Maurer Architecture designs restaurants that celebrate the craft of food and the people who bring it to life. Our goal is to create spaces that support the rhythm of service while offering guests an experience that feels both intentional and inviting. From open-kitchen pasta rooms to cozy neighborhood spots, our
spaces are crafted to spotlight culinary creativity and delight guests. We've teamed up with celebrated chefs—including James Beard Award winners—to bring bold foodie visions to life. Whether transforming historic buildings or designing from the ground up, we blend functional flow with aesthetic flair so every meal feels both memorable and effortless. We are passionate about partnering with visionary chefs and restaurateurs who share our enthusiasm for crafting unforgettable dining experiences.
Peregrine
Mala Pata
Fiction Kitchen
Bhavana Fenton
State of Beer at The Bend
The Bend Bar
Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen
Purple Bowl
Figulina
Wolfe and Porter
Olivero
Ajja
Eastcut
Boulted Bread
Cheeni
Bright Spot Donuts
Seabird
Sam Jones BBQ
Union Special
Trophy on Morgan
Benchwarmers Bagels
La Dolce Vita Pizzeria
Death and Taxes
PEREGRINE
Raleigh, NC 2025
Peregrine – a bird known to migrate great distances. Chef Saif Rahman and Patrick Shanahan recently opened an iconic restaurant appropriately named after this fast-traveling falcon; creating a culinary destination right here in our local community.
Both Chef Rahman and Shanahan drew upon global influences that resonate throughout the restaurant’s design as well as its menu. Chef Rhaman draws inspiration from his grandmother’s cooking in Bangladesh as well as global influences from his childhood home in Queens and his wife’s Mexican heritage. Shanahan took a similar approach with the décor; leaning into inspiration from the architecture of Tulum, the fireplace cooking of Bangladesh and the mangrove forests of its coastline. From the food to the design, Rhaman and Shanahan were exquisitely intentional with every detail.
The glass exterior of the building allows the enchantment of the space to envelop you before you even step inside; with captivating views of beautiful archways and intricate lighting. And as soon as you walk through the front doors, you are transported. The walls inside are curved, creating a sense of movement and fluidity. The natural tones and textures instill a sense of warmth and comfort while the scent of global spices and flavors excite your senses.
Mark Terry Photography
Mala Pata
Raleigh, NC 2025
An abundance of natural light and rich terra cotta colors create a cozy yet exotic atmosphere. The main dining room is bright and open with niche pockets of seating throughout. And don’t forget that just around the corner you’ll find Peyote Mini-Bar. Follow the arrows towards the alley and when you reach the mural you know you’re in the right place! Peyote is a 10 seat agave-focused bar, tasting room, and also provides drink service for Mala Pata.
Photography by Mark Terry
fiction kitchen
Raleigh, NC 2025
Following a more than 10 year run on Dawson Street, this popular vegan and vegetarian friendly restaurant successfully relocated in May of this year. Vibrant pops of color and creative lighting provide a lively and playful atmosphere. A few items the new location boasts - the original bar top from Dawson Street.
Photography by Mark Terry
Bhavana Fenton
Raleigh, NC 2025
Photography by Mark Terry
State of Beer at The Bend
Raleigh, NC 2024
The downtown trio of houses affectionately known as ‘The Bend’ have been reimagined as home to the new State of Beer and The Bend Bar. Originally constructed as single-family residences in the early 1900’s, these buildings pack a lot into their small footprints!
State of Beer, located in the center of the three buildings, sells food, beverages, and bottles to go, while also offering indoor dining and seats at the bar. The space is warm and inviting, and the bar opens up to the outdoors with the ability to serve customers from multiple points. The addition of a large deck and roof canopy significantly increases the under-roof seating area for year-round enjoyment, and also connects to The Bend Bar next door.
Photography by Mark Terry
The Bend
Raleigh, NC 2024
The downtown trio of houses affectionately known as ‘The Bend’ have been reimagined as home to the new State of Beer and The Bend Bar. Originally constructed as single-family residences in the early 1900’s, these buildings pack a lot into their small footprints. The new outdoor canopy provides plenty of outdoor seating, while inside an inviting U-shaped bar is the focal point of the space. The bar is paneled in warm wood, with the overhead structure providing concealed storage for bottles and bar supplies. The atmosphere is lively and the space offers something for everyone- from open outdoor picnic tables to cozy indoor soft seating.
