Where to get sh*t done around town? We have your best bathroom lineup on lock (!).
Madre This mod-chic bathroom is either your best friend or your worst nightmare—the difference is made by ensuring the lock is turned all the way so the translucent door is frosted. Pro tip: If you can see out, they can see in. Possible flashing sitch aside, the neon-lit lavatory sports pink-ish hues, stacking up to be a prime squat (and selfie) spot. @madreraleigh
Clockwork If Beetlejuice were a bathroom, it would be this one. Stroll through the trippy black-and-white-striped Tim Burton-esque hallway—and a literal nod to its namesake A Clockwork Orange—for a mind-bending-meets-magnificent photo op you can and should take advantage of on the way to the Glenwood watering hole’s pinked-out powder room. @clockwork919
Photo by Raleigh Magazine
Stella’s Feeling frisky? So is the PG-13-rated bathroom at this girly Downtown dive. Get glam at one of two vanities under a glittering chandelier illuminating the plethora of risqué photographs and magazine covers coating the walls—and dry your hands under the colorful rhinestone-bedazzled paper towel holder. And don’t fret, there’s plenty of spots to stash your purse while you go. So, truly a bathroom for the girls. @stellasonwest
Watts & Ward Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner, these always-clean and never busy potty palaces are dark enough to make you think your makeup still looks great post-speakeasy romp—plus the gold-trimmed mirrors and tiled floors make for the perfect mirror selfie op. @wattsandward
Postino Step into a dark and moody time warp among retro Roy Lichtenstein-esque music prints (hey, Elvis!) and colorful concert-flyer collages coating the ceiling and melding with trippy tiled walls—more than enough vintage vibes to powder your nose in. @postinowinecafe
Photo by Raleigh Magazine
Johnson Street Yacht Club In your Joan Jett “Bad Reputation” era? This perfectly sleazy suite is a primo pick for an edgy pit stop. Feed into your nonchalant and detached attitude with wallpaper quipping your sentiments exactly—plus mints, magazines and feminine products, JIC. @jsyachtclub
Find yourself in Smoky Hollow on Thursdays around 6pm and you’ll discover the modern version of speed dating—emphasis on speed. Raleighites of all backgrounds, from young professionals to working adults, participate in the recently launched run club before looping back to Neighborhood, where they can enjoy live music, a crisp drink and often a pizza pop-up. Wearing color? They’re off the market. But black? They might just be your new “running” partner.
The run club is a recent development by Tyler Helikson, co-owner of Neighborhood and Madre. After chatting with friends about the frustrations of online dating, Helikson, a fitness enthusiast, wanted to create the kind of experience he’d want to join himself. Inspired by similar clubs popping up nationwide, he decided to run with the idea. The first week there were 25 people—the next, there were triple.
The emergence of these clubs highlights a broader shift, both locally and nationally, as people swap going-out shoes for sneakers. Rather than relying on bars or apps, people in the 25–55 age range are opting for run clubs, book clubs, dinner clubs and more as a modern way to build relationships.
Helikson attributes much of this to connection. It takes time to match on an app, establish a good conversational flow and set up a date—only to realize in person that the spark is just not there. Run clubs—and other similar activity-based social get-togethers—allow you to meet like-minded folks organically. “You meet people in the flesh, in the wild, and see if you jive with them in person,” he explains. “I think that’s the only way you can really get to know somebody.”
And this isn’t just the case for people seeking romantic connections. Crank Arm Brewing co-owner/co-founder Adam Eckhardt sees this trend playing out platonically at the brewery’s weekly events, which include everything from bike rides and trivia to dog-walking nights. To him, today’s crowd wants more from their social life. “The current generation is drawn to experiential things,” he says. “People want to go do something.”
Eckhardt also notes that each night draws a lively mix of regulars and newbies, often including those just finding their footing in the area.
Across Raleigh, businesses like these bring people together in their own way. Stonewall Sports hosts LGBTQIA+ community-based sports leagues, while Tri Sports offers a popular kickball league (among other sports). Heights House organizes a Sunday Sauce dinner series along with other social experiences, and Copperline Plants has its own book club and regular plant-themed gatherings. Even vino haven Vita Vite joins in with a book club of its own.
