Discover the Triangle's newest dining destinations, handpicked by Mandolin Raleigh. The Raleigh-Durham food scene is buzzing with fresh openings in 2025, featuring everything from upscale steakhouses to cozy tea lounges. These restaurants offer bold flavors and unique vibes, perfect for foodies and casual diners alike. Check out our curated list to explore the best new dining experiences in the Triangle.
Why These New Restaurants Shine in 2025
From farm-to-table concepts to global cuisines, each spot offers something special. We scoured the area to bring you the top 10 must-visit eateries, ensuring you find the perfect meal for any occasion.
1. Doc B's Restaurant
Opened in April 2025 and located at Fenton in Cary, Doc B's brings fast, fresh, made-from-scratch American fare for both lunch and dinner. It offers a casual yet polished atmosphere with a vibrant outdoor patio—perfect for year-round dining.
2. Stellar Raleigh
Opened in May 2025 in the Five Points neighborhood, Stellar offers elevated comfort food and vibrant cocktails in a stylish, energetic setting.
3. Peregrine Raleigh
Opened in April 2025 at The Exchange in Midtown Raleigh, Peregrine reflects Chef Saif Rahman's global journey—from Bangladesh to Queens and beyond—through a deeply personal, globally inspired menu.
4. Gossip Tea Lounge
Opened in August 2025, Gossip Tea Lounge is a cozy Vietnamese café located on McFarland Drive in Durham. Known for its handcrafted bánh mì sandwiches—like grilled pork, crispy roasted pork, and tofu—this spot also delights with a wide array of bubble teas, Vietnamese-style coffee, fruit teas, sparkling refreshers, and creative lattes inspired by bold flavors and playful presentation
5. The Crunkleton
Opened in April 2025, The Crunkleton in Raleigh's Smoky Hollow district blends steakhouse fare with rare spirits, maintaining a neighborhood bar charm. Must-try dishes: The Hearth-Fired Tomahawk Steak and the Charred Oysters with garlic butter.
6. Boatman Spirits Co.
Opened on June 13, 2025, Boatman Spirits Co. blends cocktail culture, in-house distilling, and a Mediterranean-inspired kitchen in a dramatic Seaboard Station space with soaring archways and a 240-gallon copper still at its core.
7. Mala Pata
Opened in May 2025, Mala Pata serves bold Latin American flavors grounded in fresh, house-made masa, located in Raleigh's Gateway Plaza.
8. Naōs Hellenic Cuisine
Debuted in March 2025, Naōs Hellenic Cuisine in Cary brings authentic Greek flavors with fresh seafood, souvlaki, and baklava in a warm, Mediterranean-inspired setting. Must-try dishes: The Moussaka with creamy béchamel and the Grilled Sea Bass with lemon-herb sauce.
9. Omakase by Kai
Opened in February 2025, Omakase by Kai in Raleigh offers an intimate Japanese dining experience with a chef-driven tasting menu featuring fresh sushi and seasonal ingredients. Must-try dishes: The Omakase Nigiri Course with seasonal fish and the Miso Black Cod.
10. Dino's Pizza
Opened on July 18, 2025, Dino's Pizza brings nostalgic Italian-American comfort food to Durham. Co-founded by chefs Matt Kelly (Mateo, Nana's) and Tom Cuomo (Saint James Seafood), the pizzeria offers wood-fired New York-style pies, crispy wings, pasta dishes, and classic salads in a family-friendly setting adorned with red-and-white checkered tablecloths and wood-paneled walls.
Explore the Triangle
Explore the Triangle's dynamic food scene with us! We curate the top dining destinations, must-attend fall food events in 2025, vibrant festivals, and the freshest restaurant news to keep you in the know.