Empire Eats

Empire Eats is the restaurant group behind a good part of downtown Raleigh’s dining, with an office on Fayetteville Street. It is chef-driven and openly dedicated to the city, and the aim is food, rooms and experiences that are good for the people who use them.

The group draws on the traditions its cooks grew up with while trying contemporary ideas in the kitchen. Gift cards work across the restaurants, and a newsletter keeps regulars posted. If you are eating downtown, there is a fair chance you are at one of theirs.

What to know

• The group’s restaurants include The Pit, Sitti, Gravy and The Mecca.
• The Raleigh Times, The Morning Times and The Pizza Times are also part of it.
• Private dining and special occasions can be hosted at the restaurants.
• Catering is handled through a separate Empire Eats catering arm.
• Donation requests and job openings are listed on the group’s website.