While some still lean on their favorite bars and a right swipe on the apps, this new trend toward meeting IRL is giving a nostalgic nod to the good ole days of socializing. Our grandparents had (and still have) bridge, and the modern generation has pickleball leagues, run clubs and the like. Maybe it’s pandemic-fueled or collective screen fatigue, but today’s crowd is craving—and carving out—real-life relationships, and trading out scrolling for socializing. And Raleighites? They’re all in on the club scene.
Tepuy Donuts’ first brick-and-mortar anticipated to open in October
If you dig doughnuts, chances are you know Alejandro Contreras—or have at least gone glazy for his battered brilliance. Raleigh’s very own “doughnut guy” has made quite the name for himself in the community with his Tepuy Donuts—the moniker an ode to Venezuela’s flat-top mountains in Canaima National Park that played a transformative role in shaping him.
Now, the Venezuelan-born baker is taking things to the next level—while making his doughy delicacies even more accessible—with the opening of his first brick-and-mortar on Capital Boulevard slated for as early as this month.
The new storefront answers the call for Tepuy’s thriving fan base, which has exponentially grown from his pandemic start baking doughnuts out of Mandolin, where he was working at the time, as part of the restaurant’s contactless family-style meal deliveries. Clearly tapping into a communitywide untapped hunger—at a time when doughnuts weren’t even having a moment—he broke out his treats beyond the Mandolin kitchen, selling wholesale (and often selling out) almost on the daily at spots like Idle Hour, Madre and Pine State Coffee, to name but a few.
“Ever since my first visit to a Krispy Kreme, I knew I wanted to dive into doughnut culture,” says Contreras, who cut his teeth baking cinnamon rolls in his home country before honing his skills and scaling his business in Argentina. “I’ve had a goal to reinvent the doughnut scene,” he adds, “and Mandolin was a stepping stone to make that goal a reality. Now, with Tepuy Donuts’ brick-and-mortar location, I look forward to creating a place for the community where everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.”
Tepuy’s storefront will dish cases full of Contreras’ delish handmade dough, including his signature sourdough brioche doughnut (richer and lighter than the traditional cake counterpart), plus flavors like Boston cream, s’mores, raspberry and salted caramel. He’ll also sprinkle in seasonal specialties with the likes of corn custard with blueberry filling, a Black Forest cake-inspired op and more—including fan-fave pumpkin spice creme brulee. And, adding to Raleigh’s brewing scene, coffee and tea will provide fuel via a collab with Pine State Coffee.
While the 1,500-square-foot space will serve up some indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio to take pause over pastry perfection, Contreras sees it being most ideal for grab-and-go—whether a midday caffeine and sugar boost or snagging a dozen for an event (or to house down yourself—no judgment!). And in a full-circle moment, Mandolin chef/owner Sean Fowler is a silent partner in the venture as well. So, truly a hole-in-one for all. @tepuydonuts
Tepuy Donuts’s first brick-and-mortar anticipated to open in November
If you dig doughnuts, chances are you know Alejandro Contreras—or have at least gone glazy for his battered brilliance. Raleigh’s very own “doughnut guy” has made quite the name for himself in the community with his Tepuy Donuts—the name an ode to Venezuela’s flat-top mountains in Canaima National Park that played a transformative role in shaping him.
Now, the Venezuelan-born baker is taking things to the next level—while making his doughy delicacies even more accessible—with the opening of his first brick-and-mortar on Capital Boulevard in November.
The new storefront answers the call for Tepuy’s thriving fan base, which has exponentially grown from his pandemic start baking doughnuts out of Mandolin—where he was working at the time—as part of the restaurant’s contactless family-style meal deliveries. Clearly tapping into a communitywide untapped hunger—at a time when doughnuts weren’t even having a moment—he broke out his treats beyond the Mandolin kitchen, selling wholesale (and often selling out) almost on the daily at spots like Idle Hour, Madre and Pine State Coffee—to name but a few.
“Ever since my first visit to a Krispy Kreme, I knew I wanted to dive into doughnut culture,” says Contreras, who cut his teeth baking cinnamon rolls in his home country before honing his skills and scaling his business in Argentina. “I’ve had a goal to reinvent the doughnut scene,” he adds, “and Mandolin was a stepping stone to make that goal a reality. Now, with Tepuy Donuts’ brick-and-mortar location, I look forward to creating a place for the community where everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.”
