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Fine Dining in Raleigh
Are you looking for the best fine dining restaurants in Raleigh, NC? Here are the top 10 restaurants for upscale dining in Raleigh!
Whether you are celebrating a milestone anniversary, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply seeking an elevated dining experience, Raleigh's fine dining scene delivers memorable meals crafted by award-winning chefs who champion local ingredients and innovative techniques.
As the capital city continues to evolve into one of the nation's most vibrant urban centers, its dining scene has blossomed alongside it, offering an impressive array of fine dining establishments that rival those found in much larger metropolitan areas.
From historic establishments that have defined elegance for generations to contemporary hotspots pushing culinary boundaries, the city offers diverse options that cater to every palate and occasion.
One of Raleigh's most significant characteristics is its wide variety of cuisine. Our list encapsulates all types of cuisine, from American steakhouses to Southern-style restaurants.
If you live in Raleigh or are visiting, this guide explores ten of Raleigh's premier fine dining destinations, each offering unique atmospheres, exceptional service, and cuisine that showcases why the city has become a nationally recognized food destination.
Check out these best fine dining establishments in Raleigh
1. Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
Address: 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Housed in the stunning Dodd-Hinsdale House, a Victorian-era mansion built in 1879, Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern offers an experience where history and haute cuisine converge.
The restaurant's name comes from the building's distinctive Second Empire mansard roof, a hallmark of French architectural influence that sets the tone for the elegant dining experience within.
Located in downtown Raleigh, this may be your next go-to spot for special occasions, including Valentine's Day dinner. It offers impeccable service, top-notch cuisine, and an elegant atmosphere.
The restaurant features multiple dining spaces, including intimate rooms on the mansion's first floor and a more casual tavern atmosphere on the lower level, each space thoughtfully designed to enhance your dining experience.
The menu changes regularly to reflect the best of what local farms and purveyors have to offer, ensuring that each visit reveals new flavors while maintaining the restaurant's signature commitment to excellence.
The wine program is equally impressive, with an extensive selection curated to complement the sophisticated menu. The impeccable service, stunning architecture, and consistently exceptional food make it ideal for once-in-a-lifetime celebrations or when you want to impress guests with Raleigh's finest.
2. The Angus Barn
Address: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617
If you live in Raleigh, at least it would be hard to believe that you have yet to hear about this iconic Raleigh restaurant. The Angus Barn brings the concept of a traditional American Steakhouse and elevates it to the next level.
Since opening its iconic red barn doors in 1960, The Angus Barn has been a Raleigh institution and one of the highest-grossing independent restaurants in the United States.
Located off Glenwood Avenue, this sprawling steakhouse serves approximately 20,000 steaks each month, yet never feels like a production line. Beyond steaks, the menu features fresh seafood, North Carolina-grown vegetables, and their famous BBQ ribs.
The Angus Barn experience extends beyond the main dining room. The Wild Turkey Lounge offers a more casual atmosphere with a lighter menu and an impressive spirits selection, while the Meat Locker provides a unique cigar lounge experience. The Pavilion at Angus Barn is also a popular wedding venue.
The restaurant's wine cellar is one of the largest in North Carolina, holding over 25,000 bottles and featuring rare selections that have earned the restaurant multiple Wine Spectator Grand Awards.
From the complimentary cheese and crackers served at every table to the award-winning chocolate chess pie for dessert, every detail reflects over 60 years of commitment to quality and hospitality.
If you can wait until the holiday season, this is truly a spectacular place to enjoy a nice meal. The lighting and festive decor warm the unique and beautiful space and make the holidays feel much more special.
3. Rey's Restaurant
Address: 1130 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Rey's Restaurant brings elegant simplicity to Raleigh. The restaurant's contemporary American menu focuses on seasonal ingredients prepared with classic French technique, resulting in dishes that are both familiar and elevated.
The menu showcases high-quality proteins, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables, all prepared with attention to detail and beautiful presentation. The wine list is carefully curated to complement the menu, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide selections.
4. The Capital Grille
Address: 4242 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
The Capital Grille brings nationally recognized excellence to the city's fine dining landscape in the North Hills neighborhood in Raleigh.
While part of a respected restaurant group, this location maintains the company's reputation for impeccable service, exceptional steaks, and a refined atmosphere that makes every occasion feel special.
The restaurant is renowned for its dry-aged steaks, which are aged in-house for 18 to 24 days before being hand-cut by their expert butchers. This meticulous aging process develops deep, complex flavors that distinguish The Capital Grille's beef from others.
The Capital Grille's beef from others. Beyond steaks, the menu features fresh seafood, including lobster and sushi-grade tuna, prepared with the same attention to detail.
The wine collection is impressive, with more than 350 selections from prestigious wine regions around the world. The sommeliers are knowledgeable and approachable.
Dining at The Capital Grille is ideal for business dinners, milestone celebrations, or any occasion when you want guaranteed quality and service.
5. Crawford and Son
Address: 618 N Person St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Located in Raleigh's historic Oakwood neighborhood, Crawford and Son is one of the best fine dining establishments in the city.
Their carefully crafted menu seamlessly transfers to their carefully crafted and artistically designed food. Not only is the presentation breathtaking, but the food is delicious.
