A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library
Tie: Best New Restaurant
A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library is coming in hot this year by tying in one of the Maggy Awards’ biggest (and most popular) categories: Best New Restaurant. Chef Katsuji Tanabe, a Bravo television series Top Chef alumnus, has been making waves in the foodie world ever since his 5,500-square-foot restaurant opened last spring. The son of a Mexican mother and Japanese father, Tanabe enjoys sharing his distinctive take on Mexico City cuisine.
“Sometimes people may think I’m going to serve carne asada sushi rolls or tempura chimichangas, but in reality I’m not trying to put two different cuisines together,” said Tanabe. “What I do is build layers of flavor that balance well. Japanese food is rich with umami, and Mexican food is about acid and spice. My food has touches of my cultural background.”
Colletta
Tie: Best New Restaurant
In addition to their signature 15-layer Lasagna Bolognese (yes, you read that right), Colletta — a modern Italian American restaurant located at Cary’s upscale Fenton development — now has another claim to fame: sharing this year’s title for Best New Restaurant.
Colletta, which means “collection” in Italian, opened its door early last fall — and for those who aren’t afraid of carbs (or are simply looking for the perfect date night), this airy, aromatic paradise is a place of dreams.
“It’s amazing to receive such a warm welcome into this incredible community,” said Culinary Director Mark Bolchoz.
Italophiles can get their fix of antipasti, pasta, pizza, seafood, and more, all week long!
Lunch: Thursday – Sunday | 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.Dinner: 7 days/week | 5 p.m.
Andia’s Ice Cream
Best Dessert
Just Dough It Monster Shake
Andia’s won their fourth consecutive Maggy Award for Best Dessert in one fell scoop — which means you screamed, I screamed, we ALL screamed for their traditional and eclectic flavors and over-the-top milkshakes.
“This Maggy means the world to us to have such tremendous support of our brand from our local community,” said owners George and Andia Xouris. “We are honored to be considered among the best that Cary has to offer!”
Andia’s award-winning, family-run ice cream company has retail shops in southeast Cary, west Cary, and an upcoming location in Raleigh Iron Works! As the weather warms up, try their signature and monthly flavors, gluten-free options, ice cream cookie sandwiches, ice cream brûlée, monster milkshakes, or a sampler flight featuring six mini scoops and two homemade waffle cone wedges (and more)!
Lugano Ristorante
Best Italian
Spaghetti Lugano
Named after Lugano, Switzerland — the largest Italian speaking city outside of Italy — Lugano in Cary offers Maggy-winning Italian dining in a comfortable and casual atmosphere that our voters can’t seem to resist.
Whether you’re looking for catering, carry-out, a quick bite with coworkers at lunchtime, or a date night paired with the perfect glass of wine, Lugano’s flexibility and creative fare keep the customers coming (and voting), year after year.
“After the past three years or so, just being here, in business, and having our guests return and others try us for the first time is more than a great feeling,” said owner Tom Havrish. “But to be voted for by the community and our guests as their favorite Italian restaurant just makes it that much more special.”
Cousins Maine Lobster
Best Food Truck
Lobster Tacos
If you’ve lived in the area long enough, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck — or seen the lines firsthand! Nationally known but locally owned by Deb and Greg Keller, mouthwatering lobster rolls, clam chowder, and more can be found all over the Triangle thanks to not one, but two food trucks! For locations, follow them on social media and download their app (or visit them at Morgan Street Food Hall in downtown Raleigh).
Deb Keller, who first saw Cousins Maine Lobster on Shark Tank nine years ago, has zero regrets about taking a chance on their fresh and flavorful offerings.
“I’ve got an amazing team, and my husband is my rock,” said Keller. “We continue to have folks reach out to us for special occasions. We do weddings and catering, and it just hasn’t stopped. I love customer service — it’s what brings me joy, the stuff that makes me happy. I love the smiles, and I love when people reach out and say we have an amazing product.”
cousinsmainelobster.com/locations/raleigh-nc-restaurant/
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Best Appetizers/Most Kid Friendly
Buffalo Chicken Rangoons
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits continues to raise a ruckus by winning Maggy Awards for Best Appetizers and Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant, year after year.
“Ruckus is just that really great restaurant where everything is scratch-made,” said owner Robert Royster. “It’s like inviting all your friends over and having a great time watching a game and getting great food and appetizers that everyone likes.”
Whether it’s pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, burgers, or even sushi, Ruckus has something for everyone — including the little ones!
“We have won the Most Kid Friendly award for the past 10 years running. We’ve also won Best Appetizer before several times, because we have a great selection of appetizers,” said Royster. “At a lot of family friendly restaurants, they cater to the kids, and the adults aren’t that thrilled with the choices, but they go because the kid wants to go. Ruckus is the place where everyone is happy!”
SideBar
Best Cocktail
Pimm’s Cup
If sleek cocktail bars are your scene, but you don’t feel like driving into Raleigh, SideBar in Cary — this year’s Maggy winner for Best Cocktail — might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Described as a “place where everyone (and all of their drink preferences) are welcome” by bar manager Skyler Spaulding, this full-fledged cocktail joint is the brainchild of Matthew Bettinger, his wife Catherine Bettinger, and their business partner, Jeff Kinard.
