Raleigh might not be thought of as a fine-dining destination; it doesn’t have any Michelin-starred restaurants (yet). But it does have award-winning establishments and a selection of outstanding fine dining restaurants where you can get an elevated culinary experience with exceptional service for a special occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an engagement, a graduation, an anniversary, or even a new home, with the help of our community, the fine dining restaurants listed below offer exceptional food, thoughtfully designed spaces, upscale decor and ambiance. Obviously, elevated in style means elevated in price, too, but for a once-in-a-while occasion, these restaurants have been voted as the ones well worth splurging on.
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
- Address: 330 Hillsborough St, Raleigh
- Website: second-empire.com
According to our Facebook community, Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern is Raleigh’s number one fine dining restaurant. It got the most comments from our shout-out, and we’re not surprised. We’ve personally dined here and it was nothing short of an exceptional dining experience that we highly recommend.
Tucked inside a beautifully restored Dodd-Hinsdale House, this once-grand Victorian home turned into a restaurant and tavern is the kind of fine dining experience that feels effortlessly elegant because of all the period features and historic touches. That being said, what I love most about Second Empire is that it’s upscale, but it doesn’t feel pretentious; the vibe is effortlessly romantic, with ornate architecture, original heart pine floors, historic masonry, soaring ceilings, and warm mood lighting.
Add in gourmet contemporary American cuisine, and an impressive wine selection, and you’re looking at the perfect setting for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, romantic date nights, or any occasion when you want to dress up and make an evening of it.
You can also tone down the mood if you prefer something more low-key. The upstairs dining rooms are where you’ll find the classic, upscale experience, but the Tavern downstairs has a more relaxed feel with exposed brick and a cozy atmosphere. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels genuinely special, Second Empire is my top pick special occasion restaurant in Raleigh.
Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
- Address: 100 Woodland Pond Dr, Cary
- Website: theumstead.com
Herons is the Triangle areas highest-regarded fine dining restaurant, and it received the second-highest number of suggestions from our Facebook community. It’s easy to see why; it’s the only Forbes Five-Star Restaurant, it has been awarded Five Diamonds with AAA, and is Michelin Recommended. We dined here during our staycation at the Umstead Hotel and found it to feel polished and luxurious but without being overly snobby.
If you’ve never been to The Umstead Hotel before, you’re in for a treat. What makes this hotel unique is that it’s art-filled, surrounded by Carolina pines, and overlooking its own lake, which all adds to the ambiance of a special occasion.
In Herons, the vibe brings together luxury, but also a sense of calmness; it’s elegant and hushed. You are greeted with a fresh flower display, which is alternated weekly, and then move into the dining space which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the wooded grounds, original artwork on the walls, dark wooded furnishings and plush seating.
It’s the ideal setting for couples celebrating an anniversary or small groups celebrating a promotion, rather than big family reunions or birthdays with lots of guests. I’d dress up for the occasion, too. The restaurant asks guests to dress appropriately for dinner, so leave your Hawaiian shirt and flip flops at home!
The food is helmed by Executive Chef Steven Devereaux Greene, who builds the menu around seasonality, regional ingredients and uses produce from One Oak Farm, The Umstead’s own organic farm. The tasting menu is the ultimate expression of the restaurant. It’s a chance for its chefs to show off their creativity and precision, course by course. It also has an à la carte menu, if you don’t fancy what’s on the tasting menu. Read more about our staycation.
Crawford and Son
- Address: 618 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: crawfordandsonrestaurant.com
Many Raleigh locals have heard of Chef Scott Crawford; he’s one of the most famous chefs in Raleigh and holds five James Beard Foundation semifinalist nominations for “Best Chef: Southeast”. He’s known for creating innovative, Southern-inspired, contemporary cuisine and is Michelin Recommended.
His flagship restaurant, Crawford & Son, is the perfect fine dining restaurant to be introduced to his unique style of cooking. Crawford & Son, located in the historic Oakwood neighborhood, strikes the balance between fine dining and relaxed. It has an intimate, sophisticated, but unpretentious take on upscale dining. I love the dim lighting, exposed brick, dark wood, and polished bar; it creates that classic, slightly moody atmosphere that feels just right for a special occasion date night, such as an anniversary or engagement celebration.
