Restaurant Guide

RALEIGH/CARY

18 SEABOARD — 18 Seaboard Avenue, Suite 100 Raleigh. 861-4318. www.18seaboard.com. Chef-Proprietor Jason Smith welcomes you with sensibly, inventive American Cuisine using North Carolina ingredients. From the downtown views of our open-air mezzanine to the staff's warm hospitality, 18 Seaboard is the place for casual dining or special occasions.

42ND STREET OYSTER BAR — 508 W. Jones St., Raleigh. 831-2811. Serving quality seafood, steaks and pasta in a casual atmosphere. Steamed oysters and clams available. Lunch M-F, Dinner seven nights a week.

AN — 2800 Renaissance Park Place, Cary. 677-9229. www.ancuisines.com. Chef Michael Chuong showcases his signature ‘New World’ cuisine, an elegant blend of Southeast Asian flavors and European influences. Voted Best New Restaurant in 2007 by Metro Magazine & Cary Magazine, Best Appetizers in 2008 by Metro Magazine. Lunch Mon-Fri and Dinner Mon-Sat.

THE ANGUS BARN — 9401 Glenwood Avenue. Raleigh. 781-2444. www.angusbarn.com The Angus Barn, a Raleigh landmark offers Angus steaks, seafood, an extensive wine list, experienced and knowledgeable staff and much more in its eclectic barn setting. Since opening in the 1960s, the basic principals – hospitality, attractive atmosphere, and value have remained the same.

BELLA MONICA — 3121-103 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh. 881-9778. www.bellamonica.com. Authentic Neapolitan entrées from family recipes. Neighborhood wine bar with all-Italian list. Patio dining. Lunch & Dinner. Closed Sunday. Voted “Best Italian” by CitySearch & AOL Cityguide. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

BENTLEY’S AT CROSSROADS — 2007 Walnut St., Cary. 854-0644. www.BentleysAtCrossroads.com. Offering aged steaks and fresh seafood in a casually elegant atmosphere. Lunch M-F from $6. Dinner daily from $8. Stunning lounge area. A/V equipped boardroom available for private events. Look for Bentley’s clock tower at Crossroads Plaza.

BLOOMSBURY BISTRO — 509 W. Whitaker Mill Rd. Ste 101, Raleigh. 834-9011. Sophisticated food and wine in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Featured in Southern Living, Gourmet Magazine and USA Today. Voted Best Restaurant two years running, Best Chef and Best Waitstaff 2006 MetroBravo! Awards.

BLUE RIDGE, THE MUSEUM RESTAURANT — 2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh. 839-6262. Visit Web site online at
www.ncartmuseum.org. Offering renowned visual art and culinary masterpieces at the NC Museum of Art. Eclectic fare ranges from salads, sandwiches and entrées at lunch to sumptuous weekend brunches.

CAFÉ TIRAMISU — 6196-120 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh. 981-0305. Northern Italian Cuisine: A family owned and operated restaurant originating from an old Raleigh favorite Piccolo Mondo restaurant. Slick and contemporary décor, will give fine dining at its best.

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE — 513 Creekside Dr., 835-2222; 4512 Falls of Neuse Rd., 431-0001; 7981 Skyland Ridge Pkwy., 957-4200; 2240 Walnut St., Cary, 854-9444. Hwy 98 bypass and US1, 11685 Northpark Drive, Wake Forest, 556-8666. Visit Web site online at www.CarolinaAleHouse.com. A family-friendly sports-themed restaurant consistently awarded top honors for its atmosphere, hand-breaded wings, menu selection, and wide variety of ales. Full menu served 11–2 a.m. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Kid’s menu 99¢ every Tuesday.

THE DUCK & DUMPLING — 222 S. Blount St., Raleigh. 838-0085. www.theduckanddumpling.com. Overlooking Moore Square, this contemporary Asian Bistro is home to Chef David Mao’s unique blend of Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Open for Lunch: 11:30 a.m. –2:30 p.m., M-F; Dinner: 5–10 p.m. T-Th; 5–11 p.m. Fri-Sat.

GIANNI & GAITANO’S — Towne North Shopping Center, 8311 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh. 847-8223. Wakefield Shopping Center, 14460 Falls of Neuse, Raleigh. 256-8100. Presented by the Cinelli Family, the unique environment at these three locations offers a choice of family or adult dining and authentic family recipes. Guests can enjoy an inspiring wine list and only the finest and freshest ingredients. Open for Lunch: M–Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dinner: M–Th 4-10 p.m., F-Sat 4-11 p.m.; Sun Noon-9 p.m.

