If you’ve been to Durham, you’re no stranger to it’s awesome and growing food scene. Several new restaurants are set to open in 2017. From new dessert spots to seafood to Ethiopian, they are sure to be welcome additions. Add them to your bucket list and keep an eye out for their grand openings.
Already Open
1. Pinecone
Opened January 2017
Serving Maple View ice cream and Joe Van Gogh coffee, this cute shop in Brightleaf Square is a quick walk from East campus. Console your sorrow about Ben & Jerry’s closing with a scoop or two from Pinecone.
2. Bull City Ciderworks
Opened March 2017
Moving to a new location on Roxborro street not far from the DPAC, Bull City Ciderworks serve a variety of drinks, including seasonal ciders. The grand opening is on March 25, so go check it out.
3. ZenFish
Opened March 2017
The poké trend is sweeping the country – we even have a station in West Union. Zenfish, however, offers many more options than West Union: 4 different bases, 8 proteins, and a variety of veggie options.
Coming Soon
4. Medley
Coming March 2017
A new food truck on Durham’s already bustling food truck scene, Medley will offer breakfast scrambles, avocado toast, and sauté bowls. They focus on healthy, simple and delicious food.
5. Goorsha
Coming March 2017
Goorsha, an Ethiopian restaurant, will open in Brightleaf Square. Offering a variety of meat and vegan options, dishes can be ordered in individual or communal portions.
6. The Lakewood
Coming Spring 2017
Featuring a bar and rooftop terrace, The Lakewood is set to start serving lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch in the coming weeks. Owned and operated by Phoebe Lawless, the owner of Scratch Bakery, the menu will expand to include more meats and fish.
7. Saltbox Seafood, 2nd Location
Coming Spring 2017
Saltbox sells seasonal, fresh seafood. The current location is carry-out only and while Durham is a few hours from the ocean, it feels like a waterside seafood shack. The new location will be right across the street from Foster’s and Guglhupf, and will offer indoor and outdoor seating and an expanded menu.
8. East Durham Pie Co.
Coming Summer 2017
A pop-up pie stand that successfully crowdfunded for their first store, East Durham Pie Co. will expand their menu to include tea and coffee, pastries, and a seasonal selection of breakfast and lunch items. The Parlour recently partnered with them for Pi Day and for a Pie Flight Night.
9. Saint James
Coming Summer 2017
Matt Kelly, the owner of Mateo, Mothers & Sons and Lucky’s Deli (the latter two opened in 2016) will open this seafood restaurant, expanding his restaurant dynasty.
10. Finch’s Family Restaurant
Coming 2017
Relocating from Raleigh, Finch’s will join Elmo’s as one of Durham’s only diners. Serving a hodgepodge of breakfast food, shakes, burgers and seafood, Finch’s is sure to become a new favorite for breakfast and lunch.
11. The Pie Hole
Coming 2017
Pie Hole is an LA staple serving sweet and savory pies, and they’re coming to Durham this year. Like Scratch, they craft creative flavors – popular pies include Mexican Chocolate and Earl Grey.
12. Maybelle’s
Coming 2017
Combining two southern staples, barbecue and biscuits, Maybelle’s will open up in the American Tobacco Campus.
13. Cocoa Cinnamon, 3rd Location
Coming 2017
This micro-roastery will finalize the Cocoa Cinnamon dynasty. Opening just south of Central campus, it’s sure to be another favorite coffee and study spot for students.
Keep an eye out for these restaurants opening up in Durham!