Triangle restaurant roundup: openings, closings, food trucks and events

Sean Lennard fills you in on the newest must-try restaurants and food news in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:47pm

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The Triangle food scene is buzzing with new restaurant openings, including a seventh concept from Chef Michael Lee in Durham, Rosebud in Raleigh, and the return of Kipos Greek Tavern and Snooze in Chapel Hill after recent closures. There's also news on food trucks, upcoming events, and ways to support the local Food Bank.

Why it matters

The Triangle area is known for its vibrant and ever-evolving food culture, with new restaurants, food trucks, and culinary events constantly popping up. This roundup provides an inside look at the latest happenings, helping foodies stay up-to-date on the can't-miss spots and happenings in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.

The details

Chef Michael Lee is opening a new, as-yet-unnamed Korean restaurant in the former Plum space in downtown Durham, joining his growing list of M Restaurants concepts. In Raleigh, Patrick Shanahan has opened Rosebud, which borrows from Japanese minimalism and bartending discipline. Songbird, a new day-to-dusk bar, is also opening soon in Raleigh's East End Market. Roots Natural Kitchen is officially opening its Hillsborough Street location in Raleigh, and Haymaker cocktail bar and Pita Bowl have recently opened downtown. In Fuquay-Varina, Duke's Kitchen & Taphouse is opening next month, and The Pickled Onion is opening a new location in Youngsville. In Durham, Bubbakoo's Burritos has opened its first North Carolina location, and a new Korean bakery, Tous les Jours, is opening its fourth Triangle-area location. In Chapel Hill, Kipos Greek Tavern and Snooze are both reopening after recent closures, while Tandoor Indian is closing and reopening as Naan by Gulshan.

  • Kipos Greek Tavern will reopen for dinner service on February 21.
  • Snooze will reopen its Chapel Hill location on March 1.
  • The first Durham Central Park Food Truck Rodeo of 2026 is on February 22.
  • The All Hands: Boatman Spirits Launch Party is on February 22.
  • The finale of the eighth annual Cooking for the Kids competition is upcoming.

The players

Chef Michael Lee

Chef and owner of the growing M Restaurants group, which includes M Sushi Durham, M Kokko, M Tempura, M Pocha, M Izakaya and M Sushi Cary.

Patrick Shanahan

Owner of the new Rosebud restaurant in Raleigh, as well as Peregrine and Capulet Cocktail Club.

Charlie Blue Arm and Meg Paradise

Owners of the new Songbird bar opening in Raleigh's East End Market.

Saif Rahman

Chef and co-owner of Peregrine, a 2026 James Beard Foundation 'Best New Restaurant' semifinalist.

Kyle Fletcher

Chef at Glasshouse Kitchen, a finalist in the Cooking for the Kids competition.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Triangle's vibrant food scene continues to evolve, with new and returning restaurants, food trucks, and culinary events keeping the region a top destination for foodies. From innovative Korean cuisine to classic Greek fare, there's something for every palate.