…Have you tried these new spots yet?
by Addie Ladner

Wow, 2025 was a banner year for the Raleigh bar and restaurant scene. After a slowdown due to the pandemic, it seems we’ve finally got momentum in our food and bar scene. Local and regional pros have been opening new concepts and second locations — plus, now that we’ve got our first listings in the MICHELIN Guide American South (find the full list here), we feel extra-legit as a foodie destination. 

As you head into the last month of the year, the high time for hosting out-of-town visitors and planning holiday gatherings, consider visiting one of these Raleigh bars and restaurants that opened in 2025. And if your calendar’s already booked? Make a plan now for January 2026 to keep the good vibes going.  

Paul and Jack (opened February 2025)

Locals rejoiced when this place took over the former Layered Croissant space, as sad as we were to see them go. The cafe serves decadent European desserts like pistachio and raspberry croissants, tiramisu and Italian espresso. Bonus: it’s open later than most bakeries — until 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday — for those who like their treats later in the day. 
911 N. West Street, Suite 107;.instagram.com/paulandjack_nc

Urban Oak (opened February 2025)

This rooftop bar and restaurant is a great byproduct of downtown’s Tempo by Hilton Hotel. Its moody, luxe interior, skyline views, excellent cocktails and energetic crowd make for a fun night out. It’s run by hospitality industry vet Rebekah Hayes (formerly at Longleaf Hotel), who has taken great care to have a solid rotating drink and food menu.
200 W. Davie Street; urbanoakraleigh.com

Omakase by Kai (opened February 2025)

A Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant in the new Seaboard Station complex, this small, experiential restaurant offers gorgeous sushi, bento boxes, and of course, Omakase. If you’re new to omakase, here’s the gist: you get a coursed-out meal chosen by the chef, for a different menu each time based on what’s on hand and in season.
15 Seaboard Avenue; omakasekai.com

Soul Flavorscape of India (opened March 2025) 

An underground favorite for Indian food connoisseurs, this restaurant offers reimagined staples like Chicken Tikka Masala, curries and samosas and craft cocktails. Be sure to check their Instagram for some solid specials like Buy One Get One entrees or unlimited Paratha weekends for $15.99
301 Glenwood Avenue, #190; instagram.com/soulflavorscape

Peregrine (opened April 2025)

This highly-anticipated spot from chef Saif Rahman (formerly of Vidrio) and creative maestro Patrick Shanahan was one of the first places to open in the new Exchange building — and it’s gorgeous. The menu offers a journey through Raham’s life and travels, with dishes inspired by time spent in Bangladesh, New York City, Peru and more.
1000 Social Street, Suite 150; peregrineraleigh.com

The Crunkleton (opened April 2025)

Located inside the happenin’ Smoky Hollow corridor, Raleigh’s The Crunkleton is the third location for this popular bar and restaurant  in North Carolina. They might be best known for their solid cocktail program, but they also offer a robust food menu, from Wagyu burgers to herb-forward fish and worldly cocktails.
403 W. Johnson Street; thecrunkleton.com. 

Mala Pata (opened May 2025)

The fruit of a pandemic collaboration between industry vets Zack Gragg, Marshall Davis, Angela Salamanca, Eric Montagne and Justin Pasfield, this Masa-forward spot in Gateway Plaza offers an upscale, inventive twist on Mexican cuisine, within a bright and artsy environment. 
2431 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 102; malapatanc.com

Boatman Spirits Co. (opened June 2025)

Another addition to the newly developed Seaboard Station, Boatman Spirits Co. sets the scene with its chic design, where curved archways and coral hues evoke a Mediterranean escape. Find tapas-style dishes and lots of martini options, plus a full social including a resident DJ, jazz nights, bar socials and more. 
713 Seaboard Station Drive; boatmanspirits.com

Good Graces (opened August 2025)

Equal parts cafe, bar and market, Good Graces has a lovely, bright interior within the North Hills Innovation District. They’ve got something to sate you any time of day, from  buttery biscuits and jam in the mornings to espresso martinis at night. 
540 St. Albans Drive, Suite 130; goodgracesraleigh.com

Mr. Henry (opened September 2025)

Adding a dose of nightlife to the Village District scene, this classic, cozy bar offers an upscale, homey feel inspired by the designer’s equestrian roots. Here, find great twists on classic cocktails within easy proximity to a show Goodnights Comedy Club or dinner nearby. 
413 Woodburn Road; instagram.com/mrhenrybar

St. Pierre Wine Shop (opened September 2025)

A welcome addition to new-ish development Raleigh Iron Works, St. Pierre is the brainchild of the team behind Oakwood Pizza Box. It’s a well-appointed but no-fuss retail shop and bar that offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere alongside knowledgeable staff and an excellent wine selection, primarily from independent vineyards. 
1101 E. Whitaker Mill Road, Suite 118; stpierrewine.com

Jalwa Indian Bistro (opened September 2025)

Located in the space formerly occupied by St. Jacques, Jalwa offers a suitably upscale, multi-dimensional Indian escape. The menu goes beyond the more popular Indian dishes and dives deeper into old-world authenticity with dishes bursting with flavor, texture and color, like the Crispy Pepper Roast Lamb on Rice Cake, Sabudana Donut and Laal Mirch Paneer.
6112 Falls of Neuse Road; jalwaindianbistro.com

Bitter Social (opened October 2025)

The love child of Bittersweet and Johnson Street Yacht Club, this spot took over the former Gallo Palon space above Centro. Expect the same great community vibes and cocktails, but with a huge focus on fun quirky events from singles pitch nights to trashy wine clubs.
104 S. Wilmington Street; bittersocialraleigh.com

Trophy 5 Points (opened November 2025)

This latest Trophy Brewing concept in a former 1950s Electric Supply Co. warehouse is its biggest one yet, with a spacious front patio, full bar inside and, eventually, a large outdoor activity space for families. Expect the locally-brewed beers and inventive pizzas that Raleighites have come to love over the years.
207 Bickett Boulevard; trophybrewing.com/trophy-five-points

Smash Social Club (opening November/December 2025)

In the former Carolina Ale House space on Glenwood South, this spot (set to open any day now) is bringing a dose of play to the area’s dancing and drinking scene. In addition to a full menu of bar food and cocktails, enjoy some old-fashioned fun including darts, table tennis and shuffleboard.
509 Glenwood Avenue; Suite 300; smashraleigh.com

This article was originally published on waltermagazine.com on November 21, 2025