WEB EXCLUSIVE If you have plans to spend time at home with your mother or a mother figure this holiday, consider ordering her a delicious meal to go from one of these local restaurants.
STIR
Brunch and dinner meals are available for pickup on Mother’s Day between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Each meal serves five people and includes sides and a matcha green tea cheesecake with whipped cream and macerated berries. Preorder by 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. stirraleigh.com/mothers-day-brunch-dinner
Driftwood Kitchen & Bar
Driftwood’s Mother’s Day Feast includes a pre-cooked beef brisket with gravy, mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. Place orders by April 7 to pick up on Saturday, May 9. driftwoodraleigh.com/mothersday
Mandolin
Find your mother’s favorite foods at Mandolin, including Southern tomato pie, baked ziti, mac and cheese and shrimp and grits, along with special treats such as strawberry shortcake. Place orders between Tuesday, May 5 at 3 p.m. and Thursday, May 7 at 3 p.m. for pick-up or delivery on Saturday, May 9. mandolinfarmhouse.com/collections/mothers-day-features
Mandolin’s Shrimp & Grits
The Capital Grille
Make Mother’s Day memorable with Capital Grille’s three-course prix fixe dinner, consisting of lemon blueberry bread, seeded French rolls, spring greens salad, mashed potatoes, French green beans, roasted whole beef tenderloin, your choice of butter poached North Atlantic lobster tails or jumbo shrimp scampi, and flourless chocolate espresso cake for dessert. Pick up orders curbside from Friday, May 8 through Sunday, May 10. thecapitalgrille.com/events/mothers-day-brunch
Margaux’s Restaurant
Choose your own Mother’s Day meal adventure with Margaux’s divine selection of salads, entrees, vegetables and dessert, including filet mignon, parmesan crusted salmon, grilled squash and key lime pie. Place orders by May 7 to be picked up on Mother’s Day between 9 and 11:30 a.m. margauxsrestaurant.com/margaux-menus/mothers-day-menu
Mia Francesca
This Mother’s Day, Mia Francesca is offering an exquisite roasted chateaubriand dinner complete with your choice of three salads and/or sides and cheesecake for dessert. A mimosa kit with prosecco, fresh squeezed orange juice and strawberries is also available. Place your order by 2 p.m. on May 7 for curbside pickup on Mother’s Day. miafrancesca.com/location/mia-francesca-north-carolina
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Sullivan’s Mother’s Day feast includes your choice of entree—beef tenderloin, prime rib or rib racks; side—mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, asparagus or creamed spinach; and dessert—key lime pie or New York-style cheesecake to make a meal your mom won’t soon forget. Pre-order before Saturday, May 9, 9 p.m., for pickup or delivery. sullivanssteakhouse.com/promotions/mothers-day-2020-to-go
kō•än
Create a lavish dinner for mom with the help of kō•än’s Mother’s Day meal kit. Pick from items such as fresh day boat scallops, filet mignon, potato puree and goat cheese risotto. Each order also comes with a flour-less chocolate cake and a half pint of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Instructions for re-heating and serving are included. koancary.com/kommunity-hub/mothers-day-meal-kit
Local restauranteurs grapple with whether to stay open or close completely during the coronavirus outbreak.
When Gov. Roy Cooper ordered North Carolina’s restaurants to close their dining rooms and patios in mid-March, local responses about how to go forward were mixed.
Some of the bigger names in Raleigh’s culinary industry, such as Garland owner Cheetie Kumar, shut down all operations right away. Some restauranteurs, including Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana owner Van Nolintha and AC Restaurants’ Ashley Christensen, experimented with offering curbside pickup and delivery services, but ultimately decided to close their doors as well.
But the majority of Raleigh’s independent chefs and restaurant owners decided to continue operating, tweaking or paring their menus for curbside pickup and/or delivery and pivoting to new service models such as grocery markets.
While none kid themselves that they’ll turn a profit during the shutdown due to a number of factors, restaurant owners and chefs say their reasons for deciding to continue operating hinge on hopes of being able to save at least some of their employees’ jobs and being able to continue to serve, nourish and care for the community.
Jennifer Noble Kelly of JNK Public Relations
“Closing restaurants, whether to do takeout only or closing completely, is the hardest thing any of these professionals have had to do,” says Jennifer Noble Kelly, founder of JNK Public Relations, who works with restaurateurs and businesses across the Triangle. “This is an industry of survivors already adapted to existing on the smallest margins and literally working their fingers and feet to the bone. What impresses me is how seriously I see them all take each decision they have had to make, from high end restaurants down to food trucks. No one is doing anything flippantly.”
Messages from Industry Leaders
While the CDC has determined that coronavirus is not food-borne and restaurants can continue to operate safely as long they observe health and safety guidelines and practice social distancing, many industry leaders, local and nationally, say they just don’t feel that is the reality.
“I sat in an office and had conversations for over five hours straight with the dozens of managers and more than 200 hourly employees to tell them I could no longer offer them employment,” wrote Ashley Christensen, a Raleigh luminary and the reigning James Beard award winner for Outstanding Chef, in an editorial in the News and Observer on April 15.
Ashley Christensen
“And I’d do it again in order to prioritize public health,” Christensen continued. “I’d do it again to keep my team safe from harm … to prevent even one person from contracting coronavirus in one of my restaurants. But just because it was the right thing to do didn’t make it any less traumatic or any less devastating … didn’t make the consequences any less severe or real for the employees out of work, or the farmers without clients.”
“The right thing to do.”
Christensen doesn’t mince words. She doesn’t say it was the right thing to do for her organization or the right thing to do at this stage of the pandemic. She says it was the right thing to do, full-stop, and it’s a message that has been consistent for her in public forums and on social media channels since she closed Beasley’s, Poole’s Diner and Poole’side Pies, along with Death and Taxes and Chuck’s, at the end of March.
So what does that mean for other chefs and business owners when someone like Christensen takes such a strong stance right off the bat?
Tom Mukoyama of Kanki and Tonbo Ramen
“We have felt pressure,” says Tom Mukoyama, the corporate general manager for the Triangle’s three Kanki locations and their sister restaurant, Tonbo, located in downtown Raleigh. Kanki locations at Crabtree Valley Mall, in north Raleigh and in Durham are still offering curbside pickup. Tonbo has stopped operating completely during the shutdown.
“I talk with my team every week and we try to evaluate what’s the best goal,” Mukoyama continues. “As far as feeling pressure to close, some of that is more internal. More and more people have come to me saying, ‘I want to cut back my hours, I am getting more afraid because I have elderly relatives living with me and people who are susceptible.’ We are providing masks and gloves for everybody and putting sanitizers by the door. So we are trying to balance our cash flow with the staff we have because we don’t know how long this will last. We took that into consideration.”
Closing Not an Option
For chef Teddy Diggs, who owns Coronato, a Roman-style pizza restaurant in Carrboro, closing completely, he says, was never an option.
“The reason we are in this industry is to be able to provide comfort and joy for people, no matter what is going on in the world,” Diggs says. Coronato is offering both curbside pickup and limited delivery and Diggs says he is pleased with how well that strategy has been working in terms of sales volume.
Teddy Diggs of Coronato Pizza in Carrboro | Photo by Carolina Stamey
“We want to keep people happy and healthy, so when we were faced with this challenge, it was never an option for us to say we are not going to do this, because that is our whole mission of being a restaurant. We have an opportunity here to make an impact and do what we want to do that gives us joy.”
Diggs says he looks at other chefs’ decisions to close as a matter of personal opinion, to be taken in the context of where they’re operating—in the Triangle versus New York City, for instance—or how large their businesses are.
“There are mixed messages from the industry,” Diggs says. “There are industry leaders saying it is not responsible for us to open and serve food and there are industry leaders who say that it is our responsibility to be as safe as possible and be a sense of normalcy and joy right now, when people need it most. I tend to agree with the latter. I believe mental health connects with the physical health and whatever we can do to uplift spirits will, in turn, strengthen the immune system.”
