Looking back at 2024, it seemed to be a year when restaurants were still trying to find their footing, post-pandemic. The NC Triangle area continued to grow relentlessly and commercial construction continued unabated. With that sort of regional growth, you can bet that there were quite a few new restaurants that popped up during the year! Most of the action seemed to be in the Raleigh-Cary area while Durham and Chapel Hill quietly chugged along. But thankfully, my list of the best restaurants for 2024 offers a lot of options across the entire region. So here you are, my list of Best new restaurants of the Triangle – 2024 Edition! Click on the business details for their website, address, or phone number, I’ll be adding reviews as they get published.
(If you’d like to see the full list of new 2024 restaurants I tracked and monitored…)
1. Aaktun
Aaktun (Latin-Asian fusion)
704 Ramseur St, Durham, NC 27701
919.251.9862
Starting off my best of 2024 list is the very cool and interesting Aaktun Coffee, Restaurant, and Bar! Brought to you by Chef Oscar Diaz (Little Bull), Aaktun wraps up multiple concepts behind their mysterious slate gray facade. Step inside and you’ll find yourself in front of their coffee and baked goods area but behind that demure entrance lies a stylish, tropical jungle inspired dining space. From morning cafe to Latino-Asian cuisine and tiki bar, depending on when you show up at Aaktun will define your experience. But you definitely don’t want to miss the shrimp buns, poke, and totchos, everything I’ve tried on the Aaktun menu has been pretty unique and delicious!
Atomic Clock Brewing (American)
501 Washington St # A, Durham, NC 27701
919.237.1253
This new addition to Foster Street in the Bull City does a great job balancing it’s beer bar sensibility with a fun menu of small plates. From empañadas to corn ribs, fried pickles, and chopped cheese, Atomic Clock offers up bar food with some flair. The clean and tastefully designed interior is clean but warm making for a relaxing and comfortable visit. There’s plenty of space to stretch out into, including two rooms and a patio. Atomic Clock Brewing does a fine job as both a neighborhood bar and casual eatery with a solid cast of beers on tap, enjoy!
3. Brodeto
Brodeto (Italian-Croatian)
2201 Iron Works Dr Suite 137, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.615.0388
Chef Scott Crawford has been working overtime in 2024 opening up three concepts over the course of the year. Brodeto, his Croatian-Italian restaurant was the first out of the gates and it was worth the foodie wait. From the ceramic tile front face to the organic and Adriatic feel to the interior design, it’s a stunner of a restaurant with plenty of space between tables for a quiet conversation or romance. The menu leans heavily on seafood that’s prepared just right with good portion sizes and preparation. Overall I’m pretty fond of Brodeto at Raleigh Iron Works, it offers up a unique ambiance and menu for the NC Triangle!
4. Crawford Brothers Steakhouse
Crawford Brothers Steakhouse (American)
401 Fenton Gtwy Dr, Cary, NC 27511
919.629.4029
If you’re a fan of steakhouses, you’ll be impressed by the new Crawford Brothers Steakhouse at Fenton. A very luxurious and upscale dining room with enough light, modernity, and sumptuousness without going overboard into the classic steakhouse decor. Enjoy a variety of classic American dishes along with prime aged beef and stellar customer service. The menu sticks to the basics but of course in an elevated and gourmet fashion that Chef Crawford is known for. While dining here can be pricey, it certainly offers a special dining experience and feel if you’re in the mood to splurge a bit.
5. Daijobu
Daijobu (Japanese)
170 E Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
919.615.1337
A dark, modern, and sleek take on ramen and Japanese food Daijobu (“OK” or “all right” in Japanese) hits all the high notes. From ramen to hand rolls, the dining experience at Daijobu belies the price. The little touches and presentation of the food feels more upscale while the meal and tab ends up being quite reasonable. Their signature tonkotsu ramen is served with thinly sliced pork belly and vegetables while the creamy broth on top gives it great mouth feel. A great date spot or dinner for a smaller group of friends is a perfect plan for dinner at Daijobu.
Emmy Squared (Detroit-style pizza)
905 W Main St #25A, Durham, NC 27701
919.941.8383
When it comes to pizza, Detroit-style pies are having its moment in the spotlight and Emmy Squared does a great job delivering these rectangular baked treats. Based out of a chain originating in Brooklyn, NY, Emmy’s offers classic eats like wings, burgers, salads and pastas in addition to their tasty pizzas. Don’t expect to lose any weight here, Emmy’s offerings are hearty and delicious and conveniently located in Brightleaf Square. One of my guilty pleasures for 2024, love the fact that you can get Detroit-style pizzas whenever you’re in the mood!
Figulina (Pasta-centric)
317 S Harrington St, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.720.4100
When you take over a space of a classic restaurant (Humble Pie), the bar is raised pretty high and Figulina has done a great job meeting it. Behind the familiar brick-face building, the decor hasn’t changed too much but the menu has been transformed into a pasta-centric focus. With hints of Italy and beyond, dine on all sorts of interesting pasta shapes: raviolo, sacchetti, malfadine that’s made onsite. The flavors and colors for Figulina’s plates are creative and well thought out along with the service. Enjoy Figulina for what it does well, it’s not a huge menu but very intentional, bring your culinary curiosity when you visit!
