and park within view, this modern American resto inside The Mayton offers Southern comfort foods in a chic atmosphere. Whether patrons want to “peck” on plates with friends or celebrate with a big dinner, this nosh spot has the chops. Waddle this way…
Our TRW must-have: Georgia peach pork schnitzel
CHAPEL HILL
Serving up dishes using the best seasonal ingredients from local farmers, fishers and purveyors, Market and Moss features fare as colorful as its atmosphere (see: the teal blue walls/chairs and overall cute + cozy vibe). Taste the rainbow!
Our TRW must-have: Chocolate semifreddo
Light the way… to this loveable Asian restaurant that marries flavors from the East with local ingredients (and who doesn’t love a good collab?!). Behind the scenes, find renowned chef/owner Andrea Reusing cooking up delish dishes—and advocating for food policy change to boot. Essentially: A dining experience that’s all that and dim sum!
Our TRW must-have: Chicken + yuzu ramen
RTP
This Research Triangle sup spot stays serving up seasonal, well-executed eats all year long—and the same rings true for its TRW menu. Pro tip: The food is just as ’Grammable as the restaurant’s beautiful interior. Get your cameras ready!
Our TRW must-have: Burrata toast
by Lauren Kruchten | Jun 30, 2022 | Eat, July 2022/August 2022
Unless you’re taking a summer social media/news siesta, you’ve no doubt heard chef Ricky Moore of Durham’s Saltbox Seafood Joint brought home the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast—and what a huge honor for him, the Triangle… and fishermen. Echoing that sentiment was Moore himself as he took stage to accept the culinary world’s highest regional honor: “Bull City, North Carolina! I opened up a place that celebrates North Carolina seafood, so I’m going to shout out North Carolina fisher folk—mean[ing] fishermen and women.” So if you haven’t been to SSJ in a while—or ever—use this summer as an excuse to feast on what foodies near and far have been raving about, from the myriad fried or spice-griddled seafood options (which vary based on what’s been caught by NC fishermen that day) to Moore’s signature Hush-Honeys, aka fried cornmeal fritters glazed with honey (and, yes, you’re gonna want a lot of those). What could be more perfect than fresh-caught North Carolina seafood in the summertime? We’re calling it: It’s o-fish-ally Saltbox season. saltboxseafoodjoint.com
