Every year, I set out to check off all of the restaurants on my Durham bucket list, and every year, the list gets longer. This coming fall, several new restaurants are opening up in Durham, and Instagram is the best way to preview them. Here are the top 11 new restaurants in Durham I’ll be following.
East Durham Pie Co.
East Durham Pie Co will be opening a storefront soon. For now, find their pies at Ponysaurus Brewing Co, coffee shops around the triangle (including Cocoa Cinnamon) and, of course, on your Instagram feed.
The Farmery
The Farmery, an airstream kitchen cafe, opened in July, and serves flat breads, wraps and superfood bowls made with herbs and veggies grown on-sight. It’s like Happy and Hale in a silver trailer.
Goorsha
Very new to the Durham restaurant scene (and to Instagram), Goorsha, an Ethiopian restaurant, has an account that will brighten your feed with a blast of colorful cocktails and food.
The Lakewood
The Lakewood features a rotating, seasonal menu and they update their account with their latest appetizers, entrees and desserts, as well as the going-ons of their bakers. The restaurant’s clean aesthetic shines on their Instagram: look forward to lots of naturally lit, crisp photos.
Saltbox Seafood Joint
Saltbox Seafood Joint, a homey seafood stand with a long line at lunchtime, is opening a second location soon. Follow them on Instagram for updates on the new restaurant as well as costal shots (they source all of their seafood fresh from the NC coast) and their delicious fish fries.
Early Bird Donuts
Early Bird Donuts has some competition; between Monuts and Rise, donuts are well-represented in Bull City. But they hold their own and the deals and give-aways they announce periodically on Insta make them well worth following.
Alley Twenty Six
Alley Twenty Six serves signature craft cocktails, which they feature frequently on their account. Follow for a good dose of booze and burger shots.
Rose’s Meat Market & Sweet Shop (Savory)
In August, Rose’s transitioned into a counter service restaurant and bakery, and while you can no longer get your fresh-cut meats there, the Asian-influenced food is a fair trade. And, of course, the sweets are as good as ever.
Cocoa Cinnamon III
Churros, served at Cocoa Cinnamon’s third location, are a much welcome addition to the usual coffee and pastry photos from their other two locations.
Melina’s Fresh Pasta
Though you can currently find Melina’s Fresh Pasta at the Durham Farmer’s Market, they’ll be opening a new storefront later this fall. For now, you can content yourself with watching hypnotic Insta videos of fresh pasta being made and updates on their store.
Maverick’s Smokehouse and Taproom
Maverick’s will feature Carolina, Memphis, and Texas stye BBQ, as well as fried chicken and an array of sides. Follow them for the latest updates on the soon-to-be-opened restaurant.