La Terrazza (Italian)
223 S West St 9th Floor, Raleigh, NC 27603
919.745.8430
When you spend three years building out a restaurant, you know for sure it’s a labor of love and chef-owner Samad Hachby exudes that and more in his new La Terrazza. The Mediterranean decor and views from the 9th floor of the Dillon building are stunning with floor to ceiling windows. Toss in the large patio and you’ve got a perfect destination for a warm summer night. Nom on the antipasti, pizzas, and pastas as you take in the Raleigh skyline, the well-crafted cocktails and wine will round out your dinner. Overall, La Terrazza is a lovely and special restaurant addition to the Triangle dining scene, make a reservation and don’t miss out!
9. Little Rey
Little Rey (Tex-Mex)
1101 E Whitaker Mill Rd Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.355.3479
Little Rey lands with a bang at the new Raleigh Iron Works bringing a higher level of Tex-mex to the area. From the al carbon chicken to the substantial tortillas used for tacos and the delicious and spicy hot sauces, Chef Ford Fry brings his sensibilities to Tex-Mex and it is wonderfully delicious. Love the fact that Little Rey is counter order and more casual, a good entry point to his cooking versus the pricier Superica over at Fenton. The feel of Little Rey’s space is warm and inviting, another excellent restaurant for this rapidly growing development.
Milonga (Argentinean bakery)
5619 Hillsborough St Suite A, Raleigh, NC 27606
919.917.7094
I love uncovering surprises and Milonga was one of my earlier hidden gem finds for 2024. This little home-bakery gone bricks and mortar is a top-notch example of South American baked deliciousness! From the alfajores (cookies w caramel) to the copitos (chocolate covered cookies) and tiramisu, everything I’ve tried has been wonderful AND affordable. Love the fact that they’ve expanded the menu to savories like empañadas, pasta, and more. They are putting out some fantastic baked treats if you’re willing to explore the wilds of West Raleigh, totally worth the drive and effort!
Ponysaurus Brewing (American)
Iron Works Dr Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27604
919.972.8085
Along with the aforementioned Brodeto and Little Rey, Ponysaurus Brewing has also landed at the Raleigh Iron Works development! It’s a great dual-level space with large open dining room and 2nd floor seating overlooking the main room. Love the eclectic (a large dinosaur skeleton sits in the center) and funky decor mixed with modern vibes. Grab a beer or cider at the bar and order your food online, your meal will be brought out to you in a jiffy. Can’t misses are the pizzas and ice cream sandwiches, love the overall space and feel to this popular brewery!
Postino (Mediterranean)
401 Daniels St, Raleigh, NC 27605
919.341.2699
While I’m not always a fan of regional chains, I have to say that Postino is doing a lot of things right. Based out of Arizona, the Village District location has transformed the space into a bright, cozy and quirky dining room with large indoor/outdoor bar and patio. The menu features charcuterie, salads, sandwiches and bruschetta that’s light but full of flavor. Service is solid and the overall experience is totally relaxing and affordable, perfect for lunch. Don’t miss their wine and beer specials ($6 by the glass) before 5pm!
13. Proximo
Proximo (Spanish)
173 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
919.240.5074
Chapel Hill has been pretty quiet for restaurant development in 2024 but Chef Brandon Sharp has upped the ante with the new Proximo on Franklin Street! This new tapas and small plates eatery has transformed the Ye Olde Waffle House space into something special. From the bocadillos (snacks) to the tapas caliente (hot small plates), the ingredients and preparation are top-notch without being over the top. Dine at the old counter-top with a friend or slide into the small dining room in back for your meal, service is excellent along with the overall dining experience.
14. Tamasha Modern Indian
Tamasha Modern Indian (Indian)
4200 Six Forks Rd Suite # 130, Raleigh, NC 27609
919.900.7015
If you’re a fan of Indian food, be prepared to be dazzled by the new Tamasha Modern Indian. Yes, it’s not inexpensive and yes, the portion size is a bit smaller but the space is bright and sparkly along with the food. While the menu might be a bit unfamiliar, all the exquisite flavors and plating will make it worth the exploration if you enjoy Indian food. Love the sweet potato and crispy kale chaat I tried, very unique! Given its location in the newer section of North Hills, Tamasha uplifts Indian cuisine to another level for the Triangle.
15. Zest Sushi and Small Plates
Zest Sushi and Small Plates (Japanese-Asian)
175 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511
919.799.5577
Zest Sushi is another great dining option in the rapidly growing downtown Cary district. Brought to you by the folks from Sono Sushi, Zest delivers a superb modern Asian-fusion dining experience at the centrally located Rogers Building. The space is light and bright with a prime view of Chatham street. The menu covers a wide variety of sushi, oysters, and hot plates over multiple Asian cuisines. Overall I’ve been pleasantly surprised and impressed by this new concept, a nice change of pace for Caryites and beyond.
A look back at the 2024 dining scene
So there you go, my best new restaurants of 2024 list! Honorary mentions go out to Birdies Barroom & Kitchen, Bend Bar, Coupe & Stein, and Ment Beverage Co. which were also on my short list. Given that so many restaurants opened up in 2024 and late in the year, I’m always scrambling to visit and dine at these late-comers over December and January! But I’d rather take my time to make sure I can cover all the new additions for 2024 and hope you find your next favorite restaurant on this list.
Looking forward to 2025 I’ll be on the lookout for the upcoming Crunkleton and Limani Grille and in Raleigh, Prime STQ in RTP, Lawrence BBQ and Brewery Bhavana in Cary along with whatever surprises come up in the next 11 months. Cheers to the new year and good eating to you all!
Town Hall Burger & Beer in Durham for a Delicious Bite of Beef