Chef Scott Crawford is what makes this restaurant elevated though. He is well known for taking a seasonal, ingredient-driven approach to cooking, combining familiar American flavors with modern techniques and plenty of creativity. And they do excellent cocktails here. Crawford and Son was also James Beard-recognized for its hospitality, so if attentive and personalized service is what you’re looking for, bookmark this restaurant.
Peregrine
- Address: 1000 Social St Ste 150, Raleigh
- Website: peregrineraleigh.com
Peregrine transports you. The moment we arrived we didn’t feel like we were in Raleigh, we felt like we were back traveling through Asia or faraway lands. We love that feeling.
If you’re looking for a place where you can dress up, settle in for a memorable dinner, and feel like a million bucks, then Peregrine at The Exchange in Midtown should be on your list. It has a striking interior that feels almost futuristic, with curved walls, sculptural arches, pristine plasterwork, floor-to-ceiling windows, and warm lighting to make a sophisticated but not overly formal atmosphere.
What I love most about Peregrine is how personal the food feels. Chef Saif Rahman draws on his Bangladeshi roots, his experiences growing up in Queens, his wife’s Mexican heritage, and his life in North Carolina to create what he calls a modern American restaurant with “no-border” influences. The menu constantly moves between cultures, and for me, that sense of discovery makes a meal feel much more exciting than your typical white-tablecloth fine dining experience.
With a beautifully designed setting, creative cocktails, thoughtful and attentive service, and food that’s way outside anything I could create at home, Peregrine is an easy choice for when I want to celebrate a special occasion somewhere impressive.
Brodeto
- Address: 2201 Iron Works Dr, Raleigh
- Website: brodeto.com
Yet another venture by Chef Scott Crawford, so you know it’s going to have an upscale vibe and menu. At Brodeto, you can expect a vibrant menu centered around the Adriatic, drawing inspiration from Southern Italy and Croatia, but with Scott’s signature modern take on it.
Seafood is the crux of it all, with crudo, wood-fired fish, and the restaurant’s namesake Brodeto (a rich seafood stew with monkfish, prawns, octopus, mussels, and clams); here you can enjoy some of the best seafood dishes in the Triangle.
When it comes to vibes, I personally love the earth-toned interiors, which make it feel polished but also warm and calm; perfect for a special evening. Brodeto is another Michelin Guide recommended restaurant in Raleigh, and I think it fits beautifully into Raleigh’s growing fine dining scene. For a dinner that feels romantic, sophisticated, and a little bit different, Brodeto in Raleigh the Iron Works development is a go-to.
The Peddler Steak House
- Address: 6005 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: peddlersteakhouse.com
The Peddler Steak House on Glenwood Avenue doesn’t have a modern, luxury dining room like the aforementioned restaurants have, but there’s a reason it’s one of Raleigh’s most popular restaurants for a special occasion.
It’s one of Raleigh’s best steak houses and has that classic, old-school hunting lodge vibe with dark wood paneling, low lighting, and white tablecloths. Even though it has a nostalgic decor that some might prefer to be updated, it’s the polished service and 28-day aged steaks cooked over live charcoal and cut tableside that make it a fine dining experience.
The experience feels wonderfully old-school and quintessentially Raleigh. Alongside fine steaks, it has its iconic salad bar, which has been a part of The Peddler experience for decades and is part of what makes The Peddler so distinctive. The Peddler offers a different kind of upscale dining. It doesn’t rely on awards or elaborate tasting menus – it offers a timeless atmosphere that feels like stepping into a place your grandparents may have celebrated an anniversary in. If you’re craving a proper old-school steakhouse, The Peddler is hard to beat.
Tamasha Modern Indian
- Address: 4200 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh
- Website: tamashanc.com
Over in the North Hills, Tamasha is one of our favorite Indian restaurants because we love the artistic, ultra-refined decor. In fact, it was voted as one of the 50 most beautiful restaurants in America by Esquire Magazine.
This Michelin recommended restaurant lives up to its name – Tamasha in Hindi means “grand performance.” Everything is about stepping up the sensory experience, from the silverware to the exceptional service to the food styling.
