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.
518 WEST ITALIAN CAFÉ — 518 West Jones Street. Raleigh. 829-2518. www.518west.com. Named “Best Italian Restaurant in the Triangle” five years in a row, 518 West serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern, healthy twist.
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.
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.
BONEFISH GRILL — 4421-112 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh. 782-5127. Specializing in market fresh fish and seafood cooked over a wood-burning grill. Eight or more fresh fish selections daily, paired with original toppings. ½ price appetizers from 9 p.m.-10 p.m. every night. Live music Thursday nights from 9 p.m.-11 p.m. Bar and outdoor patio dining available. Located at North Hills. M-Th: 4 p.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat: 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
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.
COQUETTE BRASSERIE — 4351-119 The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh. 789-0606. www.coquetteraleigh.com. Raleigh’s first authentic French Brasserie featuring traditional fare, an exclusive French wine list and the best beers and classic French cocktails. Open air restaurant made possible by giant doors that open when the weather is just right. Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
EL RODEO GRILL — 7420 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh. 919-844-6330. www.elrodeogrill.com. Inspired by the bold flavors of Tex-Mex fare and the vibrate culture of Mexico, enjoy our favorite fajitas and stuffed Chile Rellenos. Or for a higher degree of authenticity, try our Michoacan-style Carnitas and a Mexico-City style Steak Tacos special. Signature margaritas and refreshing beers make for a perfect compliment to this twist on traditional Mexican dining.
FIREBIRDS ROCKY MOUNTAIN GRILL — 4350-118 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., Raleigh. 788-8778. A unique style of american cuisine that originated in Aspen Colorado. Open-flame grilled steaks, herb roasted prime rib, fresh seafood, hearty pasta, awesome burgers and giant salads served in a cozy, comfortable setting. Bar and outdoor patio seating available. M – Th: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., F-Sat: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
THE FLYING BISCUIT CAFE — 2016 Clark Ave., Raleigh. 833-6924. Online at www.flyingbiscuit.com and www.raleighbiscuit.com. Serving breakfast all day and hearty entrées, sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner, this Cameron Village restaurant also boasts a full bar. Open 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
GLENWOOD GRILL — Oberlin@Glenwood, Raleigh. 919.782.3102. The longtime favorite in the Triangle, five-time MetroBravo winner for Power Lunch. Head Chef John Wright continues to discover new takes on Contemporary Southern. Now offering even More for Less: $50 Dinner for Two, Mon-Thurs. Appetizer or salad to share, two entrees, dessert to share and a bottle of wine. For lunch, Monday-Friday: Two for $12: Choose appetizer or salad with Main Course. Available for private parties on Sundays. Visit us at glenwoodgrill.com.
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!”
GRAVY — 135 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh. 919.896.8513, www.gravyraleigh.com. Ask any Italian-American what ‘gravy’ is, and they'll tell you it's the pasta sauce their mothers and grandmothers cooked fresh every night. At Gravy, we use that beloved gravy to put a modern spin on classic Italian-American dishes.
HOT POINT CAFE — 4209-136 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh. 788-8240. A contemporary american café known as Midtown Raleigh’s “neighborhood café” serving traditional breakfast and Mediterranean-influenced lunch and dinner. Famous for their California-style pizzas, sandwiches and house-baked focaccia. Wine and beer served. Outdoor patio dining available. Located at North Hills. M-Th: 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri: 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat: 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
IRREGARDLESS CAFÉ — 901 West Morgan Street, Raleigh 833-8898, www.irregardless.com. Authentic Raleigh experience since 1975. Award winning, hand-crafted meals which respect the environment. Live music nightly! Casual fine dining with unique wines & beers. Open Lunch, Dinner, Sun. Brunch. Catering available.
JIBARRA RESTAURANT — 327-102 West Davie Street, Raleigh. www.jibarra.net. 755-0556. Housed in historic Depot building in the warehouse district, this upscale Mexican restaurant couples indigenous ingredients with modern techniques and sensibilities elevating timeless recipes. Blending contemporary and Mexican style, the energetic atmosphere is dominated by a sleek tequila tower showcasing an array of premium, 100 percent blue agave spirits. Creative margaritas and an emphasized Spanish and Latin American wine list available.
MIDTOWN & BAR 115 — 4421-115 Six Forks Road, Raleigh. 782-WINE. www.midtownandbar115.com. Recognized as one of the “Best Places for a Power Lunch,” by Metro Magazine, Midtown offers the experience of a New York bistro and bar in the heart of Raleigh’s new midtown. Enjoy metropolitan cuisine and distinctive wines served by a professional wait staff. Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat. Bar 115 open until midnight Thurs-Sat.
THE MINT RESTAURANT — 219 Fayetteville St., Raleigh. 821-0011. www.themintrestaurant.com. Mon.-Thurs. 5-9p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 5-10p.m. The Mint in downtown Raleigh offers contemporary fine southern dining with global influences. Culinary Director Christopher Hylton presents new and exciting culinary combinations paired with The Mint’s unflappable service standards.
THE MORNING TIMES — 10 E. Hargett St, Raleigh. 919.836.1204, www.morningtimes-raleigh.com. The first daily stop for many downtown dwellers and commuters serving local Counter Culture brews, along with bagels, biscuit sandwiches, pastries and more.
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. Private dining available in the Balcony at the Pig. Lunch M-F, Brunch Sat & Sun, Dinner Tues-Sat.