Tepuy’s storefront will dish cases full of Contreras’ delish handmade dough, including his signature sourdough brioche doughnut (richer and lighter than the traditional cake counterpart), plus flavors like Boston cream, s’mores, raspberry and salted caramel. He’ll also sprinkle in seasonal specialties with the likes of corn custard with blueberry filling, a Black Forest cake-inspired op and more—including fan fave pumpkin spice creme brulee. And, adding to Raleigh’s brewing scene, coffee and tea will fuel you via a collab with Pine State Coffee.
While the 1,500-square-foot space will serve up some indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio to take pause over pastry perfection, Contreras sees it being most ideal for grab-and-go—whether a midday caffeine and sugar boost or snagging a dozen for an event (or to house down yourself—no judgment!). And in a full-circle moment, Mandolin chef/owner Sean Fowler is a silent partner in the venture as well. So, truly a hole-in-one for all. @tepuydonuts
Food is said to be the one thing that unites us all. And nowhere is that more prevalent than Raleigh. Our city possesses a ream of illustrious restaurants catering to all palates, pockets and preferences—not to mention dishing diversity by the mouthful, from fine French establishments to elevated Indian offerings to new takes on American cuisine and everything in between. A foodie city on the rise (looking at you, Michelin), the City of Oaks saw a slew of new spots open in the last year alone, ascending our culinary star—while likewise making this year’s selections tougher than ever. These eateries boast the best of Raleigh’s divine dishes, esteemed service and awe-inspiring atmospheres, worthy of any occasion or none at all. We put our taste buds to the test once again to present you with our 2024 cast of Best Restaurants, including Restaurant of the Year, Best New Restaurant and five suburb standouts. And because we believe a restaurant requires some seasoning to earn a “Best” accolade, we required restaurants to be open by May 1 for consideration. Now, if there’s one thing you won’t be left with, it’s an empty stomach.
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
2024 RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
EAST END BISTROT
Photo by Forrest Mason, courtesy of East End Bistrot
A magnificent magician, Giorgios Bakatsias has once again waved his wand to unveil sheer wonder. Raising the curtain on what could only be described as culinary theater, the layered experience begins from first entree onto the lush Champagne terrace, into the bar abuzz with diners and drinkers, and continuing to the fine dining room churning out fantastique French selects at the hands of executive chef William D’Auvray. The Cuisine Minceur summer menu (stay tuned for a comfort food-esque fall/winter variation) dishes lighter fare like Scarlet bibb salad, crab tartine and bluefin cru, while the Bistrot menu features a fanciful experience, from caviar service and fruits du mer (think Ora king salmon) to pommes de terre (the fries with duck fat aioli are life-changing) and “boucherie”-like filet mignon grilled over beech wood. Essentially, regardless of the occasion, the experience is the event. A Michelin star in the waiting, this masterpiece is an elevated affair that has single-handedly taken dining next level in Raleigh—and proven that level can be delivered flawlessly. RM recommendation: Chilean sea bass roti;eastendbistrotraleigh.com
2020 Progress Court, Ste. 110 Iron District French Fine Dining
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
LA TERRAZZA
Photos by Derrick Bryant for Raleighwood Media Group
Nine floors up The Dillon elevator sits Manhattan—or at least the very essence of what any discerning diner could easily confuse for a quick trip to the Big Apple. Sexy skyline vistas abound at the restaurant and sky bar floating above the city and occupying the most regal slice of restaurant real estate in Raleigh history. From the mind of Samad Hachby (of Mulino fame)—and helmed by executive chef Jean Paul Fontaine—an approachable array of dishes inspired by their travels and cultures descend into the interior glass box and alfresco rooftop, pleasing all pockets and palates while taking flavors to new heights. Impeccable service accompanies flawless seasonal plates ranging roasted beet salad, octopus and butcher’s cut to pasta and pizzas—and roasted cauliflower that will convince you the cruciferous veg is indeed still cool… all while serving the city a cutting-edge concept where every enchanting inch is utter perfection. RM recommendation:Tuna tartare; laterrazzaraleigh.com
223 S. West St., ninth floor Warehouse District Southern Italian & Mediterranean