Photography by Mark Terry
Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen
Raleigh, NC 2024
Start your day...or end your day at Sir Walter Coffee + Kitchen. The Fayetteville Street location of Sir Walter, it's not just coffee anymore. Coffee + food + cocktails (and beers too). The owners wanted to create a warm "stay-a-while" vibe. We worked together to provide a variety of seating, both indoors and out, plus cozy nooks with comfy furniture, all brought together with warm colors and textures to make you feel welcome.
Photography by Mark Terry
Purple Bowl
Chapel Hill, NC, 2024
Purple Bowl has relocated! The beloved acai bowl and smoothie bar moved down the block to 505 W Franklin St in Chapel Hill. This building is best known as the former home of the Chapel Hill newspaper and later as TOPO Distillery.
The new location has a bright and cheery dining area with plenty of breathing room and tons of natural light. There’s also an expansive patio area which includes a walk up window where patrons can order without going inside (perfect for those visiting with doggos).
Photographed by: Mark Terry
FIGULINA
Raleigh, NC, 2024
Figulina Pasta & Provisions brings a fresh concept to the space that was once home to Humble Pie, continuing the building’s restaurant legacy. The central concept of the new design was converting a portion of the dining space into an open concept pasta room which serves as the hub of the kitchen, and also grants diners the opportunity to observe the pasta prep process. New lighting and a new color scheme throughout the restaurant gives this new eatery a new identity.
In addition to excellent cuisine this rehabbed warehouse space provides a warm, ambient atmosphere, guaranteeing a delightful dining experience.
Photographed by: Kyle Foreman Photography
Wolfe & Porter
Raleigh, NC, 2024
Some of you may remember 905 W. Morgan St as the dive bar Drink Drank Drunk and Atomic Salon; you also might recall the building was completely divided between the bar, the salon and the basement below. In 2021 the owners began re-envisioning the space and soon after the transformation was underway! Fast forward to today and the building now has a totally open floor plan that flows seamlessly between the upper and lower levels. The front patio was renovated and a spacious deck was added to the rear of the building.
While the space does flow from one level to the other, the building is home to 2 concepts under 1 roof. Wolfe & Porter encompasses the upper level and offers a more beer celebrated vibe while its lower level counterpart, Cellar Liquor Bar, leans more towards a cocktail driven menu. Each provides a satisfying array of options.
Photographed by: JR Photography
olivero
Wilmington, NC, 2023
Raleigh Chef Sunny Gerhart’s newest restaurant concept couples spectacular Spanish-Italian-New Orleans themed fare and stunning design.
This historic building was originally constructed in the 1940’s and operated as a grocery store and laundromat among other businesses over the years, and eventually sat vacant. Following years of planning, preserving and restoring, the space has found new purpose as a Wilmington culinary hot spot. With original storefront windows and 12-foot ceilings, the design concept was to work with the existing materials (including exposed masonry & steel beams) to create a warm and intimate dining experience.
One of the restaurant’s prominent features is a large open kitchen (including a wood-fired grill) lined with bar seating, inviting diners to view the culinary magic in action. The walls surrounding the kitchen and bar area are clad in bright zellige tile providing a complementary contrast to the hues throughout the restaurant.
Photographed by: Anna Routh Barzin Design Team Included: Kilt Creative
Ajja
Raleigh, NC, 2023
With a name stemming from the Hindu and Urdu word “come over”, this Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern restaurant offers amazing fare along with an intimate neighborhood vibe. A vibrant and warm atmosphere welcomes you and invites you in.
The cozy indoor bar and seating area meets an expansive covered patio providing ample seating options for al fresco diners. A large, u-shaped bar serves as the focal point of the outdoor space. Globe lights and colorful paper lanterns hang from the ceiling boosting the space’s alluring mood.
Ajja’s downtown adjacent location presents visitors with a backyard view of the Raleigh skyline.
Photographed by: JR Photography
Eastcut
Raleigh, NC, 2023
Eastcut Sandwich Bar has a new location! After gaining popularity in Durham over the past 5 years, the owners decided to share their mouthwatering menu with the Raleigh community - opening a 2nd location at Raleigh Iron Works. The new spot offers ~1,200 sq ft of dining space, with a covered front porch and open side yard providing an abundance of outdoor seating.
With a philosophy of cultivating Sandwich Utopia coupled with approachable design…it’s no surprise this sandwich shop’s popularity has snowballed. The owners wanted to keep the same good vibes going in the new location and the finished product does not disappoint!