New Business Models
Drew Smith, the executive chef at the 6 month-old kō•än in Cary, shares Diggs’ commitment to continuing to serve the community in a practical way during the shutdown. Smith says following a trip to the grocery store in the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, he was shocked to find the shelves bare—sold out of mealtime staples such as chicken, pork, beef and bread. Around the same time, in a conversation with one of his restaurant’s distributors, Smith learned that the supplier was sitting on $36 million in inventory that would spoil within two weeks.
Drew Smith of kō•än in Cary | Photo by Carolina Stamey
“I woke up like from a dream at 4 o’clock in the morning realizing there were all these people who have tons of food and all these people who can’t find food,” Smith says. “We needed to be the connection, the link that is broken.”
So kō•än launched an online grocery market stocked with products from local and national purveyors as well as specialty items made in the restaurant and household essentials such as toilet paper. People can order items online, as well as meals from a limited restaurant menu, and pick up their goods or have them delivered to their front doors.
The community response, especially to the online market, according to Smith, has been overwhelming.
“It just seemed like an obvious solution,” Smith says. “I messaged pretty much everyone I know at the top of the food world in Raleigh, like ‘Guys, this could really save jobs, it could save restaurants and food purveyors.’ But they seemed kind of to brush it off.”
Elsewhere in the country, it’s an idea that’s gaining traction. In some areas, people can go to a website to search pop-up markets for the items they need and because that food is coming from a different supply chain, it relieves some of the burden on grocery stores, provides another option for those who don’t want to go to the store and creates opportunities to diversify revenues from food sales.
Adjusting in an Outbreak
The country (and the world) have never experienced anything like the COVID-19 outbreak in modern times and most of us are left scrambling for the best information on how we should respond in our own everyday lives. While there is mixed messaging, pressure, and, occasionally, judgement, coming from our peers and contemporaries about how we should be behaving, most of us are just trying make the best decisions we can with the information we have—including businesses.
Scott Crawford of Crawford and Son | Photo by Jessica Crawford
“Most people have said this is a very personal decision, a decision that everyone needs to make for themselves and ask that hard question [of whether to close],” says chef Scott Crawford, owner of downtown restaurants Crawford & Son and Jolie. Crawford and four other members of his team are operating curbside pickup services with a repurposed menu offering comforting dishes.
“I definitely have not felt pressure [to close] but I can see why people are making that decision,” Crawford says. “I have certainly considered that option.”
“I think most people are just staying in their own lanes right now,” says Kristen Baughman Taber, the founder of Tabletop Media Group, who also works extensively with local chefs and culinary businesses. “For restaurants staying open, health and safety is really important to them, for their staff and customers, and, of course, they are following CDC and local health departments’ guidelines and taking huge precautions.”
Kristen Baughman Taber of Tabletop Media Group | Photo by Stacey Sprenz
Kelly of JNK Public Relations adds that, for those who aren’t staying open, they are finding other ways to serve and care for their communities.
Christensen, for instance, has been advocating tirelessly for restaurant workers across the board. She launched the Triangle Restaurant Workers Relief Fund in partnership with the Frankie Lemmon Foundation and convened the Independent Restaurant Coalition to lobby politicians to provide substantial assistance to restaurant workers in the federal CARES bill and to create a $100 billion stabilization fund for restaurants—the vast majority of which are independently owned—that generate $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. Other restaurant owners that have decided to close their doors are preparing meals for their employees and helping them out with their rent, healthcare and other needs while they’re out of work.
“The way I see it is, everyone is trying to figure out, ‘What role do I play in this, how do I do it in a way that resonates with me and my business and how I can make a difference?’” Kelly says. “Everybody has had to find a way to use their energy towards contributing to this devastating situation.”
WEB EXCLUSIVE Food is essential; whether you’re working or unemployed at the moment, working from home or an essential employee, quarantining with your parents or with a significant other, we all need to eat.
While many of his restaurants and businesses are currently closed, Raleigh entrepreneur Guarav “G” Patel began thinking of ways he could help hospitality workers who aren’t receiving any income right now and may not have the ability to feed themselves as often or as well as they’d like. At the end of March, Patel launched a campaign called Hope For Hospitality in an effort to provide meals for hospitality workers who are displaced due to COVID-19.
“If I can provide a meal for individuals who are in need of it, I think that’s the minimum that I can do,” Patel says. “Let’s keep [hospitality workers] nourished so that when they come back to work, they’re not completely dried out.”
Guarav “G” Patel with Eddie Forbis and Jake Wood of Lawrence Barbeuce
In order to secure a meal, hospitality workers fill out a form with their name, where they work, who their supervisor is and more before 2 p.m. to have their orders picked up between 4 and 6 p.m. Workers may order as many times a week as they need to. After just one week, Patel was able to feed almost 100 people, with the campaign quickly gaining traction throughout the Triangle.
As a thank you to the participating restaurants, Patel started a GoFundMe to generate funds for staff members and other critical needs. Patel hopes that the campaign will come full circle and those that participate will spread the word to others and inspire them to donate. “I don’t think [the partner restaurants] are doing it for the money, I think they’re just doing it for the good cause,” says Patel. “But every dollar counts these days.”
Additionally, NCFC is going to donate 5 percent of its net sales of merchandise through April and May to Patel’s GoFundMe page. So far, he’s raised $1,155 of his $15,000 goal.
Patel has also partnered with friend Jon Seelbinder, another prominent local entrepreneur and founder of Local Icon Hospitality, to help provide displaced hospitality workers with groceries and other essential items through the CARE.BOX initiative. Wine to Water founder Doc Hendley approached Seelbinder to establish a Raleigh chapter of CARE.BOX, with the goal of giving away 240,000 meals and hygiene materials to service industry workers affected by COVID-19.
Jon Seelbinder of Local Icon Hospitality with CARE.BOX volunteers
Each CARE.BOX provides hospitality workers with a grocery box containing 40 meals (about three meals a day for two people) and other essential items, including fruit, bread, dry pasta, canned goods and toilet paper. Displaced workers can get a CARE.BOX in place of a Hope For Hospitality meal or in addition to one. Boxes can be reserved and picked up from Little City Brewing on Thursdays and Fridays between 3 and 6 p.m. “It is an exciting initiative that we are proud to be a part of,” says Lori Shapiro, the director of events and marketing for Local Icon.
Local Icon is also seeking monetary donations to help raise funds for CARE.BOX supplies, as well as volunteers to help fill and distribute the boxes.
How we pick our listings: Here, Raleigh Magazine’s highly curated list of locally owned full-service restaurants, with a few specialty regional favorites to boot. Think of a restaurant we missed? Click here.