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
HUMMINGBIRD
Sarah Santoro, courtesy of Hummingbird
Buzzing since day one, Hummingbird tapped into a previously unsated culinary appetite with its Nawlins’ flair. Bringing the Big Easy to Raleigh in a big way, chef/owner Coleen Speaks’ menu is rich with seasonally rotating selects that transcend the South—from the Peacemaker po’boy and charbroiled oysters to the lobster roll, deep-dish pizza, gnocchi and fresh protein selects. And, naturally, the all-cravings menu is made all the more palatable with the all-seasons wraparound patio overlooking the booming Iron District that keeps locals flocking in for more. RM recommendation: New Orleans BBQ shrimp; hummingbirdraleigh.com
1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 111 Iron District New Orleans-inspired
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
BRODETO
Photo by Jessica Crawford, courtesy of Crawford Hospitality
Scott Crawford has done it again. His latest restaurant at Raleigh Iron Works is a love letter to the Adriatic Sea, paying homage to and showcasing the culinary bounties from Southern Italy and Croatia. Taking inspiration from Crawford’s many travels to the region, the menu is comprised of light seafood-focused dishes—the likes of octopus carpaccio, sardine toast, black risotto with squid, and tuna crudo eliciting visions of seaside snacking on the Italian coast. Those transportive flavors are complemented by a stunning space filled with awe-inspiring details at every turn—not least of which is the uberunique leathered quartzite bar always worth snagging a spot at. RM recommendation: Peka octopus; brodeto.com
2201 Iron Works Drive, Ste. 137 Iron District Adriatic-inspired
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
ORO
Photo by Albright Studio, courtesy of ORO
To say the least, dining at Oro is never boring. The globally influenced mod tapas-style restaurant boasts a constant rotation of crowd-pleasing dishes from the land, garden and sea that keep taste buds on their toes—from truffle mac and cheese and sesame cauliflower to pork belly skewers and grilled octopus. And the over-the-top (in the best way) desserts and cocktails deserve a shoutout of their own. See: the Chocolate Dome unfurled tableside via poured-over chocolate, or the Bathtub Hooch served in a literal mini-bathtub. Altogether, consider the “labOROtory” a perfectly executed experiment of ingredients, flavors, influences and presentations. RM recommendation: Wild mushroom carbonara; ororaleigh.com
18 E. Martin St. Fayetteville Street District Global Tapas
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
AJJA
Photo by Baxter Miller, courtesy of Ajja
No plane ticket required to visit acclaimed Raleigh restaurateur Cheetie Kumar’s newest endeavor, but a meal here will elicit a culinary journey through vast cultures as inspired by the team’s diverse experiences. The worldly tour includes such delectable dishes as warm Moroccan hummus, charred broccoli raab, amba-glazed pork belly and whole fried trout—to name but a few. Further transporting guests is Ajja’s colorful lantern-laden outdoor bar and expansive year-round patio, complete with dreamy string lights, plus fans and firepits for that classic bipolar NC weather—at once serving primo DTR skyline views against a fun and funky vibe that truly feels like a sweet escape. RM recommendation: Carrot houriya; ajjaeats.com
209 Bickett Blvd. Five Points East Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
TAMASHA
Photo by Harsha Sipan, courtesy of Tamasha
A “grand performance” (aka the literal translation), Tamasha has already made quite the name for itself in the local F&B industry—and beyond. Splashing on the scene in early 2024 with its elevated approach to Indian fare that prior required a plane ticket to such foodie cities as Chicago, the gorgeous gastronomic affair invites via divine dishes like tandoori paneer tikka, oyster 65 and char-grilled butter chicken. The modern stunner of a restaurant has even scored such accolades as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America by OpenTable and People Magazine. So, truly a feast for the senses. RM recommendation: Purple sweet potato, crunchy kale and shiso chaat; tamashanc.com
4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 130 Midtown Modern Indian
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
BREWERY BHAVANA
Photo courtesy of Brewery Bhavana
