As the year came to an end and I was reviewing the new restaurants and bars in the Triangle for 2025, it’s always a challenge deciding how many to profile for the Best list. We had a lot of new restaurants open up, especially in Raleigh. So I focused on the restaurants that did a great job but were also affordable. And I know that’s a loaded term in 2026 given all the inflation we’ve experienced of late. But as the restaurant and hospitality industry adjusts to this new normal, I do see a push for more affordability in menus of late. This industry can be really tough at times so tip your hat to these best new restaurants and bars of 2025! I hope that you’ll find your next new favorite spot on this list.
1. The Bend Bar
The Bend Bar (Beer, Cocktails)
853 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.424.7817
One of the first new businesses for the year, The Bend Bar is a concept from the folks at State of Beer and Trophy. Named for its location in Raleigh, the Bend is one of three businesses in this corner of Morgan Street. Inside, the space is small and tidy with a beautiful U-shaped bar sheathed in some amazing woodwork. There are a handful of small tables and seating area but the real action is outdoors. Lots of patio chairs and a greens area with lawn games and fire pits. A great spot for a larger group, you can hoof it on over to State of Beer next door for sandwiches and small plates if you’re hungry.
2. Boatman Spirits Co.
Boatman Spirits Co. (Cocktails, Mediterranean)
713 Seaboard Station Dr, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.867.0440
It’s amazing to see Seaboard Station come back to life over the past year or two and Boatman Spirits is one of the important dining anchors for this development. Step through the heavy wooden doors and you’ll find yourself in an Arabic-styled dining room complete with arched, plaster ceilings. Order up one of their perfectly mixed cocktails and some bites off the short Mediterranean menu to start off the evening. Boatman has a nice schedule of DJ and live music to keep your visit lively! Just beware that the interior can get noisy when busy.
3. Brewery Bhavana Fenton
Brewery Bhavana Fenton (Chinese, Small Plates)
850 Lower Garden Ln, Cary, NC 27511
919.829.9998
The newest location for Brewery Bhavana does a great job bringing the concepts behind the complex original (dim-sum, beer, floral shop, library) to a much smaller space at Fenton! Inside you’ll find a lot of greenery and floral decor along with some high-end dim sum. From fluffy bao to dry-fried string beans and plump dumplings, Brewery Bhavana elevates their dishes with some interesting ingredients/flavors for even more deliciousness. A nice addition to the bustling Fenton District in Cary.
4. Capulet Cocktail Club
Capulet Cocktail Club (Wine, Cocktails)
1000 Social St #110, Raleigh, NC 27609
A late-comer for 2025, Capulet Cocktail Club was worth the wait! Located in the newer section of North Hills (NHID, Social Street), Capulet offers a unique drinking experience if you’re willing to make the effort. Out front on the green lawn area you’ll find some patio furniture and tell-tale Italian Renaissance era statues. Pull open the heavy, wood door and you’ll step into a plush and rich environment that feels like a sanctuary. Velvet couches and chair, classical oil paintings, stained glass, cozy alcoves, and the classic domed ceiling makes for a sumptuous seating experience. The bar program here is excellent offering a great selection of cocktails, mocktails, and Italian wine. A great new addition to the North Hills scene, hallelujah!
5. The Crunkleton
The Crunkleton (American, Cocktails)
403 W Johnson St, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.444.8609
The Crunkleton began as a cocktail bar on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill but has since expanded location-wise and concept-wise! Now an upscale bar and full American menu awaits at its newest location at Smoky Hollow in Raleigh. Inside you’ll pick up a classic steakhouse feel with dim lighting, staff in bow ties, leather wrapped chairs, and warm woods all about. The menu is basic but upscale, offering hearty American fare and a beautiful, IG-worthy 42 ounce Tomahawk bone-in steak ($180) with accoutrements. A classy spot for a quiet date or cozy dinner party.
