…because it’s summer, and they won’t be perfect forever.

by Catherine Currin

If you couldn’t tell from our August cover, we just can’t get enough of summer tomatoes. Serve ‘em up in a delicate salad, a messy sandwich, or a classic tomato pie — we don’t care, we love them! Fortunately, there’s plenty of tomato to go around. Here are just a few of the ways Raleigh restaurants are serving up our favorite vegetable fruit.

Tomato Plate at Ajja 

Cheetie Kumar’s new restaurant, Ajja, is chock full of fresh produce — and of course, she’s put her own spin on things. This seasonal tomato plate is piled high with barrel-aged feta and a sesame brittle.

Heirloom Tomato Salad at Standard Beer + Food

This no-frills tomato plate at Standard is sure to satisfy your next craving. 

Tomato Pie at Hummingbird 

A Southern staple, Hummingbird’s tomato pie is creamy, cheesy, flaky and delicious — a meal unto itself or a great one to share.

“The Duke” Pizza at Poole‘side Pies 

At Poole’side, you get the best of both worlds: pizza and a tomato sandwich, all wrapped up into one. 

Tomato Tart at Poole’s Diner 

One of several tomato dishes at Poole’s, the Tomato Tart features sunflower shoots and a sherry vinaigrette. 

Panzanella Salad at Mandolin 

If you missed Sean Fowler’s coveted tomato dinner at Mandolin, munch on the panzanella salad for lunch or dinner for tomatoes from Mandolin Farm. 

Tomato Sandwich at (ish) delicatessen 

Owner Matt Fern says these are best eaten over a kitchen sink, but a giant bowl at (ish) delicatessen will do for these simple-yet-delicious tomato sandwiches. 

Fried Green Tomatoes at Irregardless 

The fried green tomato appetizer at Irregardless is not only crunchy and full of flavor — it’s vegan and gluten free. 

Tomato Tartine at Boulted Bread

A classic tomato sandwich of good bread, mayo, in-season heirlooms and good cheese all melted together.

This article originally appeared on waltermagazine.com on August 8, 2023.