Highlighted dishes from previous diners include the paneer pasanda, lamb shank, and Kheema Kaleji, which are noted for being rich in flavor but well‑balanced in spice. For a true fine dining experience with stylish plating, attentive service, and a polished atmosphere – pay Tamasha a visit. Parking can be tricky in North Hills, but Tamasha has a valet service.
Stanbury
- Address: 938 N Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: stanburyraleigh.com
Stanbury was mentioned a lot by our community. I wouldn’t describe the restaurant itself isn’t fine dining, but the food is! For me, it’s a good reminder that fine dining doesn’t have to mean white tablecloths and hushed dining rooms. In fact, Stanbury is quite unique in that it was once a grocery store on a quiet suburban street in the Mordecai neighborhood and is now a restaurant known for its wonderfully unexpected personality. We’re big fans of the unique decor. It has a cozy vibe and is filled with slightly quirky antiques and interiors, such as taxidermy on the walls.
What really draws me back to Stanbury time and time again is the food. The menu changes frequently with the seasons, and dishes are created using the local harvest and even the mood of the day, so you never quite know what you’ll find when you arrive. What I do know is that there will be North Carolina produce and cooked from recipes found in every corner of the globe. The bar also serves creative cocktails and a thoughtfully curated selection of wine, bourbon, Scotch, and rotating draft beers.
NOTE: Stanbury does not take reservations, so get here early or plan ahead and embrace the experience rather than expecting a traditional fine-dining evening – grab a drink from the bar as you wait. Weeknights are easier than weekends for wait time.
Jolie
- Address: 620 N Person St, Raleigh
- Website: restaurantjolie.com
Jolie is yet another restaurant owned by Scott Crawford (see a pattern) and offers another classic Raleigh take on fine dining. Here you will find a refined French bistro rather than American fare, but it has the same intimate and relaxed atmosphere that his aforementioned restaurant has. I love how Jolie feels romantic like a classic French bistro, but without feeling like a reproduction.
Again, Jolie is Michelin-recommended and is noted for its attention to detail rather than formality. We’ve dined here a few times, and we’ve always had thoughtful service and delicious French cooking; we personally rate the Escargot, French onion soup and hanger steak. I especially love how it brings a little Parisian glamour to Raleigh. I appreciate the white wall paneling, open kitchen concept, camel-colored leather bench, and gold accents and marble touches here and there. It’s also small, with only 28 seats, so it always feels cozy and intimate.
For a special occasion dinner during the nicer weather months, we would highly recommend Jolie because of their lovely rooftop terrace, which is the perfect place for al fresco dining.
Sullivans
- Address: 410 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: sullivanssteakhouse.com
Set inside the historic Creamery Building in Glenwood South, Sullivan’s combines a vibe that feels grandeur but also relaxed, like dining in your grandfather’s study. It has a lively bar area, and a dining space that feels warm and welcoming, with leather chairs, dark wood paneling, and live music — it feels glamorous and celebratory, but without feeling overwhelming.
The menu offers a classic steakhouse formula and goes all in, with hand-cut steaks with ways to upgrade your meal; think steak topped with lobster, crab, or béarnaise. You have to try the bananas foster bread pudding; it’s become somewhat of a legendary dish in Raleigh. I also think Sullivan’s does a great job with the drinks. You can make the evening feel even more indulgent with a craft cocktail, fine wine, or a whiskey from the restaurant’s extensive selection.
What I particularly enjoy about Sullivan’s is that it doesn’t make luxury feel overly formal. The restaurant describes itself as sitting at the intersection of luxury and comfort, and I think that is a good description for it. I get polished service, serious steaks, and an elegant setting, but I also get a social atmosphere that feels lively but not stuffy.
Bida Manda
- Address: 222 S Blount St, Raleigh
- Website: BidaManda.com
We know Laos food well after spending a few weeks traveling through the country, and as far as the food and ambiance at Bida Manda goes, it is hands down our favorite spot for Asian food in Raleigh, and easily one of the best downtown restaurants in Raleigh, period. In fact, I’d go as far as to say it’s one of our favorite Southeast Asian restaurants in the USA, and we’ve been to 40 states!
