visitRaleigh insider

Led by multi-talented chef Cheetie Kumar, Ajja opened in 2023 to great fanfare. In 2026 it became Raleigh's newest—and perhaps unlikeliest—MICHELIN Guide restaurant. Walking into Ajja feels like showing up at your friend’s backyard party. Embedded in a largely residential...

The MICHELIN Guide—widely considered the world's foremost guide to exceptional dining—has just announced the Raleigh-area restaurants to be included in the second annual Guide to the American South. Unveiled on Oct. 21, the newest MICHELIN Guide to the American South features 15...

High-flying rides and deep-fried pies—the 158th annual N.C. State Fair returns to Raleigh, Oct. 15-25! The N.C. State Fair announced 80 new sweets, treats and over-the-top concoctions for foodies to look forward to in 2026. Hot foods, messy foods, loaded-to-the-max foods, foods we had no idea...

More than a dozen Raleigh-area restaurants received MICHELIN Guide recognition in the first ever guide to the American South in 2025. Now we’re looking ahead to MICHELIN’s 2026 list—to be unveiled in Nashville on October 21—and exploring some of the top restaurant...

Legendary barbecue spots, old-school soda shops, a hot dog joint that's more than 100 years old and more! The Raleigh, N.C., area is rooted in history (founded on Dec. 31, 1792, the City of Oaks is more than 230 years strong), and a host of the area's most celebrated...

One of North Carolina’s most acclaimed chefs just landed in Raleigh, and the line out the door is evidence of just how excited locals are. Botiwalla, an Indian street food restaurant from Asheville-based chef Meherwan Irani, recently opened in the trending Raleigh Iron Works development,...

Editor's note, Sept. 15: Big Cat was just named to the New York Times' list of 50 best restaurants in America (the only restaurant from North Carolina on the list)! Big Cat didn’t have to advertise its pending opening to generate excitement bordering on hysteria. When you assemble a...

Raise your glass—and your expectations. Raleigh’s rooftop bars aren’t just high in altitude; they’re high in style, flavor and sky-sweeping views that pair perfectly with your next cocktail. Cheers! Urban Oak Rooftop Bar & Lounge Fourteen stories up and right in the...

Widely regarded as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards are a glittering showcase of America's brightest culinary talent. Given out annually since 1990 in a variety of chef and restaurant categories—from outstanding chef to best new bar—recognition from the Beard...

It's been a sizzling 12 months for great new food in the Raleigh area, from date night spots to pizza shops and more. We've highlighted a range of unique concepts—including a MICHLEIN Guide selection—to help find your next night on the town. Let's dig in! Lawrence...