Photographed by: JR Photography
Boulted Bread
Raleigh, NC, 2023
This adaptive re-use project transformed an existing 4,600 sq ft warehouse building into a bakery and cafe retail space. One of the primary design goals was maintaining Boulted Bread’s ingrained family and friends vibe.
A 30-foot counter built from reclaimed lumber separates the baking from the seating, and showcases the day’s baked treats. Behind the counter you’ll find a large, handmade bread rack presenting the day’s loaves. An enclosed mill room supports the creation of in-house milled flour, and the new oven can bake up to 120 loaves at one time. In front of the counter is a seating area of thrifted and vintage pieces that accommodates up to a couple dozen people - from friendly-faced regulars to newcomers alike.
Photographed by: JR Photography Design Team Included: Oak City Customs
Cheeni
Raleigh, NC, 2022
The future of food and hospitality requires innovation and creativity. Cheeni Indian Food Emporium delivers on this, offering unique dining experiences for guests. Located in Falls River Shopping Center, Cheeni offers cooking classes, grab and go fare, and tiffin (traditional Indian snacks), all crafted by Chef Preeti Waas.
Photographed by: JR Photography
Bright Spot Donuts
Raleigh, NC, 2022
Bright Spot Donuts in Five Points! The existing 800 sf building was previously an office for an old 15-car garage, which was later demolished.
The building is compact, but full of color and natural light. With a creative menu and coffee program, the focal points of the space are the espresso machine and the custom donut glazing wall.
Photographed by: JR Photography
Seabird
Wilmington, NC, 2021
1 S Front St. is the new home of Seabird restaurant in downtown Wilmington. The space came together beautifully with incredibly intentional design elements. The new storefront was reconstructed based on historic photos and includes a custom prismatic glass transom crafted by a local artisan.
In 2021 Seabird won a Historic Wilmington Foundation Preservation Award. The foundation's mission is to preserve and protect the irreplaceable historic resources of Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear region. We are honored to receive the award for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of this 1920 Italianate beauty, now restored to its former glory.
Photographed by: Keith Isaacs Photo Design Team Included: Smith Hanes Studio
Sam Jones BBQ
Raleigh, NC , 2020
After getting its start in Winterville, NC in 2015, Sam Jones BBQ opened its second location in February of 2021 off of Lenoir St in downtown Raleigh. The downstairs was designed to create seamless flow from the order counter into the seating areas. Check out the hand installed firewood wall located under the stairwell. Upstairs you’ll find The Dewberry Room, an event space available to reserve for meetings and gatherings with catering packages to choose from. The “Dusty’s Open” sign located in the event area was saved from the original building which was previously an auto repair shop.
You can also spot Sam Jones BBQ on Southern Living’s “The South’s Top 50 Barbecue Joints” list!
Photographed by: Keith Isaacs Photo
Union Special
Raleigh, NC, 2019
This bright and happy space located in Gateway Plaza is home to Union Special. A bakery using locally sourced flour from Lindley Mills in Graham, NC and serving up bread and pastry that’s indicative of Eastern North Carolina. The cafe menu is constantly updating and offering delicious breakfast, lunch, and brunch dishes.
Photographed by: JR Photography
Trophy Brewing & Pizza
Raleigh, NC, 2019
We partnered with the Trophy team back in 2012 to bring you the original Trophy Brewing on Morgan Street. Over the last ten years they outgrew that smaller brewery, and this building evolved into Trophy Brewing & Pizza as we know it today.
In 2019 the building was renovated to expand the patio seating (including a new awning), increase indoor dining, and provide a new kitchen. An addition was put on the front of the building to house feeders / additional dining space as well as a green roof above, and 100+ solar panels on the existing roof.
Photographed by: JR Photography
Benchwarmers Bagels and Coffee
Raleigh, NC, 2018
Located in the historic Transfer Company Food Hall in downtown Raleigh, the Benchwarmers space is warm, approachable, bright, and comfortable. The large front bar provides ample space for the making of coffee and specialty espresso drinks, while the kitchen is carefully organized around a large central wood burning oven.
La Dolce Vita Pizzeria
Sanford, NC, 2018
Historic Preservation project
Death and Taxes
Raleigh, NC, 2015
Built in 1909, this historic building was originally home to the HJ Brown Coffin House, and later the Raleigh Industrial Bank. James Goodnight purchased the property in 2012, and Maurer Architecture began the three year design and renovation process. The building was recently completed, and is now home to a restaurant, bar, and event space. Death and Taxes was awarded a Sir Walter Raleigh Award for Historic Preservation.
Photographed by: Keith Isaacs Photo