Like a lively yet intimate living room in a home you’d see in Architectural Digest, this nirvana of food, beverages, books and flowers nourishes the community in more ways than one. But the main event is, naturally, the house brews and dim sum, a primo pairing made all the more palatable in the brewery/restaurant’s light-filled, nature-inspired surrounds. Bamboo baskets contain treasures such as pork and chive shumai, seafood dumplings, and chicken curry bao buns, while larger entrees like lo mein noodles, Peking duck, and rice congee are leading examples of Bhavana’s core tenant (and literal translation) to cultivate, develop and produce—at the utmost level. RM recommendation: Edamame ginger dumplings; brewerybhavana.com
218 S. Blount St. Moore Square District Dim Sum
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
MADRE
Photo by Albright Studio
It’s like the warm embrace of mom’s house—if your mother was a culinary artist impressing your friends with a steady stream of visionary small plates out into a sexy museumesque lounge under a canopy light with moody candle wax dripping down a side wall. From a concept built on community, sharing and serendipitous friend-making, an adventurous cast of rotating fresh selects shine. The likes of watermelon salad and burrata tempt, while yellowfin crudo, butternut squash risotto and pork belly transcend in a space alive with the theatrical energy that only local visionary Bryan Costello could manifest. It’s enthralling. It’s edgy. It’s spontaneous. Mother may I, indeed. RM recommendation: Pulpo; madreraleigh.com
518 N. West St. Smoky Hollow Small Plates
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
ST. ROCH
Photo by Anna Routh, courtesy of St. Roch
Roch nation is real—and for really good reason. The food coming out of Sunny Gerhart’s kitchen is simply sublime. As the James Beard-nominated chef famously puts it: “It’s a little nod to New Orleans, but it’s not any sort of traditional New Orleans menu. It’s not New Orleans deconstructed either.” Instead, Creole spices collide with Carolina influences and Southern bounties in a flavor explosion you can spend your meal defining as you eat your way through any of the fresh oysters (try them roasted), No Bullsh*t Salad, gumbo, the market catch, red beans & rice, or literally any dish on the menu. It’s that good. RM recommendation: Gator Bolognese; strochraleigh.com
223 S. Wilmington St. Moore Square District New Orleans-inspired
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
ANGUS BARN
Courtesy of Angus Barn
Bovine bounty may be the name of the game (literally) but there’s more to this barn than beef. A go-to for anything from promotions and proposals to just plain Wednesdays—or a glimpse of those legendary holiday lights—the nationally renowned and highly recognized fine Southern dining establishment has exceptionally served up an unparalleled bucket list destination since it bowed in 1960 with its tour of land and sea. Aged-to-perfection classic, bone-in and special cuts are always on point, while specials like the blackened tuna makes blackened tuna relevant again and the baked potato cart serves up a taste of the past. Decades of stories echo across the authentic dining room—rivaling the revelry of a casual dinner in the Wild Turkey Lounge, bourbon around the firepit, or even an enchanting evening wining and dining in the award-winning—and stocked—wine cellar. RM recommendation: Barn’s BBQ pork ribs; angusbarn.com
The best part about Stanbury? It’s full of surprises. From the hidden-in-plain-sight knickknacks and artwork lining the walls to the weekly menu changes, there’s always something new to experience at this gem of an elevated-yet-approachable restaurant. And those playful rotating dishes are unlike anything else you’ll find in Raleigh, ranging from the likes of tandoori sweetbread and soy-braised pork cheeks to a duck confit crunchwrap that would put Taco Bell out of business—not to mention the plethora of fresh produce that remains a staple on the menu. Essentially, you never know what you’re going to get—and that’s what makes it so damn good. RM recommendation:Fried oysters; stanburyraleigh.com
938 N. Blount St. Seaboard & Person Street District Modern American
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
CRAWFORD AND SON
Photo by Jessica Crawford, courtesy of Crawford Hospitality
A meal at Scott Crawford’s premiere establishment is nothing short of amazing—some even call it perfection. And that acclaim is no secret given the chef’s long-overdue grab as a 2024 James Beard Outstanding Hospitality finalist. To wit, the treasured restaurant continues to maintain the perfect balance of classy and casual with stunning and delectable dishes in a welcoming neighborhood-friendly atmosphere. Like something you’d see Carmy R&D at one of his many critically acclaimed institutions in The Bear, Crawford’s dishes are, in essence, a work of art. Fresh produce and purposeful ingredients come together in seasonal masterpieces like heirloom tomato salad, grilled octopus, and short rib cavatelli. And dessert is a must—period. RM recommendation: Tartare; crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