GLENWOOD GRILL — 2603-151 Glenwood Ave. at Oberlin Rd. 782.3102. glenwoodgrill.com. Head Chef John Wright continues to add new and exciting offerings to our new Expanded Menu. Open Mon-Fri for Lunch, Mon-Sat for Dinner. Available on Sundays for Private Parties, from stand-up Buffets to sit-down Dinners.

GLOBE — 510 Glenwood Avenue Suite 103, Raleigh. 836-1811. Chefs Heath Holloman (co-owner) and Gray Modlin present a menu influenced by cuisines from all over the GLOBE, with their own twists. Choose a wine from the comprehensive list or have Henry Burgess (co-owner/sommelier) assist in a selection that will pair well with your food. "GLOBE...come taste a world of difference!

HERONS — 100 Woodland Pond, Cary. 447-4200. www.heronsrestaurant.com. Now open at The Umstead Hotel and Spa offering modern American cuisine with regional influnces and an extensive wine selection. Live music and classic cocktails in the bar.

MARGAUX’S RESTAURANT — 8111 Creedmoor Rd. Ste. 111, North Raleigh. (919) 846-9846. At Margaux’s, every experience is new. It's the relentless pursuit of innovation. Chef Andy Pettifer prepares a new menu EVERY night including our 3 Course Prix Fixe menu at $27.95/pp. Check our Web site daily. Online at www.margauxsrestaurant.com

THE MINT RESTAURANT — 219 Fayetteville St. Raleigh. 821-0011. www.themintrestaurant.com Tues-Sat. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. The Mint in downtown Raleigh offers contemporary fine southern dining with global influences. Executive Chef Jeremy Clayman presents new and exciting culinary combinations paired with The Mint’s unflappable service standards.

NINA’S RISTORANTE — 8801 Leadmine Rd., Raleigh. 845-1122. www.ninasristorante.com. Vibrant flowers, paintings and hand-crafted sculptures are arranged throughout the terra cotta walls of the restaurant. The restaurant provides the ever-growing area with Tuscan Cuisine that is heavy on flavor and light on the ingredients, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2000-2006. Hours of operation M-Sat. 5-10 p.m.

NOFO MARKET AND CAFE — 2014 Fairview Road, Raleigh. 821-1240. Cafe, bar and deck seating. Award-winning salads, soups , sandwiches and entrees. “Best Brunch,” “Best Eggs Benedict,” “Best Bloody Mary,” Metro Magazine. Lunch M-F, Brunch Sat & Sun, Dinner M-Sat.

THE PIT — 328 W. Davie St., Raleigh. 890-4500. www.thepit-raleigh.com. Country meets city with down-home barbecue offered as a gourmet meal to be savored. Featuring legendary pitmaster Ed Mitchell's authentic NC pit-cooked barbecue, complemented by creative, seasonal appetizers and sides. Enticing beer and wine selection. Open for Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F; Dinner: 5-10 p.m., M-Th; 5-11 p.m. Fri - Sat.

THE RALEIGH TIMES BAR — 14 E. Hargett St., Raleigh. 833-0999. www.raleightimesbar.com. The beautifully restored 100-year-old Raleigh Times building is now home to a timeless local watering hole in Downtown Raleigh. Featuring hand-crafted, creative takes on classic bar fare favorites, an inventive drink menu and extensive Belgian beer selection. Open 11:30– 2 a.m., Mon-Sat; Noon – Midnight Sun.

SAINT JACQUES — 6112 Falls of Neuse, North Ridge Shopping Center, Raleigh. 862-2770. www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com. Owned and operated by French native, Lil Lacassagne – fine dining at its best. Voted “Best French Food in the Triangle – 2006 by Citysearch and “Best French Restaurant” in Metro’s Bravo awards. Lunch and Dinner served Tues-Sat.

SAVOY — 7713-39 Lead Mine Rd., Raleigh 848-3535 www.restaurantsavoy.com. Smoke-free lunch M-F and dinner M-Sat. Chef brothers Peter Gibson and Marshall Smith make everything in-house, including breads and desserts. The contemporary menu features farmer’s market produce and seasonal entrées. Convenient N. Raleigh location for business or pleasure! Classic. Simple. Delicious.

SECOND EMPIRE RESTAURANT & TAVERN — 330 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. 829-3663. Visit Web site online at www.second-empire.com. Located in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House. Offering elegant upstairs dining, as well as the lighter fare menu and casual atmosphere of the tavern. Winner of the DiRoNA Award, AAA four Diamond Award & the Wine Spectator Award.

