If there’s one place in Raleigh that’s changing faster than the seasons, it’s North Hills. Once a simple shopping center, it’s evolved into a vibrant lifestyle district where you can start your morning with yoga and coffee, browse boutiques, meet friends for rooftop drinks, and unwind with live music — all within a few walkable blocks.
We’ve been hanging out in North Hills since our early days in Raleigh, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow into one of the city’s most dynamic destinations. We visit often for coffee catch-ups, dinner dates, or just to see what’s new — and every time, there’s something different to discover.
It seems like new places open every month, and we’ve been tapping our fingers impatiently waiting for some of these doors to finally swing open. From dreamy rooftop dining to cozy cafés and luxe fitness studios, here’s what’s new in the past year (and coming soon) to North Hills.
New Dining in North Hills
Good Graces — Innovation District
A glamorous and exciting new opening in North Hills is Good Graces, the first full-service restaurant in the Innovation District. It’s the kind of place that works for every mood — coffee and breakfast meetings by morning, cocktails and dinner by night, and a grab-and-go market when you’re just passing through.
The restaurant’s design strikes that perfect balance between modern polish and welcoming warmth. We’ve dined here for my 50th birthday lunch enjoying a delicious seasonal berry salad and chicken salad sandwiches (made our best chicken salad in Raleigh list) and craft cocktails. (Their perfectly seasoned fries also made our best fries in Raleigh list.)
Good Graces also reflects what makes the Innovation District so exciting — it’s not just about dining, it’s about creating a place where community gathers. Whether you’re starting your day with a latte or ending it with a lavender margarita, this spot truly lives up to its name
Tifa Chocolate & Gelato — Park District
We didn’t know we needed a handcrafted chocolate shop and gelato bar in North Hills until Tifa Chocolate and Gelato arrived. Step inside for decadent small-batch truffles, rich European-style hot chocolate, and creamy gelato that rivals anything you’ll find in Italy. And, surprisingly, they have excellent coffee – even our Aussie coffee-snob selves approve.
While we’re regulars of Jubala for coffee, we really feel North Hills needed another coffee shop, and Tifa delivers on that. There’s a cozy loft upstairs that’s perfect for quiet coffee chats, reading, or getting a little work done — an instant favorite for locals. We met a follower tapping away in the loft who said how happy he was that Tifa opened till late at night.
Foxcroft Food & Wine Co. — Lassiter District
Wine lovers, rejoice. Foxcroft Food & Wine Co. brings a casual-chic vibe with an impressive global wine list, $5 monthly tastings, and a shareable small-plates menu. The patio is perfect for people-watching and warm Raleigh nights, and the wine dinners are a must for oenophiles looking to learn and sip their way around the world.
We enjoyed lunch with a wine flight and a fantastic wine dinner exploring the Columbia Valley in Washington State. A region I have visited and thoroughly enjoyed. Foxcroft Food & Wine Co is quickly becoming one of my favorite wine bars in Raleigh for its great range of high-quality wines and delicious food to pair it with.
Follow our Instagram as we’ll be experiencing Foxcroft’s new brunch menu this weekend and will share a video there!
True Food Kitchen —Main District
Known for its fresh, seasonal, and health-forward menu, True Food Kitchen has quickly become a North Hills favorite for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Expect vibrant dishes that make eating well feel indulgent — from their iconic kale salad to refreshing cocktails made with fresh-pressed juices.
I love how the food is organic and seed-oil free. There are also a lot of gluten free items on the menu (perfect for me) as well as vegetarian options (possibly perfect for you) I also find their cocktails – made with freshly squeezed juice and no junk – are my favorite in Raleigh. Unique, creative, flavorful, and somewhat healthy… somewhat.
Sweet Green – Main District
Healthy eating just got even easier in North Hills with the arrival of Sweetgreen, the cult-favorite fast-casual restaurant known for its fresh, chef-curated salads, warm bowls, and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers. Located in the Main District, Sweetgreen brings its signature modern aesthetic — light wood, greenery, and clean lines — to a bright, airy space that feels just as nourishing as the food itself.
I love how customizable it is — whether you’re a kale lover, a hot honey chicken fan, or someone who builds your bowl from scratch. The Autumn seasonal salad I had was delicious! I love how Main District now has something similar to my favorite fast-healthy-casual over in Park District – Happy and Hale.
Village Tavern — Main District
A timeless addition that fits right in with the North Hills energy. Village Tavern brings classic American dishes, a lively bar scene, and a reliable go-to vibe for date nights, business lunches, or Sunday family dinners. Locals love the consistency, the friendly staff, and the happy hour that always hits the spot.
Craig enjoyed a delicious dinner here when it first opened – he raved about the steak and fried calamari- and we, as a family, had an outstanding Sunday brunch. Their shrimp and grits made our best in Raleigh list, and the girls loved their chicken and waffles.
RH Gallery + Rooftop Restaurant — Main District
Opened just in time for the holiday season last year, Restoration Hardware Gallery is the showstopper in North Hills. Think grand staircases, elegant lighting, and curated gallery spaces that double as design inspiration and retail heaven.