KEY: Average dinner entrée price: $: 20 and under; $$: 21-35; $$$: 36-55; $$$$: 56 and up
CAPITAL DISTRICT
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar A simply idyllic setting transports you to the banks of Tuscany, wine in hand, via the likes of arancini Siciliani, red wine-braised lamb shank or housemade pasta dishes, best enjoyed alfresco alongside the lush greenery-dotted serene pool. 309 N. Dawson St., @mulinoitaliankitchen $$
Second Empire Stately and sophisticated, the elegant 1879 Dodd-Hinsdale house dishes unparalleled seasonally inspired plates, from the must-order rabbit rigatoni special to the always-succulent salmon. 330 Hillsborough St., @second_empire_resturant $$$
Taverna Agora A Mediterranean-esque oasis topped off with an open-air rooftop sets the stage for authentic Greek fare, from tzatziki and hummus to flambéed saganaki, which literally arrives at your table on fire. 326 Hillsborough St., @tavernaagora $$
Press “European inspired, Carolina made.” So goes the mantra of this tiled coffeehouse and resto allowing the hours to go by deliciously with visions of a Euro summer via coffees, cocktails, crepes and sandwiches. 400 Hillsborough St., @presscccraleigh $
SMOKY HOLLOW
Five Star For a five-star experience sans the stuffiness, head to this legendary locale for its celebrated unparalleled vibe, weekly local DJs and authentic Asian cuisine—think fried rice, lo mein, heat seeker shrimp, crab rangoons and more. 301 N. West St., Ste. 101, @fivestarraleigh $
Flour & Barrel Flour is, naturally, the name of the game at this intimate rustic Italian spot/craft brewery—spotlighted in housemade pastas like tableside mafaldine and seafood-laden chitarra, plus small plates made to share. 400 W. North St., Ste. 120, @flourandbarrelnc $
Madre Oh, mother! Smoky Hollow’s sexy, sophisticated sup spot showcases rotating small plates from the hands of its Michelin-starred chef—think beef tartare, roasted cauliflower and Calabrian chicken—that expertly mirror its sultry atmosphere. 518 N. West St., @madreraleigh $$
Tucker Street Diner From the same team as The Shiny Diner, classic comfort food to warm your heart and stomach is found at this Smoky Hollow diner serving up milkshakes, burgers, waffles and retro vibes. 421 N Harrington St., @tuckerstreetdiner $
SEABOARD & PERSON STREET DISTRICT
Big Cat For the neighborhood, by the neighborhood is the MO of the day-to-night dining and drinking destination dishing the likes of kimchi-topped chopped cheese, banh mi and Mexican Milanese. 1000 Brookside Dr Ste. 119, @bigcat.brookside $$
Boatman Spirits Co. Set sail for the Mediterranean via crispy halloumi, grilled za’atar wings, harissa chicken and steak kabobs—paired with craft cocktails in the moody, cavernous digs. 713 Seaboard Station Drive, @boatmanspiritsco $ Crawford and Son Drawing inspiration from local products, plus a medley of classic and modern techniques, chef/owner Scott Crawford’s menu is like a work of art—almost too pretty to eat. Seasonal dishes include everything from showstopping crudos and elevated beef short ribs to must-order manchego-herb biscuits. 618 N. Person St., crawfordandsonrestaurant.com $$$
Gringo A Go Go With its playful vibe, plant-filled patio, and authentic food and drinks (those housemade margs though!), this sup spot has been sating local Mexi-food lovers—including vegans—since 2014 with its tortas, tacos, burritos and the like. Guac on! 100 N. Person St., gringoraleigh.com $
Jolie Inspired by a trip to Paris and named for chef/owner Scott Crawford’s daughter, Jolie pairs modern Euro elegance with classic French fare (think escargot, onion soup and bubbles to pair, natch) in an intimate setting where the dreamy rooftop stars. 620 N. Person St., restaurantjolie.com $$
Omakase by Kai Upping the sushi game at Seaboard Station is this stunning wood-covered outpost offering a wide array of luxe and contemporary plates, from specialty rolls and bento boxes to omakase, natch. 15 Seaboard Ave., omakasekai.com $$$
Side Street Restaurant Housed in a quaint white cottage on an ever-so-apt DTR side street, the Southern staple serves up a side of nostalgia from within its clapboard walls and wide windows. Spring for the quiche of the day or any of the next-level sandwiches—washed down with wine or beer. 225 N. Bloodworth St., sidestreetrestaurantraleigh.com $
SmokeStacks Cafe Delicious and accommodating is the name of the game at the cozy resto setting the scene for brunch, and beckoning you to stay for dinner with locally sourced ingredients, a well-curated wine list, cocktails, beer and spirits. 701 E. Lane St., smokestackscaferaleigh.com $
Stanbury Garage-chic meets a Michelin star in the making at this eclectic go-to dishing weekly-ish rotating elevated-yet-approachable fare like Asian-inspired fried oysters, crispy pig head and NC tuna crudo. Pro tip: No reservations—but the option to wait with sips and nips via stellar service is so worth it. 938 N. Blount St., stanburyraleigh.com $$
MOORE SQUARE DISTRICT
Bida Manda Escape to the Far East via flavor-packed authentic Laotian fare inspired by family recipes. Pro tip: Get the crispy pork belly soup. And be sure to sate your postmeal sweet tooth with the purple sticky rice. 222 S. Blount St., @bidamanda $$
Big Ed’s City Market Staying true to its best-in-class country cookin’ legacy since 1989, good eats are always abundant at Ed’s. The mainstay features down-home fare like fried okra, grits, and chicken and pastry, plus daylong breakfast ops. Come hungry! 220 Wolfe St., @bigedsnc $
Brewery Bhavana Sharing is caring, so belly up with your brood at this culinary nirvana for a bevy of bamboo steamers dishing all that and dim sum—or peck into the hoisin-honey-sauced peking duck. And the dumplings? Do it. 218 S. Blount St.,@brewerybhavana $$
Caffe Luna Craving pasta with personality? Dive into dishes like chicken Parm and ravioli Fiorentina in a charming white-tablecloth spot made for date nights, family dinners—and yes, the neon sign’s basically begging for a photo op. 136 E. Hargett St., @caffe.luna $
City Market Sushi Pull up and roll out for a smattering of specialty and classic rolls (s/o the Crazy Monkey), appetizers, nigiri and sashimi at this sleek sushi hideaway—and save room for the mochi ice cream as a post-dinner sweet treat. 315 Blake St., @citymarketsushi $$
Daijobu From the same team behind City Market Sushi, this slurpworthy hot spot serves up comforting bowls of ramen—plus an array of seafood-focused hand rolls and Asian small plates. 170 E. Davie St. @daijobu_us $$
Gravy Carb-loading has never tasted so right. Get lost in the sauce—er, gravy—via daily-made batches and Italian-American selects straight from the stove. Pro tip: Don’t skip the spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna. 135 S. Wilmington St., @gravyraleigh $$
Sitti The Lebanese grandmother (Sitti) you wish you had is serving up love in the form of pizzettes, kabobs, shawarma and swoonworthy dips—the hummus and baba ghanouj are *chef’s kiss*! And the vibes? As welcoming as the food. Just like grandma’s house. 137 S. Wilmington St., @sittirestaurant$$
St. Roch Embracing the spirit of the namesake NOLA neighborhood from which chef Sunny Gerhart’s family hails, St. Roch serves standout raw and roasted oysters alongside craveworthy ops like crawfish hushpuppies, gator Bolognese, red beans and rice, and fried seafood platters. 223 S. Wilmington St., @strochraleigh $$
Vic’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Authentic old-world Italian cuisine and traditional New York-style pizza collide at this family-run fave, dishing comforting fare for 30+ years. You can’t go wrong with the pasta and calzone—and those garlic knots are nonnegotiable. Moore Square District, West Raleigh & Glenwood South, @vicslakeboone $$
FAYETTEVILLE STREET DISTRICT
Birdie’s Barroom & Kitchen Let your tastebuds fly high via soups, starters, handhelds and cocktails at this modern DTR gem and community beacon—or swing by for a quick energy boost from the lineup of coffee, sandwiches and pastries at Birdie’s Cafe. 150 Fayetteville St., @birdiesraleigh$$
