Slicing onto the scene, Pizzeria Toro promises to be your next ’za obsesh when it fires up next summer at Seaboard Station.
Courtesy of Pizzeria Toro
Having already amassed a cult following, the uberpopular Bull City wood-fired pizza place is sliding its signature pies into an ever-fitting former trucking company garage that’s part industrial grit, part open-air chill—and soon to be home for their neighborhood hangout alongside upcoming The Common Market.
Bright, high and airy, the space screamed Toro to the team: raw, open and ready for bar-and-pizza-joint energy. “We’ve always been really picky about where to put another Toro,” says chef/partner Gray Brooks of the pizzeria’s sophomore effort after over a dozen years in Durham—“but when this opportunity came up, it just felt right.”
Helmed by Gray, who cut his teeth in fine dining, alongside Seattle-bred hospitalitarians Jay Owens and partner + wife Cara Stacy, Toro Jr. is the byproduct of the trio’s MO of marrying thoughtful service, elevated eats and casual vibes. That philosophy shows in every aspect of their Durham success and selects—from classic margherita and pepperoni pies to seasonal creations crowned with locally sourced ingredients, all blistered and charred to perfection.
Long lauded by local foodies, critics and national outlets as one of Durham’s top ’za destinations, the team looks to bring that same winning recipe to Raleigh. “Operating a restaurant outside of Durham is going to be a new challenge for us—one that we’re really excited about,” shares Brooks. “We’ve always loved the food scene here—so many talented chefs and great staffs. And we’re stoked to be a small part of it. I think we’ll fit in pretty well.”
Chew on the latest food & bev news in Raleigh and beyond.
Patio season was in full swing this summer with the openings of Peregrine’s and Tamasha’s outdoor oases, each with their own new slew of ops to sip and snack on in the sun.
Skip the backyard grill sesh for newly debuted Inka Grill, a VA-based Peruvian restaurant now open in the former Capital Club 16 space on West Martin Street. Menu faves include lomo saltado, ceviche, Peruvian-style paella and other authentic eats.
That’s a wrap—literally. After 15 years slinging noodles and folding fan-fave dumplings, David’s Dumpling & Noodle Barserved its last slurp July 13.
Oh, how sweet it is! Escazu moved from its longtime North Blount Street digs to a larger space in Gateway Plaza, still dishing out confections, ice cream, hot chocolate and other bevs. And the former spot is in good hands—Stanbury’s cooking up something new.
Pour one out for Cornerstone Tavern, which closed its doors after 13 years in late July. Shortly after, two new concepts—The Row and Arcadia—opened in its place.
West Coast meets East Coast via coastal-inspired K38 Baja Mexican Grill, bringing its popular tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and more to Seaboard Station this fall.
Just in time for NC’s unpredictable seasonal mood swings, La Terrazza dropped retractable glass walls around its iconic rooftop patio—blocking the weather drama but locking in all the good vibes, tantalizing ’tails and bangin’ bites.
Drop anchor on your boring midday meals and post up at Boatman Spirits Co., now serving up weekend lunch. Expect your same faves from the dinner menu—plus a few new bites coming soon.
Boatman Spirits Co. | Photo by Forrest Mason
Slice, slice, baby! Oakwood Pizza Box’s highly anticipated takeout-only Capital Pizza Box location is now slinging pies on Wake Forest Road. Look out for a special event space coming soon to boot.
Asheville fave Botiwalla by Chai Pani is coming to Raleigh Iron Works next spring. A love letter to late-night Irani cafes, the restaurant features charcoal-cooked kababs, rice bowls, chaat and okra fries—plus boozy slushies, chai and lassi.
Gotta risk it for the biscuit. All-day breakfast, brunch and lunch concept Flying Biscuit Cafe is set to drop its fifth Triangle location at Wake Forest Crossing on Capital Boulevard soon.
An offer you can’t refuse: Beloved Omaha, Nebraska-based franchise Godfather’s Pizza is making its return to Raleigh with a new slice of real estate on Glenwood Ave. this fall.
