Fine dining scene in Raleigh

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!

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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