Centro Queso is the love language at this brightly colored Downtown staple serving up dank tacos and cocktails in a vibrant space. Also don’t pass up the enchiladas, flautas or burrito. 106 S. Wilmington St., @centroraleigh $
Jimmy V’s Osteria + Bar Never give up! Named for famed NC State coach Jim Valvano, this upscale eatery serves classic Italian fare alongside casual ops like pizzas and salads. 420 Fayetteville St., @jimmyvsraleighob $$
The Mecca Since the 1930s, this old-timey family-owned Oak City OG has been serving up Southern comfort food and daily diner specials for breakfast, lunch and brunch. Checkered floors, a bright-red diner counter and polished wood booths round out the vintage vibe. 13 E. Martin St., @themeccarestaurant $
ORO In this chic, sophisticated two-story all-white sup spot, you’ll be taken on a global tour via droolworthy seasonal tapas, paired with craft cocktails and a full wine bar. 18 E. Martin St., @oro_restaurant $$
Poole’s Diner Beard-winning chef Ashley Christensen’s restored 1945 pie shop dishes reimagined comfort food and craft cocktails in a mod meets retro setting. And it goes without saying—the macaroni au gratin is a must-order. 426 S. McDowell St., @poolesdiner $$$
The Raleigh Times Read all about it: Located in the home of the century-old building that housed the former The Raleigh Times newspaper, this Downtown staple now encompasses an ample multistoried corner with multiple spots to drink and dine on a generous selection of craft beers and bar eats. 14 E. Hargett St., @raleightimesbar $
Sono Raleigh Good eats roll out at this sexy-chic yet approachable sushi resto serving up world-class rolls (not to mention ramen, miso soup and other Japanese izakaya staples), with a huge cocktail and sake selection to sip on to boot. 319 Fayetteville St., @sonosushiraleigh $$
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
Barcelona Wine Bar It’s always tapas time at Warehouse District’s Spanish-inspired oasis feat. such shareable snacks as charcuterie, patatas bravas and pork belly—best enjoyed on the spacious patio and washed down with a pitcher of sangria.430 W. Martin St., @barcelonawinebar $
Figulina Pasta la vista, baby! Twirling up creative rotating pasta delights is this refreshing concept boasting both lesser-known shapes and classic dishes—from rigatoni and tagliatelle to rotolo—plus sipworthy cocktail selects. 317 S. Harrington St., @figulina.raleigh $$
Irregardless Café Meat eaters and veggie lovers alike thrive at this OG Raleigh eatery showcasing everything from tofu-forward mains to salmon crudo and burgers. Don’t sleep on brunch—and check the cal for live music. 901 W. Morgan St., @irregardless1975 $$
La Terrazza Post up on The Dillon rooftop for approachable spins on Mediterranean-meets-Southern Italian ops spanning to-die-for tuna tartare and burrata to cheesy cauliflower and pizzas—plus a bubbles program that will send you. 223 S. West St., @laterrazzaraleigh $$
O-Ku Sushi Roll up for authentic Asian eats with Southern nods and sophisticated presentations. Think petite plates and sushi specialties to contemporary robata-style dishes—and even a multicourse omakase tasting.411 W. Hargett St., @okuraleigh $$
Oak Steakhouse Let them eat steak! Carnivores will delight in this modern take on steakhouse dining offering a slew of signature steaks (natch)—NTM housemade bread, oysters Rockefeller and bone marrow frites. 411 W. Hargett St., @okuraleigh $$$
Parkside “Parked” at the entrance to the Warehouse District, this DTR staple slays brunch, lunch and dinner with its chef-inspired fare (burgers, bowls, shrimp and grits, and more)—and quenches any thirst via a bevy of beers on tap. 301 W. Martin St., @parksideraleigh $
The Pit Carrying out NC’s barbecue legacy, this gem doles out authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked BBQ worth pigging out over, with sides and starters to boot. See: pimento cheese balls, fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs and more. 328 W. Davie St., @thepitbbq $$
Trophy Brewing & Pizza The signature pies and seasonally rotating brews served up at this Morgan Street joint have a hold on locals—with salads for a tasty ~balance~. Worth a trophy (or two) indeed… 827 W. Morgan St., @trophybrewing $$
Tuscan Blu Send your taste buds on a trip to Tuscany through myriad pastas, meat-forward mains and rotating specials. Standouts include gnocchi pesto con pollo, linguine with meatballs and homemade lasagna. Nom nom! 327 W. Davie St., @tuscan_blu $$
Whiskey Kitchen It’s more than just whiskey business at this hip indoor-outdoor haven. Beyond the impressive bar program, find a smattering of Southern-inspired plates for pairing, including a bangin’ fried chicken sandwich, steak and potatoes, fried Brussels and beyond. 201 W. Martin St., @whiskey.kitchen $
Wye Hill For brews and chews with epic views, Wye Hill serves up the best patio around with daylong foodie ops that always slap. The dill pickle pimento cheese is a crowd fave; the Everything Brussels make vegetables delectable; and the Wye Hill burger is anything but ordinary. 201 S. Boylan Ave., @wyehill $$
HILLSBOROUGH STREET CORRIDOR
Lime & Lemon Indian Grill & Bar Journey through India’s many regions in a modern atmosphere via the likes of authentic tikka masala, veggie samosas, chicken curry, naan and much more—plus specialty cocktails with an Indian twist. 105 Friendly Drive, Ste. 101, @limenlemon_indiangrill $
Lobera Tacos & Tequila Nosh on classic Tex-Mex dishes like enchiladas and burritos—plus creative standouts like birria ramen and Mexican-inspired sushi—below the Belltower at this family- and NCSU alumni-owned tacos and tequila spot translating to “the place where all the wolves gather” in Spanish. 2100 Hillsborough St., @lobera.raleigh $$
Players Retreat One of Raleigh’s favorite OG sports bars since 1951, PR (as it’s affectionately called) is both a game day and everyday go-to for Raleighites—esp. State fans, obv—for its laid-back vibe; lively outdoor patio (with TVs!); and elevated bar food like specialty burgers, baby back ribs and chicken wings. 105 Oberlin Road, @theplayersretreat$
VILLAGE DISTRICT
Cantina 18 Serving up “Southwestern fare with a Southern drawl,” chef/owner Jason Smith’s upscale Southern-Tex eatery is famed as much for its year-round sidewalk seating and open-air sliding glass doors as for its tasty sangria and margs, nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. 433 Daniels St., @cantina1$
Cape Fear Seafood Company Seafood groupies, this one’s for you. A relaxed atmosphere touting coastal vibes sets the stage for award-winning fresh regional seafood platters and other sea selects, plus handcut steaks, pastas, tacos and brunch fare. Village District & North Raleigh, @capefearseafoodcompany $$
Piccola Italia Indulge your taste buds in a one-way ticket to the Italian countryside via late Sicily native Frank Amato’s handmade New York-style pizzas, traditional pastas, sandwiches, soups and salads that are—dare we say—better than your nonna’s. 423 Woodburn Road, @ncpiccolaitalia$$
Postino WineCafe It’s always wine o’clock at this mod wine bar boasting ample handpicked vinos, cocktails and beer—aka the perf pairings for the signature bruschetta boards, “snacky things,” paninis, salads and soup of the moment. Pro tip: The patio/outdoor bar is also the moment. 401 Daniels St., @postinowinecafe$
Tazza Kitchen Rustic interior elements, lush plants and moody lighting provide the ideal backdrop for the likes of wood-fired pizza, tacos, elevated entrees and more starring local ingredients—all complemented by a rotating menu of “serious libations.” 432 Woodburn Ave., @tazzakitchen$$
Tupelo Honey Cafe It’s all the buzz: The storied Asheville-born spot’s made-from-scratch Southern fare is sourced from Carolina purveyors and served against a warm and cozy backdrop. Think biscuits and blueberry-lavendar mimosas. 425 Oberlin Road, @tupelohoneycafe $$
Village Draft House This fan-fave sports bar is always the name of the game. Go for the nonchalant neighborhood vibe and the loungeworthy covered patio fitted with TVs—stay for the 100-plus ever-evolving brews and menu of elevated bar food. 428 Daniels St.,@villagedrafthousenc$
GLENWOOD SOUTH
