Ajja, Ideal's and Tesoro Get Michelin Nods as New Chains Come to Raleigh

Michelin Guide named three Triangle restaurants as new Bib Gourmand recipients during the 2026 American South ceremony held Wednesday in Nashville. The honors went to Ajja in Raleigh, Ideal's in Durham, and Tesoro in Carrboro. Tesoro is an 18-seat restaurant focused on pasta.

Three other local establishments retained their Bib Gourmand status from the previous year. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata, and Sam Jones BBQ kept their designations. Sixteen other Triangle restaurants also maintained their Michelin recommended listings. This group includes Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury, and The Fearrington House Restaurant.

Maggiano's Little Italy will open its second location in the Triangle at Crabtree Valley Mall. The new site will occupy the space previously used by Brio Italian Grille. The chain, which is known for large family-style portions, has not announced a specific opening date. The existing Maggiano's is located at Streets at Southpoint in Durham.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream plans to open its first North Carolina location in Raleigh. The Pittsburgh-based franchise will be situated at 325 Blake St. in the City Market district. It will open next to Blackbird Books and Coffee. According to the Triangle Business Journal, the shop targets an opening before the end of the year.

South Block, a Charlotte-based brand known for acai bowls and smoothies, is preparing to enter the Raleigh market. The company operates three locations in Charlotte. Its new Raleigh location will be at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco. No opening date has been set for this location.

In Apex, Grain & Berry opened its second North Carolina location at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings. The first location is in Holly Springs. In Raleigh, Winston's Grille is marking its 40th anniversary. Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded the restaurant in 1986.

M Kikkei in Durham will hold an invitation-only soft opening on October 24. The grand opening is scheduled for October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. The restaurant features Nikkei cuisine, a blend of Japanese techniques and Peruvian ingredients. It is the seventh concept in the Mpire group.

In Pittsboro, Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened 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 St. In Research Triangle Park, Sushioki closed permanently after eight years of operation.

The regional food calendar includes several upcoming events. The inaugural Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival takes place Sunday, October 25, at American Legion Post 6. Proceeds benefit 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 will hold a Super Spooky Sandwich popup on October 31 from noon to 4 p.m. at 202 N. Corcoran St. in Durham. The menu is available for pickup Saturday, October 24. The Chefs for Change Gala & Auction will be held on November 5 at The Cookery to benefit Families Moving Forward. Botiwalla will host a Diwali party at Iron Works on November 6.

The third Rawleigh Oyster Fest is scheduled for November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works. The event, themed Smoke & Shuck, will feature North Carolina pitmasters for the first time. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket that includes nine oysters, two bites, and one drink. The previous two editions sold out and raised about $12,500 combined.

The Trophy Trot 5K returns for its 10th year at Dix Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26. The race benefits Healing Transitions. Nearly 3,000 people signed up last year, generating about $60,000, up from $42,000 the prior year. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday. The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month, noting that more than 600,000 neighbors face food insecurity. The organization states that every $25 provides 75 meals.