Long-awaited restaurant from stars of the Triangle’s dining scene opens soon
Years after it was first announced, one of the most anticipated restaurants in the Triangle is about to open.
The new Raleigh concept, Mala Pata, is a collaboration among several of the area’s biggest names in hospitality: Angela Salamanca and Marshall Davis of Centro, Gallo Pelón, Ex-Voto and Patty Boy, and Eric Montagne and Zack Gragg of Locals Seafood and Standard Beer + Food.
And while diners may see or feel some similarities between Mala Pata and the other institutions the co-owners have in their portfolio, this new establishment is expected to be unique, Salamanca told The News & Observer.
“This is a collaborative process and a collective of different folks. So I think that the product will be different just because of that,” she said.
Connected to Mala Pata, but with its own entrance and atmosphere, is Peyote, a seven-seat walk-up bar serving beer, wine and craft cocktails. Together, the concepts span about 5,500 square feet.
Mala Pata has gradually been introducing itself to the community through a series of pop-ups around the area, and Triangle diners have been gobbling it up.
But now the co-owners have announced an opening date of Wednesday, May 14, for the brick-and-mortar at Raleigh’s Gateway Plaza at 2431 Crabtree Blvd.
What’s on the menu at Mala Pata?
The star of the show is masa made from heirloom corn. Mala Pata will produce it the same way it’s been done in Mexico for thousands of years: cooked, soaked and ground in a process called nixtamalization.
That masa will be featured in tacos, flautas, enchiladas and other plates.
Another menu highlight is inspired by one of the co-owners’ favorite dishes from Mexico City’s Contramar, a Michelin-recognized restaurant: shareable, grilled and butterflied whole fish seasoned with salsa verde and salsa roja, served with fresh tortillas, pickled onions, sauces and a mango slaw.
The menu will also have a nod to North Carolina, with a Cheerwine-spiked mole.
Speaking of drinks, Mala Pata and Peyote customers will find an extensive selection of agave spirits featured in unique takes on an old-fashioned, Paloma, and mezcal mule.
“The vibe at Peyote is a little looser and off the cuff,” Davis said in a press release. “I wanted to mimic the feel of my favorite little mezcalerias in midtown Oaxaca and embrace the energy that comes with small, quirky spaces.”
Final Mala Pata pop-up
Before opening for dinner (and later, lunch and weekend brunch), Mala Pata is hosting one final pop-up experience — a Cinco de Mayo event.
It will be 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 5, hosted at Natural Science, Mala Pata’s neighbor, at 2409 Crabtree Blvd., Suite 126.
Visitors will find chips and salsa, flautas, shrimp and pork tacos and chicken wings, with prices ranging from $5 to $16.
Starting May 14, Mala Pata’s hours will be 5-10 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Peyote will also be open 5-11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.
This story was originally published May 5, 2025 at 11:59 AM.