Botanical Lounge Lush green velvet couches, marble tables and skyline views set a posh stage for the likes of patatas bravas, crispy pickled okra, ribeye and oysters paired with classic cocktails at the indoor-outdoor rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge. 419 Glenwood Ave., @botanicalraleigh$$
Cuya Take your taste buds South via vibrant Caribbean, Mexican and South American flavors—think tuna ceviche, pastelon and fried yuca balls—served in a high-energy, music-filled space with refreshing ’tails. 413 Glenwood Ave., @cuyacocina$$
Hibernian Irish Pub Sláinte! Raleigh has the luck of the Irish indeed at this storied staple, famed for its beer and liquor selects + delish Irish dishes perfect for both the start of a night out and the day after. Glenwood South & North Raleigh, @hibernianpub$
La Mala La Santa’s sister concept brings a triple dose of color, flavor and culture to Glenwood—plus a bold, lively backdrop for Mexican-inspired cocktails and authentic street food like tacos, chilaquiles and ceviche. 126 N. West St., lamalamx.com$
La Santa Get a true taste of Mexico at this family-owned spot serving the owner’s mother’s Guadalajaran recipes—handmade tortillas, bolillo and chicken enchiladas—best paired with a freshly squeezed fruit marg, natch. 222 Glenwood Ave., @lasantaraleigh$
MoJoe’s Burger Joint There’s burgers—then there’s MoJoe’s burgers. A dozen-ish handpressed takes keep this icon ruling Raleigh. For the full effect, snag a patio seat, a booze-optional shake and that famed MoJoe’s sauce. 620 Glenwood Ave., @mojoesburgers$
My Way Tavern With a Cheers-esque vibe and TVs on every wall, the neighborhood tavern is a great spot to catch the game over cocktails, brews, bar food and late-night bites—all served your way. 522 St. Mary’s St. @mywayraleigh$
Soul Flavorscape of India A mod flavorscape of authentic Indian fare comes from the kitchen of this family-owned restaurant dishing the likes of samosa chickpea chaat, paneer tikka, chicken 65 and beyond. 301 Glenwood Ave. @soulflavorscape$
Sushi Blues The BOGO rolls and half-price Sun. & Wed. wine bottles will bring you in—the smattering of sushi selects, craft cocktails and bustling patio overlooking Glenwood Ave. will keep you coming back. 301 Glenwood Ave., @sushibluescafe $$
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe From the Amra brothers comes a fan-fave hang for scratchmade bites, cold beers and cheering on the home team. 505 W. Jones St., @tobaccoroadnc $
Vidrio Blown-glass plates set a Mediterranean-meets-museum backdrop for fig-and-bleu flatbreads, salmon, stuffed peppers and craft cocktails—and 50-plus wines on tap. 500 Glenwood Ave., @vidrioraleigh$$
The Willard Rooftop Lounge $ Bites with a view? Don’t mind if we do. Perched atop Glenwood South’s chic AC Hotel, The Willard plates Mediterranean-inspired small bites alongside a spirited bar program of classics and house specialties. 9 Glenwood Ave., @thewillardraleigh$$
FIVE POINTS
Ajja Mediterranean- and Middle Eastern–inspired dishes—think braised lamb tagine and whipped feta—set the tone at Cheetie Kumar’s neighborhood gem, where a retro-leaning dining room and a Technicolor patio bring the “world” to Five Points. 209 Bickett Blvd.,@ajjaeats $$
Bloomsbury Bistro A household name, this polished bistro blends French technique with American comfort, turning out oysters, steak frites and other seasonal standbys in a cozy, quietly elegant setting. 509 W. Whitaker Mill Road, @bloomsburybistro $$
Glenwood Grill A refined take on low-country classics anchors this neighborhood go-to, leaning on locally sourced ingredients for Southern staples like seafood and grits, fried green tomatoes, and catfish. 2603-151 Glenwood Ave., @glenwood_grill $$
Hako At this Glenwood Village sushi mainstay, fresh cuts shine across the board, from crowd-pleasing specialty rolls to pristine nigiri and sashimi—proof that consistency is its calling card. 2603 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 155, hakosushinc.com $$
Hayes Barton Cafe & Dessertery Come for the famed Americana cuisine (pro tip: dial “M” for meatloaf), stay for the towering slices of homemade cake, all served amid checkerboard floors and photo-lined walls that nod to Raleigh’s past. 2000 Fairview Road, @hayesbartoncafeanddessertery $
J. Betski’s Prost to Raleigh’s only German-Polish kitchen, where famed pierogies, spaetzle and bratwurst fuel a lively, beer-friendly hang, complete with rollup garage doors and covered patio. 1916 Bernard St., @j.betskisofficial $$
Lola’s Beach Bar It’s forever 5 o’clock at this tropical cantina, where island-inspired bar fare meets housemade margs and cocktails built on 100% agave tequilas and freshly squeezed juices—perf for patio sipping. 1803 Glenwood Ave., @lolasbeachbar $
Neuse River Brewing & Brasserie Belgian-inspired comfort dishes—poutine, steak frites and mussels among them—pair seamlessly with a deep bench of brews in a laid-back brasserie with patio and outdoor herb garden. 518 Pershing Road, @neuseriverbrewingco $
NOFO @ the Pig Set inside a reno’d Piggly Wiggly, the quirky neighborhood spot serves Southern staples for lunch, brunch and dinner, from pimento cheese dip to shrimp and grits and fried catfish. 2014 Fairview Road, @nofo_at_the_pig $$
Red Dragon A Five Points fixture for comforting Chinese fare, this spot turns out everything from stomach-warming soups to sesame chicken, coconut shrimp, lo mein and fried rice, with an extensive a la carte menu to match. 2513 Fairview Road, raleighreddragon.com $
Stellar Elevated comfort food takes center stage in an intimate setting, where dishes like tuna tataki, coq au vin, and Basque cheesecake pair with curated pours, brunch standouts and a polished-but-welcoming vibe. 1912 Bernard St., stellaritb.com $$
Timber Pizza Co. Your standard slice gets an upgrade thanks to fresh, high-quality ingredients like sous vide chicken thighs, pea-shoot pesto, Peruvian sweet peppers and cured chorizo across a creative lineup of pies. 627 E. Whitaker Mill Road, @timberpizzaco_raleighdurham $
Trophy Brewing Five Points Housed in the bright-blue former Electric Supply Co. building, the latest Trophy outpost draws crowds for its cult-favorite pies (Most Loyal is a must) and house brews—plus a steady dose of community spirit. 207 Bickett Blvd., @trophybrewing$
IRON DISTRICT
Brodeto In this Michelin stunner, the likes of crudos, housemade pastas and breads serve as a love letter to Adriatic cuisine—and a one-way ticket to the Mediterranean for your taste buds. 2201 Iron Works Drive, Ste. 137, @brodetorestaurant$$$
East End Bistrot Dishing culinary theatrics in pure art form, the swanky French- and Asian-inspired eatery perfectly choreographs exquisite eats, bevs, atmosphere and service. 2020 Progress Court, Ste. 110, @eastendbistrotraleigh $$$
The Fiction Kitchen It’s not fiction—you won’t miss the meat at this 100% vegan kitchen cooking up a globally inspired menu of charcuterie boards, noodles and Impossible meatloaf—plus beer, wine, cocktails and NA bevs. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 100, 428 S. Dawson St.,@thefictionkitchen $
Hummingbird NOLA-born chef-owner Coleen Speaks serves up eclectic American fare with a twist in a chic, colorful space—or alfresco on the always-bright Dock 1053 patio. Pro tip: Brunch is a no-brainer. 1053 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Ste. 111, @hummingbirdral $$
Mala Pata Heirloom masa shines in this Michelin-recognized kitchen, where a star-studded team of food-and beverage vets fire up mod crowd-pleasers like tuna tartacos, flautas and tacos. Cap the meal with a nightcap next door at its Bar Peyote. 2431 Crabtree Blvd. @malapata.molino $$
Miso Ramen Bar Nood lovers give high praise to the super-popular ramen haven offering up slurpworthy selects feat. broth made in-house daily and house-braised chashu—plus rice bowls, apps and signature drinks. 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Ste. 104, @miso_ramen_bar $
WEST RALEIGH
Amedeo’s Founded in 1963 by Wolfpacker Amedeo “Dick” DeAngelis, the iconic Italian sup spot is famed for its pizzas, pastas, calzones, wings and sandwiches—plus signature and Wolfpack-themed cocktails. Buon appetito! 3905 Western Blvd., @amedeos_restaurant $
