Where To Get Dinner Before a Show in the Triangle

Eat & Drink, Kids & Family

Spend an entire evening out on the town with a meal and nearby entertainment. Read on for inspiration for drinks, dinner or dessert to accompany your movie or theatre show in the Triangle, NC.

Compiled by Amanda MacLaren and Jessica Stringer

NanaSteak

This downtown Durham restaurant, owned by brothers Graham Weddington and Brad Weddington, is upscale dining at its finest with a menu chock-full of decadent entrees like fried calamari and seared salmon. NanaSteak is directly adjacent to the Durham Performing Arts Center, so go ahead and have that second glass of wine off its extensive list without worrying about missing showtime. Or, if your sweet tooth is aching, try the vanilla bean creme brulee before heading to your seat.

Dinner before a show in Durham NC — *Photo by John Michael Simpson*

Seraphine

The Weddington brothers’ second restaurant is located just steps away from NanaSteak at American Tobacco Campus. This Louisiana-style spot brings the heat with an abundance of creole flavors, from gumbo and beignets to elevated classics like the crawfish and shrimp croquettes.

Southern food in Durham NC — *Photo by John Michael Simpson*

Colletta

Dinner before a show in Cary NC — *Photo Courtesy of JNK Public Relations*

This Italian restaurant in Cary’s Fenton district is a modern and sophisticated space boasting sleek decor and an open kitchen, plus a 60-seat semi-covered patio. Executive chef Keyturah Yisrael offers a seasonal menu including house-made focaccia and pasta, made-to-order wood-fired pizzas and small plates. Try the mouthwatering beet doppio ravioli with goat cheese, pistachio, honey and brown butter, or the Bradford Farm’s charred okra. Dine family-style, or order a la carte. Save room for dessert, because pastry chef Helena Larson’s peanut and praline chocolate tart and tiramisu are sure to satisfy. Head to Fenton’s outdoor square after dinner to enjoy live musical performances, or catch a movie at the Paragon Theater.

Explore a variety of elevated Spanish dishes, plus an expansive list of Spanish and Portuguese wine, beer and cocktails, at Chapel Hill’s Próximo, located just minutes from the Carolina Performing Arts Center. Highlights of executive chef Chad Bourgeois’ menu include yellowfin tuna escabeche, Spanish anchovies, pork shoulder and caramelized key lime pie. Open nightly from 5-9 p.m., Próximo offers a pre-theater dinner special, which includes three tapas and one dessert for just $40.

Chapel Hill restaurants — *Photo by Anna Routh Barzin*

St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar

Shareables in Raleigh NC — *Photo by Anna Routh*

Indulge in fresh seafood and Southern-inspired dishes at St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar in Raleigh. Start your meal with a dozen of St. Roch’s signature oysters (go between 5 and 6 p.m. for “happy oysters,” a half dozen shucker’s choice raw oysters for $9) or try the smoked fish dip with bread-and-butter pickles and fried saltines. For something heartier, the Carolina calabash – a build-your-own fish fry that comes with pommes frites, fried pickles, garlic aioli, charred jalapeno and buttermilk dressing – is a must-try. After dinner, take a 10-minute walk to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts for a musical performance.

Looking for restaurants your kiddos will love? Check out our roundup of the Triangle’s top kid-friendly eats!