For nearly 30 years, Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery owner Frank Ballard was more than a familiar face in Five Points—he was a friend, neighbor and Raleigh legend whose legacy lives on in the community he helped build.
First Look: NC State Fairgrounds Food Hall
Get your first look at the new NC State Fairgrounds food hall at the 2026 NC State Fair this October.
Why Jack’s Is a Raleigh Institution
Long before Raleigh’s latest wave of restaurants arrived, there was Jack’s. More than 40 years later, the New Bern Avenue institution is still serving the city—with two sides and hush puppies.
The Best Fries in Raleigh
Whether you like your fries handcut, crinkly or doused in truffle oil, there’s a joint in town delivering peak fried potato perfection. Here are our top picks.
The Foodie Puzzle
Think you have the Raleigh F&B scene on lock? Prove your foodie intellect.
The Staying Power Behind Raleigh Restaurants
How Raleigh’s oldest restaurants have outlasted booms, busts, COVID and hundreds of newcomers.
The Latest F&B News in Raleigh
The latest openings, closings, expansions and more on Raleigh’s plate now.
Behind the Scenes of Our 2026 Best Restaurants Awards Party
Get a behind-the-scenes look at our 2026 Best Restaurants Awards Party at the One Glenwood rooftop.
The Biggest Food & Bev News to Know Now
The hottest food & beverage news around Raleigh—and beyond—to know now.
RM’s Best Restaurants 2026
After a year of anonymous meals, revisits and countless debates, RM’s editors reveal the 25 restaurants that define dining in 2026.