But what really steals the show? The rooftop restaurant — a bright, glass-encased space serving seasonal fare and craft cocktails with views that make you want to linger for hours. Perfect for special occasions, girls’ lunches, or a romantic dinner that feels like a mini escape. We are yet to experience the rooftop restaurant, but we do like to come here for a drink and to enjoy the view. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. And I do like the vibe in front of it during the North Hills holiday markets and tree lighting.
Dining Coming Soon to North Hills
My ears are peeled daily for the opening date announcement for the following upcoming places to eat in North Hills
Benchwarmers Bagels — Innovation District
Raleigh’s beloved bagel powerhouse is expanding. Benchwarmer Bagels, known for its wood-fired bagels and thick schmears, is opening a second location beside the boardwalk and pretty gardens in the Innovation District North Hills. (Original location is Transfer Food Hall in Downtown Raleigh.) Expect the same creative flavors (we’re looking at you, Everything-Bomb) and cult-favorite breakfast sandwiches. Since Benchwarmers has the same ownership (in part) as Jubala, you can expect good coffee – yay for more North Hills coffee options!
Standard Beer + Food Co. — Innovation District
Every time I see another brick laid at one of Raleigh’s favorite craft breweries, I comment on how awesome the new Standard Beer + Food will be with its spacious beer garden and boardwalk overlook. Expect a family-friendly vibe, a rotating beer list, and elevated casual food. We’re not sure what the menu will look like now, but their original location on North Person St ranges from oyster tacos and smash burgers to pecan-smoked wings and wine & butter-poached shrimp rolls. Their tacos made our list of best tacos in Raleigh.
Standard is going to be perfect for laid-back afternoons, game days, or catching up with friends after work. It will be North Hills first, and a much-needed local brewery!
Sixty Vines – Main District
Slated to open any day now in Main District is the Dallas-based wine-bar-meets-restaurant Sixty Vines. This two-story space is designed to feel like wine country in the heart of Raleigh — featuring 60 wines on a sustainable tap system, shareable plates, seasonal cuisine, and a pair of patios (one on each floor) for indoor/outdoor flexibility.
I’m most excited about their wines served from taps – less wastage and lower-ish prices, and their elevated wine dine experience with two patios! This will be perfect for a date night, gathering with friends, or a classy evening out in North Hills. Plus, it’s located in the lux vibe section of Main District.
We’ll be getting a sneak preview of Sixty Vines next week before opening. Stay tuned for the official opening date (we’ll update as soon as it’s announced) — this one’s a must-watch if you’re keeping your finger on the pulse of Raleigh’s food & lifestyle scene. Join our email newsletter so you don’t miss out! 👇
Barking Dog — Park District
Good news for North Hills dog parents! Barking Dog is set to open soon with a creative concept combining community, craft beer, and canines. Expect a fun social hub where pups and their people can hang out together. Another reason this is an exciting new opening in North Hills – it’s the first location Barking Dog has chosen outside of Manhattan for their third restaurant.
Expect breakfast, brunch, and comfort food with offerings for your four-legged furries. Barking Dog NYC will also be close to off-leash dog parks and greenspaces in the district. They’ll need to burn off those calories too!
Velvet Tacos – Park District
Get excited — the nationally-known taco concept Velvet Taco is coming to the Park District of North Hills. Velvet Tacos is a fun, boundary-pushing taco restaurant with a menu full of creative, globally inspired tacos (think Korean Fried Rice, Nashville Hot Tofu, Fish & Chips tacos) and a signature Red Velvet Cake for dessert.
More than your standard taco spot—expect inventive flavors, cocktails and beer, patio seating, and late-night hours. In fact, in other markets Velvet Taco stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends.
Velvet Tacos is going to be perfect for late night bites and groups of friends who want casual + fun + flavorful. It’s another sign that North Hills is quickly becoming Raleigh’s all-in-one destination — where you can live, work, move, and eat well without ever leaving the district.
New Retail & Fitness in North Hills
Alo Yoga — Main District
Recently opened next to Bartaco in Main District is Alo Yoga known globally for premium activewear, lifestyle apparel and accessories. Alo brings its “studio-to-street” ethos to Raleigh with High-quality apparel and accessories that blur the lines between workout gear and everyday style — perfect for Raleigh’s active lifestyle. I really do like the style and color choices of their fitness-forward clothes.
Altar’d State — Main District
I love how over the past year North Hills has really upleveled its offering for teenagers. Altar’d State has just taken it to the next level. This is the place my girls go to for that extra special outfit they need – or for when their Aunty Jen is visiting from Australia. She loves it just as much as them – and is their most perfect shopping partner!
Altar’d State is a rapidly growing boutique chain filled with boho-chic fashion, accessories, and gifts. Shoppers love the warm ambiance and meaningful mission — every purchase helps support philanthropic initiatives, making it a feel-good place to treat yourself. You’ll find it in Main District next to the BBQ Lab. (Oh and the teens will love that Chick Fil’A is just steps away too (and of course Target!)