6. Dino’s Pizza and Pasta
Dino’s Pizza (Pizza, Italian)
3109 Shannon Rd Suite 100, Durham, NC 27707
919.908.0184
Brought to you by Durham chefs Matt Kelly and Tom Cuomo, Dino’s is a throw-back experience for classic Italian-American eats from up north. Choose from antipasti and delicate thin-crust pizza to a hearty chicken parm platter with fantastic rigatoni alla vodka. The dining room is large and open complete with red-checked vinyl tablecloths and stain-glassed lamps overhead. The busy bar with TVs overhead for the latest sports events (there’s a Buffalo, NY tinge here) along with the large patio outside complete the scene. Overall a fun addition to the U Hills development, classic, casual and delicious, perfect for families.
7. Lawrence Barbecue
Lawrence Barbecue (Smoked meats, Southern)
150 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511
919.234.6939
Evolving from pandemic pop-up to Boxyard vendor to finally its own stand-alone building, Lawrence Barbecue has been an exercise of patience and commitment. Pitmaster Jake Wood has a very modern sensibility to classic que and this space on Cedar Ave in Cary showcases that vision. Classic white brick exterior opens up to a large dining room with white lacquered metal chairs and tables. A lot of light woods and bare plywood finish off the space giving it a slightly rustic feel. The menu offers all the classic smoked eats (ribs, brisket, pork, chicken) along with some Southern sides and NC oysters. Think of it as barbeque-plus which is perfect for this rapidly growing area of downtown Cary.
8. The Lenny
The Lenny at 555 (Cocktails, Small Plates)
555 S Mangum St Floor 11, Durham, NC 27701
919.237.3581
Located at the top of 555 Mangum in Durham, the Lenny has lofty aspirations for the Bull City! Part bar, part lounge and part restaurant, grab an elevator to the 11th floor, you’ll be transported to a cacophonous dining room in a multitude of patterns, colors and design. A lovely bar to the left, open dining room and raw bar area dominate the interior. But let’s face it, the action at the Lenny is all outside on the patio. Sporting a phenomenal view of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and some baseball, it’s a perfect spot for a warm summer’s evening. Dine on flat breads, small plates and sip on some cocktails to finish off the evening. And if you time it right, you just might be able to capture a sunset and the post-game fireworks at DBAP. A fun and lively spot for downtown Durham!
9. Mala Pata Molino + Cocina
Mala Pata Molino + Cocina (Latin-American)
2431 Crabtree Blvd Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.303.5323
If you’re a fan of Centro, you’ll love Mala Pata Molino! Recently recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand award, Mala Pata specializes in Latin American cuisine and fresh masa. From the tortillas to other dishes, you’ll find masa (ground, nixtamalized corn) frequently in there as an ingredient. Enjoy tacos, enchiladas and more from their vibrant menu. And if the main dining room is busy, sneak out to the Peyote mini-bar in back for a drink and simpler bar menu.
10. Mr. Henry
Mr. Henry (Cocktails, Lounge)
413 Woodburn Rd, Raleigh, NC 27605
919.274.6387
Brought to you by Matt B of SideBar and C. Grace fame. Mr. Henry fills a long-standing hole in the Raleigh scene by offering a classic English pub/bar experience at Village District. Up front Mr. Henry sports a classic British racing green exterior, Inside you’ll find warm polished woods, comfy seating and a beautifully lit bar. The focus here is on cocktails, both classic and new. Order up a drink from one of their talented mixologists and grab a seat. The setting is soothing and comfortable, perfect for an extended conversation while enjoying an adult beverage.
11. Omakase by Kai
Omakase by Kai (Sushi, Japanese)
15 Seaboard Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.615.0925
If you’re a fan of sushi, definitely check out the new Omakase by Kai at Seaboard. This restaurant sit on a prominent corner in the development and is one of the best looking spaces for sushi around. Inside Omakase by Kai you’ll find a lot warm, rich woods for flooring, design elements and the tables. It’s all a very sleek look, perfect for a relaxing date or meeting up with some friends. The menu is full of Japanese culinary deliciousness like sushi, donburi (rice bowls) and of course omakase (chef’s choice, multi-course from $69 to $149). Portion size is excellent along with the service, definitely one of the better options for Japanese-sushi in the area.