Bella Monica A nod to owners Corbett and Julie Monica’s Italian heritage, this family-run trattoria channels their Nana’s table via Neapolitan pizza, flatbreads and antipasto recipes handed down for generations. 3121 Edwards Mill Road, @bellamonica.raleigh $$
Bru’s Public House Game day or not, good grub is always on deck in the Wake Park elevated sports bar where locals belly up all day for a beer, burgers, wings, pizza and cocktails. 5433 Wade Park Blvd., Ste. 100, @bruspublichouse $
The Iron Oaks Taproom and Lounge Tee up a good time via golf simulators paired with beer and wine, cocktails, and elevated bar food (think charcuterie, truffle fries and handhelds) crafted to bring “unique flavors and ingredients to the concept of casual dining.” 3800 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 130, @the.iron.oaks $
Lakeside Kitchen Southern-infused fare gets a fresh spin with from-scratch dishes rooted in seasonal bounty from the NC State Farmers Market, nearby farms and the resto’s own patio garden—think vibrant salads, veggie-forward bowls and fresh-picked specials. 2450 Alumni Drive, @lakesidekitchenraleigh$
The Oak The Oak’s friendly staff serves made-from-scratch bar bites, entrees and sliders to pair with 100+ bourbons, including The Oak’s own in-house blend. And brunch is always a good idea. 4035 Lake Boone Trail, @theoakraleigh $$
State Farmers Market Restaurant Southern comfort fare stands the test of time in this bright and bustling restaurant plus patio. Think homemade biscuits, local country ham and the like—perf for some post-market browsing.1240 Farmers Market Drive, @statefarmersmarketrestaurant $
Sushi Mon Fresh sushi, bento and sashimi/nigiri dished in moody digs make Sushi Mon a Raleigh “roll model” for a reason. Don’t sleep on starters like spicy garlic edamame or gyoza. 3800 Glenwood Ave., Ste. 100, @sushimon_raleigh $$
Sushi Nine Long known for its BOGO rolls, apps, noodles, stir-fries and hibachi, this sushi spot is also a fan-fave for its modern atmosphere and spacious patio. Pro tip: Try the Mr. Wuf roll. Go Pack! 3812 Western Blvd., @sushinine $
NORTHWEST RALEIGH
Angus Barn Serving up almost 20,000 steaks a month, this nationally renowned resto—in a literal barn—boasts award-winning wines to pair with its succulent beef and seafood. Pro tip: The Wild Turkey Lounge is the move for first-come first-serve drinks & dinner. 9401 Glenwood Ave., @angusbarn $$$
Azitra Indian Indulge in Indian classics and a few fusion surprises at this contemporary Indian eatery “encapsulating the essence of nirvana” with each dish. Dig into makhmali lamb, paneer, or tandoori surf and turf—and dessert is non-negotiable. 8411 Brier Creek Parkway, @azitranc $$
Bazil Indian Cuisine Prepare to be captivated by a wild ride of elevated Indian delicacies (tandoori, chaat, pakora, etc.) dished in an upbeat setting, complete with weekend DJ sets—plus a fully stocked bar to boot. 6602 Glenwood Ave., @bazilindiancuisine $$
Brier Creek Beer Garden Get your garden fix sans plants and dirt with 50+ craft beers on draft and 100+ bottles, snarky signs lining the walls, and unique dishes including German nachos, Moroccan meatballs and a pint of bacon (!). 8521 Brier Creek Parkway, @bcbeergarden $
Casa Carbone It’s a family affair—and the legacy has been passed down since 1984. Nosh on authentic Italian fare like zuppa di clams, fettuccine carbonara, chopped sirloin pizzaiola, and pizza and dessert galore. 6019 Glenwood Ave., Ste. A, @casacarbone $$
Dos Taquitos An institution on the Raleigh food scene, this Mexican haven channels the flavor and spirit of its homeland through staples like tacos, enchiladas, chilaquiles and delicious margs. And the train-served queso is a must. 6101 Glenwood Ave., @dostaquito_official $$
J. Alexander’s Twinkling views abound from this contemporary resto’s perch above Crabtree Valley Mall, where you’ll find traditional wood-fired American classics like old-fashioned cheeseburgers, Emerald Coast shrimp and slow-roasted prime rib. 4600 Crabtree Valley Ave., @jalexandersrestaurant $$$
Jalwa Indian Bistro It’s all about the presentation here. Creative Indian dishes (changezi raan flambé, palak paneer baklava, etc.) are served in such an artistic way they’re almost too pretty to eat—best paired with a classic or innovative cocktail for a true masterpiece. 6112 Falls of Neuse Road, @jalwaindianbistronc $$
Jose and Sons Traditional Mexican comfort food fused with Southern influences found seven days a week in a festive high-energy atmosphere, where local ingredients enliven the flavors of staple dishes like enchiladas, chimichangas, nachos, soups and salads. 4112 Pleasant Valley Road, @joseandsons $$
Kanki Japanese House of Steak and Sushi Prepare to catch the shrimp! This hibachi and sushi staple is best known for its talented tableside chefs who entertain as they expertly chop, dice and cook your meal before your eyes with the flip of a spatula. Northwest Raleigh & North Raleigh, @kankirestaurant $$$
The Mill The name and vibe a nod to the OG Edwards Mill Bar & Grill (RIP), this upscale dive-meets-quality American steakhouse promises to make you a regular with steak frites, salads, smashburgers and more. 3201 Edwards Mill Road, @themillraleigh $$
Napa Bistro & Wine Bar Quench your thirst for a trip to the West Coast via myriad vinos and ’tails and wine-country cuisine—think small plates, soups and salads—plus an elevated ambiance to boot at this Golden State-inspired mainstay. 3705 Exchange Glenwood Place, naparestaurantgroup.com $$
The Peddler A pillar of Raleigh’s restaurant scene, this old-school steakhouse has been peddling out seafood, chicken and steaks aged to perfection since 1969. 6005 Glenwood Ave., @peddlerraleigh $$$
Trali Irish Pub Authenticity is on tap at Trali’s traditional Irish gastropub dishing a “true slice of Ireland” in Raleigh via classic cuisine—plus Irish pints, local craft beers and live local tunes. Brierdale Shopping Center, 10370 Moncreiffe Road, @traliirishpub $
V Pizza Buongiorno!A bangin’ hot spot, V slices up “pizza so Italian it needs a translator”—not to mention a slew of must-nosh shareable apps, salads, sandwiches and desserts. 7930 Skyland Ridge Parkway, Ste. 100, @_vpizza $$
Waraji Japanese Restaurant Sip on the large sake selection—plus extensive Japanese whiskey in its attached izakaya—to wash down the substantial selection of scrumptious specialty rolls, sashimi and donburi. 5910 Duraleigh Road, @warajisushi $$
Zayka Indian Cuisine Adding some spice to mealtime, one of the only local Punjabi Northern Indian restaurants serves a variety of paneer, seafood and naan with authentic spices and elevated flavors. 10410 Moncreiffe Road, Ste. 104, @zaykaraleigh $$
NORTH RALEIGH
13 Tacos & Taps Specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine with a vibrant twist, this food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar dishes a whole new style of taco fusion, burritos and nachos, making for the perf nosh spot for a fiesta. 10511 Shadowlawn Drive, @13tacosandtaps $
Café Tiramisu Originating from old Raleigh favorite Piccolo Mondo, this quaint eatery with rich rustic decor has been dishing ravioli, stuffed clams, bruschetta and other authentic Northern Italian fare for ~30 years. 6008 Falls of Neuse Road, @cafetiramisu1 $$
Clyde Cooper’s Barbeque Clyde’s has been a fave since 1938 for its award-winning chopped BBQ pork, succulent beef brisket and juicy chicken—all served up with classic sides and, of course, those signature hush puppies. 327 S. Wilmington St., @clydecoopersbbqraleigh $
Farina Classic Italian bites with a modern take are all the rage at this casual American-Italian restaurant. Kick off the meal with antipasti paired with a signature cocktail, followed by primo pizza and pasta. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 100, @farinaraleigh $$
Franko’s Prime Franko’s brings prime-time polish to Lafayette Village via USDA Prime steaks and quality seafood—plus full lineup of soups, salads, starters, desserts, and house specialties—in a refined, white-tablecloth vibe. 8460 Honeycutt Road, @frankosprime $$$
Gonza Tacos y Tequila Go for the hippie-chic vibe—complete with neon colors fashioned into modern Day of the Dead decor—and stay for the enchiladas, passion fruit salmon, tacos and fab handcrafted cocktails. 7713 Lead Mine Road, Ste. 39, @gonzatacosytequila $