SOLOMON’S RESTAURANT — 7333 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh. 844-4977. 4610 N. Capital Blvd, Raleigh. 790-0090. 10410 Moncreiffe Rd, Raleigh. 313-1381. 780 W. Williams St, Apex. 249-2433. Visit Web site online at www.solomons-restaurant.com. Offering a combination of the Mediterranean with the sophistication of the city. Enjoy dishes prepared using only the finest, fresh ingredients in an indulgent, casual atmosphere. Wine list and outdoor seating available. Open for Lunch and Dinner.

SONO JAPANESE RESTAURANT — 319 Fayetteville Street #101, Raleigh. 521-5328. www.sonoraleigh.com. This new and exciting Japanese restaurant is unlike any other in the Triangle area. From the chic/modern decor to exciting new fusion dishes, this restaurant will please any taste buds.

SULLIVAN’S STEAKHOUSE — 414 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 833-2888. The atmosphere at Sullivan’s resembles a 1940s steakhouse, featuring fine steaks and seafood. Enjoy the unparalleled martinis and live jazz played seven nights a week.

SUSHI BLUES — 301 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 664-8061. www.sushibluescafe.com. A Glenwood South Original located downtown for 10 great years. Featured in Southern Living Magazine, Esquire, Rachel Ray Magazine, The Independent, News and Observer and Spectator. Voted best sushi by readers of Metro Magazine, Citysearch, Spectator, and The Independent.

TAVERNA AGORA — 6101 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh
881-8333. www.TavernaAgora.com. Taverna Agora is the premier restaurant in the Triangle for authentic Greek cuisine. Enjoy the rustic ambiance of our dining room or our beautiful garden patio. Venue may be reserved for special events.

TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ — 1028 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh. 755-2222. 6910 Fayetteville Rd #148, Durham. 806-1173. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com. More than just great tasting smoothies. Offering high quality, healthy alternatives to regular fast food. Gourmet wraps, specialty sandwiches and salads are made with the highest quality Dietz and Watson meats and chesses. Come early to enjoy breakfast wraps and bagels — catering available.

UNO CHICAGO GRILL — 8401 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh. 544-6700. Enjoy original Chicago-style deep dish pizza along with a wide selection of appetizers, steaks, pastas, burgers and desserts. Kids Menu. Curbside pick-up. Open daily from 11 a.m.

VINNIE’S STEAKHOUSE AND TAVERN — 7440 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh. 847-7319. Treat yourself to all the luxuries this classic New York style chophouse has to offer. Certified Angus Beef, the freshest seafood available and an extensive selection of wines from around the world.

ZEST CAFÉ & HOME ART — 8831 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh. 848-4792. www.zestcafehomeart.com. Offering the freshest, finest food served with a zesty outlook since 1995. Dine in our café or outdoor patio. Enjoy the Home Art selection of fun and whimsical home accessories and gifts. Lunch Tues.-Sat., Dinner Wed.-Sat. and Sunday Brunch.

DURHAM/APEX/MORRISVILLE

CAFÉ PARIZADE — 2200 W. Main St., Durham. 286-9712. Renaissance-inspired murals, colorful surrealist works of art and casually chic crowds feasting on Mediterranean dishes. Lunch M-F 11:30-2:30 p.m., Dinner M-Th 5:30-10 p.m., F and Sat. 5:30-11 p.m., Sun. 5:30-9 p.m.

CAROLINA ALE HOUSE — 3911 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham. 490-2001.

GEORGE’S GARAGE — 737 Ninth St., Durham. 286-4131. Enjoy our casual upbeat atmosphere with the freshest seafood and authentic sushi bar. After-hour celebration and dancing and a fresh to-go market and bakery.

GLOFT — 737 Ninth St., Durham. 286-4131. For meeting friends after work, for after dinner drinks, or exciting late-night entertainment. Also available to host your private event where we can throw a party or a full sit-down dinner for a chosen few or a large gathering.

TAVERNA NIKOS — 905 W. Main Street, Durham. 682-0043. NIKOS TAVERNA- 4075 Davis Drive, Morrisville. 462-1148. www.nikostavernainc.com Executive Chef Georgios S. Kastanias. Family-owned restaurant featuring authentic Greek specialties. Showcasing a new menu with a wide variety of entrées, as well as nightly specials — the perfect place to experience traditional Greek dining.

VIN ROUGE — 2010 Hillsborough Rd., Durham. 416-0406. Vin Rouge, a French café and wine bar, treats guests to provincial cooking at its finest in a chic, intimate setting. Dinner Tues.-Sun. 5:30-11 p.m., Brunch Sun. 10:30-2 p.m.

