Merchants Marina Bar & Lounge opened May 8 at The Wharf, adding a casual waterside bar from the Merchants/Philippe Chow team. The new spot brings its own menu and marina-side vibe.

Calypso Cafe will reopen dine-in at its Charlotte Avenue spot this Thursday, restoring a 70-seat dining room, patio and phased bar service under new owners.

Enzo's Pizzeria has taken over Gino's Willis Avenue spot in Williston Park and is doing a soft launch ahead of a May 21 grand opening.

A La Vie, from chef Laurent Carillon, opens May 14 in downtown Cocoa Beach with croissants, beignets and espresso.

Lakefront Brewery's Maifest grows into Commerce Street on May 17 with 40+ gluten‑free vendors, a one‑day sparkling mead release, live music and a dachshund parade.

Herons, Fearrington House and Fairview Dining Room were among North Carolina restaurants honored in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards, giving the Triangle a rare cluster of rated rooms.

Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman will open Josephine Estelle and Rosie's Tavern at The Standard Germantown over Memorial Day weekend.

Poolhouse Group will convert its Arcadia Gadzooks into Poolboy Taco, a design‑forward, festival‑born taco shop with a signature Poolboy Taco, salsa bar and frozen cocktails.

Vandelay Hospitality will close Anchor Sushi Bar's Royal Lane location on May 31 and convert the space into El Molino, while the Knox Street outpost remains open. The move retools the Preston‑Royal dining lineup for fajitas and margaritas.

Philip Ferro’s long‑planned Steel City Brewing is nearing opening in downtown Coatesville, a two‑level brewpub that leans on Lukens Steel history and local donations. The menu will include house beers, burgers and a spicy wing challenge.

A legacy flagship and a West Bank newcomer both earned spots on The New York Times’ roundup of the city’s best restaurants, underscoring New Orleans’ culinary range.

Boba Magic opened May 2 at The Ramble at Goodnight Ranch, serving milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies and playful specialty drinks. The shop also offers boba and popping pearls.

Detroit sandwich veterans Carlos Parisi and Mike Finsilver will open a chef-driven counter inside Foley’s Market in Lexington this summer, paired with a distillery-run bar.