Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Raleigh
Raleigh’s culinary landscape blends Southern charm with sophisticated dining. From historic downtown to vibrant North Hills, the city’s restaurants offer exceptional gastronomic experiences that showcase local ingredients and innovative techniques.
Discerning diners can explore world-class establishments like Second Empire Restaurant and Death and Taxes, where expert chefs transform local produce into extraordinary culinary masterpieces that reflect the Triangle’s rich food culture.
Discover Raleigh’s most extraordinary dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Raleigh
- Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
- The Angus Barn
- The Capital Grille
- Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
- Margaux's Restaurant
- Death and Taxes
- Crawford & Son
- Tamasha Modern Indian
- Cafe Tiramisu
Cafe Tiramisu
What to Expect
Authentic Northern Italian regional cuisine
Description
Cafe Tiramisu offers an intimate Northern Italian dining experience in Raleigh, featuring carefully crafted regional dishes that showcase authentic flavors. The restaurant provides a sophisticated atmosphere with handmade pastas, traditional regional specialties, and an emphasis on genuine Italian culinary techniques.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Cafe Tiramisu ↗
Crawford & Son
What to Expect
Product-driven culinary approach with balanced classical and modern techniques
Description
Nestled in historic Oakwood, Crawford & Son offers an intimate neighborhood dining experience with thoughtfully crafted dishes that balance classical and modern culinary techniques. Chef Scott Crawford delivers depth of flavor through purposeful ingredients, creating a menu that ranges from familiar comfort to unexpected innovation in a casual yet refined setting.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Crawford & Son ↗
Death and Taxes
What to Expect
Wood-fire cooking technique by James Beard Award-winning chef
Description
A contemporary wood-fired restaurant helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Ashley Christensen. The intimate Raleigh dining room showcases refined techniques with an innovative open-fire cooking approach, featuring meticulously prepared dishes that highlight the transformative power of wood-fired cuisine.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Death and Taxes ↗
Margaux's Restaurant
What to Expect
International fusion cuisine blending French, Southern, and Asian culinary traditions
Description
Margaux's offers an innovative fusion of French, Southern, and Asian cuisines in an energetic dining space. The restaurant features locally sourced ingredients from NC producers like Goat Lady Dairy and Cheshire Pork, with an ever-changing menu crafted by internationally trained Chef Andrew Pettifer. Hand-crafted cocktails and a rotating selection of gourmet dishes complement the vibrant dining atmosphere.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Margaux's Restaurant ↗
Perry's Steakhouse & Grille
What to Expect
Signature Friday Pork Chop tableside presentation
Description
Perry's Steakhouse offers an elegant dining experience with a stunning main dining room featuring a spectacular wine wall and open kitchen views. Four private dining rooms provide intimate spaces for special occasions. Bar 79® boasts a glass-walled island bar with patio seating, showcasing hand-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine selection.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Perry's Steakhouse & Grille ↗
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern
What to Expect
Chef's Table dining experience in restaurant's kitchen
Description
Housed in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale House, Second Empire offers an elegant fine dining experience with classical ambiance. The restaurant features a refined menu crafted by Chef Daniel Schurr, complemented by an award-winning wine selection. Guests can choose between the formal dining rooms or the more casual Tavern and Atrium Room, with options like an exclusive Chef's Table experience.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern ↗
Tamasha Modern Indian
What to Expect
Michelin Star chef-driven modern Indian cuisine
Description
Tamasha Modern Indian offers an upscale dining experience that reimagines traditional Indian cuisine through sophisticated culinary artistry. The restaurant features luxurious olive green velvet booths, gold architectural accents, and meticulously crafted dishes by Executive Chef Bhavin Chhatwani. Signature elements include expertly spiced tandoori specialties, innovative cocktails infused with Indian flavors, and a carefully curated wine selection that elevates each dining moment.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Tamasha Modern Indian ↗
The Angus Barn
What to Expect
Extensive wine cellar with curated selection
Description
A legendary Raleigh steakhouse featuring an award-winning wine cellar and immersive dining experience. The restaurant showcases in-house aged steaks, fresh seafood, and locally sourced vegetables prepared by Executive Chef Scott James. Guests can explore unique spaces like the Wild Turkey Lounge and Meat Locker, with white-glove service that personalizes each dining moment.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The Angus Barn ↗
The Capital Grille
What to Expect
Hand-selected, dry-aged premium steaks
Description
An elegant steakhouse featuring hand-cut, dry-aged steaks served in a refined dining room with rich wood paneling and white-glove service. The Capital Grille offers sommelier-curated wine pairings, tableside preparation of signature dishes, and an extensive selection of premium aged beef prepared with culinary precision.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The Capital Grille ↗
Your Ultimate Guide
Dive deeper with our comprehensive guide, packed with tips, insights, and everything you need to know.
Raleigh Fine Dining News
Stay updated with the latest fine dining trends and exceptional restaurants in your area
View Latest NewsRaleigh Fine Dining Discussion
Welcome to the discussion We invite you to discuss and share your thoughts about fine dining spots and culinary experiences in Raleigh
Join the Raleigh Discussion!Find Fine Dining in Other Cities
Looking for fine dining in another city?
Fine Dining Mailing List
Our Quality Assurance Process
Every restaurant listing goes through our comprehensive review process combining industry expertise with customer feedback. We maintain unbiased listings (except for clearly marked featured restaurants) to ensure you get accurate, reliable fine dining information.
Have questions about our process or want to learn more? We'd love to hear from you! Contact us