visitRaleigh insider https://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/ Fri, 31 Jul 2026 14:23:08 +0000 Icons and Institutions: The Oldest Restaurants in Raleigh, N.C. http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/institutions-the-oldest-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/institutions-the-oldest-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/institutions-the-oldest-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/ Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

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 restaurants—ranging from 40

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Botiwalla Delivers Crave-Worthy Indian Street Food to Raleigh http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/botiwalla-now-open-raleigh-indian-street-food/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/botiwalla-now-open-raleigh-indian-street-food/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/botiwalla-now-open-raleigh-indian-street-food/ Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

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, bringing

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Big Cat is Raleigh's Newest Can't-Miss Dining Spot, Built on Community and Fueled by Flavor http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/big-cat-raleighs-newest-it-dining-spot/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/big-cat-raleighs-newest-it-dining-spot/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/big-cat-raleighs-newest-it-dining-spot/ Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Big Cat didn’t have to advertise its pending opening to generate excitement bordering on hysteria. When you assemble a super group of star chefs and restaurant industry all-stars to launch a new concept, the community is bound to notice. In this case, the players are lauded enough that national

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The First-Ever MICHELIN Guide American South Features 14 Raleigh-Area Restaurants http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/michelin-guide-raleigh-restaurants/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/michelin-guide-raleigh-restaurants/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/michelin-guide-raleigh-restaurants/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:00:00 -0400

The MICHELIN Guide—widely considered the world's foremost guide to exceptional dining—has finally landed in Raleigh (and the rest of the American South).

Unveiled in late 2025, the first-ever MICHELIN Guide to the American South features 14 Raleigh-area restaurants:

  • Three restaurants received a
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A Guide to Rooftop Bars in Raleigh, N.C. http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/a-guide-to-raleigh-ncs-rooftop-hidden-and-underground-bars/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/a-guide-to-raleigh-ncs-rooftop-hidden-and-underground-bars/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/a-guide-to-raleigh-ncs-rooftop-hidden-and-underground-bars/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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 thick of downtown Raleigh,

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James Beard Recognized Chefs and Restaurants in the Raleigh Area http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/james-beard-nominated-chefs-and-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/james-beard-nominated-chefs-and-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/james-beard-nominated-chefs-and-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

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 Awards is considered

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The Best New Restaurants of 2025 in Raleigh, N.C. http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/best-new-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/best-new-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/best-new-restaurants-in-raleigh-nc/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500

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 Barbecue

BEST NEW BARBECUE

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The Best New Foods at the N.C. State Fair for 2025 http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/the-best-new-foods-at-the-nc-state-fair/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/the-best-new-foods-at-the-nc-state-fair/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/the-best-new-foods-at-the-nc-state-fair/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

High-flying rides and deep-fried pies—the 157th annual N.C. State Fair returns to Raleigh, Oct. 16-26!

The N.C. State Fair announced 87 new sweets, treats and over-the-top concoctions for foodies to look forward to in 2025. Hot foods, messy foods, loaded-to-the-max foods, foods we had no idea could

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Recipe: Angus Barn's Famous Chocolate Chess Pie http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/recipe-angus-barns-famous-chocolate-chess-pie/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/recipe-angus-barns-famous-chocolate-chess-pie/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/recipe-angus-barns-famous-chocolate-chess-pie/ Thu, 26 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

A family-owned institution for more than 60 years now, the double doors of the now-fabled Angus Barn swung wide on June 28, 1960—a 275-seat steak-and-potatoes based restaurant dreamt up by owner Thad Eure, Jr. that aimed to provide families and travelers to the Raleigh area with impeccable service.

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Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in Raleigh, N.C. http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/ice-cream-makers-in-raleigh-nc/ http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/ice-cream-makers-in-raleigh-nc/#comments http://www.visitraleigh.com/plan-a-trip/visitraleigh-insider-blog/post/ice-cream-makers-in-raleigh-nc/ Wed, 25 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The Raleigh area's agricultural background and vibrant artistic culture are together helping local chefs create unique spins on everyone's favorite summertime treat. With fresh and local ingredients such as milk from local grass-fed cows to ripe peaches and strawberries from the local farmers,

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