Triangle Restaurants Secure Michelin Recognition as New Chains Expand

Three Triangle restaurants earned new Bib Gourmand designations from the Michelin Guide, a distinction that joins a wave of new dining concepts entering the local market. The 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony took place Wednesday in downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro received the new honors. Tesoro is an 18-seat restaurant focused on pasta. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year. Sixteen other establishments, including Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury, and The Fearrington House Restaurant, kept their Michelin recommended listings.

New chains are moving into existing spaces in Raleigh. Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the former Brio Italian Grille location at Crabtree Valley Mall. This will be the chain's second Triangle location, following its store at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The brand is known for large, family-style portions, though no opening date has been set.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh-based franchise, plans to open its first North Carolina shop at 325 Blake St. in City Market. The location sits next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. The Triangle Business Journal reported that the shop targets an opening before the end of the year. In Apex, Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings, marking its second North Carolina location after Holly Springs.

South Block, which operates three locations in Charlotte, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. It will open at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco. RALtoday noted that no specific opening date has been set. In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly M Pocha, will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24. The grand opening follows on October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St.

Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the restaurant in 1986. On the closure side, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has shut permanently after eight years. A new Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park in Pittsboro.

The upcoming calendar features the inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on October 25 at American Legion Post 6. VIP entry begins at 2 p.m., with general admission at 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals. The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest is set for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works, featuring a new $60 Half Shell ticket.