Margaux’s Southern hospitality meets a “high-energy metropolis” at this staple eatery established circa 1992 that bring guests international takes on classic dishes like gnocchi, grouper, spiced lamb and lobster. 8111 Creedmoor Road, @margauxsrest $$$
Milton’s Pizza A comfort-food go-to since the early ’80s, Milton’s is the place for traditional to-die-for ’za, calzones and pastas, plus sammies and wings to boot. Don’t sleep on the uberpopular lunch buffet. 8853 Six Forks Road; 14520 Falls of Neuse Road; @miltonspizza $
Northside Bistro & Cocktails John Scarangella’s Northside Bistro evokes a sense of nostalgia with its neighborhood-friendly vibe and classic New American-style menu including sausage-stuffed mushroom caps, duck confit and beef Wellington. 832 Spring Forest Road, @northsidebistroraleigh $$$
North Ridge Pub This upscale tavern dishes elevated versions of classic pub fare like burgers, wings, crab cakes and nachos—best paired with plenty of wine and beer to wash it down. 6010 Falls of Neuse Road, @northridgepub $
Peri Brothers Modern Italian Upscale yet inviting, the room frames refined Italian classics, from clam-studded vongole and truffle tagliatelle to premium proteins, all best paired with a pour from the curated wine list. 7321 Six Forks Road @peribrothersitalian $
The Piper’s Tavern Irish heritage, traditional sports pub and homey family resto collide in this fam-friendly neighborhood tavern with a menu to satisfy all appetites—from soups to sammies to burgers and beyond. 8304 Falls of Neuse Road, @thepiperstavern $$
Poppyseed Market By day, elevated comfort classics and vino lead—backed by a hand-tossed pizza program best enjoyed with a cocktail or local microbrew. 8801 Lead Mine Road, @poppyseedmarket $$
Sushi One Putting the swank in sushi, the mod family-owned spot rolls out tempura, teriyaki, Thai and hibachi selects, and classic rolls—plus a smattering of signature ’tails perf for pairing. And since it’s never too early for raw fish, be sure to belly up for brunch. 8470 Honeycutt Road, @sushione_raleigh $$
Relish Craft Kitchen & Bourbon Bar Relish in this craft kitchen and bourbon bar specializing in fresh comfort food with a “new Southern” twist via a rotating menu showcasing NC’s best ingredients. Pro tip: You can’t go wrong with a mac and cheese skillet. 5625 Creedmoor Road, @relishraleigh $
Salt & Lime Cabo Grill Live your best island life via Baja peninsula-inspired flavorful fare like street tacos, seafood, and quesadillas and burritos in a tropical cantina-esque setting. And don’t forget the signature margs. 6006 Falls of Neuse Road; 4800 Grove Barton Road, @saltlimecabo $$
Thaiphoon Bistro DTR’s first—but no longer only—Thai resto garnered fame for its authentic fare repping every region of Thailand, plus its large selection of vegetarian ops. Don’t miss the papaya salad, green curry or any of the house noodle dishes. 7496 Creedmoor Road, @thaiphoon_bistro $
uglyfish There’s nothing ugly about uglyfish. Instead expect pretty seasonal small plates—yakitori, udon and spicy tuna—alongside modern sushi selects, pristine nigiri and sashimi, all best paired with sake, vino or a house cocktail. 4701 Atlantic Ave., Ste. 129, @uglyfishnc $
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern Succulent steaks and classic a la carte sides like mashed potatoes, spinach and the like meet an extensive wine list, impeccable service and retro vibes at this nee-1987 mainstay. Pro tip: Dessert is a must. 7440 Six Forks Road, @vinniessteakhouse $$$$
Vinos Finos South American small plate dreams are met at this sip and sup spot serving up delish tapas—from lamb sliders to burrata—and a wide selection of rotating wines by the glass. 8450 Honeycutt Road, Ste. 110, @vinosfinosraleigh $
Winston’s Grille A Raleigh staple since 1986, this traditional upscale resto is a hit for its selection of prime rib, pastas and fresh salads—NTM its expansive outdoor terrace and signature cocktails. Sutton Square, 6401 Falls of Neuse Road, @winstonsgrille $$
MIDTOWN
Barking Dog Let the dogs in at this pup-friendly bar and restaurant serving up classic American fare over brunch, lunch and dinner—plus cocktails and treats for good boys and girls. 201 Park at North Hills St. @barkingdognc $ Capital Grille This fine-dining restaurant and steakhouse with a palatable patio delights with the likes of dry-aged steaks and wagyu, artfully prepared seafood, and delicious sides to share. 4242 Six Forks Road, @thecapitalgrille $$$
CO Bright and bold flavors from Southeast Asia—think dumplings, noodles and rice/poke bowls—boast unique and modern tweaks in a sleek setting. 101 Park at North Hills Street, eatatco.com $
Coquette Brasserie C’est la vie! Escargot, frites, tartare and more French cuisine gets infused with local farm-fresh ingredients in a sophisticated Parisian-esque setting, with tables open to the sidewalks for that European feel. 4351 The Circle at North Hills, @coquetteraleigh $$
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar Burgushi (aka a bangin’ meat and seafood collision) rolls out in a vibrant space—with a famed ultramod cylindrical fish tank centerpiece!—satisfying carnivores, seafood lovers and sushi fans alike. 4208 Six Forks Road, @thecowfishsbb $$
Cucciolo Terrazza Ciao, bella! Sister restaurant to Durham’s Cucciolo Osteria, this North Hills resto serves upscale vibes with a side of antipasti, pasta, entrees, and other contemporary Italian dishes—including an Italian-esque brunch (!). 4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 100, @cucciolodurham $$
Foxcroft Food & Wine There’s no “wining” when it comes to the charcuterie, flatbreads, housemade pasta, salads and ample bottles coming out of this lively restaurant, wine bar and bottle shop—complete with brunch and an outdoor patio. And don’t sleep on the burger. 4421 Six Forks Road, @foxcroftfoodandwineraleigh $$
Giorgio Pizza Bar Pull up a chair to watch the signature crispy, thin-crust sourdough pizzas spin through the air as you feast on handmade pastas, seasonal snacks and salads. 141 Park at North Hills St., Ste. 112, @giorgiopizzabar $
Midtown Pho Oodles of noodles can be found at this authentic Vietnamese restaurant—along with rice dishes, banh mi, summer rolls and more. 424 E. Six Forks Road, @midtownpho $
Peregrine Where “east meets west,” Saif Rahman and Patrick Shanahan’s contemporary American concept is a love letter to the places that shaped Rahman’s life. Inspired by America’s cultural mosaic, the menu boasts such standouts as dry-aged beef tartare, sheesh kabob, and Bengali wedding chicken—rounded out with fresh ’tails and inventive desserts. 1000 Social St., Ste. 150, peregrineraleigh.com $$$
Rosewater Kitchen & Bar A light-filled “garden party” atmosphere makes the perfect setting for sipping eclectic wines while dining on burrata, seafood and delectable veggies inspired by Mediterranean flavors. 110 Park at North Hills Street, @rosewaterkitchen $$
STIR The upscale vibe, scratchmade entrees and craft cocktails have stirred up quite the following for dates, business meets and brunches alike. Pro tip: Oysters—raw, char-broiled or Rockefeller-style—are a must. 4242 Six Forks Road, @stirraleighnc $$
Tamasha For a dining experience that is nothing less than a “grand performance,” slide into a seat at one of “America’s Most Beautiful Restaurants” and enjoy a feast of elevated Indian food—think tandoori paneer tikka, chaat and butter chicken—showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of the nation. 4200 Six Forks Road, Ste. 130, @tamashanc $$
Village Tavern Elevated tavern meets mod setting at this casual yet chic North Hills gem, with a menu running the gamut from hot crab dip and nachos to tacos, pizza, burgers, and meat- and seafood-focused entrees. 4140 Lassiter Mill Road, @villagetavern $$
Vivace Long cushioned banquettes and a spacious outdoor patio serve as the ideal backdrop for fresh pastas made daily, pizzas and creative seasonal menu items. 4209 Lassiter Mill Road, @vivaceraleigh $$
Local restaurants are getting creative in their approaches to business during the coronavirus pandemic—but they need your support.