THE PIT AUTHENTIC BARBECUE — 328 W. Davie St, Raleigh. 919.890.4500, www.thepit-raleigh.com. Proudly serving authentic whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue in downtown Raleigh's warehouse district, The Pit celebrates the great culinary offerings of the Old North State, making it a destination for the state's signature cuisine.
THE RALEIGH TIMES BAR — 14 E. Hargett St, Raleigh. 919.833.0999, www.raleightimesbar.com. This timeless watering hole in the old The Raleigh Times building in downtown is known for its classic bar fare favorites, such as barbecue pork nachos and PBR-battered fish and chips, and an inventive drink menu and extensive beer selection.
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE — 4381-100 Lassiter at North Hills Ave, Raleigh. (919) 791-1103. New Orleans-inspired appetizers, aged USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts served with genuine hospitality. Among the most distinctive dining destinations in the area. M-Th: 4 p.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat: 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
SECOND EMPIRE RESTAURANT & TAVERN — 330 Hillsborough St., Raleigh. 829-3663. Visit online at www.secondempire.com. Award winning cuisine in two dining atmospheres. Upstairs enjoy the ultimate dining experience in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere of charm and grace. Downstairs in the Tavern and Atrium enjoy a lighter fare menu and cozy atmosphere. AAA Four Diamond, DiRoNA Award, Wine Spectator Award.
SHERATON RALEIGH HOTEL — The Grove Café - 421 South Salisbury Street , Raleigh. 834-9900. Located on second floor of the Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in an open atrium atmosphere. The cuisine is American Continental, serving a daily Breakfast & Lunch Buffet, and a complete menu for all day dining. Also enjoy live entertainment on Wednesday nights in The Bar.
SITTI — 137 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh. 919.239.4070, www.sitti-raleigh.com. The most beloved figure in any Lebanese family is the grandmother, or sitti. At Sitti, in downtown Raleigh, we honor those ancestors by carrying on the Lebanese tradition of welcoming guests with delicious food and endless hospitality.
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.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFÉ — 1028 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh. 755-2222. www.tropicalsmoothiecafe.com. Tropical Smoothie Café is more than just great tasting smoothies. Keeping in line with the great taste and high quality that Tropical Smoothie is known for, we also offer healthy alternatives to regular fast food. Our gourmet wraps, specialty sandwiches and salads are made with the highest quality Dietz and Watson meats and chesses. Come early to enjoy our breakfast wraps and bagels. Catering is available.
VINNIE’S STEAKHOUSE AND TAVERN — 7440 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh. 847-7319. Classic steakhouse with Southern inspiration featuring Certified Angus Beef, local seafood, farmer’s market vegetables, and house-made desserts. Display wine cellar, full bar, private dining, reservations welcome. Dinner only, Monday-Saturday.
VIVACE — 4209-115 Lassiter Mill Rd., Raleigh. 787-7747. www.vivaceraleigh.com. Tuscan inspired Italian restaurant featuring Chef Jeremy Sabo’s signature style in an upbeat, hip environment. Consecutively voted “Top 20 Best Restaurants” in the Triangle. Italian wines and house-made limoncello. Bar and outdoor patio dining available. Located at North Hills. M-Th:11 a.m.-10 p.m., F-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun: 11 a.m.-
9 p.m.
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 and Dinner T-Sat. and Sun. 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.
SAFFRON INDIAN RESTAURANT — 4121 Davis Drive. Morrisville. 469-5774. www.saffronnc.com. Offering fine dining in an elegantly modern ambience. Ranked best Indian restaurant and top 20 in RTP irrespective of cuisine by N&O for three years.
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.
WATTS GROCERY — 1116 Broad Street, Durham. 919.416.5040. With a distinctive take on North Carolina cuisine, Watts Grocery features favorite seasonal and local foods by the forkful. Our menu changes seasonally so please check our website for new items at www.wattsgrocery.com.
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.
THE CAROLINA CROSSROADS RESTAURANT — 211 Pittsboro Street, Chapel Hill. 918-2777. Visit Web site online at www.carolinainn.com. The Four Star and Four Diamond Carolina Crossroads Restaurant combines the graceful traditions of the south with Executive Chef Jimmy Reale’s progressive new American cuisine. Fine dining menus change seasonally to highlight the best products from local and regional farms.
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.
MEZ CONTEMPORARY MEXICAN — 5410 Page Road, Research Triangle Park, Exit 282 off
I-40. 941-1630. Visit online at www.mezdurham.com. MEZ is the latest offering from the Chapel Hill Restaurant Group, operators of 411 West, 518 West, Squid’s, and Spanky’s. Featuring traditional Mexican dishes with a lighter, healthier twist, all made with the freshest ingredients. A beautiful private room upstairs overlooks the RTP and can accommodate up to 100. North Carolina’s first LEED designed restaurant.
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. Authentic menu based on family recipes, with curries, noodles, soups, and sushi. Attractive, open, atmosphere, vegetarian options and weekly specials. Drink and appetizer specials at the bar. 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.
CHEF & THE FARMER PROGRESSIVE EATERY & WINE SHOP — 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 eatery an epicurean oasis. AAA Rating 4 Diamonds, 4.5 Stars N&O, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
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.
FISHTALES WATERFRONT RESTAURANT — 232 W. Beaufort Rd. Beaufort 252-504-7263. Visit Web site online at www.fishtalesdining.com. Have your Holiday Party on the Waterfront this year! FishTales offers the best food selection, service and a great atmosphere for your special event. We can provide the perfect setting no matter what the occasion. Our facility accommodates parties from 10 to 1000. Call today or come by for a personal tour.
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.
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.
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