618 N. Person St. Seaboard & Person Street District Modern American
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
MULINO
Photo courtesy of Mulino
The palatial patio people prop up on for poolside pizza and pasta, the alfresco table-dotted space is exactly the kind of place Harper would’ve sipped a spritz a la The White Lotus. Instead, sans the sojourn, it’s the local hot spot regulars return for amore—an approachable night of burrata, pie and wine… or to lean adventurous through red wine-braised lamb shank with risotto or market fish. Either diverged road leads consistently back to the same unique place unlike anything else in town—and service is always on par with what you’d find at any of the best osterias in Italy. RM recommendation: Gnocchi; mulinoraleigh.com
309 N. Dawson St. Capital District Italian
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
VIDRIO
Photo by Richard Barlow Photography, courtesy of Vidrio
Sharing is caring. And at this Mediterranean masterpiece—the restaurant easily doubles as a modern glass museum—much care is taken in leaning into the communal dining philosophy. Artisanal small plates spotlighting fresh, seasonal, wholesome ingredients star against the gorgeous restaurant’s signature wall of cylindrical colorful handblown glass pieces, serving as a vibrant backdrop for the plated poetry emerging from the kitchen. Think such selects as charred octopus, cheese croquettes, Moroccan beef skewers, and brown butter chicken. For the trifecta, impeccable service dishes class—and makes sense of the wine pairings (48 vinos on tap and 300+ bottles)—making for not just a meal, but a moment.RM recommendation: Fresh fettuccine;vidrioraleigh.com
500 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100 Glenwood South Mediterranean
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
POOLE’S
Dishing daily specials chalked on a board since before chalkboard menus were de rigueur, what Ashley Christensen created with Poole’s diner is the key ingredient of a recipe for success we’ve since seen play out in spades across the States. Rotating seasonal farm-fresh ingredients shine in Southern staples crafted in only a way the two-time Beard-winning “Darling of Raleigh” can deliver. The cult-classic mac and cheese needs no introduction, while such reimagined comfort foods as pimento cheese with crostinis and palatable proteins like cornmeal-fried NC flounder invite regulars and newbies near and far back again and again to a place that is real Raleigh at its core—and as authentic and intentional today as the day it opened. RM recommendation: Macaroni au gratin; ac-restaurants.com
426 S. McDowell St. Fayetteville Street District New American Comfort Food
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
VINNIE’S STEAKHOUSE & TAVERN
Photo by Davies Photography, courtesy of Vinnie’s Steakhouse Tavern
If you thought steakhouses already had their moment in the sun—think again. This circa-1987 fine-dining establishment strikes up the perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary cuisine via chef/GM Tom Armstrong’s rotating seasonal features starring fresh NC produce and other local ingredients. While steak is obviously the main affair, the seafood, pasta dishes, apps (the hot crab dip and oysters Rockefeller are standouts), and tavern selects like Vinnie’s certified Angus beef cheeseburger are not to be ignored. And no steak dinner would be complete without the shareable sides (pro tip: The homemade mashed potatoes and white cheddar mac and cheese are musts) and dessert, which is always worth saving room for. RM recommendation: Bacon-wrapped filet mignon; vinniessteakhouse.com
7440 Six Forks Road North Raleigh Southern Steakhouse & Seafood
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
SONO
Photo courtesy of Sono
So no? So yes. This sleek sushi stalwart anchoring Fayetteville Street has stood the test of time—and for good reason. From its sexy environs to its perfect perch for people-watching, the Asian haven is quite frankly a vibe that delivers every time. From first slurp of miso soup with beech mushrooms or ramen selects, the tasty tour through hamachi jalapeno, tuna tataki and the like to the colorful range of rolls and nigiri always keep diners coming back for those signature screaming O’s. RM recommendation:Spicy miso ramen; sonoraleigh.com
319 Fayetteville St., Ste. 101 Fayetteville Street District Asian/Japanese
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
CUCCIOLO TERRAZZA