12. Paul & Jack Bakery
Paul & Jack Bakery (Pastries)
911 N West St Suite 107, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.999.0044
Now if you’re on a diet you may want to avoid Paul & Jack Bakery but otherwise, put it on the short list! The 2nd location for this Wake Forest Bakery sits on the busy West Street near the future Raleigh green-way. Paul & Jack is a classic French bakery offering pastries, croissants, cheesecake and more. The display cases are nicely stocked with treats and enjoy all the activity in the display baking area, tucked away behind glass windows. Do not miss their bombolo, donut-like filled pastries bursting with custard and creme. They are an Instagram favorite for a reason!
13. Shinmai Kumo
Shinmai Kumo (Italian, Japanese)
1010 Tryon Village Dr Suite 705, Cary, NC 27518
919.900.7132
Japanese has become an increasingly popular cuisine in the Triangle but Shinmai Kumo is delivering a different flavor of Japanese: Itameshi! Think Italian favorites with Japanese flavors and ingredients and you’ll understand what’s on the menu here. Located in the busy Tryon Village plaza, Shinmai Kumo is casual but definitely ups the cuisine with perfectly prepared plates. Love their tonkatsu with tomato sauce and tagliatelle, a play on the classic chicken parm. And the linguine sukiyaki does the same, with tender beef coated in a savory sauce over pasta al dente. Over a surprising find in a suburban shopping center.
14. Tataco
Tataco (Mexican, Cocktails)
620 Foster St Suite B, Durham, NC 27701
919.748.3048
The new TaTaco from Chef Oscar Diaz offers a more casual setting (vs. Little Bull) for his top-notch Mexican cuisine. Located on the booming Foster Street neighborhood in Durham, TaTaco is a light and bright eatery focused on tacos, tropical cocktails and Mexican street food. The interior of Tataco is long and open with potted greenery and a beautiful bar in back! The menu is focused on flavor, offering seafood, tacos, fajitas, huaraches, and bowls but with authentic Mexican flair. Order up one of their beautiful drinks to complement your meal and you’ll be in 7th heaven.
15. Wong’s Tacos
Wong’s Tacos (Asian-Mexican)
4251 Parklake Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612
919.896.6018
Let’s face it, fusion eats can be hit or miss but Wong’s Tacos does a great job mixing Mexican with Asian flavors. Officially called out as Mexinese, you’ll find chorizo egg rolls, tempura wings, bulgogi tacos and mushroom moo shu fajitas. The space is brash and bright offering interior design elements of Central America and Asia. As a bonus, you’ll find the menu quite affordable with most items under $15 making for a great opportunity to dabble in a couple of dishes. Overall this Richmond VA based chain is doing a great job bringing some flair to this new Glen Lake development in Raleigh.
There you go, my favorite new restaurants of the NC Triangle for 2025. Honorable mentions go to Serratore’s Pizza and Pasta, Doc B’s and Smash Social Club who were all quite good for my visits but didn’t quite make the cut. Now what to expect for 2026? While I think there has been a bit of a lull and caution for restaurants in 2025, I’m seeing a lot of very cool businesses spin up in early 2026. And we have some very interesting new places coming in the new year, ranging from Fullsteam Brewing ATC and Red Phone Booth (Durham), Big Cat, Bottiwalla and Lewis Barbecue (Raleigh), Lloyd’s Full Service (Cary) and a lot more. So while things have slowed down a bit in the Triangle, here’s for more and better in this new year, bon appetit!
Shinmai Kumo, Cary: A delicious blend of Japanese and Italian flavors for adventurous diners