On a Tuesday morning in March, Christopher Edwards, a server at a popular restaurant in North Hills, stood outside at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Lead Mine Road, wearing a pressed shirt and tie and holding a sign.
“WAITER, RESTAURANT CLOSED,” the sign stated. And, in smaller letters underneath: “Trying to buy asthma inhaler.”
Edwards says he’s been busking to supplement his income, playing his electric guitar outside of grocery stores to try to raise some cash.
“It’s a way I can keep some integrity,” he says. “Maybe people buying food will see, this is a person who has needs too, who doesn’t have emergency funds or a reliable source of income. That is all I can think to do, I can busk until the job market lets up. Right now, I don’t know where else I can find a job.”
Edwards has applied for unemployment benefits, he says, but the state’s website keeps crashing out due to the volume of applicants. It’s not clear how long he—and thousands of other bar and restaurant workers in Raleigh who have been laid off due to closed dining rooms and services limited to pickup and delivery—will be out of work, even as grocery stores scramble to keep their shelves stocked with food and essential goods.
“Fifty percent of all food consumed in North Carolina is consumed in restaurants,” said Lynn Minges, the president and CEO of the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association on the local NC Food and Beverage podcast last month. In Wake County, the hospitality industry represents more than 67,000 local jobs, according to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Raleigh).
“Restaurants will play a big role in solving the food crisis in the long term,” Minges added. “Restaurants may have to shift their thinking to creating foods that may not be on their menu, like trays of lasagna, to serving the public in bulk.”
Local restaurants began shifting their thinking almost immediately, once it was clear the COVID-19 coronavirus was going to be a crisis that would stick around for a while. Indeed, they’ve been forced to, as Gov. Roy Cooper issued an executive order for all North Carolina bars and restaurants to close their dining rooms in mid-March while his administration worked to expand unemployment insurance benefits for service industry workers and others affected. A week later, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services announced measures to prohibit outdoor seating on restaurants’ patios as well as indoors.
Instead of shutting completely (which some Raleigh restaurants have done, including The Oak, Vidrio, Rosewater and Death and Taxes) many have pivoted to providing curbside takeout and delivery services. The City of Raleigh suspended its parking rules for curbside pickup and created a map linked on its website to show where curbside pickup zones are located across town.
Some restaurants are following Minges’ suggestion and offering pre-made dishes in bulk that will keep well and that customers can make several meals out of.
The Player’s Retreat, for instance, is preparing food and soups available for purchase in quarts or pints, to be frozen or warmed at home.
But it quickly became clear that, for many restaurants and bars, takeout and delivery for a prolonged period—especially without alcohol sales to drive up sales margins—wasn’t going to be enough.
They’ve had to get really creative.
Last month, Drew Schenck and Kevin Barrett, owners of the cocktail bar Dram & Draught, converted their space on the ground floor of One Glenwood into a pop-up grocery store, Dram Grog and Grocery. The full-service market will be open daily from 2 to 8 p.m., selling wine, growlers and cases of beer, toilet paper, produce, ground meat, canned goods and other products at minimally marked-up prices. Shoppers will be limited to four at a time and the grocery will deliver to seniors living within five miles of One Glenwood once a day.
“We want to help people with their basic needs and really support the Boylan neighborhood,” said Barrett. “This is a food desert in this area. We want to help the neighborhood and try to keep some of our employees working.”
Restaurateur Niall Hanley’s Morgan Street Food Hall is also doing its part to help service industry employees, as well as the community at large, during the pandemic. Hanley has waived rent for all of his tenants and the food hall hosted a blood drive through March, where folks who donated blood received a $20 gift card to use at any of the Morgan Street Food Hall restaurants. Additionally, Hanley’s Hibernian Hospitality Group partnered with US Foods to package and distribute food care packages for local hospitality workers, available for them to pick up on the food hall’s patio.
It’s not just bar and restaurant workers that are suffering.
According to numbers from Visit Raleigh, the hotel occupancy rate for the week of March 8-14 clocked in at 54.7 percent, a 25.2 percent decline from the same week’s rate last year of 76.8 percent. The Umstead Hotel and Spa laid off 300 workers and, with more than 50 events and festivals cancelled or postponed, more layoffs are likely to come.
With more than 18,000 North Carolinians having filed for unemployment insurance by late March, state officials have scrambled to make it easier for people to qualify for benefits and to make unemployment less costly to businesses. In an executive order, Gov. Cooper eased restrictions on who can apply, including people who haven’t lost their jobs entirely but have seen their hours reduced. He also lifted the weeklong waiting period for benefits and the requirement that people be actively searching for a new job while collecting benefits. Businesses affected by the coronavirus won’t be required to help supplement their workers’ unemployment benefits and the administration and state lawmakers are looking for other ways to ease the burden on workers and businesses.
Private sector initiatives, too, are popping up to help support service and hospitality industry workers.
Celebrated Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen announced the creation of the Triangle Workers Relief Fund, administered by the Frankie Lemmon School, to raise donations for cooks, servers, bartenders, dishwashers and other restaurant industry workers whose jobs have been impacted by the coronavirus. In the first 24 hours of the fund’s website going live, 3,200 workers registered to apply for financial assistance.
And Let’s Get Offline, which connects its subscribers to restaurant industry events all over the Triangle, launched Take Out for the Triangle. Its members can receive a $5 credit to their monthly subscriptions for ordering takeout from one of Offline’s 40 restaurant partners by texting a photo of their takeout receipt.
As bad as the reduced hours, limited services, closings and layoffs are right now—not to mention the social isolation we’re all experiencing—what’s worse is the uncertainty, the unknown length of time that it will take before things return to normal. It could be months before restaurants are allowed to reopen their dining rooms again; it’s likely that we’ll see some of our beloved local businesses forced to shut their doors for good.
All each of us can do right now is to support the restaurants and other small businesses in our community in the ways we can: Order takeout. Buy gift cards. Donate to the Triangle Workers Relief Fund. Lobby state representatives and those in Washington to pass measures that will assist struggling families.
This pandemic will pass, as all crises do. But there’s no telling what kind of shape Raleigh will be in once it’s over.
Edwards has applied for unemployment benefits, he says, but the state’s website keeps crashing out due to the volume of applicants. It’s not clear how long he—and thousands of other bar and restaurant workers in Raleigh who have been laid off due to closed dining rooms and services limited to pickup and delivery—will be out of work, even as grocery stores scramble to keep their shelves stocked with food and essential goods.
Instead of shutting completely (which some Raleigh restaurants have done, including The Oak, Vidrio, Rosewater and Death and Taxes) many have pivoted to providing curbside takeout and delivery services. The City of Raleigh suspended its parking rules for curbside pickup and created a map linked on its website to show where curbside pickup zones are located across town.
Restaurateur Niall Hanley’s Morgan Street Food Hall is also doing its part to help service industry employees, as well as the community at large, during the pandemic. Hanley has waived rent for all of his tenants and the food hall hosted a blood drive through March, where folks who donated blood received a $20 gift card to use at any of the Morgan Street Food Hall restaurants. Additionally, Hanley’s Hibernian Hospitality Group partnered with US Foods to package and distribute food care packages for local hospitality workers, available for them to pick up on the food hall’s patio.