“We pride ourselves on being approachable, yet knowledgeable and experienced in creating or recommending a well-balanced cocktail,” said Spaulding. “That being said, we are also always happy to crack open a cold PBR and pour a quick shot.”
This is SideBar’s second year in a row winning Best Cocktail, and Spaulding, whose favorite cocktail is a tie between a Martini and a Martinez, couldn’t be more thrilled.
“Winning Best Cocktail helps to showcase all of the boundless effort and passion my team puts in on a daily basis. Although creating an original house cocktail is just one of the things we do here at SideBar, it is likely the largest creative process that allows us to express ourselves and our evolving skill sets.”
First Watch
Best Breakfast
Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos
Raise a toast to First Watch Cary — this year’s Maggy winner for Best Breakfast! Their egg-cellent offerings include breakfast, brunch, and lunch, all freshly made to order.
“This award means a lot to us because every day we want to make a difference,” said manager Tyler “Ty” Cancel. “Our staff takes pride in showing up daily and perfecting their craft and creating their bonds with our special guests. It means we are doing something for the community that they enjoy and find comforting, and they can actually rely on us to satisfy their needs with delicious fresh meals, fresh juices, and an amazing atmosphere.”
Cancel’s favorite menu item? The breakfast tacos, featuring fresh grilled chicken combined with spicy chorizo crumbles, scrambled eggs, and Monterey Jack cheese.
“Here at Bradford First Watch, our mission and value is to create smiles, treat ourselves and each other with dignity and respect, and work hard with positivity, resilience, and grit,” said Cancel. “We stand shoulder to shoulder; we are one team that faces challenges and celebrates success together and accepts anyone and everyone to become a part of our family.”
Best New Restaurant
Tie: Colletta & A’Verde
TapStation
M Sushi
Best Food Truck
Cousins Main Lobster
Buoy Bowls
Tie: Bulkogi & Chirba Chirba
Best Appetizers
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Scratch Kitchen & Taproom
Crosstown Pub & Grill
Best Cocktail
SideBar
Dram & Draught
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirts
Best Bakery
La Farm Bakery
Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Annelore’s German Bakery
Best Dessert
Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream
Asali Desserts & Café
Once in a Blue Moon Bakery
Best Barbecue
City Barbeque
Big Mikes BBQ
Danny’s BBQ
Best Breakfast
First Watch
Brigs
La Farm Bakery
Best Burger & Fries
Corbett’s Burgers & Soda Bar
Abbey Road Tavern & Grill
Five Guys
Best Date Night Restaurant
Rey’s
Hank’s Downtown Dive
MC Modern Asian Cuisine
Best Coffee House
Esteamed Coffee
Crema Coffee Roaster & Bakery
Wake Oasis
Best Seafood
Full Moon Oyster Bar
Skipper’s Seafood & Smokehouse
Cary Crab House
Best Steakhouse
Rey’s
Angus Barn
Ruth’s Chris
Best Pizzeria
DiFara Pizza Tavern
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Salvio’s Pizzeria
Most Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Tie: Mellow Mushroom Pizza & TapStation
Best Asian Restaurant
Sushi Thai
Taipei 101
MC Modern Asian Cuisine
Best Mediterranean Restaurant
Sassool
Bosphorus
Neomonde
Best Italian Restaurant
Lugano Ristorante
Daniel’s Restaurant
Colletta
Best Indian Restaurant
Cilantro Indian Cuisine
Nzara Indian Bistro
Himalayan Nepali Cuisine
Best Mexican Restaurant
A’Verde Cocina + Tequila Library
Totopos
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
Best Restaurant for Specialty Diets
Sassool
Diced Gourmet Salads & Wraps
Hank’s Downtown Dive
Best Healthy Dining Options
Sassool
Diced Gourmet Salads & Wraps
Clean Eatz
Best Neighborhood Bar
Bottle Theory
Ruckus Pizza, Pasta & Spirits
Crosstown Pub & Grill
Best Outdoor Dining
Hank’s Downtown Dive
Tazza Kitchen
Di Fara Pizza Tavern
Best Craft Brewery
Bond Brothers Beer Company
Fortnight Brewing Company
Vicious Fishes
- 2023 Maggy Awards: Shopping
- 2023 Maggy Awards: Services
- Cary Magazine Presents the 2023 Maggy Awards
- 2023 Maggy Awards: Lifestyle
- 2023 Maggy Awards: Restaurants
- Things to Do: April 2023
- Small Business Spotlight: Good Day Cary
- Erica Chats: Erica’s Maggy-Winning Picks
- Nonprofit Spotlight: Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited
- Chasing Her Dreams
- On Trend: Vintage Jewelry
- Restaurant Spotlight: M Sushi at Fenton
- Liquid Assets: Peaceful Oasis
- Liquid Assets: Fresh Start
- Garden Adventurer: A Fish Tale
Congrats to all the winners, i’ll b sure to visit and try them out.