Top Restaurants for Valentine's Day in Raleigh 

Are you wanting to make reservations for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner in Raleigh, NC? Here are ten great restaurants in Raleigh that are perfect for Valentine's Day! 

Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on February 14th and is considered a day of love and affection. While the significance of Valentine's Day varies from person to person, most often, people celebrate it by sending flowers and chocolates to loved ones, spending time with friends and family, and taking a significant other out to dinner. 

Popular in the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, and other countries worldwide, Valentine's Day is a time to embrace romance and express feelings of love, friendship, and admiration. The first recorded holiday celebration was in 496 AD, but in modern times, many adults view Valentine's Day as a day to exchange expensive gifts and make special date night plans. 

If you live in Raleigh and are planning a Valentine's Day surprise for a loved one, many restaurants in the area are perfect for a cozy and intimate dinner. 

Check out these Raleigh restaurants for Valentine's Day 

1. The Oak Raleigh 

Address: 4035 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607

Hours: 11 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM and 10 PM Friday, 4 PM to 10 PM Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM Sunday, and closed Monday 

Phone Number: (919) 787-9100

Cuisine Type: New American 

Price Point: $$

The Oak Raleigh is a scratch kitchen and bourbon bar in Raleigh known for its delicious New American plates, industrial atmosphere, and friendly staff. A great place to dine on Valentine's Day, this restaurant is perfect for date night because it provides an outstanding dining experience for guests. 

Founded in 2014, reservations are required in advance to eat here. All dishes are made using seasonal produce and fresh ingredients. Serving lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, The Oak Raleigh features an extensive selection of bourbons, spirits, and tasty cocktails. You can make reservations for Valentine's Day online through RESY or by contacting the restaurant directly. 

2. Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern 

Address: 330 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 

Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday 

Phone Number: (919) 829-3663 

Cuisine Type: Elegant American 

Price Point: $50 to $100 

Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is a unique dining experience in Downtown Raleigh since it is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in the area. This Elegant American restaurant is located in the beautifully restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, an 1879 Second-Empire house in Raleigh. 

You'll need reservations in advance to dine here because of limited seating capacity, especially on Valentine's Day and other holidays. The main dinner menu changes frequently with the seasons; all desserts are prepared every morning, and all bread is baked fresh daily.

Combining history with outstanding food and a welcoming atmosphere, it is no wonder that Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern is considered one of the best places to eat in the Raleigh area. 

3. Stanbury 

Address: 938 N Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 

Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Tuesday through Thursday and 5 PM to 11 PM Friday and Saturday 

Phone Number: (919) 977-4321 

Cuisine Type: American 

Price Point: $50 to $100 

Make reservations with your loved one this Valentine's Day at Stanbury, a popular New American restaurant known for its adventurous and innovative menu. Specializing in small plates and tasty entrees, all menu items use seasonal ingredients. Offering craft cocktails and indoor and outdoor seating, the Stanbury has an enjoyable atmosphere and excellent service. 

The Stanbury is a go-to spot for dinner and drinks in the quiet Mordecai neighborhood, a great place to raise a family. The menu changes daily due to local and seasonal ingredient availability and offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-friendly options. Featuring an extensive bourbon and scotch collection, a lengthy wine list, and a rotating draft beer selection, make sure to order a drink with your meal. 

4. Barcelona Wine Bar 

Address: 430 W Martin Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 

Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM Monday through Friday and 11 AM to 12 AM Saturday and Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 808-5400

Cuisine Type: Spanish 

Price Point: $30 to $50 

Barcelona Wine Bar is a Spanish tapas bar with a Raleigh location. It features a changing menu of small plates made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Offering a warm and rustic atmosphere, this is a great place to share dishes and try new foods. 

Located inside The Dillon apartment building in Downtown Raleigh, Barcelona Wine Bar offers an award-winning selection of wines from Spain and South America. Its wine list is approved by Star Wine List, meaning it is recognized as one of the best wine bars and restaurants. It features both inside and outside seating, so make a reservation today. 

5. Angus Barn 

Address: 9401 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617 

Hours: 5 PM to 9:30 PM Monday through Friday and 4 PM to 9:30 PM Saturday and Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 781-2444

Cuisine Type: Steakhouse 

Price Point: $50 to $100 

Angus Barn is a well-known and unique Raleigh restaurant and steakhouse popular year-round. It features a barn-like setting and award-winning food. First established in 1960, the barn is an iconic upscale restaurant with private dining tables, banquet rooms, two private event venues, a wine cellar, a Wild Turkey lounge, and a cigar bar. 

A popular wedding venue and perfect for any occasion, Angus Barn is frequented on Valentine's Day. This restaurant offers an extensive menu of appetizers, aged steaks, seafood, salads, sides, desserts, and craft cocktails. Providing the perfect combination of Southern hospitality and incredible food, reservations need to be made in advance to ensure that your party will have a table. 

6. Flavor Hills 

Address: 319 Fayetteville Street, Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27601 

Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 11 AM to 12 AM Friday, 10 AM to 12 AM Saturday, and 10 AM to 11 PM Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday 

Phone Number: (919) 615-1338

Cuisine Type: Southern 

Price Point: $$

If you want a laid-back dining experience for Valentine's Day, look no further than Flavor Hills. This counter-serv

ice restaurant has a location in Downtown Raleigh and is known for serving modern Southern comfort food. Serving brunch with bottomless mimosas and a dinner menu full of burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, steak, and pasta dishes, there are many things to choose from. 

