When chef Scott Crawford goes steakhouse, he does it his way: dry-aged beef, elegant service, wine labels by the hundreds and just enough swagger to keep things fun. Opened in late 2024 in Cary’s Fenton development, Crawford Brothers is both a tribute to tradition and a personal evolution—an homage to the chef’s local roots and his fine-dining pedigree.
Yes, there’s Wagyu. Yes, there’s caviar. Yes, there are thick-cut steaks grilled to order and truffle butter optional. But there’s also Carolina seafood, duck with cherry jus, and some of the best side dishes in town (looking at you, cornbread pudding).
- Address: 401 Fenton Gateway Dr., Cary, NC 27511
The newest gem from powerhouse restaurateur Giorgios Bakatsias (owner of East End Bistrot, Rosewater Kitchen & Bar and more), Naōs opened in Cary’s Renaissance Park in early 2025, bringing a warm, polished take on Greek fine dining to one of the area’s fastest-growing dining scenes.
Designed as a temple to hospitality—Naōs means “temple” in Greek—the restaurant mixes shared plates and theatrical tableside service with big, comforting flavors: moussaka with goat cheese béchamel, grilled lamb chops, lemony potatoes and fresh seafood kissed by the grill.
- Address: 2800 Renaissance Park Pl., Cary, NC 27513
Chef Ford Fry—already known locally for bringing Superica to Cary—returned with another winner in late 2024 with the debut of Little Rey at Raleigh Iron Works. This bright and breezy counter-service spot specializes in chicken al carbón, grilled over open flame and served by the quarter, half or whole with spicy salsas and soft tortillas on the side.
The menu leans bold and satisfying: al pastor and barbacoa tacos, breakfast tacos on weekends, creamy queso and frozen margaritas served up in a colorful, easygoing space with plenty of patio seating. There’s even a to-go window for quick hits, but lingering over lunch here is half the fun (and the grilled chicken is best eaten hot off the fire).
- Address: 1101 E. Whitaker Mill Rd., Ste. 102, Raleigh, NC 27604
A stylish new sibling to the longtime North Raleigh pizzeria, Peri Brothers Modern Italian opened in July 2025 next door to the original slice shop. The mood-lit dining room—with sculptural lighting, rich wood floors and a Manhattan edge—sets the stage for handmade pastas, curated wines and bold Italian appetizers (Wagyu tartare, bang bang shrimp, tuna towers).
It’s a full-service, full-flavor upgrade, complete with a sleek bar and family-driven hospitality. Guests can now choose between a classic New York slice or a sit-down Italian dinner—modern, moody and unmistakably Peri.
- Address: 7321 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC, 27615
Tucked inside the new Hyatt House Raleigh Downtown/Seaboard Station, Omakase by Kai delivers a refined, reverent take on Edomae-style sushi. Chef James “Kai” Chung—already beloved for his work at Kai Sushi & Sake Bar in North Raleigh—guides guests through a chef’s-choice tasting experience where seasonal fish and elegant plating take center stage.
The menu changes often but might include chutoro, uni or Wagyu nigiri, playful bites like a nori “taco” and rotating desserts (black sesame cheesecake is an automatic "yes, please" from us). Sake pairings round out the experience, adding polish to a meal that’s likely to be one of your 2025 favorites.
- Address: 15 Seaboard Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27604
A cosmic little neighborhood spot in Raleigh's High Park Village—one of Raleigh's tastiest neighborhoods—Stellar opened in mid-2025 with a name that hints at both its location (Inside the Beltline) and its ambitions. The menu is modern American with global winks—currently featuring ahi tuna crudo, Spanish-style chicken and a burrata/crispy prosciutto risotto—and the cocktails go just as hard.
It’s dinner-and-brunch focused, casual but thoughtful, with playful design details and a playlist that invites lingering with a glass of wine from the restaurant's well-curated offerings.
- Address: 1912 Bernard St., Raleigh, NC, 27608
For chef-owner David Ellis, the opening of Figulina—one of just 30 selections by the Beard Foundation up for the title of America's best new restaurant in 2025—is both a pursuit of a new passion and a clever nod to his British roots. At its core, Figulina is a handmade pasta shop—a cozy neighborhood spot in downtown Raleigh's Warehouse District meant for good wine and good times with family and friends (score a table at the bar for aperitivo hour, or on the patio for the ultimate night out).
In addition to a selection of shareable small plates, the dinner menu features a half-dozen pasta options—rotating on a constant basis—made with local ingredients and influences from the South and beyond.
- Address: 317 S. Harrington St., Raleigh, NC 27603
Header photo of Peregrine by Patrick Shanahan