Alexa, play “Good Graces” by Sabrina Carpenter—and brace yourself for good eats and drinks at highly anticipated market, bar and eatery dubbed, ahem, Good Graces, now open at NHID with a menu of fresh, healthy eats, plus coffee and cocktails.
Get your tickets to Flavortown. … Guy’s Pizza Joint is officially slicing it up at RDU Airport, slinging signature pies like The Guy-talian and OG Hamburger Pizza—plus freshly made to-go sandwiches, wraps, salads, breakfast items and the like.
Tea time, anyone? In not-so-little news, DTR coffee shop Little Native expanded with hidden “speakTEAsy” Littlest Tea Roomand maker space/retail outpost Littlest Shoppe.
Midday vibes, Napa style. Napa Bistro & Wine Bar recently rolled out lunch and brunch, serving up classic weekend faves like quiche, chicken and waffles, and Benedict.
Meet Hub RTP’s latest G.O.A.T. James Beard Award-nominated Preeti Waas’ boutique bodega Nanny Goat is the first concept to bow at Horseshoe, dishing chef-prepared meals, local artisan goods, fresh produce, baked items, coffee, beer and wine, gifts, and specialty imported goods.
Nanny Goat | Photo courtesy of The Plaid Penguin
Cowabunga! Lawrence Barbecue closed its Boxyard RTP chapter with a bang, delivering one last superior service in early August before its move to upcoming digs in downtown Cary.
Chef Michael Lee is on a roll, switching up his M Test Kitchen at Fenton to M Izakaya, featuring an updated menu, interior renovations and a new sushi menu coming soon.
Taste the rainbow of vibrant Mexican flavors at Cary’s new Meche Cocina Mexicana, serving up classics and twists like tuna tlacoyos, quesabirria tacos, ceviche and chilaquiles nachos—plus margs and other ’tails to match.
Rewriting your morning routine: Narrative Coffee just opened its first permanent location in downtown Durham, pouring tasty lattes, matcha, chai and other morning bevs to jump-start your day.
We’ll always have Paris… and, by late this year, Fenton will have Sweet Paris Crêperie, specializing in crêpes (natch) and other sweet and savory French-inspired dishes.
Sweet Paris Crêperie | Photo courtesy of Fenton
Let’s ~taco~ ’bout “Better Mex” on deck. Del Taco opened its first-ever Triangle eatery earlier this summer in Durham—begging locals to flock for burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more.
Lunch on this: Magnolia Grill alum Amanda Orser is bringing serious sandwich game to Durham with LRB Provisions, set to open later this summer. The neighborhood shop will spotlight local farms and purveyors, plus housemade meats and other from-scratch staples.
Slurp on this: Locally loved Peri Brothers Pizza bowed modern Peri Brothers Italian next door, plating homemade pasta and comforting apps + mains, paired with curated wines and craft cocktails in a natural light-flooded space that strikes the perf balance between classy and moody—ideal for fam dinners, date nights and everything in between.