With a mantra of Eat, Laugh, and Drink, Flavor Hills is an ideal place to relax and enjoy good food with loved ones. Providing a contemporary twist on southern cuisine, all dishes use fresh and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. 

7. Flour and Barrel 

Address: 400 W North Street, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27603 

Hours: 4 PM to 12 AM Monday and Tuesday, 11 AM to 2:30 PM and 4 PM to 12 AM Wednesday through Saturday, and 4 PM to 10 PM Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 322-5638

Cuisine Type: Italian 

Price Point: $30 to $50 

Flour and Barrel is a newer restaurant in Downtown Raleigh specializing in Italian small plates and artisanal cocktails. The atmosphere is incredibly intimate and cozy, making it an ideal spot for a Valentine's Day date night. With outstanding service and delicious Italian cuisine, try new dishes and share plates of tasty pasta, salads, chicken parmesan, and meatballs. 

All plates are cooked inside a live-fire oven, which adds to the overall dining experience. To finish your meal, order the panna cotta or tiramisu for dessert. If you plan a night out, make a reservation online or by calling the restaurant. 

8. Crawford and Son 

Address: 618 N Person Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 

Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday and closed Sunday and Monday 

Phone Number: (919) 307-4647

Cuisine Type: American 

Price Point: $50 to $100 

Crawford and Son is a popular dinner spot serving modern American food and comfort plates, making this the perfect restaurant for a date night or special occasion. Located in the Historic Oakwood community, a family-friendly and walkable neighborhood, Crawford and Son is considered casual yet elegant, with tasty food full of flavor. 

Established in 2016, Crawford and Son offers a broad menu and a selection of craft cocktails. Its special Valentine's Day menu includes a four-course tasting menu for $150 per person and an optional wine pairing for an additional $90. There is no better place to celebrate love with good food and conversation. 

9. Margaux's Restaurant

Address: 8111 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 27613 

Hours: 5 PM to 8:30 PM Monday through Thursday, 5 PM to 9 PM Friday and Saturday, and closed Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 846-9846

Cuisine Type: Fine Dining 

Price Point: $30 to $50 

Margaux's Restaurant is a lively fine dining establishment in the Brennan Station shopping center in Raleigh. Specializing in a global menu, this is the ultimate destination dining experience for new and exciting dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Winning the Triangle Restaurant of the Year award in 2019, Chef Andrew Pettifer brings his international experience to the kitchen and has helped transform the menu into what it is today. 

Featuring a Valentine's Day Weekend Prix Fixe menu on February 14th and 15th, make reservations between 5 PM and 9 PM to secure your spot. This Valentine's Day dinner special is $100 per person. 

10. Madre 

Address: 518 N West Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 

Hours: 4 PM to 11 PM Monday through Thursday, 4 PM to 12 PM Friday and Saturday, and 11 AM to 10 PM Sunday 

Phone Number: (919) 594-1871

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean 

Price Point: $50 to $100 

Madre is a Spanish tapas destination in Raleigh specializing in small plates for sharing, wine, cocktails, and weekend brunch. First opened in 2023, Madre's intimate and inviting atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for couples and friends. Perfect for a night out or a space to celebrate, Raleigh residents love Madre for its menu offerings and excellent customer service. 

Featuring a broad menu of cocktails, wine, and beer and delicious dishes, including Calabrian Chicken, Roasted Cauliflower, Risotto, and Carne; there are many things on the menu that everyone will enjoy.  It is guaranteed that Madre will become your next favorite restaurant. 

FAQs 

What is the most common Valentine's Day meal? 

Steak is the most popular Valentine's Day meal choice and is often served with a side like potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a salad. Other classic meal choices include pasta dishes and comfort foods. 

What is the best time for Valentine's Day dinner? 

While there is no right time to enjoy dinner on Valentine's Day, the busiest dinner hours fall between 6 PM and 9 PM, and 7 PM is the most popular time for reservations. If you are making reservations and want to avoid large crowds, you can just aim to dine either before 6 PM or after 9 PM. 

How much is the average Valentine's Day dinner? 

The average dining cost on Valentine's Day is $121, including the meal's price and a tip. Due to inflation and higher food costs, the average price of Valentine's Day dinner has increased 75% over the past five years. 

Methodology 

Data and information were sourced from the Raleigh News and Observer, Encyclopedia Britannica, National Public Radio, and local Raleigh restaurants to help determine the best restaurants in Raleigh for Valentine's Day.

Best Restaurants For Valentine's Day in Raleigh, NC - Final Thoughts 

From fine dining to tapas bars, many excellent restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina, offer the perfect ambiance and menu items to make Valentine's Day memorable with loved ones. Some restaurants in the Triangle even offer prix fixe menus with multiple courses to make the night even more amazing. 

If you are moving to Raleigh and want to learn more about the dining scene and what life is like in the area, contact the Real Estate Experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your dream home in the beautiful city of Raleigh.