Where to find 2026 food trends in the Triangle

The hottest food trends the National Restaurant Association expects to see on the menu in 2026 are heavy on nostalgia, comfort and value.

• This is where you can find them here in the Triangle.

👩‍🌾 Local sourcing: Give the ever-changing menu at Raleigh's Figulina a try.

🍜 Comfort foods: The southern food at Poole's Diner in Raleigh should do the trick.

🍗 Value meals: Try the daily specials at Alpaca, which is serving up Peruvian chicken all over the Triangle now.

🍔 Smash burgers: Hit up OnlyBurger in Durham for a burger that lives up to the hype.

🥟 Global comfort foods: Go to Brewery Bhavana in Raleigh or Cary for the yummy rice and noodle dishes.

🥗 Clean recipes: Get a bowl at Happy and Hale, with locations in Raleigh and Durham.

🌯 Protein add-ons: The vegans know how to sneak protein into anything. Give Raleigh's Fiction Kitchen a try.

📬 Got more suggestions? Email [email protected] and tell us what to try!