The seasonal menu showcases dishes like crispy catfish with potato-leek chowder, pork cheeks with aged white cheddar grits, and beef short rib with Parmesan sweet potatoes
The restaurant is also a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Hospitality, reflecting Crawford's commitment to making every guest feel valued and welcome.
The dining room strikes a perfect balance between casual and elegant, with a sophisticated yet comfortable atmosphere that invites lingering over a leisurely meal.
6. Sullivan's Steakhouse
Address: 410 Glenwood Ave #100, Raleigh, NC 27603
Sullivan's Steakhouse brings classic American steakhouse elegance to Raleigh with a commitment to quality that has made it a reliable choice for special occasions and business dinners.
The restaurant's timeless atmosphere features rich wood tones, comfortable leather seating, and an energy that makes every meal feel like a celebration.
The menu focuses on expertly prepared steaks, with prime cuts cooked to perfection and served alongside classic sides like creamed spinach, loaded baked potatoes, and macaroni and cheese.
Fresh seafood options, including lobster tail and jumbo lump crab cakes, provide excellent alternatives for non-beef eaters. The appetizer selection features steakhouse classics like shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad prepared tableside.
The extensive wine list features selections from premier wine regions, with knowledgeable staff ready to recommend the perfect pairing for your meal.
Sullivan's live music in the bar area adds an extra dimension to the experience, with jazz performers creating a sophisticated soundtrack that enhances the upscale ambiance.
7. Vinnie's Steakhouse and Tavern
Address: 7440 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
Vinnie's Steakhouse and Tavern offers an upscale yet approachable take on the classic steakhouse concept. The restaurant combines quality ingredients, skillful preparation, and genuine hospitality to create a dining experience that feels both special and comfortable.
The menu features prime steaks prepared to your specifications, along with fresh seafood, creative appetizers, and indulgent sides that complement the main courses. The tavern atmosphere adds a touch of casual warmth to the fine dining experience.
Whether you're settling in at the bar for drinks and appetizers or enjoying a full meal in the dining room, the atmosphere remains consistently welcoming and refined.
8. Death & Taxes
Address: 105 W Hargett St, Raleigh, NC 27601
From James Beard Award-winning Chef Ashley Christensen, Death and Taxes showcases the primal art of wood-fire cooking in a sophisticated downtown setting.
The restaurant occupies a beautifully restored early 20th-century building that once housed a funeral home and later a bank. Hence, the clever name that pays homage to both former tenants and Benjamin Franklin's famous quote.
From roasted oysters with preserved lemon and chili butter to perfectly grilled steaks and seasonal vegetables, the wood-fired cooking technique adds depth and complexity to every plate. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonal availability.
Death and Taxes represents Ashley Christensen's evolution into fine dining territory, bringing her signature commitment to quality and hospitality to a more elevated setting. The extensive wine list, housed in a former bank vault in the basement, features thoughtful selections from around the world.
9. Margaux's Restaurant
Address: 8111 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
Margaux's Restaurant has established itself as a premier destination for fine dining in Raleigh, offering an ever-changing menu crafted from the freshest local produce sourced from farmers' markets and the highest quality ingredients.
The restaurant prides itself on offering exciting new dishes that showcase global influences while remaining rooted in excellent technique and quality ingredients.
The menu features both exceptional steakhouse offerings and superb seafood preparations, ensuring that every guest finds something extraordinary regardless of their preferences.
The impeccable service reflects the restaurant's commitment to making every dining experience memorable, with staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and genuinely invested in guests' enjoyment.
10. Stanbury
Address: 938 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604
One of Raleigh's most talked-about restaurants, Stanbury has quickly established itself as a must-visit destination for serious food enthusiasts.
The restaurant has been mentioned by food critics as a potential Michelin star contender when the prestigious guide expands to the Triangle area.
The menu at Stanbury features dishes that surprise and delight in equal measure. From char-kissed grilled peaches with creamy feta to savory watermelon salad that eats like a main course, each plate turns familiar ingredients into something extraordinary.
The carefully curated wine program and creative cocktails round out an experience that feels both special and approachable.
Methodology
Factors such as menu items, pricing, and awards and reviews were considered when determining the best fine dining restaurants in Raleigh, NC.
FAQs
Does North Carolina have any Michelin Star restaurants?
At the moment, North Carolina does not have any Michelin Star restaurants. While there are no current Michelin Stars in the state yet, many restaurants and chefs in Raleigh have earned prestigious awards, including the James Beard Foundation Award.
What food is Raleigh famous for?
Raleigh has an award-winning culinary scene that is best known for its traditional southern food, including fried chicken and North Carolina-style barbecue.
Best Fine Dining in Raleigh - Final Thoughts
The fine dining scene in Raleigh is exceptional and reflects the city's commitment to quality, creativity, and hospitality. These establishments have helped put Raleigh on the national culinary map, earning recognition from prestigious organizations.
As you explore the possibility of making Raleigh your home, consider this vibrant dining scene as one of many indicators of the city's exceptional quality of life.
From date nights to business dinners, family celebrations to solo meals at the bar, Raleigh's fine dining restaurants stand ready to elevate your experiences and become part of your story.
If you are ready to call Raleigh home, contact the experts at Raleigh Realty. We are here to help you find your dream home in one of Raleigh's best neighborhoods.
