Michelin Adds Three Bibs as New Restaurants Open Across Triangle

The Triangle's restaurant scene is pulling in two directions at once: three local kitchens picked up Bib Gourmand recognition this week as national chains and regional franchises prepare to open in Raleigh, while the region's Food Bank reports that more than 600,000 residents are not always sure where their next meal comes from.

The 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony took place Wednesday in downtown Nashville. Ajja in Raleigh, the Durham sandwich shop Ideal's, and Tesoro, an 18-seat pasta restaurant in Carrboro, each received a new Bib Gourmand designation. Prime Barbecue, Mala Pata and Sam Jones BBQ kept the status they earned last year.

Sixteen other Triangle restaurants retained Michelin recommended listings, among them Brewery Bhavana, Poole's, Stanbury and The Fearrington House Restaurant.

Maggiano's Little Italy will take over the Crabtree Valley Mall space that Brio Italian Grille vacated, becoming the second Triangle location after the restaurant at Streets at Southpoint in Durham. No opening date has been announced. The chain serves family-style portions.

Millie's Homemade Ice Cream, a Pittsburgh franchise, plans its first North Carolina shop at 325 Blake St. in City Market, beside Blackbird Books and Coffee, with a target of opening before the end of the year, the Triangle Business Journal reported. South Block, which sells acai bowls and smoothies from three Charlotte-area locations, is preparing to enter Raleigh at 4121 Main at North Hills St., next to bartaco, RALtoday reported. No opening date is set for South Block.

Grain & Berry opened at 2017 Creekside Landing Drive in Beaver Creek Crossings in Apex, its second North Carolina store after Holly Springs. In Durham, M Kikkei, formerly M Pocha, will hold an invitation-only soft opening October 24 and a grand opening October 29 at 101 E. Chapel Hill St. The restaurant serves Nikkei cuisine, which pairs Japanese technique with Peruvian ingredients, and is the seventh concept in the "Mpire." In Pittsboro, a Tavolo Italian Eatery has opened in MOSAIC at Chatham Park, while Gandy Coffee House is expected in early 2027 inside the historic Captain J. F. Alston House at 14 N. Small St. Sushioki in Research Triangle Park closed permanently after eight years. Winston's Grille in Raleigh marks its 40th anniversary this year; Wil O'Neal and Charles Winston Jr. founded it in 1986.

The Food Bank is marking Tackling Hunger Month. It reports that more than 600,000 neighbors are not always certain where their next meal will come from, and that every $25 donated provides 75 meals.

Events in the coming weeks include the Chapel Hill Biscuit Festival on Sunday, October 25, at American Legion Post 6, with proceeds benefiting SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals; the Chefs for Change Gala & Auction at The Cookery on November 5, which benefits Families Moving Forward; and the third Rawleigh Oyster Fest, themed "Smoke & Shuck," November 7 at Raleigh Iron Works, adding North Carolina pitmasters for the first time. Organizers added a $60 Half Shell ticket with nine oysters, two bites and one drink after hearing from people who felt priced out. The prior 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, benefiting Healing Transitions; nearly 3,000 people signed up last year and the race donated about $60,000, up from $42,000 the year before. The North Carolina State Fair continues through Sunday.