Welcome to Raleigh's Best
Raleigh is a city that continues to thrive — a place where innovation, culture, and Southern charm come together to create one of the most dynamic communities in the region. From its cutting-edge tech sector and diverse dining scene to its vibrant arts, music, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Raleigh offers something for everyone while retaining the warmth and pride of a true hometown.
That’s why The News & Observer created Raleigh’s Best — to recognize and celebrate the businesses, people, and places that mean the most to our community, as chosen by you.
This year, over 4,700 businesses, organizations, and individuals competed across 237 categories, and the community responded in record numbers. More than 366,000 votes were cast — a 189% increase year-over-year — a powerful reflection of the pride residents have in uplifting their favorite local businesses and the essential role they play in shaping Raleigh’s identity.
A program of this scale requires the dedication of a hardworking local team, the commitment of participating businesses, and the generous support of our advertisers. We are proud to bring Raleigh’s Best to life again and to showcase the individuals and organizations that were voted the very best in their categories.
We invite you to explore VotedRaleighsBest.com and celebrate this year’s winners. Some may already be familiar favorites, while others may be new discoveries — but all represent the excellence and community spirit that make Raleigh shine.
Congratulations to the 2025 winners of Raleigh’s Best, and thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and celebrate the very best of our community!