Well renowned for its Laotian cuisine and showcasing the culinary traditions of Laos, Bida Manda serves a variety of authentic Lao dishes in a beautiful space with Lao-inspired decor that always takes us back to our time exploring this wonderful Southeast Asian country. The offerings are as authentic as we’ve had in Raleigh, and one of our favorite dishes in Raleigh, and a dish we used to eat almost daily living in Bangkok – can be found here, Papaya Salad. Initially we were unsure how Crispy Dill and Lemongrass Trout would go with papaya salad, but it was a sensational combination and with the serving portion being huge, allowed for yummy lunch leftovers the next day!
Another outstanding appetizer is the Crispy Rice Lettuce Wraps (hand-tossed crunchy coconut rice with fresh herbs, fried garlic, shallot crisp, peanuts, eggs, lime, and baby romaine lettuce). We also love the Crispy Chicken Wings (six crispy chicken wings served with a choice of three house-made sauces Panang Curry, Hot Sweet Chili, or Lao Spicy Roasted Habañero Peanut.
Another entree we keep falling back on is the Manda Amphone’s Curry with chicken (slow-cooked house coconut curry with fresh root vegetables, and jasmine rice). Also consider their Whole North Carolina Fish, Crispy Pork Belly Soup, and their Pad Thai. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’re in luck as those dietary preferences are catered to, as are gluten free. As for drinks, Bida Manda also offers an impressive drink menu to satisfy all diners.
Angus Barn
- Address: 9401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
- Website: angusbarn.com
Angus Barn received a lot of responses from our Facebook community as their favorite fine dining restaurant, so naturally we’ve included it on this list. It’s not as fine dining as say Herons or Second Empire, but the experience is formal. There is a dress code; no shorts, hats, or skimpy outfits, and the decor resembles an elevated hunting lodge.
If you’re not familiar with Angus Barn, it’s another of Raleigh’s top steak houses and has been a local institution since its humble beginnings back in 1960. It’s famous for its big red barn doors, flavorful steaks, and iconic Christmas Light display around the Holidays (if you’re looking for a special occasion setting for a Christmas party or Thanksgiving dinner, this would be it).
PRO TIP: If you want to see the decorations without the Holiday crowds, they keep their decorations up until late January, so you can time your Christmas meal out for after the Holidays. Check it out in our video here.
Prices are on the higher end for steak houses, they serve certified Angus beef and American Wagyu, and grill around 20,000 aged steaks a month. For steak lovers, all their dishes are prepared using NC-grown ingredients and cooked to perfection. And don’t skip their famous Chocolate Chess Pie – another reason every Raleigh local has to visit Angus Barn at least once in their life!
Although considered fine dining, the experience is a bit more rustic, which to me is just so typically Raleigh — make it luxury, but don’t forget to add a Southern charm! For a more luxurious experience, The Wild Turkey Lounge is legendary and has a light menu and comfy leather couches. You can make reservations up to 120 days in advance, which is not a bad idea as it’s a popular spot.
Winston’s Grille
- Address: 6401 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh
- Website: winstonsgrille.com
For polished, old-school steak house vibes and welcoming Southern hospitality, Winston’s Grille is a popular choice. Another community favorite, serving North Raleigh since 1986, it has long been a staple for special occasions and days when you want a meal to remember. It’s both elegant and comfortable, where you wouldn’t be out of place if you dressed up for a celebration or went with something more casual.
The food is where Winston’s really shines, though. It’s another steak house, but the menu goes beyond steak, with dishes like cashew-crusted salmon, shrimp and grits, and pork chop with maple bourbon BBQ glaze. It’s a menu that feels familiar and comforting, but with an execution and food styling that gives it an elevated edge. Fan favorites are the Prime Rib French Dip and the homemade ice cream for dessert, or the Bananas Foster!
I also appreciate the little luxuries, such as the expansive heated patio and private dining spaces. Winston’s calls itself “elegantly casual,” and I think it captures that perfectly. If you’re looking for a special occasion restaurant for a family gathering or with a group of friends, consider Winston’s Grille.
More Raleigh restaurant suggestions:
- Best steakhouses in Raleigh
- Top seafood restaurants
- 14 top Mexican restaurants
- Where to eat the best bbq in Raleigh
- 17 flavorful Asian restaurants
- 30 best gluten-free restaurants
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