Welcome to Raleigh's Best
​We live, shop, eat, and play in beautiful Raleigh and we wouldn’t have it any other way. In celebration of our great communities, The News & Observer presenting 2026 Raleigh’s Best. This contest is truly designed to engage the community in celebrating the places, restaurants and local businesses we love.
In 2025, 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.
Raleigh's Best Promotion
Raleigh’s Best has strong support from NewsObserver.com,
VotedRaleighsBest.com, The News & Observer newspaper and social media.
Nominations and voting will be driven by print, digital and social promotions.
• NewsObserver.com Digital Display
• The News & Observer Newspaper Ads
• Organic Social Media
• Paid Social Media
• Paid Targeted Eblast
• Eblast to NewsObserver.com Subscribers
• NewsObserver.com Home Page Takeovers
• Ad Network Digital Display
The News & Observer invests over $200,000 in marketing support promoting Raleigh’s Best, driving participation and ensuring success for the community and local businesses.
How does it work?
During the nomination period, we invite our audience to nominate outstanding establishments and professionals in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Once our nominations are taken, we
will move them to a ballot for official voting. All nominations and voting will be done online at VoteRaleighsBest.com.
Request your complimentary asset kit that includes badges ready to be incorporated into your social media posts, website, and emails during the contest to encourage voting and engage your audience!