Get a table for two at one of these restaurants in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough and Pittsboro – you’re sure to leave with an expanded palette and lasting memories.
The Fearrington House Restaurant
This fine dining restaurant nestled in Fearrington Village is perfect for a night out. Known for its superb service, seasonal menus and specialty desserts, The Fearrington House Restaurant partners with local farmers to craft fresh, inspired dishes for its guests. Choose from the prix fixe, chef’s tasting or vegetarian tasting menus, all with special courses and the option to add wine pairings. Main course options on the spring prix fixe menu, for example, included beef tenderloin, jumbo white asparagus with confit egg yolk or golden tilefish. The bar also provides the perfect atmosphere for a pre- or post-dinner drink in elegant surroundings.
Bombolo
This eatery in the “Southern Part of Heaven” was named North Carolina’s Restaurant of the Year by Eater for its delectable mains, handmade pasta and decadent desserts. The small restaurant plays host to bold flavors, like its Rigatoni all’Amatriciana with pecorino and lardons, or a halfrack of lamb with a cumin crust, asparagus and ramp puree, roast chanterelles and a white Bordeaux demi-glace. Finish your meal off with its namesake dessert, the bombolo, with chocolate mousse, hazelnut pralines and
whipped cream.
Angus Barn
Consider this steakhouse in Raleigh the granddaddy of all popular celebration spots in the Triangle. The restaurant’s rustic yet elegant interior boasts warm wood paneling, cozy fireplaces and classic decor, creating an inviting atmosphere. The menu features an impressive selection of aged cuts of beef, including filet mignon, rib-eye and prime rib, as well as seafood dishes such as lobster tail and salmon. Its award-winning extensive wine list, with thousands upon thousands of bottles in its collection, is one of a kind – and the wine cellar itself is something to behold. With private lounges, fire pits and mouthwatering dishes, the Angus Barn is always an ideal choice to mark a momentous occasion.
Kipos Greek Taverna
Tucked away in a lush, green corner of Eastgate Crossing in Chapel Hill, this Greek restaurant means “garden” in Greek. It’s a perfect place to celebrate a big birthday or hold a small rehearsal dinner – the party packages feature items like spanakopita, grilled octopus and moussaka served family style.
Krill
Colorful lanterns and a lush bamboo and shiso garden create a lively outdoor oasis at Krill – a signature aesthetic of Giorgios Hospitality & Lifestyle Group restaurants. The fanciful decor pairs well with Southeast Asian street food-inspired plates, creative beverages and an extensive sake collection to create an immersive alfresco dining experience. Split a whole fish served with pineapple ensalada or share smaller dishes like the refreshing green papaya and mango salad paired with Asian fusion cocktails like the lychee martini and Thai tea caipirinha. Krill is conveniently situated near the Durham Performing Arts Center and adjacent to The Fruit, making the patio an ideal setting to fuel up before a show. Before venturing outside, soak in the indoor dining area’s youthful ambiance and captivating murals by local artist Arianne Hemlein, and savor the unique “Far East funk” at this more recent addition to Giorgios Bakatsias’ culinary repertoire.
Postal Fish Company
Head to Postal Fish Company on Salisbury Street in Pittsboro for delicious seafood served up inside a renovated mid-century modern post office. Chef Bill Hartley ensures the restaurant’s rotating menu of dishes featuring fish and shellfish are hand selected from the most trusted fishermen in the South Atlantic; each meal is served with a rotating menu of classic Southern sides like hushpuppies and grits.
Vin Rouge
The atmosphere of this Durham bistro is ideal for a simple yet sophisticated French meal. Classic white tablecloths and black-and-white photos contrast with myriad red accents, creating an ambiance of classic Parisian refinery. Or, enjoy your meal on the lush patio. The flavors are also a reflection of bistro-style cooking with traditional dishes like escargot, steak frites and fruits de mer, perfect for a night out for two.
Annexe
Annexe, an intimate basement bar that compliments the vibe of its upstairs sister bar and restaurant, Bar Virgile, now offers a late-night menu – everything from small plates to a full vegetable menu to more substantial options like Bar Virgile’s renowned burger – served till 9 p.m. to accompany its mix of beats and bevies. It’s open Mondays through Thursdays from 6 p.m. to midnight and until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Follow Justin Laidlaw and Eliza Mathew’s example, and get a little nosh and a couple vibrant, tropical cocktails before hitting the dance floor with your other half.
Crossroads Chapel Hill
Known for its gracious hospitality, the 100-year-old The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill is adjacent to UNC’s campus. Its top-notch care extends into the dining room, where you’ll find seasonal specialties like a grilled beef tenderloin with asparagus, Vidalia onion potato gratin and bordelaise sauce, and beer from Carolina Brewery, just down the road. Make plans to catch a Carolina Performing Arts show at Current Art Space + Studio or Memorial Hall, each just a block away, before returning to the inn for a nightcap.
NanaSteak
This downtown Durham restaurant is upscale dining at its finest with a menu chock-full of decadent entrees like prime ribeye and 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.
Market and Moss
Split a charcuterie plate and bottle of wine or enjoy the fresh catch of the day at this refined restaurant in Chapel Hill’s Southern Village. The menu changes daily, and it is just steps away from the Southern Village Green, where outdoor concerts and movies run late into the evening on most Saturday nights. Bring a blanket or folding chair – there’s not a bad seat in the house!
The Fiction Kitchen
Seasoned and sauteed vegetables get the star treatment at this totally vegan restaurant. The flavorful main courses vary from a Carolina Gold rice risotto with peas and seasonal squash to (mock) chicken and waffles. It’s a short walk away from Red Hat Amphitheater, so you won’t miss a minute of your outdoor concert.
Herons
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to dress up for dinner, look no further than Herons’ 98-seat dining room, which boasts a private art collection and sumptuous views of The Umstead Hotel and Spa’s grounds and gardens. The four-course menu is seasonal and features artfully plated options like strawberry gazpacho, scallop with poached leeks and salmon with grilled cucumber. The wine list spans the globe while beer lovers will find local brews like Backspin IPA from Raleigh’s R&D Brewing to complement your meal.
Counting House
Bourbon and whiskey dominate the drink menu at this swanky hotel restaurant in the heart of downtown Durham. Executive chef Jeff Seizer provides playful courses with simple preparations utilizing old-school European techniques – you’ll find pastas and grilled mains and enjoy them in a sophisticated setting. The 21c Museum Hotel doubles as a museum so when you’re done with dinner, check out the exhibits (the newest, “Truth or Dare: A Reality Show,” which highlights confusion of reality and the slippery slide into alternative worlds of alternative facts, is on view through March 2024) and explore the former bank vault in the basement.
The Willard Rooftop Lounge
Located atop the AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown, The Willard has gorgeous views of downtown Raleigh and then some. With two heated outdoor terraces, there’s plenty of room to savor a creative cocktail – the “I’m On a Boat!,” for instance, is made with Durham Distillery’s Conniption Navy Strength Gin, St-Germain and house-made triple sec and fruit punch. Food-wise, the menu takes on international inspirations for its shareables, from papas bravas to bulgogi steamed buns, and features a variety of flatbreads, burgers and seafood-inspired dishes.
Spencer’s Tavern
Recently restored, The Colonial Inn’s kitchen serves BLTs and hot roast beef sandwiches all day long and offers entrees like filet mignon in the evening. Sit at the plush banquette and have a drink – the menu is full of Hillsborough-inspired cocktails, like the aptly named “Orange County,” with bourbon and orange liqueur. Or if the weather is nice, sit awhile on the welcoming historic porch.
