Michelin Awards Three Triangle Kitchens While New Chains Target Raleigh Locations
Ajja, Ideal's, and Tesoro earned Bib Gourmand distinctions in Nashville, a move coinciding with Maggiano's, Millie's, and South Block securing spaces for expansion into the region.
By Sarah Montgomery ·
The Michelin Guide awarded three new Bib Gourmand designations to Triangle restaurants during a ceremony held Wednesday in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The 2026 American South event recognized Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. Tesoro operates as an 18-seat, pasta-focused establishment. Three other local spots, including Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ, retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year.
Sixteen additional Triangle restaurants kept their Michelin recommended listings. This group includes Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury, and The Fearrington House Restaurant. The recognition arrives as several major dining brands prepare to expand their physical footprint in the area.
Maggiano's Little Italy will occupy the former Brio Italian Grille space at Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh. This location will serve as the second Maggiano's in the Triangle, joining the existing site at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The chain focuses on large, family-style portions, and management has not announced a specific opening date.
Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a franchise based in Pittsburgh, plans to open its first North Carolina location at 325 Blake Street in City Market. The shop will sit next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. According to the Triangle Business Journal, the target for opening is before the end of the year.
South Block, a brand known for acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. It currently operates three locations in the Charlotte area. Its new Raleigh site will be at 4121 Main at North Hills Street, adjacent to the restaurant bartaco. The RALtoday reported that no opening date has been set for this expansion.
Other regional dining changes include the opening of Grain & Berry in Apex. Located at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings, it is the brand's second North Carolina location after Holly Springs. Winston's Grille in Raleigh is marking its 40th anniversary, having been founded by Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. in 1986.
In Durham, the restaurant formerly known as M Pocha is rebranding as M Kikkei. The establishment will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24, followed by a grand opening on October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill Street. The menu features Nikkei cuisine, which blends Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept within the Mpire group. Meanwhile, Sushioki in Research Triangle Park has closed permanently after eight years of operation.
New openings in Pittsboro include Tavolo Italian Eatery, which is now operating in MOSAIC at Chatham Park. Gandy Coffee House is expected to open in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House at 14 N. Small Street. The area also hosts a busy event calendar, starting with the inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on Sunday, October 25, at American Legion Post 6. Proceeds from the event will benefit SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals.
The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month by highlighting that more than 600,000 neighbors are not always sure where their next meal will come from. The organization states that every $25 donation provides 75 meals. This statistic accompanies the wave of new restaurant openings and expansions currently underway in the region.
