Whether you’re craving a protein-packed bowl or a fruit-flecked toss, your next favorite meal awaits.
We scouted the area and found four new spots serving the freshest offerings available right now. Read on to discover what stands out.
Strawberry Feta Salad
WHERE TO FIND: Pastrami Tom’s East Coast Deli & Grill
ELEMENTS: A balanced blend of romaine and spring mix is crowned with fresh strawberries, blueberries, dried cranberries, candied pecans, feta cheese, and a tart balsamic vinaigrette.
LOWDOWN: “It’s our most popular made-to-order salad,” says Ohio-bred proprietor Tom Scheidler, who opened the deli back in January to accommodate locals and Maryland-to-Maine transplants. “We use North Carolina strawberries, and we’re very selective with the quality of all the fruits and vegetables we serve. The candied pecans add a nice crunch as well.”
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS: Diced chicken, oven-roasted turkey, ham, roast beef, or — of course — navel pastrami, which comprises the rich belly cut of meat.
RECOMMENDED DRINK PAIRING: Maine Root Blueberry Soda, a distinctive, caffeine-free craft beverage infused with carbonated pure water, organic cane sugar, spices, and real blueberry juice. Better yet, it comes in a 12-ounce glass bottle.
BONUS TIP: Order a side of crispy sweet potato fries accompanied with a delectable dipping sauce. “The sauce is made with apple butter, sweet Thai chili, and caramel,” Tom reveals.
312 W. Chatham St., Suite 103 (West Chatham Village), Cary
pastramitoms.com
@pastramitomscary
Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
WHERE TO FIND: Sabatino’s Italiano
ELEMENTS: Organic mesclun greens coalesce with sliced pears, gorgonzola dolce, candied walnuts, and scratch-made blood orange vinaigrette.
LOWDOWN: “The salad was created by Chef Romer Mendieta, and he’s really particular about the ingredients,” says Amanda Dood, the front-of-house manager who’s worked at Sabatino’s since it opened in January 2025. “We use fresh pears, and the walnuts are candied in house.” It comes with complimentary house-baked Italian bread and a savory dipping oil comprising aromatic fresh herbs, garlic, and roasted red pepper.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS: Chicken, salmon, shrimp, meatballs, or Italian sausage.
RECOMMENDED WINE PAIRING: Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina, a crisp white wine from Campania, Italy. “It reminds me of the aroma of a sauvignon blanc but the body of a chardonnay, and it pairs perfectly with the salad,” Amanda says.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Far from a simple pizzeria, Sabatino’s is a full-service bistro that accepts reservations. The manager’s personal favorites include Ricotta Cavatelli alla Norma — roasted eggplant and pecorino cheese folded into house-made pasta — and Scarpariello, a hearty “shoemaker’s chicken” brimming with sausage, potatoes, pepperoncini, and asparagus in a tangy white wine sauce.
1001 Davis Dr., Apex
sabatinosapex.com
@sabatinosapex
Prosciutto or Mediterranean Salad
WHERE TO FIND: Milo’s Café
ELEMENTS: Arugula, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, and mozzarella come together in the Prosciutto, dressed in a French-style house vinaigrette and finished with a standout homemade pesto. For the Mediterranean, a spring mix base gets layered with cucumbers, feta, green olives, and cherry tomatoes, then drizzled in a bright lemon dressing. Both salads arrive alongside sourdough focaccia from Durham’s Ninth Street Bakery.
LOWDOWN: “We make everything in house using seasonal ingredients,” says Algerian-born Menad Haliche, who opened the unpretentious spot in 2024 and runs it with his wife, Liliana. “With the salads, we can make and serve them anytime we are open, and most days start at 7 a.m.”
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS: Boiled egg, avocado, and chicken. “The chicken cutlet is the same as the schnitzel we serve on our (signature) sandwich,” says Menad.
RECOMMENDED DRINK PAIRING: Iced strawberry matcha latte. “The strawberry syrup is made in house,” says Menad. “It’s not overly sweet, so it provides a good balance between the matcha and the syrup.”
DISCTINCTIVE DESIGNATION: Earlier this year, the café was named Best Sandwich Shop in the Triangle by the readers of The News & Observer.
10119 Chapel Hill Road, Morrisville
@milos_europeancafe
The Farm Caesar Salad
WHERE TO FIND: Farmside Kitchen
ELEMENTS: A nourishing bed of baby kale and shredded romaine supports grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan, warm seasoned quinoa, and house-made parmesan crisps — all tossed in a classic Caesar dressing. This salad — and every other at Farmside — is gluten free.
LOWDOWN: “We provide a different take on the Caesar, since ours includes quinoa and tomatoes,” says Elizabeth Blunt, guest experience manager. “Instead of croutons, we add crunch with the parm crisps that we make in house each day. Plus, the chicken and quinoa add a lot of protein.”
RECOMMENDED DRINK PAIRING: The refreshing watermelon hibiscus lemonade featuring lemon, cane sugar, and watermelon from Rob Glover Farming in Bailey, NC.
LOCAL FOCUS: CEO and cofounder Meg Schiffman opened the original Farmside in Durham in April 2021, alongside Ben Protheroe. The fast-casual concept focuses on health-conscious, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, a mission they extended to Cary in March 2025. “We’ve been so grateful for the warm welcome from the Cary community,” Meg says. “We created Farmside to make eating well simple and satisfying — with delicious, wholesome food and an inviting atmosphere.”
316 Colonades Way, Suite 212 (Waverly Place), Cary
farmsidekitchen.com
@farmsidekitchen
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