Where to get your coffee, art and liquor fix this month
Incorrigible Cafe, photo courtesy of business
Incorrigible Cafe ROXBORO
Feeling incorrigible? Settle in for a soothing sup + sip sesh feat. soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast items like burritos and hash, and more—not to mention an assortment of baked goods (the almond chocolate chip cookies are irresistible). During the workweek, pair your fare with a cuppa or your fave latte order, and come the weekend, indulge in a mimosa, Bellini or wine and beer by the glass. We also wouldn’t judge a midday Monday mimosa if you’re craving something a little stronger. … Founded by mother-daughter duo Shawn Prieto and Elizabeth Brood, the one-stop-shop forgets no detail—or flavor—when fulfilling all your morning/afternoon cravings. How peachy!incorrigiblecafe.com
Ella West Gallery DURHAM
From the mind of passionate longtime supporter of the arts Linda Shropshire, this contemporary gallery blends the rules and pushes the boundaries of art, redefining history by ditching the standard European male experience to spotlight the art of historically marginalized communities. To wit, its location on Durham’s Parrish Street has long been a hub for Black entrepreneurs and businesses, and this moving space artfully holds that history’s ground. ellawestgallery.com
Vicious Fishes Brewery CARY
There’s plenty of fish in the sea! And plenty of fun to be had at Vicious Fishes’ fourth locale, which recently bowed in Downtown Cary—flaunting expansive outdoor space (think: trees, green space and an impressive beer garden), NTM a warehouse space lauding an ocean of good imbibes and stellar vibes. Now that it’s cozy season, warm up with your buds by the fire pit with a brewski in-hand. So nauty! viciousfishes.com
The Exchange, photo courtesy of business
The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge APEX
In need of a trim? Rest assured this upscale combo barbershop and lounge has you covered—and then some. Situated in Apex’s circa-1917 Tobacco & Mule building, the elevated salon offers spa treatments, neck massages, appetizers, and an extensive whiskey and bourbon menu in addition to your traditional cut and shave. Truly a cut above the rest, The Exchange also boasts flat-screen TVs and heated barber chairs (!) for the ultimate grooming experience. Ready to feel (and look) at the top of your game, gents? theexchangebarbershop.com
The Common Market DURHAM
There’s nothing “common” about this Charlotte-born convenience store, deli and bar that’s bringin’ fab, funky and one-of-a-kind vibes to its first Triangle locale for bites and bevs that are anything but boring. Described as a neighborhood “living room” from dawn to dusk, the aesthetically pleasing concept is sure to impress all—even your super-picky out-of-town relative. Pro tip: You’re gonna wanna order the Food Network-famous grilled pimento cheese sammie—and a pint, natch—to enjoy in the 1950s gas station-esque interior. And round out your experience with local coffee, ice cream and more. The more options the merrier! commonmarketisgood.com
Where to sip, sup, shop and more outside Raleigh this month
Peck & Plume CARY New nest: found. Birds of a feather flock together for a feast at this mod Downtown Cary dining room situated inside The Mayton, offering Southern comfort fare in a chic atmosphere. Whether patrons want to “peck” on plates with friends or celebrate with a big dinner, this nosh spot has the chops—esp. with that fab new patio. Waddle this way… peckandplume.com
Hoppy House Taproom + Hangout Place MORRISVILLE Don’t worry, be hoppy. Drink, relax, repeat is the MO at this self-pour taproom/hangout hub that’s bringing communities together via booze and good food—NTM a relaxing vibe that begs you to pop a squat after a long day. And it’s not hard to feel welcome at the table when you’re fillin’ up on slices of ’za, downing a plate of wings and sipping on some of the finest local drinks in town (beer! wine! cocktails!). Hoppy days! morrisvillebeer.com
Corner Street Yaki DURHAM Send noods. … There’s a new kid on the corner of the Durham Food Hall in the form of this bun in a million Asian eatery offering an array of Eastern menu items—think dumplings, ramen, rice bowls and stuffed buns. From the same team that brought you Everything Bagels and Napoli (also both located in the food hall), this friendly melting pot of Asian flavors boasts fare “fueled by passion, made with love.” Trust us, udon’t wanna miss it. @corneryaki
Adorn Home Furnishings FUQUAY-VARINA Established in 2021, this family-owned furniture shop swears off those basic cookie-cutter household items in favor of curated collections for an abode that’s both unique and stylish—whether it’s your work-from-home space, outdoor oasis or the guest room. Behind the biz, find NC-bred owners Benjamin and Samantha Lundy, who made the foray to Fuquay with their 3-year-old twin tots to be closer to their fam—and have been on a journey to help patrons populate their homes with cute pieces ever since. Couch you later! ncadorn.com
Zin Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge GARNER Bend it, stretch it, then sip it via the perfect balance of yoga + wine (!). Classes are offered every day of the week—best followed by a glass (or two) of vino and a charcuterie board inside the light-strewn industrial-esque interior, or out on the patio for an alfresco affair. Or, skip the yoga altogether and swing by for live music or a wine tasting. Yoga and wine under one roof? Namaste—yes, please. zinyogawine.com
