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Chefs and restaurateurs continue to enrich the North Carolina dining scene. Here’s a snapshot of new dining hot spots plus a preview of tables being set with opening dates to be announced.

Prime STQ, Research Triangle Park

Christopher Prieto, known for fusing Texas and NC traditions at Knightdale's Prime Barbecue, will add the Prime STQ steakhouse experience at the Horseshoe at the Hub development. Familiar from Food Network and Cooking Channel appearances, Prieto will serve his in-house-aged steaks with chimichurri in a nod to his Puerto Rican roots. Prime Barbecue earned a Bib Gourmand designation in November in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide American South. Prieto, a James Beard semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast, is co-author of "Southern Living Ultimate Book of BBQ: The Complete Year-Round Guide to Grilling and Smoking." Opening early 2026.

Big Cat, Raleigh

Even with its menu TBA, Big Cat draws attention for its partnership: Cheetie Kumar and Paul Siler of Ajja, an Esquire-recognized Best New Restaurant (2023); Angela Salamanca and Marshall Davis of Mala Pata, a newly recognized MICHELIN Bib Gourmand spot; and Justin Pasfield, a partner for Locals Seafood and Person Street Bar. A spring opening is targeted. 

Ayra, Chapel Hill

Chef Sujan Sarkar of the MICHELIN-starred Indienne in Chicago, partners with local restaurateurs Ravi Jeyaraman and Mayil Rajendran to add Ayra to the restaurant scene. With a focus on modern Indian fare, Ayra will include a bar Indian-inspired cocktails and separate dining areas for a five- to seven-course tasting menu and a la carte orders. A spring-summer opening is planned.

Lloyd's Full Service, Cary

A 1950s auto repair shop is being reimagined as a retro neighborhood restaurant in Cary, a Raleigh suburb whose walkable downtown has made it a dynamic destination. Lloyd's Full Service will feature indoor and outdoor seating, a patio and fire pit, and a stage for live music. Early Bird Night Owl, the company behind The Durham Hotel, The Mayton, Peck & Plume and other properties, plans to keep the spirit of the original business alive. Opening this fall. 

Maneki, Charlotte

Sam Hart, whose Counter- earned a both a MICHELIN star and a Green Star, joins forces with fellow chef Kenny Do on a late-night Japanese food stall featuring local proteins and produce grilled according to Hokkaido traditions. The 475-square-foot space at Uptown Charlotte's Latta Arcade will include an omakase experience. Hart recently opened Spaghett, a craft pasta and cocktail restaurant. Opening TBD.

Le Parisien, Asheville

From Gabriel Attala of The Bohemian Restaurant in Brevard, Le Parisien will pay homage to the fine-dining traditions of Attala's native France with seasonally inspired menus and artful presentation. Le Parisien plans a Feb. 9 opening. 

High Horse, Research Triangle Park

Katsuji Tanabe of “Chopped” and “Top Chef” fame will revive his Raleigh concept at RTP’s Horseshoe at the Hub. The original High Horse, which drew on Mexican, Japanese and American flavors through live-fire cooking, opened in 2019 and closed as the COVID-19 pandemic set in. Opening TBA.

Lutra Cafe & Bakery, Durham

Having built a sweet following at pop-ups and farmers market, Chris McLaurin opens Lutra Cafe & Bakery at the American Tobacco Campus. The menu expands from McLaurin's signature sweet and savory buns to include lunch and brunch as well as more breakfast items. Arriving in spring, it'll be open seven days a week. 

Botiwalla, Raleigh

Asheville chef Meherwan Irani, whose Chai Pani flagship was named the James Beard Foundation's 2022 Outstanding Restaurant, will add Raleigh to the list of cities with Botiwalla, a casual counterpart. Inspired by India's late-night food scene, Botiwalla is known for its chicken tikka rolls, kebabs, matchstick okra fries and other fare with colorful spirited and alcohol-free beverages. Raleigh Iron Works will be home to the new eatery, which has sister locations in Asheville, Charlotte and Atlanta. Irani's restaurant group also operates Chai Pani in Decatur, Ga., and Washington, DC, plus the Spicewalla seasoning brand. Opening spring 2026.

