Two Raleigh Restaurants Earned National Honors

The establishments gained recognition on annual dining lists from The New York Times and Resy.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Dining Out

Bold vector editorial illustration of two plates with abstract food, representing culinary recognition in a modern dining setting. — Raleigh dining establishments Big Cat and Songbird have been included in prestigious 2026 national restaurant rankings, boosting local tourism. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Big Cat and Songbird have secured spots on prestigious national restaurant rankings for 2026. These distinctions mark a significant moment for the Raleigh culinary scene, which saw both local spots highlighted as the sole representatives for North Carolina.

Why it matters

National dining lists exert considerable influence over travel patterns and local tourism economies. Recognition from these publications helps elevate Raleigh as a competitive culinary destination on the national stage.

Big Cat is the only North Carolina eatery on the 6th edition of The New York Times' 50 best list. Additionally, the 800-square-foot Songbird was named one of America's 14 hottest new restaurants by Resy.

The players

Big Cat

This restaurant is the first in the Triangle to be named to The New York Times 50 best list.

Songbird

This establishment functions as a coffee shop and cocktail bar located within the East End Market.

The details

Big Cat, located at 1000 Brookside Drive, distinguishes itself with a menu that blends Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean influences. Songbird operates as a coffee shop and cocktail bar in East End Market, utilizing a rotating roster of chefs-in-residence for its food offerings.

Big Cat opened its doors at 1000 Brookside Drive at the end of March 2026.
The restaurants received their national dining honors in September 2026.

Culture Shift

The inclusion of these establishments signals a broader shift in the national appetite for culinary scenes located outside of traditional major metropolises. It follows the pattern set by The New York Times' annual 50 best restaurants list, which increasingly highlights emerging food hubs in secondary cities.

Residents should anticipate increased demand for reservations as these national accolades typically draw larger crowds to the winning venues. Patrons may want to plan their visits to Big Cat or Songbird well in advance to account for the heightened public interest.

The takeaway

These rankings highlight how niche, chef-driven concepts can put a city on the national culinary map. Residents interested in visiting these spots should check their official websites or social media channels for the most current booking requirements and hours of operation.