CHAPEL HILL/HILLSBOROUGH

BIN 54 — 1201-M Raleigh Rd., Chapel Hill. 969-1155. Chapel Hill’s high-end steakhouse has it all: delectable dishes, stellar service and an atmosphere rich in stylish romance.

CROOK’S CORNER — 610 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. 929-7643. www.crookscorner.com. “Sacred ground of Southern foodies,” New York Times. Patio dining, weather permitting. Acclaimed Sunday brunch. Dinner Tues.-Sun. at 5:30 p.m., Sun. Brunch 10:30-2 p.m.

PANCIUTO — 110 C. Churton St., Hillsborough. 732-6261. www.panciuto.com. Fine dining blending Italian recipes with local ingredients, prepared fresh daily. Pastas, breads, desserts made on-site. Wine, beer, mixed beverages available. Upscale yet comfortable “old world” style dining room. Opens 5:30 p.m. for dinner, Wed-Sat.

PENANG - MALAYSIAN, THAI & SUSHI — 431 W. Franklin St, Chapel Hill. 919-933-2288. Online at www.penangnc.com. Surprising balance of Southeast Asian spices and fruits. Intriguing menu based on family recipes, with curries, noodles, soups and sushi. Attractive, open atmosphere, vegetarian options and weekday lunch specials. “4 ½ Stars” from CitySearch. Open daily.

SPICE STREET — 201 S. Estes Dr., Chapel Hill. 928-8200. A revolutionary experience in dining entertainment, Spice Street is a culinary experience created to nourish the soul and share flavors from around the world. Spice Street celebrates food and life.

BEYOND THE TRIANGLE

AQUA — 214 Middle Lane, Beaufort, NC 28516. 252-728-7777. www.aquaexperience.com. “Aqua’s urban-chic décor whets the appetite for sophisticated, internationally inspired food… On all counts, Aqua was an exceptional dining experience.” Moreton Neal in Metro Magazine June 2005. Open for dinner: Tues.-Thurs. 6 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 5:30 p.m.

BEAUFORT GROCERY CO — 117 Queen St., Beaufort. 252-728-3899. www.beaufortgrocery.com Beaufort’s oldest and continuously operating fine dining restaurant since 1991. Specializing in regional cuisine fused with global techniques and influences. Lunch M, W-Sat 11:30-3 p.m.; Dinner M, W-Sat 5:30-9:30 p.m. and Sun brunch at 11:30 a.m. Closed Tues.

BLUE MOON BISTRO — 119 Queen Street, Beaufort. 252-728-5800. Coastal cuisine in a casual historic setting. Offering innovative dishes that bring a welcomed departure from other coastal venues. Chef Swain’s eclectic menu includes references from Asia, France and America. For a balanced plate, enjoy a well-matched wine to accompany your entrée. Dinner Tues-Sat.

CAFÉ ZITO — 105 South 11th St., Morehead City. 252-726-6676. www.cafezito.com. Be delighted by the creative cuisine at this neighborhood restaurant. Chef Baptist Knaven offers a tantalizing menu of local favorites influenced by the Mediterranean. Located in a historic downtown home, enjoy dining inside or on the porch.

CHEF AND THE FARMER — 120 W. Gordon St., Kinston. 252-208-2433. www.chefandthefarmer.com. A converted mule stable never looked so good. Blending old architecture and contemporary design with local ingredients and urban techniques makes this progressive eatery an epicurean oasis.

DELUXE — 114 Market Street, Wilmington. 910-251-0333. Offering upscale dining with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Largest selection of fine wines in the region and one of Wilmingon’s superior brunches. Open for dinner and Sunday brunch. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, www.deluxenc.com.

FRONT STREET GRILL AT STILLWATER — 300 Front St., Beaufort. 252-728-4956. Visit Web site online at www.frontstreetgrillatstillwater.com Historic Waterfront Bistro showcasing New World Cuisine. Perennial winner of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, serving lunch and dinner daily with inside and outside dining. New floating docks and outside waterfront bar.

SHARPIES GRILL & BAR — 521 Front St., Beaufort. 252-838-0101. www.sharpiesgrill.com Coastal Carolina cuisine. Every occasion is a special occasion. Rated four starts by John Batchelor. Serving local seafood, Certified Angus Beef, farm grown local produce, house-maid pastas and desserts. Tableside preparations, outstanding wine list and full bar.

SHEPARD’S POINT — 913 Arendell St., Morehead City. 252-727-0815. www.beaufortgrocery.com Contemporary fine dining in downtown Morehead City focusing on quality, value and service. Featuring seafood, steaks and spirits. Come casual and leave impressed. Dinner M, Th-Sat 5:30-10 p.m.; Sun brunch begins at 11 a.m. Closed Tues.