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.
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 fried oysters to elevated classics like the crawfish and shrimp croquettes.
Colletta
This Italian restaurant at Cary’s Fenton district is a modern and sophisticated space boasting sleek décor 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-toorder wood-fired pizzas and piatti. Try the mouthwatering ravioli with spinach, ricotta and crispy artichokes, or the new potatocrusted grouper. Dine family-style, or order à la carte. Save room for dessert, because pastry chef Helena Larson’s triple chocolate mousse torte and tiramisu are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Head to Fenton’s outdoor square after dinner to enjoy Fenton Live, a monthly live music event. Or catch a movie at the Paragon Theater, located just steps away from Colletta.
Próximo
Explore a variety of elevated Spanish dishes, including 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. Executive chef Chad Bourgeois‘s menu is highlighted with truly special items, from yellowfin tuna escabeche and Spanish anchovies to pork ribs and caramelized custard. This delectable Orange County spot, open every night from 5-9 p.m., now offers a pre-theater dinner special, which includes three tapas (small Spanish appetizers traditionally served with drinks) and one dessert for just $40.
St. Roch Fine Oysters + Bar
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 early between 5 and 6 p.m. for “happy oysters,” a half dozen shucker’s choice raw oysters) 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!
