Forks up! Downtown Raleigh Restaurant Week is back July 24 through Aug. 3, shining a light on some of the city’s best eateries and tempting diners to try out new-to-them spots or return to their faves for special deals, prix fixe menus and experimental dishes. And no matter what you’re craving, odds are it’s on the list, with diversified ops ranging from Southern comfort and contemporary American to Asian, Italian, Mexican and more—plus new-this-year drink and dessert ops. See the full list of participating restaurants below, and click here for all the specific offerings.
LM Restaurants to reinvigorate North Carolina’s Main Street with new restaurant
Finally—Fayetteville Street has found its (tasty) linchpin for the revitalization our city’s core has yearned for. A concept over a year in the making, LM Restaurant’s full-service yet-to-be-named restaurant in partnership with Highwoods will bow on the first floor of the 150 Fayetteville building this spring with a focus on “those who live, who work—and the extended community of people who come Downtown for the nightlife,” says LM President Amber Moshakos.
First teased in our Fayetteville Street update last summer, the all-day restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night bites with a focus on homemade American food that celebrates North Carolina. Easing the transition from day to evening will be a breakfast bar with pastries, espresso and other to-go items in the morning that, by night, will convert to a romantic nook with dessert and Champagne.
Diners will have the option to partake inside or on the patio for an alfresco affair, or at the inside/outside bar. The outdoor area will also play host to live music, with additional plans for a national artist to help activate the space.
“Last year, Highwoods moved our headquarters Downtown to be a deliberate part of the good things going on at the heart of our region,” says Highwoods Senior Vice President and Market Leader Skip Hill. “We wanted to create a place at Downtown’s ‘main and main’ that served those in suits and sneakers throughout the day, week and year—and we could not imagine a better partner in Amber and her team at LM Restaurants to make this happen.”
LM VP of Brand Strategy Katherine Goldfaden describes the eatery as “polished casual—from suits to sneakers,” all will feel comfortable. “Not many people are from Raleigh anymore, but here everyone in Raleigh can be a local,” she adds.
Opening in this particular building is a natural fit for the hospitality group as “we have revitalization projects at the core of LM,” says Amber. Take Taverna Agora, or Vidrio—which was an empty building LM co-founder Lou Moshakos bought in 2008 when that end of Glenwood was otherwise void of F&B concepts. “Restaurants are the anchor in revitalizing and building community,” Amber emphasizes.
In fact, LM is so committed to DTR that the group has their eyes on yet another property. “We’re looking to invest in this area because we believe in it,” maintains Amber. And we believe it’s going to be a game-changer for the area.