Evereve — Main District
Main District’s recent opening of Evereve was my first time ever hearing of and experiencing this women’s clothing store. And I was impressed – not just by the quality of their clothes, but the attentive service we received and the upbeat energy in the store.
Fashion-forward and functional, Evereve curates modern styles for busy women who want to look polished but comfortable — perfect for Raleigh’s effortlessly chic vibe. Personal stylists and thoughtful edits make this shop a must-visit for wardrobe refreshes. I saw multiple items of clothing I could have walked out with!
Unlikely Professionals — Innovation District
Tucked into Makers Alley in the Innovation District, Unlikely Professionals brings a refreshing twist to men’s retail. It’s part boutique, part neighborhood hangout — a stylish space where you can browse well-crafted menswear, sip a drink from the in-store bar, and actually enjoy the shopping experience.
The vibe is effortlessly cool yet welcoming, with racks of thoughtfully curated clothing, leather goods, and accessories that speak to modern craftsmanship and laid-back sophistication.
Whether you’re picking up a new shirt for date night or just catching up with a friend over an old fashioned, this spot turns a simple shopping trip into something social. It’s exactly the kind of creative concept that fits the Innovation District’s energy — blending community, design, and a little bit of that Raleigh flair for doing things differently. We love how this fascinating men’s concept has expanded from their edgier North Person St location. It’s one of Craig’s favorite stores for sure!
Hometurf – Innovation District
If you’re looking for a fitness concept that brings energy in every sense of the word, HomeTurf in the North Hills Innovation District (NHID) has landed — and it’s worth checking out. HomeTurf is a rhythm-based indoor cycling and full-body strength studio. Classes combine high-energy music, low lights, pedals and serious off-bike work. The vibe: community, beat-driven movement, and a no-excuses attitude.
It’s tucked into the Innovation District of North Hills, which is rapidly adding lifestyle, fitness and creative-work spaces alongside new dining and retail. So HomeTurf adds an active lifestyle dimension to the zone. They emphasize the “team” experience, so it’s not purely solo; you’ll find fellow riders working alongside you.
It’s one of the newer anchor-fitness concepts in NHID, signalling how North Hills continues to evolve into a more complete lifestyle district—not just “eat and shop” but also “move and thrive.”
A Lil’ R&R Studio + Shop — Innovation District
If you’re craving a dose of color and calm, step inside A Lil’ R + R, the cheerful new boutique by local artist and product designer Emily Petrilla. This cozy, joy-filled space is all about slowing down and surrounding yourself with things that make you smile — from illustrated stationery and whimsical home goods to puzzles, pet products, and self-care treasures.
Alongside Emily’s own creations, the shop also features a rotating selection of gifts from local makers and small businesses, each one handpicked to add a little charm to your day.
Beyond browsing, A Lil’ R + R will host creative workshops and community events, inviting you to relax, connect, and make something meaningful. There’s also a lot of pet love in this store, with pet products, and puppy love events! What a perfect complement to the upcoming Bark Bar! North Hills is really making sure they cater to everyone with their new openings and developments!
Fitness & Beauty Coming soon to North Hills
Hush — Innovation District
The upscale salon concept Hush is set to join North Hills’ Innovation District soon. Husth is a luxury hair, lash and brow studio with an open-concept space, premium products, expert stylists and a chic, modern atmosphere. Their original location is in Smoky Hollow.
This will be a place for a “get glam” appointment before a big night out in North Hills, or just a treat-yourself midday break. It adds a beauty-destination layer to the North Hills lifestyle mix (dining + shopping + fitness + now beauty).
Jetset Pilates — Park District
North Hills is about to get a serious boost of energy with the arrival of JetSet Pilates, a Miami-based fitness studio known for its high-intensity, reformer-based workouts that blend strength, cardio, and core conditioning — all set to upbeat music in a sleek, modern space.
Opening in the Park District, JetSet will fit perfectly into the North Hills lifestyle — a community that thrives on movement, wellness, and connection. Whether you’re a Pilates regular or just looking to shake up your fitness routine, this is one of the most anticipated new openings in North Hills of the year.
The Future Looks Bright in North Hills
If this list tells you anything, it’s that North Hills isn’t slowing down anytime soon. With new restaurants, shops, and experiences constantly reshaping the landscape, there’s always something to discover — and plenty to look forward to this fall and beyond.
Stay tuned as we keep exploring, taste-testing, and sharing the newest additions right here on This is Raleigh and on our Instagram @thisisraleigh and Facebook @thisisraleighnc. Which new opening are you most excited about? 👇 Let us know in the comments
More North Hills ideas
- How to Gather with Friends at North Hills: Food, Fun, and Connection
- 14 Mouth-Watering North Hills Restaurants You Must Try!
- A Travel Guide to North Hills: Top Spots to Eat, Play, and Stay
- Unveiling North Hills: A First-Timer’s Essential Guide (shop, eat, play, stay)
- Fun Things to Do in North Hills with Teens: A Guide for Family Fun & Chill Time
- Fun Date Ideas for North Hills (Midtown Raleigh)
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