After a year of anonymous meals, revisits and countless debates, RM’s editors reveal the 25 restaurants that define dining in 2026.
Raleigh Restaurant News—What’s Opening + Closing
New openings, closures, permits and restaurant buzz: catch up on everything happening across Raleigh’s food and beverage scene.
Botiwalla Brings Indian Street Food to RIW
Now open at Raleigh Iron Works, Botiwalla brings chef Meherwan Irani’s acclaimed take on Indian street food to Raleigh, with chaat, rice bowls, skewers and housemade drinks.
Good Butter Is Having a Moment
Not just an ingredient, butter is the whole moment. Here’s how local chefs and restaurants are leaning into the trend.
Raleigh Staycation Guide
Rooftop pours, hotel stays, spa days and nightlife that does the heavy lifting—consider this your blueprint for the ultimate Raleigh reset.
Raleigh’s Best Summer Spritzes
Elderflower, prosecco, mint—and a little main character energy. Meet the Hugo.
Restaurant Time Limits in Raleigh
The 90-minute reservation is trending nationwide—but in Raleigh, it’s showing up in more subtle ways. And not everyone is on board.
Local Legend: The Roast Grill
Serving up hot wieners and cold beer for 86 years, The Roast Grill is like Raleigh’s divey dog memory box: Nothing changes.
Margaux’s: A Raleigh Original
A Raleigh original for more than three decades, Margaux’s blends effortless hospitality, timeless style and a little bit of magic—without ever needing to shout about it.
Chef-Owners Leading the Charge in Raleigh
Raleigh’s food scene stands apart thanks to a host of chef-owned restaurants who are working the line on a daily basis.