Antagonist, Charlotte

Protagonist Beer founders Mike and Kristin Salzarulo and partners will partner with Phi Hoang and Madison Phillip on Antagonist, an all-day cafe and bar. Local Giddy Goat coffee will be the daytime specialty with cocktails, small bites and beer featured at night. As a special twist, Antagonist will impose a no-cellphone policy at night. Opening in the spring.

Fullsteam Brewery, Durham

An anchor of NC's craft brewing scene, Fullsteam Brewery is creating its "forever home" at the American Tobacco Campus. The 9,000-square-foot space will include a supper club-themed restaurant, a casual bar and lounge, a fermentation lab and pickling kitchen, outdoor seating, and a 100-seat theater. While Fullsteam has closed its original location, Fullsteam at Boxyard RTP is pouring beer and serving pizza.

Ramen shop + fine dining (names TBD), Winston-Salem

John and Lucia Bobby of Bobby Boy Bakeshop, a 2024 James Beard semifinalist, will extend their presence at Salem Bottleworks, where the artisanal bakery's second location and Grandpa Joe’s Slaberia have opened. Next up is a ramen shop with house-made noodles to be followed by a casual fine-dining concept. Salem Bottleworks is a redevelopment of a former Coca-Cola plant. 

Sharigato, Charlotte

Shari Lynne Robins will specialize in temaki — hand-rolled, made-to-order sushi — at Sharigato. Sustainably sourced salmon, scallops, blue crab and toro will be the key ingredients with vegetarian options available. And from the snack menu: seaweed salad, edamame and shishito peppers. A winter opening is planned.

Lutra Cafe and Bakery, Durham

Well-loved for Chris McLaurin's sweet and savory buns, Lutra advances from popular pop-up to counter-service restaurant at the American Tobacco Campus by the end of the year. 

The Quiltmaker Cafe, Pittsboro

With a name inspired by a children’s book, the One World Everybody Eats café moves from pop-up to brick and mortar. The sample menu for the Quiltmaker Café zooms in on breakfast specialties, salads and sandwiches with vegan and gluten-free items included. Opening date TBA.

Rosebud, Raleigh

Artist-filmmaker-restaurateur Patrick Shanahan plans a Valentine's Day opening for Rosebud, a midcentury-style cocktail bar whose name invokes the Orson Welles classic "Citizen Kane." Other special touches include a vinyl music collection and an Omakase-style menu from Zack Thomas, the beverage director at Shanahan's Peregrine restaurant and his elegant new Capulet Cocktail club. 

The Story of Mi Cariño, Charlotte

B-Side Hospitality Group, the team behind the popular Vinyl music-themed bar, targets a fall opening for The Story of Mi Cariño. Chef Hector González-Mora of El Toro Bruto and Noche Bruta fame will draw on regional Mexican cuisine and Los Angeles culinary culture with a mezcaleria bar program.

Sunflower's Cafe, Raleigh

A longtime favorite for its gourmet sandwiches, soups and house-made desserts, Sunflower's Cafe returns after a being closed for six years. At the helm: Quinn Ferebee, son of original owners, who pleased palates for nearly four decades. 2026 reopening date is TBD.

Istanbul Gyro & Burger, Winston-Salem

Family-owned Istanbul Gyro & Burger promises chicken and lamb doner plus other authentic Turkish flavors along with more familiar fare: burgers, salads, and various desserts. An early 2026 opening is expected.

Zamindar's, Charlotte

Vamshi Krishna Adi of ISHQ in New York and Charlotte partners avid Pandoria and Nikhil Mutyala will combine a fine-dining Indian restaurant and a British-influenced cocktail lounge at Zamindar's. The menu will include items from Adi's Manhattan restaurant, which has earned a MICHELIN BIb Gourmand designation. A March opening is planned.