One of the Triangle’s top chefs is returning to Durham with a new restaurant
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chef Michael Lee will open M Hansik, a Korean fine‑dining restaurant in Durham.
- M Hansik will occupy the renovated 4,100 sq ft former Plum space at Wye Junction.
- The restaurant plans a May opening, joining other dining tenants at 501 Washington St.
One of the Triangle’s most acclaimed chefs will open a new restaurant in downtown Durham this year.
M Restaurants owner Michael Lee is opening the new M Hansik, a Korean concept moving into the former Plum space in Wye Junction.
Lee launched his restaurant empire in Durham, starting with the elegant and ambitious M Sushi a decade ago. He’s followed that up with the noodles and fried chicken spot M Kokko, the fry bar M Tempura, the Korean street food spot M Pocha, all in Durham. More recently he opened two restaurants in Cary, a larger M Sushi and M Test Kitchen, which became the grill spot M Izakaya.
Now the Korean-born chef returns to Durham with a new restaurant serving modern takes on traditional dishes from his home country.
“Durham has always been incredibly supportive of what we do,” said Lee in a news release. “When the opportunity came up at Wye Junction, it felt like the right place for the next chapter. The neighborhood has great energy, and we’re excited to create something that feels authentic to both the community and where I come from.”
M Hansik plans to open in May after a full renovation of the 4,100 square foot space. The name comes from the word for Korean cuisine, with Lee planning a fine dining menu of classic dishes.
The restaurant joins two other foodie spots in the development, Atomic Clock Brewing and a Durham location of DC’s Timber Pizza.
Lee’s collection of restaurants have become some of the most beloved in the Triangle, particularly M Sushi which is hailed as one of the region’s highest quality sushi bars.
The new M Hansik will be located at 501 Washington St., Suite C in Durham.
