3 New Michelin Bibs and 4 New Restaurants: The Triangle’s Dining Sector Expands

Three restaurants in the Raleigh Durham area secured new Bib Gourmand designations at the 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony held Wednesday in Nashville. The accolades for Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro join existing honors for Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ. Sixteen additional establishments, including Brewery Bhavana and Stanbury, retained their recommended status in the latest guide update.

The expansion of the local dining sector is driven by new entrants and established brands seeking growth. Maggiano's Little Italy is set to occupy the former Brio Italian Grille space at Crabtree Valley Mall. This will serve as the second location for the chain in the Triangle, following its existing Durham outpost. The brand focuses on large, family-style meals, though a specific launch date has not yet been announced.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a franchise originating in Pittsburgh, is preparing to open its first North Carolina shop at 325 Blake St. in the City Market district. The location will sit adjacent to Blackbird Books and Coffee. According to the Triangle Business Journal, the target for opening is before the end of the year. Meanwhile, South Block, a chain known for acai bowls and smoothies with three locations in the Charlotte area, is moving into 4121 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh. This spot is next to bartaco, and no opening date has been confirmed.

In Apex, Grain & Berry recently opened its second North Carolina location at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. The first was in Holly Springs. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is also marking a significant milestone, celebrating its 40th anniversary. The restaurant was founded in 1986 by Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr., establishing a long-term presence in the local market.

Durham is seeing changes in its restaurant landscape with the rebranding of M Pocha to M Kikkei. This establishment, located at 101 E. Chapel Hill St., will host an invitation-only soft opening on October 24 followed by a grand opening on October 29. The menu features Nikkei cuisine, which combines Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients, and represents the seventh concept in the Mpire group. In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park, while Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 in the historic Captain J. F. Alston House.

Not all news in the sector is positive. Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has closed permanently after eight years of operation. This closure contrasts with the broader trend of new openings and expansions currently defining the region's food market.

The upcoming calendar includes several events that serve as economic and community touchstones. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival occurs on Sunday, October 25, at American Legion Post 6. VIP entry begins at 2 p.m., and general admission starts at 3 p.m., with proceeds benefiting SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. On October 29, chefs including Sera Cuni of The Root Cellar will host a Yellowstone Dinner at Holl & Stone Farm in Garner.

Preeti Waas is holding a Super Spooky Sandwich popup on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. The menu is due for pickup on October 24 at 202 N. Corcoran St. in Durham. In early November, the Chefs for Change Gala and Auction takes place at The Cookery on November 5 to benefit Families Moving Forward. Botiwalla will host a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6. The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed Smoke and Shuck, is scheduled for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works.

Organizers for the Oyster Fest added a $60 Half Shell ticket that includes nine oysters, two bites, and one drink. This change followed feedback from attendees who felt previous pricing was prohibitive. The prior two editions of the event sold out and collectively raised approximately $12,500. The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26. Last year, nearly 3,000 people participated, and the race donated about $60,000, an increase from $42,000 the year before. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday, and the Food Bank is highlighting Tackling Hunger Month, noting that over 600,000 neighbors face food insecurity. Every $25 donation provides 75 meals.