Courtesy of Cucciolo Terrazza
This is not your nonna’s Italian food—in the best way. Instead of your traditional spaghetti and meatballs or chicken alfredo, the menu features a cornucopia of unique modern pasta dishes spotlighting everything from elk and wild boar to lobster—even a spicy breakfast rigatoni, aka the stuff brunch dreams are made of. Beyond pasta, the sophisticated yet approachable—and oh-so-stunning—restaurant offers pizzettes and meat dishes like veal scallopini and butter chicken “sostanza style” so good they’ll live in your mind rent-free for days. And truly the best way to experience it is to bring a crew and share it all—over a bottle or two of wine, naturally. RM recommendation: Spicy vodka tomato cream rigatoni; cuccioloraleigh.com
4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 100 Midtown Italian
RM’S BEST RESTAURANTS
HAYES BARTON CAFE & DESSERTERY
Equal parts time machine and epic epicurean experience, one bite of Hayes Barton’s iconic Southern fare is a literal window into Raleigh’s rich, cultural history. Petite, postmodern portions have no place here as expertly crafted heaping plates of the likes of Dial “M” for Meatloaf and “MGM” Mussels- Marget’s Great Mussels!—never mind those cosmic cake slices—exit the kitchen into a buzzing quaint dining room. The nostalgic black-and-white checkerboard floors, authentic vibey lunch-counter barstools and walls dripping with photos from the Greatest Generation only serve to enhance the experience—showcasing what makes Raleigh uniquely and unapologetically Raleigh. RM recommendation: “Two Chickens in Every Pot” Pie; hayesbartoncafeanddessertery.com
2000 Fairview Road Five Points Classic American
RM’S BEST BURB RESTAURANTS
THE PROVINCIAL
Photo courtesy of Provincial
There’s nothing provincial at all about this suburban standout highlighting the “one inexhaustible aspect of everyday life that never dulls—the simple pleasure of eating and drinking”… where simple translates to fresh, approachable and inviting. The likes of spinach and garlic four-cheese dip, roasted oysters, bluefin tuna, and a bangin’ burger collide on a daily changing menu ranging small and big plates, all served impeccably in an always-buzzing atmosphere that keeps newcomers and regulars rolling in on repeat. RM recommendation: Daily fish select; theprovincialapex.com
119 N. Salem St. Apex American
RM’S BEST BURB RESTAURANTS
PIMIENTO TEA ROOM
Teatime gets a boujee upgrade at this homey tea room known for its array of traditional daylong Southern-inspired cuisine with a twist. Case in point: those loaded sandwiches piled high with everything from chicken salad to local veggies—not to mention soups, salads, snacks, down-home suppers and Sunday brunch. Naturally, tea (alcoholic or NA) to pair is a must. RM recommendation: Pimiento cheese + saltines; pimientotearoom.com
200 N. Main St. Holly Springs New Southern
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HANK’S DOWNTOWN DIVE
Just waiting for the day Guy Fieri rolls in, this funky-meets-fab neighborhood joint consistently dishes out good times—and great fare. Small plates such as ceviche, white bean hummus, shishitos, and birriadilla beg to be snacked on, while rotating plates highlighting seasonal produce and entrees like scallops and lasagna provide satiating ops to send it all home. RM recommendation: Fried chicken;hanksdowntowndive.com
111 E. Chatham St., Ste. A Cary Modern American
RM’S BEST BURB RESTAURANTS
M SUSHI
There’s sushi. And then there’s M Sushi. Mindful, meritable, majestic, mod, minimalist—all make a case for the “M” at the hands of mastermind chef/owner Michael Lee whose raw and cooked sushi and small plate creations are crafted to perfection—with seafood sourced almost daily from Japan. From sushi selects to buttery soft wagyu grilled tableside, lobster shabu shabu and crispy rice that’ll have you checking your coordinates, M is a masterclass on authentic Asian fare whose nod as one of OpenTable’s 100 best restaurants in the States is a no-brainer. RM recommendation: Grand omakase;m-restaurants.com
4 Fenton Main St., Ste. 120 Cary Sushi/Asian/Japanese
RM’S BEST BURB RESTAURANTS
AMALIA’S
Benvenuti a casa (welcome home), indeed, to this authentic restaurant housed in a historic renovated home that feels like a comforting Italian dinner at nonna and nonno’s stateside. And where Italian-bred chef/owner Filippo Fanfani honors his own nonna via multigenerational dishes, scratching that classic Italian itch with heaping plates of homemade pasta, including orecchiette with Italian sausage and broccoli rabe, and gnocchi with imported pesto and fresh buffalo mozzarella. RM recommendation: Pappardelle with slow-cooked wild boar ragu; amaliaswakeforest.com
