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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. 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.

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.

The Sounder, Wilmington

Grant Steadman of Big Ocean Hospitality Group and Flying Machine Brewing Co. plans to open The Sounder, a coastal-inspired restaurant, this winter. Steadman's businesses include the Salt Street Oyster Co., a newly established oyster farm near Topsail Beach. The mantra: Eat, drink, coast.

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, the James Beard nominee for Counter-, 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.

Cheeni, Research Triangle Park

Preeti Waas, a James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef Southeast, extends her Cheeni brand to RTP's Horseshoe at the Hub development. Like nearby Cheeni Durham, Cheeni RTP will feature kasab rolls, dosa waffles, masala fries and other favorites of Waas from her childhood in India.  Waas recently opened Nanny Goat world market at Horseshoe at the Hub.

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. 

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 in November.

Capulet Cocktail Club, Raleigh

Months after partnering with chef Saif Rahman on Peregrine restaurant, artist-filmmaker-restaurateur Patrick Shanahan announces plans for Capulet Cocktail Club, an Italian-inspired concept named for the "Romeo and Juliet" heroine's family. Capulet will join Peregrine in The Exchange community in Raleigh's Midtown with an indoor bar, garden bar and European spirit-driven cocktails. Opening TBD.

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.

LRB Provisions, Durham

Chef Amanda Orser plans to sling seasonal sandwiches, soups and sides with smoked meat and seafood plus house-made chips at LRB Provisions, whose name references nearby Ellerbe Creek. Orser was chef de cuisine at Magnolia Grill, Durham's turn-of-the-century James Beard award-winning restaurant. 

Laurel Park, Charlotte

Restaurateur Dan McCormick and executive chef Bret Faldstein promise an elevated and approachable experience with a focus on new American cuisine. Expect house-made pastas and pastries with an emphasis on local sourcing. Laurel Park opens in October with 100 seats and plans to add a 2,000-square-foot patio in the spring.  

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.